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The Solidarity Annual Meeting for the year 2024 convened on April 13, embracing a hybrid format that allowed for both online participation and in-person engagement in London.
Members from various regions across the UK, including London, Northern Ireland, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, came together to discuss critical issues facing workers and the union’s role in addressing them.
Motions and Decisions
The meeting saw the discussion and passage of several motions, each addressing pressing concerns and advocating for real change.
One motion focused on reconfiguring how the numbers of economically inactive adults are measured in the UK economy. It proposed lobbying the government to change the way unemployment rates are calculated to acknowledge the true extent of economic inactivity, which currently affects 21.8% of the workforce.
Another motion condemned the government’s proposal to reintroduce fees for claimants at the Employment Tribunal. It highlighted the threat such fees pose to workers’ access to justice and called for solidarity in opposing any barriers hindering this fundamental right.
A motion warmly welcomed the introduction of five days of unpaid leave for carers, recognizing their invaluable contributions and advocating for the effective implementation of this right.
A motion condemned government efforts to impose minimum service levels, interfering with the right to strike. It reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and called for united opposition to such legislation.
Another motion focused on addressing work-related suicides through reforming the RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) guidance. The motion aimed to lobby the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for reforms that explicitly address work-related suicides. It called for prompt reporting of incidents, thorough and sensitive investigations, recommendations for good practice, and comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Address by President Glen Nicklasson
Union President Glen Nicklasson delivered a poignant address during the meeting, highlighting the current wave of strikes and industrial unrest. He emphasized the legitimate concerns behind these actions and condemned government attempts to undermine future strikes by imposing minimum service levels.
Report by the General Secretary
The General Secretary, Pat Harrington, provided a detailed report, reflecting on the various cases the union had been involved in throughout the year. These cases illustrated how Solidarity’s work gave life to the theme of the meeting, ‘Strong Enough To Care.’ The report underscored the union’s dedication to supporting workers in diverse situations and its unwavering commitment to their well-being.
The Solidarity Annual Meeting for 2024 was a testament to the union’s strength, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to its members. Through robust discussions, the passage of motions, and insightful addresses by key leaders, the meeting underscored Solidarity’s role as a champion for workers’ rights and social justice. As the union continues its vital work, it remains steadfast in its mission to create a safer, fairer, and more compassionate work environment for all.
