Received from: BFAWU
Congress notes that the abolition of the Union Learning Fund was a politically motivated attack on working people, depriving thousands of workers of opportunities to gain skills, confidence and qualifications through their trade unions.
Congress recognises that the election of a Labour government provides an opportunity to restore investment in trade union education and workplace learning, but that simply recreating the previous model would fail to meet the challenges facing workers and workplaces in 2026 and beyond.
Congress believes a renewed Union Learning Fund must be designed to deliver high-quality education and skills that support productivity, lifelong learning and economic growth, while also developing confident workplace representatives, organisers and activists capable of strengthening collective bargaining, promoting equality, improving health and safety, and building stronger trade unions.
Congress further believes that trade union education within the adult education system has been allowed to decline and requires a fundamental overhaul, with dedicated, long-term funding to ensure unions can continue to educate, organise and empower working-class people.
Congress, therefore, calls on the TUC to campaign for:
i. a fully funded, modern Union Learning Fund fit for 2026 and beyond
ii. a comprehensive review and renewal of the trade union studies element of adult education
iii. sustainable public investment in trade union education as an essential part of developing skills, strengthening democracy at work and building a fairer economy.
Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union