Episodes
Friday May 31, 2019
Special episode: US unions and the Future of Work - w/Damon Silvers
Friday May 31, 2019
Friday May 31, 2019
As the POTUS pays us a visit, we talk with Damon Silvers, Director of Policy and Special Counsel at the AFL-CIO, America’s TUC. In a 2013 article, the Washington Post asked “Can Damon Silvers save organized labor?”
That question is even more important today, as a hostile environment rages against organised labour in the US.
But we found Damon in optimistic mood, highlighting strike activity and community organising as positive signs in a difficult climate. He also makes the case for organised labour being a guardian of democracy itself. Along the way we also tip our hats to the work of author Edward Bellamy and film-maker Robert Zemeckis.
What’s the connection between Bellamy and Zemeckis and unions in the 21stcentury? And is that Washington Post article true? Have a listen and decide for yourself.
A Makes-You-Think production.
Friday May 24, 2019
UCU General Secretary-elect Dr Jo Grady
Friday May 24, 2019
Friday May 24, 2019
In this Unions21 podcast special, Becky and Simon chat with the UCU’s General Secretary-elect, Dr Jo Grady. What makes the next incumbent of one of education’s top jobs get out of bed in the morning? Was she really, literally, born into the labour movement? And what is her vision for the union she will now lead? Jo also discusses her widely-admired research work on how a transaction-based approach has permeated almost every area of life – and the threat/challenge this poses to working people and their unions. This episode was held in purdah during the UCU election but can now be set free! A Makes-You-Think production
Monday May 20, 2019
Women, Work and Barriers to Industrial Prosperity -w/Jess Phillips MP
Monday May 20, 2019
Monday May 20, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Becky and Simon spend some time with Jess Phillips MP, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Women and Work. Along the way, we talk childcare (why describing it as low-skill is so wide of the mark) why it’s good to laugh (“gags are supposed to be funny, that’s the point”), and why we shouldn’t be grateful when we win. If we categorise people as either “radiators” or “drains”, there’s no doubt Jess is in the former camp. We give a shout-out to a great work by NAPO in overturning the government’s deeply flawed part-privatisation of the probation service. A Makes-You-Think production
Monday May 13, 2019
Enforcing Labour Standards - w/Sir David Metcalf
Monday May 13, 2019
Monday May 13, 2019
Non-compliance is a major issue – for being paid at least at the statutory levels, for equipment and working practices being safe. You can have all the positive legislation in the world, but effective enforcement is needed to make good intentions a day-to-day reality.
In our latest podcast, Becky and Simon talk with David Metcalf, Director of the Office of Labour Market Enforcement. What are the key parts to his strategy and why?
In a wide ranging and candid discussion, we also look at the current trends in thinking on how enforcement might develop and the restructuring of existing agencies, and anticipate a fresh consultative exercise from the government on just that point. A Makes-you-Think production.
Monday May 06, 2019
The Future Of Work - Taming The Robots
Monday May 06, 2019
Monday May 06, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Beckyand Simon talk to Christina Colclough and Jonnie Penn about their work with the 20m strong UNi Global Union and the Future World of Work project. Are the fears for the future justified? How can we use this new technology to our benefit? There is no one better qualified or more articulate on this most pressing of subjects. A Makes-You-Think production