Trade unions launch public sector improvement campaign against Scottish Government cuts and closures
Scotland’s largest trade union body has launched their campaign on the future of Scotland’s public services, as the STUC establishes their ‘Workers’ Inquiry: Public Services for the People of Scotland’ campaign.
The campaign, which will canvass and collate the views of public and private sector workers across Scotland, seeks to develop a set of worker-led demands for public service improvements as an alternative to the Scottish Government’s proposals.
The STUC has warned that the Scottish Government’s reform agenda could see “reckless” changes to the way public services are delivered, including the proposed abolition or restructuring of health boards and local authorities and, according to trade union analysis, the potential loss of up to 20,000 public sector jobs.
The Workers’ Inquiry will form the basis of public service improvements that invests in services, values the workers who deliver them and improves outcomes for communities – without using what trade unions have labelled as “barbarous programme of public sector cuts”.
Developed by the STUC and public sector trade unions, the consultation will close on 30th November, with the findings used to develop trade union demands and recommendations for the Scottish Government throughout the campaign.
The STUC is calling on the Scottish Government to engage meaningfully with the Workers’ Inquiry and to put worker experience and the needs of communities at the heart of its approach to public service reform.
The launch comes on day one of the SNP Conference in Aberdeen.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“We have been clear that trade unions will not allow 20,000 jobs to be thrown on the scrapheap in a barbarous programme of public sector cuts.
“The Workers’ Inquiry is our alternative.
“We are reaching out to workplaces and communities across Scotland to ask the people who deliver our public services every day what needs to change, what works and what doesn’t and what a better future for our public services should look like.
“We want to build a worker-led vision for public service improvements – one that values, not cuts, the people who deliver our services, strengthens provision and builds world-class public services for everyone in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government has said that trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping its reform agenda. We intend to hold them to that commitment. If ministers are serious about improving public services, they should welcome this consultation and publicly commit to encouraging workers, employers and public sector agencies to take part in the campaign.
“We do not accept that the only way to reform public services is through job losses, cuts and closures. Investment, proper planning and using the experience of Scotland’s public service workers offer a better way forward.
“The clock is ticking. As SNP Conference gets underway in Aberdeen, trade unionists are mobilising across Scotland to show the party of government that investment, not cuts, is the way to build public services we can all be proud of.”
Sunday 4 October 2026 is the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street when ordinary men, women, and some feisty children, literally stood shoulder to shoulder in the East End of London determined that organised fascists would not march through their community (writes TUC’s Laurie Heselden).
This remains a massive moment in our history but the celebrations that are being organised 4 October 2026 are not a heritage event – they are a commitment to action.
In the mid-1930s the economy was recovering from a deep recession. During the crash the UK’s trade flows had halved, the output of heavy industry had fallen by a third, and the unemployment rate reached 25 percent in 1933. People were hurting and angry.
Politics at the time was febrile and divided. Oswald Mosley had founded the “Blackshirts” in October 1932 as the paramilitary wing of the British Union of Fascists, modelled on Mussolini’s Blackshirts in Italy and Hitler’s Sturmabteilung in Germany. Mosley’s programme was explicitly founded on antisemitism. Mosley’s plan to march his Blackshirts through the East End in October 1936 both targeted the Jewish community and was designed to provoke violent division.
But his “Blackshirts” did not pass.
We also live in troubled times, with our economy ‘bumping along the bottom’ since 2008 after a global financial crash that was caused by greedy bankers, a cost-of-living crisis, millions of ‘working poor’, the consequences of illegal wars, and the politics of hate, division and rupture in our news, in our workplaces and in our communities too.
In the UK migrants are stereotyped and vilified, Muslims are stereotyped and vilified, antisemitic incidents are on the rise and many people with racist views feel emboldened to express those views openly. We have political parties using racism as a wedge issue and we have hundreds of masked men dressed in black blocking roads, intimidating the public, and targeting RNLI volunteers.
Across Europe far-right parties have gained considerable electoral support in the last 30 years, and policies that were recently regarded as extreme have become normalised. A far-right party is in government in Italy, and far-right parties participate in government in Austria, Finland and Slovakia.
