Delegates from the former North East and Yorkshire & Humber TUC regions came together in conference for the first time in York on 22/23 March. They unanimously approved the new regional constitution which was introduced by Jay McKenna the acting regional secretary who reminded the meeting that this had been drawn up by the two former regional executives and would be reviewed in the light of experience.
In his keynote address Paul Novak TUC general secretary who had ordered the merger, thanked the two regions for their hard work in coming together to form the newly constituted TUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber. He recognised that it had been a difficult time for the former regions and reminded the conference that the TUC was facing severe financial pressures which were a reason behind the merger. Other financial savings were also being implemented.
Referring to the war in Gaza he said that the TUC was appalled by the recent strikes by the Israeli military in Gaza, which had killed over 400 Palestinians, and threaten the collapse of the ceasefire agreement. These strikes come on the back of 15 months of military action by the IDF that killed and injured tens of thousands of innocent civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and universities and displaced hundreds of thousands. He echoed statements by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, calling for the ceasefire to be respected.
The TUC had also called on the UK government to do everything it could to secure peace, including immediate recognition of the state of Palestine, and an end to all licences for arms traded with Israel, meeting international law.
Turning to domestic matters he wanted 2025 to be a year if delivery by the Labour government. Its priorities must be rebuilding public services and the economy through growth. He emphasised that not all government decisions were right and there must be no return to austerity. Referring to the new employment rights legislation now before parliament he called for the repeal of all anti-union measures introduced by the Conservative government. Countering the far right was also a TUC priority and the threat from Reform, who voted against improving workers’ rights as set out in the new employment legislation, was serious.
Paul then answered questions from the floor, including one about the intended sale of Congress House, which he said was regrettable, but necessary, as the costs of upgrading the Grade 2 listed building to meet modern environmental standards was not affordable. The General Council was now seeking a smaller and more suitable building.
The conference then moved to discussing motions under the heading ‘Equality for all’ tabled by affiliated organisations. These ranged from migrant care workers, fighting for decent living standards and culture priorities across the new region. Moving a NUJ motion on press freedom Andy Walker highlighted the threat to democracy and the right to report came from strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps) by wealthy and influential parties to prevent reporting on public interest. The motion was passed, as were all in the section.
Next was a panel discussion on combating the Far Right which outlined ways of countering their influence both at work and in our communities.
This was followed by an address by David Skaith Mayor of York and North Yorkshire who spoke about his priorities, including building safer communities, improving and integrating the region’s transport system, economic growth and skills training, more homes including affordable properties, countering climate change and how he intended to work with the unions.
The remainder of the day was taken up with discussing motions on ‘Making work pay’ and a panel discussion on the Employment Rights Bill. Again all motions were passed.
Sunday’s first session covered motions on ‘Restoring public services’. Topics included Devolution, a progressive transport policy for the North, restoring winter fuel payments and the energy system, rail nationalisation, and returning water companies to public ownership. I moved the motion on public service broadcasting and the review of the BBC’s charter which was passed along with all other motions in this session.
The final panel session was s discussion about the future of the Steel industry with particular reference to the Scunthorpe works whose future was uncertain and the threat of closure was looming unless agreement could be reached. Representative of the three unions involved, Community, GMB and Unite gave strong presentation and emphasised just what closure would mean to the workforce, supply chains, the community and UK security.
The remaining motions were debated and passed including one on artificial intelligence, and an NUJ amendment moved by Julia Armstrong which highlighted the attacks on copyright and that rights holders should never be required to compromise their current rights.
An emergency motion from Unite expressing concern (and anger) about cuts to benefits announced by Liz Kendal earlier in the week was passed with no opposition.
Dave Pike the new regional secretary from Sheffield, who took up his job the following day, addressed the conference outlining his trade union background and his hopes for the new region. “I’m honoured to join the TUC at this crucial time” he said.
Delegates left York feeling proud of their past work in the former regions and confident for the future of the new region.
Regional NUJ delegates were Julia Armstrong, Andy Walker and Barry White,
Pic shows delegates at the conclusion of the founding conference