'Mon The Workers

by Scottish Trades Union Congress

Welcome to ‘Mon the Workers, a brand new podcast brought to you by the Scottish Trades Union Congress. On this podcast we’ll be bringing you into conversations with workers, activists and leading experts to talk about workers struggles in Scotland and how workers are coming together to fight back. So whether you’re a seasoned trade unionist, or someone who’s newly interested in workers struggles in Scotland, this is the podcast ...   ...  Read more
Politics
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Podcast episodes

  • Season 3

  • The future of Grangemouth Oil Refinery and how it plays into Scotland's Just Transition

    The future of Grangemouth Oil Refinery and how it plays into Scotland's Just Transition

    S03 E05
    29:36

    In this episode of 'Mon the Workers, we delve into the proposed closure of Scotland's iconic Grangemouth Oil Refinery. As the refinery faces the possibility of ceasing operations as soon as 2025, we explore the profound impact this decision will have on the local community and beyond. With the refinery being a cornerstone of Scotland's industrial landscape for a century, its closure represents more than just the end of an era—it's a seismic shift with far-reaching consequences. From the loss of hundreds of jobs to the potential transformation of the site into a fuel import and export terminal, we dissect the complex web of factors contributing to this pivotal moment. In this episode we are joined by Unite convener Chris Hamilton, Historian Ewan Gibbs and Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland Miriam Brett. To sign up to the STUC Just Transition newsletter follow the link below: http://eepurl.com/ive7yw Hosted by Rachel Thomson and Karina Liptrot, and edited by Karina Liptrot. Follow us on social media by searching for @ScottishTUC

  • The fight for free school meals in Scotland with STUC Women's Committee

    The fight for free school meals in Scotland with STUC Women's Committee

    S03 E04
    19:05

    In this episode of Mon the Workers, we delve into the critical issue of child poverty and universal free school meals in Scotland. Joined by Andrea Bradley, Chair of the STUC Women's Committee, and STUC Policy Officer Eireann McCauley, the discussion revolves around the impact of free school meals on pupils, the challenges faced by families in poverty, and the progress and frustrations of the ongoing campaign for universal provision. Andrea shares personal experiences as a former teacher, emphasising the need for a stigma-free approach. The episode explores the campaign's wins, challenges, and how listeners can support the cause. Tune in for an insightful conversation on addressing child poverty and ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals. For more about the campaign visit https://food4thought.uk/ Hosted by Karina Liptrot and Rachel Thomson

  • What are the pressures facing care workers? Why was the National Care Service bill postponed? With GMB and STUC

    What are the pressures facing care workers? Why was the National Care Service bill postponed? With GMB and STUC

    S03 E03
    17:09

    Welcome to another episode of 'Mon the Workers! In this episode, host Karina Liptrot chats with Cathy Russell, a dedicated GMB member and nurse working in a care home. Cathy sheds light on the pressing challenges facing care workers today, emphasising how persistent low wages are driving passionate and hardworking individuals to seek better pay elsewhere. Later in the episode, we're joined by Denise Christie from the STUC, who provides insight into the delayed National Care Service bill. She also discusses the collaborative efforts of the three major adult social care unions in the "Fair Care for Scotland." campaign, a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the issues faced by care workers.For further information about the campaign, please visit www.fair-care-scotland.com. Additionally, you can delve deeper into the topic by reading the eye-opening "Profiteering from Care" report, available at https://stuc.org.uk/files/Reports/Profiting-from-Care-Report.pdf. Stay engaged with us by subscribing to our podcast, and be sure to follow us on social media @ScottishTUC to stay updated on the latest developments.

  • Why Workers Deserve to get Home Safely with the Musicians Union and Unite the Union

    Why Workers Deserve to get Home Safely with the Musicians Union and Unite the Union

    S03 E02
    20:44

    Hello and welcome back to another episode of 'Mon the Workers. In this episode we’re going to be speaking with trade unionists about getting home safely from work - public transport and why this is a feminist trade union issue. Getting home safely is a major issue, affecting a wide range of workers, particularly in the entertainment industry where shifts often run late into the night. This issue is particularly of concern to women, with a recent Government study showing that nearly 60% of women say they do not feel safe when using public transport and a staggering 8 out of 10 of women reported that they felt unsafe waiting for a bus after dark. With Dr Diljeet Bhachu from the Musicians Union, and Caitlin Lee from Unite the Union. To find out more about the Get Me Home Safely Campaign visit https://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/get-me-home-safely-campaign/ Hosted by by Karina Liptrot and Rachel Thomson, and edited by Karina Liptrot. To find out more about the STUC, visit our social media channels where our username is @ScottishTUC

  • How the Public Rallied Together to Support Striking Workers with Southside Strike Solidarity and the CWU

    Explicit

    How the Public Rallied Together to Support Striking Workers with Southside Strike Solidarity and the CWU

    S03 E01
    23:34
    Explicit

    Welcome to season 3 of 'Mon the Workers. In this episode we sat down with CWU posties to discuss Southside Strike Solidarity, picket lines and THAT calendar 🔥 Our guests are Layla-Roxanne Hill from Southside Strike Solidarity, and Tony Gallagher and Ralph Drayton-Harold who are both postal workers and CWU members. To find out more about Southside Strike Solidarity you can visit https://linktr.ee/glasgowsouthsidesolidarity and here is a list of organisations mentioned in the podcast if you'd like to support them: https://www.milkcafeglasgow.co.uk/ https://www.livingrent.org/ https://www.rcn.org.uk/scotland/ Hosted by Karina Liptrot and Rachel Thomson and edited by Karina Liptrot. If you'd like a transcript of the podcast please email info@stuc.org.uk