The introduction of the Employment Rights Bill marks a significant moment for the trade union movement. But as the focus shifts from legislation to implementation, a crucial question remains: what does this mean for your union, your members and the future of collective bargaining?
To help union leaders and staff navigate this new landscape, Unions21 has partnered with Thompsons Solicitors to host a one-day conference, "Strengthening Collective Voice."
This isn't just a discussion about the Bill; it’s an action-oriented event designed to translate complex legal and political changes into practical, credible and actionable strategies for your union.
What to expect
Hear from experts like Paul Nowak and Peter Cheese on the major changes, opportunities and challenges in the post-Bill environment.
Get direct, expert guidance from Neil Todd at Thompsons, on the key legal effects of the Bill, and Professor Mel Simms discusses how others are already adapting with a case study on new arrangements in the social care sector.
Gain international perspectives from speakers like Owen Reidy (ICTU) and representatives from UniEuropa, showing how other countries are adapting to similar pressures.
Take part in an informal session on what's next for worker voice and collective rights.
This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with legal experts, fellow union staff and policy makers in a collaborative and experimental environment. We will help you move from understanding the legislation to building a stronger, more agile and more effective collective voice for your members.
Agenda
| TIME | ITEM | SPEAKERS |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Registration | |
| 9:45 | Welcome | Becky Wright |
| 10:00 | Focus on major changes, opportunities and challenges in the post-Bill environment | Peter Cheese |
| The new landscape of collective bargaining | Paul Nowak | |
| 10:45 | Key practical effects of the Bill on collective bargaining for unions | Neil Todd (Thompsons) on the law |
| Practical implementation of new rights | Prof Mel Simms on new arrangements in the social care sector | |
| 11:30 | BREAK | |
| 11:45 | Workshops | Changing world of work |
| Connecting with new types of workers | ||
| Collective consultation: an opportunity or a threat? - Iain Birrell (Thompsons) on the amends to s. 188 TULRCA | ||
| 12:30 | LUNCH | |
| 13:30 | What can we learn from Ireland? | Owen Reidy (ICTU) and Becky Wright (Unions21) - also including a short Q&A |
| 14:15 | Workshops | Niamh Sweeney (Unions21): Getting your union ready for new areas |
| Rachel Curley (Prospect): How we’re adapting to the new realities | ||
| Jo Seery (Thompsons): Key priorities for workers - individual rights UD, family and discrimination | ||
| 15:15 | BREAK | |
| 15:30 | Strengthening Collective Voice | Adam Drummond (Stonehaven) and Becky Wright (Unions21) - also including a 20-minute Q&A |
| 16:15 | Closing remarks | Clare Mellor (Thompsons) |
| 16:30 | Networking reception | |
| 17:30 | Reception closes |
