The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Solidarity Union brought members together in-person in Belfast. Others joined via online platforms. This reflects the union’s continued commitment to accessibility and democratic participation. The meeting covered the year’s activities, reviewed finances, and most importantly, debated and passed several motions addressing pressing issues facing workers across the UK.
Unanimous Support for All Motions
All motions presented during the meeting were passed unanimously, showcasing strong unity among members. Key motions included:
- Support for Workers in Industrial Disputes: The union pledged moral, logistical, and financial support to various groups of striking workers. This assistance is provided on an individual basis. These groups include cleaners at the Old Bailey and Birmingham bin workers. Also included are NHS staff in Gloucestershire and London, and Merseyrail cleaners. These actions highlight deep-rooted issues of outsourcing, poor working conditions, and unfair pay.
- Reform of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Solidarity called for an overhaul of the UK’s meagre SSP system. They advocated for higher rates and better eligibility to match European standards. This ensures no worker is forced to choose between health and income.
- Employment Rights Bill: While welcoming new protections—like day-one rights and zero-hour contract reforms—the union criticized loopholes and omissions. It committed to campaigning for clearer employment status definitions and the immediate implementation of electronic balloting.
- Raising the Tax Threshold for Pensioners: The union voiced concern about pensioners facing creeping tax liabilities. This is happening due to a frozen personal allowance. Solidarity resolved to campaign for increased thresholds to protect low-income retirees.
- Neurodiversity and Acas Activity: This motion received particularly passionate support. Members shared powerful personal stories about systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals. Examples included highly capable people being kept in unpaid volunteer roles for years. Others are endlessly cycled through repetitive “employability” courses. These experiences underscored a widespread view that such courses may be more about reducing unemployment statistics than enabling real employment.
A Lively and Emotional Debate
What truly stood out was the depth and energy of the debate surrounding these motions, especially the one on neurodiversity. Several members described how they or family members had been excluded from employment, despite having valuable skills. One recurring theme was the exploitation of neurodivergent people. They were placed in endless unpaid placements or training cycles. These rarely led to paid jobs. There was strong criticism of benefit cuts under the current Labour government. There was no corresponding effort to remove genuine workplace barriers for disabled people.
Even after the formal AGM ended, the discussion on neurodiversity continued informally. Non-union members joined the conversation. This dynamic is a testament to how immediate and real this issue feels to many in the wider community.
Leadership Messages: Strength in Unity and Personal Support
The General Secretary and the President addressed the reality of worker isolation. They emphasized the need for proactive, personal support to tackle workplace bullying or unexpected challenges. A key theme was that you cannot rely on so-called “neutral” institutions or ombudsmen. You need a union to fight for your interests.
The President’s rousing speech highlighted the importance of unity and personal connection. He asserted that what sets Solidarity apart is its commitment to providing a personal service. This service is grounded in real communication—not just distant voices or generic advice.
Conclusion
Solidarity Union may be small in size. The AGM reflected a passionate, informed, and united membership. They are committed to fighting for justice, inclusion, and fair treatment in the workplace. The motions passed. The debates held confirm that the union continues to be a voice for those often left unheard. Solidarity’s message is clear: when we stand together, we are never alone.
Solidarity forever!
By Maria Camara