UnionDues

Uber - cultural change or blatant deceit? With James Farrar, ACDU

In this special episode, Simon chats to James about why the UK Supreme Court ruling wasn't the last word on Uber drivers' employment rights, why the company's operating model breeds poverty and pollution, how to organise in a world of algorithms and "robo-firings" and ADCU's common cause with sister union GMB. UnionDues is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes.  Companion blog (for links, signposting, background) here.

Feathers and Pennies - the 1888 Matchgirls and us

In this special episode, Simon explores the legacy of the 1888 Matchgirls' strike on union organising, safe working, collective voice and women's emancipation and finds a "golden thread" linking then to now.  The Feathers and Pennnies collection of Matchgirls-inspired poems and prose is available here.  Companion blog here.  Music by Scott Holmes and The Pete Dunhill Choir.  A Makes-You-Think production.  

Industry without Art is Brutality - w/Zita Holbourne

Featuring Artists' union co-chair Zita Holbourne in conversation with Simon, Professor Mel Simms asks "What are we organising for?" in her #thought4theweek,  Josiah Mortimer brings us the latest #RadicalRoundUp of union stories you just may have missed.  Companion blog at bit.ly/IndustryWithoutArt. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.  contact the show on uniondues@makes-you-think.com 

How to get 250m workers on strike - w/Ajitesh Pandey

The Indian General Strike at the end of 2020 saw 250 million workers take action.  How and why does that happen? What's behind the headlines?  Simon chats with senior INTUC officer Ajitesh Pandey to find out. Plus Mel Simms on why mobilising and organising are not the same, and Josiah Mortimer's #RadicalRoundUp.  Music by Scott Holmes. Companion blog here. A Makes-You-Think production

The Future of Work - w/ACAS chair Clare Chapman

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

The GMB/Uber deal - how did it happen, what does it mean?

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

 

This much we know - the union thirst for data

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

"We Are All From Somewhere!"

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

 

 

Tech workers get unionised!

In a jam-packed episode, Simon chats with officers of the new Union of Tech and Allied Workers (UTAW) on organising successes,  Mel Simms tackles the enigma of young workers in her #thought4theweek, Nathalie Towner of Labour Research gives us the low-down on negotiating for homeworking, and Josiah Mortimer brings us the #RadicalRoundUp.

Companion blog here. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes You Think production.

Why unions need supply chain strategies - w/John Earls

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.