Trades Union Congress (TUC)

Welcome to Workers and Machines - authoritative, accessible and actionable updates and insights on tech and AI for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested. Forward this to anyone who may be interested, or share the newsletter sign up link here. I feel much more confident in advising on AI and tech polices.

The General Strike 100 years on: in conversation with John Monks and Jonathan Schneer Event details Date Thu, 14 May 2026 - 18:30 to 20:00 Location TUC Congress House Great Russell Street London WC1B 3LS United Kingdom

In 2021, Lee Cheuk-yan was imprisoned on charges of ‘inciting subversion of state power’. This accusation shows how Chinese authorities have weaponised the law to silence dissent and dismantle Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

The TUC condemns the dangerous escalation of military actions, precipitated by the attacks launched by the US and Israel over the weekend that flout international law, undermine diplomacy and the prospects for peace. The use of force outside clear United Nations authorisation represents a breach of the fundamental principles of peaceful settlement of disputes enshrined in the UN Charter.

Reform UK has pledged to rip up legal protections for workers and renters. Reform are proposing a so-called “Great Repeal Bill” to scrap rights secured in the Employment Rights Act - rights that millions of working people have fought hard to win. What happens in these first few days after their announcement really matters. Politicians will be watching to see how the public responds. A huge petition sends a clear message: working people will not stand for this.

The TUC supports the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign’s trade union solidarity statement marking the anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Joint statement On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, UK trade unions reaffirm our solidarity with Ukraine, its workers and their unions. Ukraine’s workers are not only defending their country but are standing up for democratic rights, freedoms and labour standards that underpin our movement.

Following new GDP figures showing the UK economy grew at just 0.1% in the three months to December 2025, the TUC is calling for the Bank to lower interest rates, arguing that it is possible to “go for growth” without risking runaway inflation. As new ONS figures show consumer demand slowed to 0.2% in Q4, new analysis by the TUC suggests a key feature of the UK’s growth problem is a lack of consumer demand – our shoppers don’t have the money or confidence to spend.

Issue date 18 Feb 2026 About this resource The Employment Rights Act 2025 repeals major parts of the Trade Union Act 2016. These changes take effect from 18 February 2026. Strong collective bargaining rights and unions are key to tackling problems of insecurity, inequality, discrimination, enforcement and low pay. The Trade Union Act 2016 undermines collective bargaining and it's welcome that large parts of it are being repealed.

In Gaza, genocide is being committed against the Palestinian people, by the State of Israel. Living conditions are dire, with Israeli authorities continuing to obstruct humanitarian aid and carry out military operations. Over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, including, journalists, health workers, and educators. In the West Bank, Palestinians continue to face ethnic cleansing and apartheid. The Israeli government shows no sign of ending its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

Welcome to Workers and Machines - authoritative, accessible and actionable updates and insights on tech and AI for the British labour movement, allies and anyone interested. Forward this to anyone who may be interested, or share the newsletter sign up link here. Harry Bridges (1901 - 1990) 1st President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, USA.