Andy Burnham’s leadership will be judged on whether he charts a genuinely different course, argues BECK ROBERTSON
AS dawn breaks over the Tyne, trade unionists from across the region are making their way to the Northern TUC’s annual delegate conference.
If there was ever a time to reflect on the year unions have had, it is here. A huge and warm welcome to all our delegates, supporters and leaders.
Here in the Northern region, our unions have lobbied the government, negotiated with agencies, employers and, most significantly, have faced attacks from the Tories just for asserting their fundamental, internationally protected, right to strike.
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
Outsourcing is at the heart of inequality. Only collective unity in the trade union movement can topple the Establishment’s obsession with it, says SAM GURNEY
Midlands trade unionists are turning challenge into opportunity through collective power and renewed confidence, says STUART RICHARDS
Working-class women lead the fight for fair work and equitable pay and against sexual harassment, the rise of the far right and years of failed austerity policies, writes ROZ FOYER



