Trades union councils

TSSA Branches are asked to recognise the importance of Trades Councils and the part they play in promoting the interests of trade unionism in our communities and are encouraged to affiliate to their local Trades Council.

Trades union councils bring together unions to campaign around issues affecting working people in their workplaces and local communities. Trades councils aim to:

• Rights – to raise public awareness of rights at work and the union role in enforcing those rights.
• Organisation – to promote organising and recruitment drives to build union membership.
• Respect – to support union and community campaigns for dignity and respect in the workplace and beyond.

With threats of racism and fascism, changes in the labour market and debates over the future of public services, the trade union voice in the community is as important as ever. 

The capacity of trades union councils to provide a local response and to organise trade unionists into coalitions with other progressive forces is crucial. They do this by providing services which keep local trade unionists up-to-date with developments within the wider trade union movement, and by taking up relevant local industrial and community issues.

Affiliation details can be obtained from the Trades Council Secretary in your area and payment made through the TSSA Branch 4-weekly financial return under “Any Other Expenditure”.