Scottish Union Learning Conference 2025

Building Union Learning: Developing Fair Work in the workplace

Union Learning Reps and Project Workers/Union Learning Organisers from across Scotland gathered at City of Glasgow College in November to join Scottish Union Learning’s annual Conference, developed in partnership with TUC Education. The theme of the event was ‘Building Union Learning: Developing Fair Work in the workplace’.

The Conference was developed in direct response to the demands and requests from Project Workers/Union Learning Organisers and ULRs attending the Autumn iteration of the newly formed Union Learning Development Days.

Throughout the day attendees discussed how Fair Work can be built in the workplace through developing, organising, and delivering effective and impactful union-led learning programmes. Participants explored how union learning is vital in ensuring workers have an effective voice, and are able to access opportunities which would otherwise be denied.

The Conference was addressed by Dave Moxham, STUC Deputy General Secretary. During workshops facilitated by STUC colleagues, reps discussed the growing tide of discrimination, how it can be tackled, and how we can work to ensure that union-led learning is open and inclusive to all workers.

Guest speakers and exhibitors reflected our diverse communities, demonstrating the cultural, community, and workplace reach of Scotland’s trade union movement. With exhibitions from Scottish Hazards, Show Racism the Red Card, and Glasgow-focused band, ‘The Tenementals’; all developing networks with attendees and promoting their resources of hope and action.

The Conference took place during the tenth anniversary of the Havana Glasgow Film Festival and delegates heard from Cuban Filmmakers and Screenwriters, Dani Acosta and Hugo Rivalta. ‘It is an honour to be here at this Conference, learning from Scotland’s trade union movement. The challenges ahead will require more conferences like this, and a higher level of learning and organising. International solidarity has always been a defining part of Scotland’s trade union movement, and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity with Cuba throughout difficult times, when we needed it most. We will also be there for you.’

Following the conference, Keynote Speaker, Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education said, ‘Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs.’

Speaking after the event, Wendy Burton, Director of Scottish Union Learning added, ‘Scottish Union Learning expresses thanks to the Scottish Government for the funding which enables us to offer work-based learning and skills opportunities to workers across Scotland. Our Conference has highlighted some of the incredible work being undertaken by unions to improve skills, while providing a space to explore how Fair Work practices can be implemented in our workplaces.’