Received from: ASLEF, CWU, UCU
Motion 58 and amendments
Congress notes that the 21st century curriculum for schools in the UK now includes a range of topics which have been added over recent years, including social care, computer programming and politics. Congress also welcomes the proposed introduction of inclusive sex and relationship education in the curriculum.
Despite this modernisation, the curriculum is still lacking any formal education
about the trade union movement.
Lessons on the history of trade unionism, including how to become a trade union member and how unions operate in the twenty first century workplace, along with an understanding of workers’ rights, would give young people an understanding of the reasons for collectivism and the kind of successes that can be achieved when they are fought for collectively. Young people should also have the opportunity to learn about specific events in trade union history and why they still matter today.
Congress acknowledges the importance of including an understanding of trade unionism and workers’ rights in initial training and CPD for schoolteachers, and in the importance of supporting and utilising the existing professional expertise of trade union tutors, lecturers and researchers in taking this work forward.
Congress recognises that some unions are currently providing speakers on trade unionism to schools and colleges and calls on the TUC to support this by coordinating activity at a regional level, producing a briefing for speakers and helping secure speaking slots.
Congress calls on the General Council to lobby the UK parliament and devolved legislatures to include in the secondary curriculum specific education on the history of trade unionism and collectivism, workplace rights and the current role and operations of trade unions today.
Mover: ASLEF
Seconder: Communication Workers Union
Supporter: University and College Union