Red Friday – why workplace organising outdoes left union officials
The build-up to the 1926 General Strike highlights the dangers of a strategy based on left-wing union leaders.
Reflections on organising in the retail sector
A look back at a 2022 dispute involving USDAW staff who were members of the GMB union
Fighting for trans people at work and in unions – and winning
How Unite and trans union members fought back against transphobia in a Scottish aerospace factory.
Trans liberation is worker liberation – resource bank
Trade unions are getting involved in the fight against transphobia. We’ve put together resources to help activists organise.
PCS conference gutted by risk management
An rs21 member in PCS reflects on this year’s conference, where a key motion on trans rights was struck off the agenda.
Educators’ pay 2025: painting over the rot
The case for a ballot, a strike and a different vision of education.
Interview | On strike with Birmingham bin workers
A striking bin worker speaks about their fight to protect their pay.
May Day private hire drivers strike
Private hire drivers around Britain and internationally took strike action on 1 May
Interview with Scottish Water strikers
Some of the women on the Glasgow picket line spoke to rs21 about their strike
It’s Time for Real Change in UNISON
Elections for UNISON’s leading body are under way – vote for Time for Real Change
Huge protests condemn Supreme Court attack on trans people
Protests have shown huge support for trans people this weekend – we can fight and we can win!
Fighting for union recognition in Sheffield
Unite members at the Veolia waste plant in Sheffield have been on strike for eight months for union recognition
University crisis – Dundee UCU fights back
How the UCU strike in the face of the threat of massive job losses at Dundee University has shifted the agenda
Labour – war hawks
Trumpeting the military is a distraction from Labour’s policies to deepen oppression and exploitation.
How do we democratise and invigorate our unions?
“Every worker should feel empowered with the tools and confidence to organise.”
Migrant farm workers fight for justice in Britain
A report on a migrant farm worker’s protest and the campaign for rights for workers on seasonal visas
What trade unionism? A transport strike case study
A case study of a dispute which illustrates the impact of different models of trade unionism and some of the challenges facing workplace activists.
Greater Manchester mental health early intervention service strike
Video report from the Greater Manchester mental health early intervention service strike picket line
GKN Florence: this is what worker led just transition looks like
After more than 3 years in occupation, the Florence GKN workers’ fight to save jobs and develop alternative production continues
Teacher and support staff pay deals: the questions we need to ask
The questions we need to ask about the teacher and support staff pay deals in England
Grangemouth – the fight for jobs and climate justice
INEOS’s plans to close Scotland’s only petrol refinery at Grangemouth represent a critical test for both unions and climate campaigners.
Imperialism and British workers: moving past the labour aristocracy debates
Our history is shaped by the legacy of empire. Alfie Hancox takes a critical look at debates on Labour and Imperialism
Jane McAlevey 1964-2024
Ian Allinson pays tribute to and assesses the work of Jane McAlevey, the US-based organiser and author who popularised many organising concepts and techniques, and who inspired and trained thousands of activists
UNISON conference backs Palestine, organising, strikes and trans rights
rs21 members in UNISON report that the recent National Delegate Conference saw continued progress and highlighted areas for campaigning and reform.
1974 – an end and a beginning
Willie Black looks back at 1974. A pivotal year both in Britain and across the world – high points of workers’ struggles, but also the beginning of five decades of neo-liberalism
Teachers’ union conference battles over pay strikes
Palestine, pay cuts and protest: NEU activists challenge the union’s bureaucracy in the face of another expected real terms pay cut.
The Post Office scandal is typical of today’s Britain
“The light in this darkness is that people are standing up and demanding justice.”
Who should be UCU’s next general secretary?
rs21 members in UCU discuss the candidates and offer their voting recommendations.
Resisting the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act
Ian Allinson discusses the ways workers can resist the government’s latest repressive anti-union legislation.
Latest Department of Education advice is a transphobic attack
“Educators must register their disgust at the guidance while it is in the consultation phase.”