The Front National, now National Rally, has been a feature of politics in France for decades, it is the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, has the largest number of MEP seats, has just won more seats in the French Senate, and is a force in the upcoming Presidential election.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) recently won its highest ever vote in a regional election in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, far ahead of mainstream rivals, winning 43.8 percent of the vote, just 3 seats short of an overall majority. A far-right party has not controlled a German state since World War Two. To date other political parties have maintained a firewall against working with the AfD, but from December it could be in government in Saxony-Anhalt, with powers over policing, local education and culture. This would be an immense moment in European politics.
This isn’t a re-run of the 1930s. The politics of today has its own dynamics, and today we have the modern-day problem of far-right tropes, lies and disinformation on social media. But there are parallels to the 1930s and there are lessons that we can learn from the Battle of Cable Street.
Resistance matters
The weather 4 October 1936 was fine. The easy thing to do that day was to get out of the way, ignore the Blackshirts, and go to Victoria Park for the day. But all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.
Bravely, tens of thousands answered the call, organised, built barricades, acted with courage and solidarity, defended their streets and saw off the Blackshirts and the police. Their victory still resonates today.
Networks, Organisation and Leadership matter
The defence of Cable Street didn’t just bubble up from the pavement, it was mobilised, organised and led. These skills are learned and honed. Organised labour does what it says on the tin. Trade unions are one of the few social structures with reach across workplaces, communities and the public realm.
The union movement has a responsibility to lead the challenge against the politics of hate. If you are not in a union, join one. If you are in a union, organise and change the world.
Solidarity in the community and beyond is essential
Cable Street was not a narrow victory for one group. Nor was it a victory for an alliance of segmented groups. It was a triumph for a diverse and politicised local community of trade unionists, communists, socialists, members of the Labour Party and ILP, and working-class families, many of them Jewish and Irish.
Jewish women garment makers were women, maybe mothers, active members of a union, possibly Communist Party members, and almost certainly activists challenging awful housing standards, opposing evictions and participating in rent strikes.
This lesson remains vital, antisemitism cannot be tackled in isolation, racism cannot be tackled in isolation, tackling xenophobia is a common cause, and winning good jobs for all is a collective task. The fights are linked and mutually dependent. History proves we achieve more together than we do apart.
Cable Street 90 is not a coalition built to organise an event and then dissolve. We know that through intense joint working we will forge a stronger broad based local community that is better able to advocate and organise for the community, and better able to respond robustly to hate politics online and on its streets. It is capacity building.
So, Cable Street 90 is not a heritage event, it is a call to action. Let’s make every street Cable Street
The TUC organised a briefing to discuss the significance and lessons of the Battle of Cable Street, European perspectives, with CGIL (Italy), CGT (France) and CCOO (Spain) and other key partners, on 2 October at Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS. More information
TUC LESE is part of the Cable Street 90 coalition that has organised rallies and a march in the East End of London, 4 October. Assemble outside Whitechapel Tube Station, E1 1BY, at midday for an opening rally, march moves off 13:00 and processes to St George’s Gardens. This is a celebration and family event. Please bring trade union banners and flags.
Glasgow City Council has agreed to pause the process of dismissing and re-engaging staff following constructive discussions with the Scottish Government and trade unions yesterday.
Workforce convener Cllr Allan Casey said:”I’m pleased that we’ve reached a position following a meeting with the Scottish Government and the three unions where a pause has been agreed, allowing the ACAS package to be put back on the table and creating the space for further intensive negotiations with the joint trade unions.
“Our goal remains clear: to secure collective agreement on a new pay and grading scheme that is free from discrimination and can be put to the workforce in a ballot.
“Both I and the wider Council leadership remain fully committed to working with trade unions and staff to deliver a fairer and more sustainable pay structure for the future.”
In a statement on behalf of UNITE, UNISON and GMB trade unions, an STUC Spokesperson said: We are pleased at the lifting of the threat of fire and rehire and that meaningful negotiations will take place next week.
“We also welcome the Scottish Government’s clear statement that the practice of fire and rehire’ does not align with the principles and expected practice of Fair Work.”
Equal pay talks between GLasgow Council and trade unions broke down on Thursday.
In a statement then, the council said: “Recent intensive talks between Glasgow City Council and the Joint Trade Unions have broken down without agreement.
