UnionDues uniondues

In this special episode, we look at an important new survey from Unions21 into how unions can use data.  Report author Tom Hunt reminds us that, like death and taxes, data has always been with us.  But effective use of data not only leads to better decision making, but also sets the stage for wholesale cultural change in unions, driving improvements in organising, servicing and governance based on evidence-based allocation of resources and investing in a sharing-based rather than silo-based way of working.  With case studies from Linda Kelly (Forsa) and Melantha Chittendnen (Community).  Companion blog here.  Music by Scott Holmes.  A Makes-You-Think production.

In the latest episode,  Simon chats with Kevin Slocombe – for 12 years the Communication Workers’ Union’s Head of Communications before moving on to work with Jeremy Corbyn while he was Leader of the Opposition, and then becoming Chief Of Staff for Bristol’s Mayor, Marvin Rees - not one but three roles that are each fascinating in their own way, but not often open for viewing and discussion. Kevin’s assessment of what works best in comms is one that comes with real authority.  We also have Mel Simms’ #thought4theweek direct from the UCU picket line,  Basit Mahmood with his #RadicalRoundUp, and news of a brand new podcast from the UnionDues stable.  A Makes-You-Think production. Music by Scott Holmes. A member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.


Timestamps 2m01s - #thought4theweek, with Mel Simms, 5m28s - Kevin Slocombe  (6m48s – CWU,  17m14s - LOTO, 29m10s – Bristol), 36m44s - #RadicalRoundUp, with Basit Mahmood, 40m21s - New podcast news! Total run time  - 43m57s


 

Simon introduces not one but two helpings of Mel Simms' #thought4theweek - what is the impact of long Covid, and will the looming cost-of-living crisis increase the chances of union successes?  There's also a new format expanded #RaicalRoundUp as Basit Mahmood guides us through care homes being insourced by local authorities,  care workers at breaking point,  Amazon quietly ditching paying people to rebut critical tweets, and the longest ever gig worker strike by Stuart drivers.  Plus hear David Rovics play his City Hall Workers' Strike Song.  Full details, links etc at bit.ly/3LkrOuM    Music by Scot Holmes.  A Makes-You-Think production

As the public enquiry into the Horizon IT scandal gears up,  Simon looks at the role played by the National Federation of sub-Postmasters, the Fed,  in the mass prosecution and conviction of its own members for fraud and theft that they were entirely innocent of. He is joined by author of The Great Post Office Scandal Nick Wallis, former Fed Executive Council member Mark Baker, and communications union (and refuge for dissident and disillusioned Fed members) national officer Andy Furey.  “A jaw-dropping tale of what happens when unions distrust their members and surrender independence.”  Music by Scott Holmes.   A Makes-You-Think production.

In the latest UnionDues, Simon chats with Alice Martin from PIRC about labour market regulation, enforcement and the scourge of non-compliance.  Just why does this matter so much to unions and what is the scope for action?   Mel Simms looks at the theory that underpins this regulation in her #thought4theweek.  Spoiler alert – both Alice and Mel conclude that union involvement is essential for decent employment standards.  With Basit Mahmood adding his #RadicalRoundUp of union stories that problem won’t get covered n the mainstream media, and you have a bumper 1st edition of 2022.  Companion blog for links, etc, here. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network,  Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production. Timestamps:  Mel Simms – 2m27s, Alice Martin - 7m37s, Basit Mahmood – 46m.33s, Jack Dromey tribute – 50m08s

A bumper episode for the holiday season.  With women in union leadership roles increasing, and more women than men in union membership,  is the fight for gender equality close to an end?  The TUC's Nikki Pound and leading academic Dr Cecile Guillaume walk us through a landscape that is varied and challenging.  But are we moving forwards or falling back?  Plus Mel Simms' #thought4theweek  and Basit Mahmood's #RadicalRoundup. Time stamps - Mel: 3m06s, Nikki: 6m37s, Cecile: 35m51s, Basit:57m00s. Part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Music by Scott Holmes. A Makes-You-Think production.