About

Trades union councils are local groups of trade unionists. They are elected from trade union branches whose members live and/or work in the area. Trades councils show solidarity in action by advertising, engaging and attending union disputes, joint campaigns on issues such as health, education, welfare and transport, and provide the vital link between the workplace and the wider working-class community.

 

The Bristol Trades Union Council brings together trade unions in the Bristol area. With 13 national Trade Unions affiliated through their local branches, we represent 30,000 working people from all walks of life, we campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad. The trades council believes in full employment and work for all those who want it, but those who cannot work should get decent benefits that lift them out of poverty.

 

Bristol Trades Union Council believes that strong unions matter, which is why we support TUC campaigns to build trade union membership, improve workplaces and speak on behalf of working people and their families. Bristol Trades Union Council, which is recognised as a County Trades Union Council, is represented along with 16 other South West Trades Union Councils at the South West TUC Regional Council. We are also entitled to sends delegates and Resolutions to the National Annual Conference of Trades Union Councils.

The national Annual Conference is organised by the Trades Union Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee (TUCJCC). The TUCJCC meets five times a year and consists of one elected trades union council delegate from each of the regions and members of the General Council of the TUC. The TUCJCC was established in 1925 and acts as an advisory and consultative committee on all matters concerning trades union councils. This enables the General Council on issues affecting trades union councils to consider their perspective before taking a final decision.

 

A more detailed explanation on the role that trades union councils play within the TUC can be found here Unions in the Community

 

With the threats of racism, sexism, homophobia and ageism, changes in the labour market and debates over the future of public services, the trade union voice in Bristol is as important as ever. Bristol Trades Union Council in providing a local response organises trade unionists into coalitions with other progressive forces to campaign on all the issues raised above.

 

If you want to become involved in the work of Bristol Trades Union Council contact your local trade union branch and ask them to elect you as a delegate. If your trade union branch isn’t affiliated to Bristol Trades Union Council, information on how to affiliate can be found at get involved

 

If you want to read about our history, it can be found here Bristol Trades Union Council (1873-1973)