There is now no agreed way forward between the council and the joint trade unions. This means that in order to lawfully bring our discriminatory pay and grading structure to an end and replace it with a non-discriminatory scheme we will have to dismiss all of our non teaching staff and issue new contracts. Letters will be sent to staff next week and the new contracts will take effect on January 1st.
“In the last week the Council put forward an offer which would have seen a substantial injection of cash to fund additional back pay and take the possibility of dismissals off the table.
The Council offer was dependant on all three TU’s balloting their members to let them determine whether the offer was acceptable – GMB and UNITE agreed to ballot members and avoid dismissal letters being issued but Unison regrettably withdrew their support on Wed Sept 23. They have made it clear that they are not prepared to ballot their members. They provided no substantive reason for this.
Director of Communications and Corporate Governance Colin Edgar said: “The council has gone as far as it can. The new pay and grading scheme removes unequal pay and sees pay rise or stay the same for 90% of staff – the council’s total pay bill will be substantially higher.
“For those staff who are in detriment our Joint Trade Unions negotiated an increase in pay protection from 6 months to 12 months. Additionally, some Trade Unions are devoting energy to local consultations to mitigate the impact on those colleagues in detriment – focussing on providing specific solutions.
“We acknowledge the joint statement made by GMB and Unite unions earlier today. Officials had hoped to have further talks with UNISON this afternoon to understand why they are not willing to consult their members, but they did not attend a scheduled meeting.
“The offer which has been unilaterally rejected by UNISON would have taken dismissals off the table and seen additional cash for those members of staff, and members of all unions, who are due back pay.
“It beggars belief that they would betray their own members in this way.
“If the Joint Trade Unions ballot their members on these enhanced terms and make a collective agreement we will of course withdraw these notices. If they are unable to do that then staff will be reengaged on the terms set out in the recently agreed City Administration Committee report which do not include the enhancements.
“We understand that issue of dismissal notices, regardless of how much we reassure people that we intend to re-engage, will cause significant concern to our staff which is why we have worked so hard to avoid this necessity. We value our staff and we want their service with us to continue. This is purely precautionary, but it could and should have been avoided.”
Frontline health workers across Scotland locked out of paramedic positions unless they leave paid work to go to university
Over 700 Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff support new campaign to create a training route from technician to paramedic positions
Hard-working ambulance workers with families, mortgages and caring responsibilities being forced to choose between their NHS careers and university study
Campaign warns experienced NHS staff are being left behind despite already having years of frontline clinical experience
New pathway could help tackle paramedic recruitment challenges in remote and rural communities
Campaign to stage major actions at ambulance stations all over Scotland in order to secure negotiations with Health Secretary Angela Constance
Backed by all major unions (GMB, Unite and UNISON) who represent thousands of ambulance workers
More than 700 Scottish Ambulance Service staff are backing a campaign to give experienced Ambulance Technicians a route into paramedic roles without having to leave their jobs to study full-time.
Technicians are skilled frontline NHS workers who already work alongside paramedics, responding to emergencies and caring for patients across Scotland. But since 2021, new paramedics have been required to complete a university degree, leaving experienced technicians with few options to progress.
For workers with children, mortgages, caring responsibilities and other financial commitments, giving up a paid NHS job to become a full-time student simply isn’t realistic. As a result, experienced staff are being left behind despite years of frontline clinical experience.
The campaign is calling for a Technician-to-Paramedic pathway that recognises technicians’ existing education, skills and clinical experience, while maintaining the same academic, clinical and professional standards required of all paramedics.
This is not about lowering standards. It is about making sure experienced NHS staff do not have to start again from scratch when they have already demonstrated the knowledge and skills required.
A new pathway could also help strengthen paramedic recruitment in remote and rural communities by allowing experienced technicians who already live and work there to progress their careers while continuing to serve their local communities.
Adam Clearly, Ambulance Technician, Paisley:“After the first lockdown, I found myself in admiration for the NHS and wanted to contribute as much as I could. I took great pride in my work as a dispatcher. I wanted to help patients on the front line and challenge myself”
“Because technicians across the country are truly the backbone of SAS, and there is no replacement for the experience, knowledge and compassion that technicians gain. Having time as a technician prior to completion your paramedic degree would ensure staff are well prepared for the realities of the ambulance service, and that candidates for the paramedic ticket have proved in practice they are capable of the step up.”
