Episodes
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
Monday Apr 29, 2019
What Future For ACAS? - w/Brendan Barber
Monday Apr 29, 2019
Monday Apr 29, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, @beckyunions21 and @simonsapper talk to ACAS chair Brendan Barber. What is the future for this paragon of tripartite social partnership? We think you will be surprised and encouraged! We also preview the forthcoming U21 conference, and definitely absolutely do not give away any Avengers movie spoilers. Honest. A Makes-You-Think production. #DontSpoilTheEndGame
Thursday Apr 18, 2019
Industrial Strategy and Collective Voice - w/Chi Onwurah
Thursday Apr 18, 2019
Thursday Apr 18, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Simonand Becky tackle the issue of how to ensure that collective worker voice is embodied in the UK’s industrial strategy-
both a live and challenging issue. To get a different perspective, we spent some time with the Shadow Minister responsible for this policy area, Labour’s Chi Onwurah talking about this and her work as chair of the All-party Parliamentary Group on diversity and inclusivity in STEM, Also in this episode: the challenge of organising in Amazon, four day working weeks (or not) at the Welcome Trust, and how to get your U21 Conference tickets. A Makes-you-Think production.
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
What Makes NHS Employers tick? - w/Danny Mortimer
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
Thursday Apr 11, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, Becky and Simon talk to Danny Mortimer– chief executive of the NHS Employers’ organisation. The lack of co-ordination and appetite amongst employers is frequently cited as a major inhibitor of good industrial relations and collective bargaining. So, when the lead negotiator for the employers of the largest workforce in the country offers to spend some time sharing his thoughts, that seems a good opportunity – to gain some insights and test some bona fides.We also preview the Unions21 conference – tickets available now - and following listener comments, extend our union recognition debate to Canada. A Makes-You-Think production.
Friday Mar 29, 2019
How To Win Union Recognition: The PDAU Story
Friday Mar 29, 2019
Friday Mar 29, 2019
In the latest Unions21podcast, Becky and Simon talk union recognition with Paul Day of the Pharmacists’ union PDAU. In a David-and Goliath tale for our times, hear how a retail/pharma giant was called out by their own staff. We also run the rule over reports from ETUI, ONS and ETUC about the current and future world of work and give a plug to Waterstones workers' campaign to be paid the Living Wage. A Makes-You-Think production.
Tuesday Mar 19, 2019
Kiwi Lessons In Innovation
Tuesday Mar 19, 2019
Tuesday Mar 19, 2019
The new series of Unions21podcasts kicks off with Becky and Simon spending time with New Zealand trade unionists Andrea Fromm and Kirsten Windelov, of the 70,000 strong Public Services Association.
Although 12,000 miles and 13 time zones away, there are important lessons to learn from impressive initiatives like collective bargaining rights for freelancers and platforms that promote worker rights rather than abuse them.
Closer to home, we also look at the fantastic victory of the Pharmacists Defence Association Union (or PDA for short) in their campaign for recognition in Boots, and
celebrate the outlawing of zero-hour contracts in Ireland.
We send sympathy and condolences to those affected by the terrorist acts in Christchurch on 15 March. You can read the PSA statement here.
A Makes-You-Thinkproduction.
Friday Feb 15, 2019
HeartUnions Week 2019
Friday Feb 15, 2019
Friday Feb 15, 2019
In the latest Unions21 podcast, as we come to the end of this year’s TUC HeartUnions week, Becky and Simon look at some of the many things that have been going on to highlight the good and wonderfully varied things that unions do. A Makes You Think production
Friday Dec 21, 2018
Friday Dec 21, 2018
In the season finale, and last episode of 2018, Becky Wright and Simon Sapper look at the Government’s new commitments on worker rights– and highlight what really needs to happen to address one-sided flexibility in employment. We also look back over a memorable podcasting year, with the help of Michele Stanistreet ,Gavin Kelly and Charlotte Bence,and lay out a roadmap for work on Collective Worker Voice and other matters in 2019. A peaceful and happy new year to all our listeners. A Makes-You-Think production