Blackpool Activist Alliance: Introduction to Trade Unions

Join Katya Lawder as we explore the history and work of trade unions.

About this event
Come along to this relaxed session, as we find out about the Trade Union movement.

We’ll take a look at how trade unions started using historical examples to examine how the trade union movement has been able to achieve progress for working people.

What have the unions done for us?
We’ll talk about how trade unions have previously transformed politics and the balance of power in society. Also, the challenges they’ve faced, especially from those who want to reverse their gains.

21st Century unions
Why do people join trade unions today?
What role do unions have to play in a world of big business and climate crisis?
What methods do unions use to organise today?

This ‘in-person’ session will be informal and will involve some group discussions and exercises. We usually have a varied group, so please be prepared to learn from each other’s lived experience.

Who’s going to be there?

💭 Katya Lawder: Katya is a trade union representative of the Fylde branch of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS). They support around 2,500 members working for the civil service across the Fylde Coast on issues such as industrial relations, health and safety, environmental concerns and welfare.

Book your tickets here

So what’s the deal?

When: 6pm – 8:30pm, Thursday 8 December 2022  .
Where: Aunty Social, 28 Topping St, Blackpool FY1 3AQ
For who: Those living, working or studying in Blackpool who want to find out more about activism and our skills and knowledge exchange workshops. You don’t need to identify as an activist or come with any specific knowledge. Everyone has expertise to share through their lived-experience and anyone can be an activist!
Age Range: Suggested age range 15-20, but if you’re older or younger and interested in social action you’re welcome. If you are under 16, your parent or carer will will need to fill in a consent form. We’ll email this to you once you sign up.
Cost: This is a free event
Refreshments: We’ll provide hot & cold drinks.
Access: We will ask you about your access needs (e.g. large print, BSL interpreter, level access) when you book your ticket.

Getting here

• Tram to North Pier
• Bus: No 3,4 or 6 bus to Topping St. No 2, 2C, 3, 7, 7, 11, 14, 17, 18 or 20 to Church St (Stanley Buildings)
• Driving: The closest pay and display car parks are on East Topping St and Talbot Road multi storey. There is also parking at the nearby Sainsbury’s supermarket, please make sure that you check the terms before you use the car park.

Places are limited, so please book a spot to avoid disappointment.

Who are the Activist Alliance?

This event and the following skills and knowledge exchange workshops are being programmed and facilitated by Activist Alliance partner Aunty Social.
The Activist Alliance is a collaboration between Boingboing CIC and community partners based on the concept of Activism for Resilience, the idea that people taking action towards social justice is beneficial to their mental health and wellbeing, both in the doing itself and in the potential outcomes. This is why the Boingboing conception of resilience is ‘beating the odds whilst also changing the odds’.

This is part of a series of workshops where we will share skills and knowledge equipping us all to take steps towards positive change on the issues that we care about. The workshops will cover things like …

• Getting started & finding your people
• Different types of community organising
• Using art and creativity to get your message across
• What’s going on locally? Blackpool-based activists sharing their work