“I am currently unable to progress my career, and at times this has made me consider leaving the service. I feel somewhat trapped. Progression is limited, and will always favour those that are paramedics, despite having much less experience and regardless of their skills or knowledge.
“This campaign would give me a pathway to success and give technicians across the country a new sense of purpose, a chance to prove their worth, which is slowly fading from SAS.”
Frances Malley, Technician, Ellon: “I joined SAS in 2022 as a technician after working in a community based job. I left that role because Covid required me to work from home which I found very challenging. My 2 children had left for university so I had the opportunity to go for a job I had always wanted to do.”
“Historically, Technician wasn’t simply a job you entered and stayed in indefinitely, it was described by SAS as the first stage towards becoming a registered paramedic. During the interview process I was told that I would be expected to progress from Technician to paramedic but the option has been taken away.
“The tech to paramedic pathway would mean that we would get that opportunity without having to spend 3 years at university. If I went to university it would have financial implications, plus the difficulties of juggling work and placements.
“A new pathway would give rural technicians like myself, an equal opportunity to progress and service our communities.”
A period of intense engagement is underway to ensure streamlined public services are delivered for Scotland, Public Service Reform Secretary Ivan McKee has said.
This week’s Programme for Government set out how the Scottish Government plans to deliver stronger and efficient public services that are sustainable for generations to come.
Plans include replacing the current 14 territorial health boards with two strategic health boards, removing unnecessary duplication and overlap in public services and seeking a clear shared direction on substantial reform to local governance, including social care.
Mr McKee said: “Public service reform is at the heart of this Government’s priorities for the next five years and this work will help to ensure that every pound of investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to deliver real improvements in public services.
“I will meet public sector leaders and other key partners at the Public Service Reform Summit later this month to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by public service reform and the agenda set-out in the Programme for Government.
“My colleagues and I are also engaged in intensive dialogue with public bodies, NHS Boards, local government, trade unions, the third sector, businesses and communities to strengthen the work that is already taking place and to ensure that proactive leadership and collaboration are central to our approach.
“Our focus over the coming months is to build a shared understanding of how we will deliver the changes necessary to support the needs of diverse communities across Scotland.”
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has responded to Scottish Government’s Programme for Government plans: “The Programme for Government is a significant statement of the Scottish Government’s priorities, and we will take time to consider its detail carefully.
“There are important implications for local government and council services, particularly the proposed NHS reforms and what they will mean for the future delivery of social care.
“Over the coming days, COSLA will engage closely with our member councils and with Scottish Ministers to ensure these proposals are focused on what is best for communities across Scotland and respect the democratic legitimacy of local government.
“Public services work best when decisions are taken as close to communities as possible.We look forward to meaningful engagement with the Scottish Government and believe that the dialogue on the future of local governance must be carried forward with councils and COSLA as the collective voice of local government.”
STUC: Programme for Government ‘reckless rather than revolutionary’
Commenting on the Programme for Government, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Presenting the public with a misleading choice of cuts packaged as public service reform was disingenuous at best and a falsehood at worst from the Scottish Government.
“Crushing down Scotland’s health boards into two may seem bold on paper but further centralising power when local communities are crying out for health and social care services tailored to their needs seems more reckless than revolutionary.
“This is not the way to do public sector reform. Before the axe is swung on any public service, whether health, council or social care, Scottish Government ministers would do well to engage meaningfully and purposefully with the workers who deliver on the ground. This cannot be done in the timescales outlined.
“Measures on food cap prices, childcare, breakfast clubs and bus fare caps are welcome. However, by avoiding the big decisions on wealth redistribution – on council tax reform, wealth taxes and taking national stakes in our energy infrastructure – cost of living measures will always fall short of the radical transformation both our economy and communities require.
“We will be engaging actively with Government on its promise to bring forward a responsible strategy for data centres in Scotland. We need to take stock of how such projects can benefit decent jobs, workers and the communities in which they will reside. We need to move away from industrial strategy that allows our heavy industry, manufacturing and renewables sectors to be sold off to the highest bidders with little public benefit in return.
“Finally, it’s deeply welcome the First Minister has pledged further support for survivors of gender-based violence. It’s time that all organisations, employers and society as a whole adopts a zero-tolerance approach to violence against women and girls and it’s correct that this is a strategic priority for the Scottish Government in which the First Minister will find support from Scotland’s trade unions.”
