TUC Stronger Unions Conference

On Monday hundreds of trade Union activists gathered at Congress House in London for the TUC Stronger Unions conference about how Unions can adapt to the new challenges facing them.

After Keynote addresses from TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady, UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt and Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis the event broke into a number of workshops.

Of the morning workshops one of the best attended was the workshop of using digital technology. On the panel was former YAC Chair Ralph Ferrett (Plymouth and East Cornwall) who gave an address about the groundbreaking grassroots communications strategy the YAC has adopted as part of the "Youth Empowerment Strategy".

Ralph explained to the workshop that it is not a question of whether or not Unions adopt new digital technology, but how we do ita s these channels were here to stay. He further went on to say that these channels do allow Trade Unions to democratise our communications and speak to our members in different ways.

Later in the afternoon sessions CWU director of Communications Kevin Slocombe addressed another Workshop run by "Compass" about "Trade Unions and the good society".

Kevin spoke about how Trade Unions have to be part of how the "good society" happens. But he also cautioned that it is sometimes difficult for Unions to be seen as part of the narrative, particularly for Young workers. He went on to explain the challenge was in part using innovative communication tools to speak to our members in a different way, and cited the huge success of CWU TV and media content in touching more members than traditional communications channels.