A mass meeting of West Virginia teachers during the recent strike action| Image: AFT – West Virginia

Video: what is rank-and-file trade unionism?

Ian Allinson • March 15, 2018

Trade unions are essential to workers struggling to improve their conditions. But the leaderships of large trade unions don’t have the same interests as their workers. Too often, a reliance on union bosses leads ordinary workers to defeat, as leaders cancel or dial down militant action and preserve a state of peace with management.

In this video, rs21’s Ian Allinson looks at the alternative to the union bureaucracy – a vital, self-reliant politics of the rank-and-file membership.

rank and file strikes trade unions TUC video

A photo from a Die Linke party congress. One party member smiles and holds a sign saying "For everyone. Die Linke" in German.

The charms and pitfalls of extreme pluralism – Lessons from Die Linke

Tristan Colum • April 8, 2026

Die Linke’s party congresses pass resolutions that half the organisation simply ignores.

green pharmaceutical heroin bottle by Bayer.

Push that green: Labour’s by-election fearmongering

Thomas Necchi • March 6, 2026

Against government efforts to demonise drug users, we need an approach built around universal compassion and decriminalisation.

Not a rupture, but the next step: fascism is here

John Duncan • February 13, 2026

With the intensification of ultranationalism, racism, and authoritarian state practice, has a novel form of fascism has emerged?

Interview | Cinema workers’ strike in Glasgow

Tony Boardman • December 24, 2025

Vue cinema workers in Glasgow are on strike

ASLEF train drivers’ union picket of London Kings Cross station 30th July 2022

Money matters for strikes

Ian Allinson • October 12, 2022

Ian Allinson argues that both strikers and supporters need to get serious about fundraising, and explains how the process can help spread unionisation and resistance to more workers.