UNIONS URGE BURNHAM TO REVOKE PERMISSION FOR US AIR STRIKES
Ten trade unions, including the UK’s largest union UNISON, have called on UK prime minister Andy Burnham to revoke permission for US air strikes on Iran launched from RAF bases:
Thank you. Thank you. Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair.
The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy.
Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished.
That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party.
Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security.
And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose. Not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better.
To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few. And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years.
An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured, infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years.
The biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media, and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.
Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing trade dues, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.
Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government.
But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power, and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered.
The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.
Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.
I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office.
I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support.
I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.
And when I leave, the biggest job in the country. I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.
“Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a historic landslide victory in 2024, ending fourteen years of Conservative government.
“Since then, he has overseen a period of significant reform and renewal under the most difficult circumstances.
“He led the biggest improvement in workers’ and renters’ rights in a generation, alongside the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, which formed part of a wider programme to rebuild economic security and fairness.
“He has rebuilt our relationship with Europe and has proven to have been able to represent the UKs interests on the international stage.
“Most importantly, he lifted hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty through deliberate policy choices aimed at improving lives across the UK including the removal of the two-child benefit cap.
“I wish him and his family well for the future and thank him for his service to the country at a pivotal moment in its history.”
Brian Leishman MP:
“A change of Prime Minister must mean a change in direction.
“This Labour government still has time to transform the country and improve the lives of millions of people.
“It’s time for real Labour policies that will make people better off and our country a fairer place.”
Momentum:
Socialist Labour …
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn:
‘Keir Starmer could have ended child poverty, homelessness and the grotesque levels of inequality in this country.
‘Instead, he abandoned those in need, destroyed our civil liberties and facilitated genocide in Gaza.
‘That is how this Prime Minister will be remembered – and that is the legacy of moral and political bankruptcy he leaves behind.
‘The crises in our society are not going away. Neither are we – and we will keep fighting for a more equal, peaceful and dignified society for all.’
STUC:
FBU general secretary, Steve Wright said: “Whoever replaces Keir Starmer needs to be clear that the status quo has to change.
“The reason we find ourselves with yet another PM standing down is that, like May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak before him, Starmer failed to break with the perceived wisdom of attacking public services, failing to tackle wealth inequality, whilst letting privatised public utilities rip off the people of this country.
“A new Labour leader needs to learn that lesson and learn it fast.
“For FBU members, this means stepping in to end the threat of fire station closures that puts our members and the public’s lives at risk.
“There needs to be investment in the fire and rescue service alongside other public services, and as an affiliated trade union, we will be putting that position before any candidate in a leadership election.
“We cannot have more of the same. If we do, then whoever is elected will inevitably have failed in their role and will be out of office at the earliest opportunity.
“The chance to break with the narrative of the past is now, learn the lessons that previous Prime Ministers failed to do and deliver a better future for our members and the people of this country.”
JOURNALISTS and technical staff at STV will strike over pay, with the action affecting coverage of the Scottish election results today.
Around 100 workers will form picket lines outside the STV offices in Glasgow (Pacific Quay) and Aberdeen (Craigshaw Business Park) from 8:30am.
Please share solidarity messages with campaigns@nuj.org.uk or join them in-person if you’re in the area.
In March, members of both the NUJ and Bectu at STV voted for the industrial action over management’s decision to offer a 0% pay award, in one of the first strike ballots to be held under the new Employment Rights Act.
NUJ members also went on strike as part of a separate dispute in January, braving cold weather and heavy snow to oppose damaging cuts to jobs and local news.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland organiser,said: “It’s frustrating that due to the stubbornness of STV management, on the biggest news day in Scotland for years, Scottish viewers, listeners and readers won’t be able to hear what some of the most well-respected journalists, reporters and producers in Scottish broadcasting have to say.
“Our members would much rather be reporting the election results than standing on picket lines, but they have been driven to this action by management’s indifference as to how overworked and underpaid they are.
“CEO Rufus Radcliffe has once again failed to grasp the opportunity to end this dispute, and it is personally embarrassing for him that STV will be broadcasting reruns instead of the biggest news story in Scotland.”
Vote counting in the Scottish Parliament election will commence this morning, after Scotland went to the polls yesterday.
