Israel and the US talk as if they’ve won a victory, but the reality is that world opinion has turned decisively against the Israeli regime, says RAMZY BAROUD

THESE are hard times to be upbeat. But in pulling together the programme for Organise 2020, the TUC’s three-day organising festival, I’ve been inspired by examples of trade union successes and struggles from around the globe. That sense of inspiration and optimism has never been more important, because these past few months have been incredibly hard for us all.
In Britain alone, tens of thousands of people have lost their lives to Covid-19. Hundreds of thousands more have suffered ill health. And millions have seen their jobs and livelihoods threatened.
The pandemic shone a light on the fragile state of our public services, battered after a decade of relentless cuts. It exposed how fragile and unfair our labour market is, with the lowest paid and least secure workers hit hardest — and yet depended on most too. And it highlighted other injustices, with racial injustice and inequality meaning the virus has taken a greater toll on Black and minority ethnic communities.

Women are a vital part of the labour movement and have much to contribute, but there’s far more to be done to make sure that our sisters’ voices are truly heard, says PHILIPA HARVEY

Since 2023, Strike Map has evolved from digital mapping at a national level to organising ‘mega pickets’ — we believe that mass solidarity with localised disputes prepares the ground for future national action, writes HENRY FOWLER

Head of education, campaigns and organising for the General Federation of Trade Unions HENRY FOWLER explains why it is launching a fund to support trades councils and give them access to a new range of courses and resources

Glasgow Trade Union Education Centre secures two-year partnership after a landmark campaign