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

Revolutionary organisation and the united front

Rob Owen • September 26, 2026

A core text from the founding of rs21

Breaking the loop: On Macklemore and Ed Sheeran

Sam O • September 21, 2026

Craft against Kraft – musicians strike a blow against the venue boss

More of the same won’t save education: why extra funding is only a partial victory

rs21 educators • September 18, 2026

The pay rise is only the first step; a plan is needed to face the crisis

east London rs21 members and bus drivers at the

The climate crisis has a picket line at London’s Arriva garages

rs21 East London • September 1, 2026

Climate change is entering the shop floor, but where is the climate movement?

The workers have the power

DK Renton • September 12, 2025

Workers have the power to bring the capitalist system down

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.