TUC2024 - CSP members champion staff and patients at policy conference

The TUC is a federation of 48 trade unions - and more than 5.5 million trade unionists - in England and Wales.  Its annual congress determines its policies for the following year.  

Through our members’ contributions, the CSP has helped shape the TUC’s workplace support, and its political programme with the new UK government.

Fighting for women at work

Gender justice was a key theme for the members representing the CSP this year.  

Mariam Akande pushed for a cross-union campaign to establish a statutory right to miscarriage leave.  If successful, this would expand on new NHS contractual provisions we helped develop.

Earlier, Julia Prince led congress to call for a redoubling of efforts to close the gender pay gap, which stubbornly persists in the healthcare sector.  Considering wider public sector pay, Jill Taylor argued for a cross-union pursuit of pay restoration – to make up for the sub-inflation pay awards seen in healthcare over the past decade.

Julia and Mariam are both CSP stewards, organising with members in their workplaces year-round. 

Public health in all policies

A second theme saw Lucy Sutton and Maria Cass – CSP steward – demand better public health policies to protect workers and patients.  

Maria spoke in support of a national food strategy.  Lucy – CSP health and safety representative – called for access to affordable housing, and protection for tenants.

I can give you many typical experiences of what it's like to be part of generation rent. I have moved 15 times in 16 years

A global perspective

At extended session demonstrated how the organised racist violence seen across the UK this summer weighed heavy on the movement.  Lucy used the session to relay a message from the CSP's BAME network, first made to members following July and August's attacks.

Outside its main hall, congress hosts a packed fringe programme, exhibition zone – all providing opportunities for networking with trade unionists and activists from around the world.

Among many highlights, Ishmael Beckford and Alexandra Spearritt – CSP chair and vice chair of council, visiting congress as guests this year – were among those that met with educator Andy Ruiz Puche, of Colombia’s CUT trade union federation.   The CUT has strongly supported the nation’s peace process, and is confronting widespread stigmatisation and violence against trade unionists in the country.

The CSP has an organisation affiliation with the union-led Justice for Colombia campaign. 

Get involved

Every year dozens of CSP stewards, safety reps, and lay members raise and debate at a national congress or conference – both at the TUC, and at national equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• Express an interest in representing the CSP and the profession at a future TUC congress or equality conference