Ballot boxes will be opened at 9am at designated counting centres across the county and the first constituencies are expected to be declared around midday.
If English council results are a guide, it promises to be a long and difficult day for the beleaguered Labour party in particular. Will spectacular Reform advances be mirrored north of the border, or can the SNP deliver an unlikely outright majority?
This year’s May Day celebrations have an added historical resonance for trade unionists (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK). Monday 4 May marks the centenary of the start of the General Strike – a momentous event in British industrial and political history.
But what is its real legacy? How did it shape trade unions in the decades after? And a century on, what are its lessons for today’s movement?
I’ve just had the pleasure of addressing a fascinating event run by the Institute of Historical Research alongside US academic Jonathan Schneer, author of a brilliant new book on the General Strike: Nine Days in May. It was a great opportunity to take a step back from my day-to-day work and think about the immense historical forces that have shaped the modern trade union movement.
Reflecting on the General Strike
I have two personal connections to the events of 1926. Firstly, as the current General Secretary of the TUC – an organisation of which I am immensely proud – I have a keen sense of our heritage. No organisation can claim to be infallible and the TUC is no exception, but for nearly 160 years we have advanced the cause of labour and bent the arc of history towards social and economic justice. And I am ambitious that we continue to do so in the future.
Secondly, I have a strong affinity with one of the key players in the General Strike, the acting TUC General Secretary Walter Citrine. He grew up just a couple of miles from where I was born and still live in Birkenhead.
And while not a household name, I believe he was one of the most consequential figures in the modern trade union movement, shaping the TUC as we know it today, playing a key role in the effort to defeat fascism, and building international trade unionism.
The scale of solidarity during the strike
While the General Strike ended in defeat for the trade union movement, it remains one of the greatest acts of solidarity in British history. Three million workers answered the TUC General Council’s call to stop work, with two thirds selflessly walking out in support of miners whose jobs, terms and conditions were being slashed. This unprecedented working-class mobilisation shook the establishment to its core.
Some have argued the defeat was rooted in the TUC’s failure to properly prepare for the strike and prosecute it with a view to bringing down the government. But I think it is fair to posit that the leadership of the TUC, our unions and – more importantly – the three million workers who answered the call to action were motivated by a desire to bring ministers and mine owners back to the negotiating table.
Their goal was to win a fair deal for the miners, not overthrow the government or usurp parliamentary democracy. The General Strike was a moment of solidarity, not revolution.
How the government responded in 1926
Of course, this distinction mattered not one bit to prime minister Stanley Baldwin. His government’s aim was simple: outright victory. And that’s why ministers deployed every instrument of state power at their disposal to crush the strikers – not just the civil service, local authorities, police and volunteer strike breakers, but the armed forces too.
Despite this, the TUC ran an incredible operation from our offices in Eccleston Square, bringing the UK economy to a virtual standstill. But as Jonathan Schneer’s new book makes clear, the government executed its response with the same ruthlessness as Margaret Thatcher did during the miners’ strike of 1984-85. In both instances, the question was not so much “who runs Britain?”, but “who is Britain run for”. And in both instances, the answer was clear: not its workers.
Trade union recovery after the General Strike
For all the General Strike was a devastating setback for unions, this retrenchment proved temporary. From a low of less than 3.7 million in 1929, our membership grew steadily for the next half century, reaching a peak of nearly 13 million in 1979. This owed much to the reshaping of the TUC by Citrine, learning the lessons from 1926, as well as our role in the war and the fight against fascism. And it was proof of our resilience in the face of periodic political hostility. It was growth fuelled by the very same solidarity that drove the 1926 strike.
The role of the TUC in the modern movement
For me, the events of 1926 pose some fundamental questions about the TUC itself. We have always been more than the General Secretary, the staff of the organisation and our physical premises. Instead, we are the collective embodiment of our 47 affiliates and 5.3 million members, a vibrant federation of sovereign unions. And for us to be truly effective, each union has a responsibility to its own members, but also to the wider movement. Solidarity will always be a two-way street: something we should expect to give as well as receive.
And that matters just as much in 2026 as it did a century ago. Unlike our forebears, we currently enjoy a much more positive political climate.
Labour’s Employment Rights Act is not just the biggest upgrade to our rights in a generation – it’s also a huge opportunity for us to rebuild our movement.
