June 22, 2021
Simon chats with Arbitration and Conciliation Service Chair Clare Chapman about fairness, fire-and-rehire and the future of work. Mel Simms wonders if hard hit hospitality workers can look forward to better times, in her #thought4theweek, and Josiah Mortimer brings us up-to-date with his #RadicalRoundUp. Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e5blog. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production
June 15, 2021
In this special episode, Simon chats with GMB National Organiser Martin Smith on his union's ground-breaking deal with Uber.
A candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges of organising in a company known for its hostility to unions puts the deal in economic and historical context - and nothing is off-limits.
A Makes-You-Think production. music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog here
June 8, 2021
Featuring CSP Head of Data Jenny Andrew and Director of CSI (you'll have to listen to know what that stands for) Jon Mawby. Plus Mel Simms #thought4theweek on why Sustainable Development Goals matter to unions, Sam Johnson on the campaign to recognise the 1888 Matchgirls' strike, plus Josiah Mortimer and David Kerr with the #RadicalRoundUp.
Companion blog at bit.ly/UDs4e4blog
Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production
May 25, 2021
In this episode, Mel Simms reports from the front line of community activism on the links with trade unionism in #thought4theweek
Simon chats with Alex Wilson and Jane Jones, two USDAW reps on the challenges shopworkers have faced during Covid and the union's success in recruiting and organising so many young workers.
And Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp has bad news on jobs but an important win from the North West.
Companion blog here
![Why unions need supply chain strategies - w/John Earls]()
April 27, 2021
UnionDues is back for our fourth series.
Simon chats with Unite Director of Research John Earls about the necessity of a trade union approach to trade. You only need to recall the impact of the EverGiven getting stranded in the Suez Canal to recognise its importance.
Unite’s strategy builds on the knowledge of its network of local representatives allied with checklists of what needs to be done to ensure the vice and well-being of workers is embedded in international supply chains.
Also:
Prof Melanie Simms looks at why the blame game between older and younger workers is a fundamental and damaging misunderstanding of issues that affect both groups. That’s in #Thought4TheWeek.
Josiah Mortimer’s #RadicalRoundUp looks at industrial action at Liverpool University, employment rights for Addison Lee drivers, concerns over a new government Fire advisor, plus a ramping up of the campaign against the public and sector pay freeze.
Plus arrangements for the important, poignant, annual Workers’ Memorial Day
Companion blog available at /bit.ly/UDsupplychains. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production.
April 23, 2021
UnionDues is back! series 4 drops on 27 April. This trailer tells you what we have in store! You can contact the show by mailing uniondues@makes-you-think.com or tweeting us @DuesUnion
![International solidarity and saving lives at work - w/Owen Tudor]()
March 9, 2021
With Simon Sapper, Mel Simms and Josiah Mortimer.
International Trade Union Confederation Deputy General Secretary Owen Tudor gives us a tour of the global trade union landscape, and the ITUC’s key campaign priority of reducing deaths at work. It is a sobering picture with 5 workplace deaths per minute each and every day
Commemorations for the forthcoming International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April are an important part of the campaign as well as being important in and of themselves – and studies from North America have shown how unionised workplaces offer better health and safety for customers and clients as well las the workforce.
Professor Mel Simms’s #thought4the week looks at how the Government’s budget last week was a missed opportunity when it comes to the greening of work and workplaces – and why that is so important to Unions.
Plus, Josiah Mortimer’s weekly. #RadicalRoundUp, some exciting new research on union effectiveness from Unite, and a shout out to Health unions protesting in response to a 1% pay offer from Government, with national slow-handclaps to show disapproval announced by Unison.
Companion blog is here. This episode is the last of the current series, but we shall return. While we’re taking a break, you can still email us - uniondues@makes-you-think.com – tweet us @DuesUnion. We are part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production.
