John Williams, Young Unite member, and Executive Council member LGBT seat, personal capacity
This year’s Unite Young Workers conference kicked off with a description of a cost-of-living crisis not going away, climate change warming the planet to unbearable temperatures, and atrocities taking place in wars around the world, including in Palestine.
The chair of Unite the Union, Andy Green, argued that a union rooted in the workplace has enabled Unite to strengthen, which will help the developing young members’ section. This includes fighting the employer, whoever that is – regardless of the rosette they wear. He said this is important if the ground is to be less fertile for the far right.
It was reported that Unite has 5,900 new young members, the fastest growing section in Unite. In the past four years, young membership has increased by 17% – particularly important given that it is estimated that 50% of reps are due to retire in the next ten years.
The point was made that because of our age, we can be more exploited. The situation facing young people was laid bare: high rents, student debt and difficulties getting onto the housing ladder. We discussed the need to fight for jobs as part of a green transition. So what’s required is a collective fightback and for young workers to get organised and take responsibility. We’re not just the future – we are the here and now! Young members mustn’t wait for someone else to be a leader.
Labour’s future
The future of the Labour government was also discussed. It hasn’t acted in the interests of the working class, including young people. This has led to the collapse of the mainstream parties. Conference speakers said that Andy Burnham will only ‘get one shot at getting it right’.
Socialist Party members argue that – especially given the support for Burnham of all the right-wing MPs – we need a trade union conference on political representation for the working class. We are campaigning for a special rules conference as soon as possible for Unite to debate its relationship with Labour.
Motions included action against sexual harassment. Others highlighted job insecurity, including unpaid internships, unpredictable hours, zero-hour contracts, 12-hour shifts, no breaks, and low pay due to age. The trade unions must lead a fight for the Labour government to improve young workers’ rights.
An emergency motion on the draft Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) code of practice was also passed, calling for 100% solidarity with trans people, for reform of the EHRC, and to defend trans members.
The conference had a very optimistic tone. But one thing is for sure, we can only rely on our collective strength in fighting for what we need.
