Congress Report 2026  

Under the banner of 'Unity Works' TSSA had a successful and busy TUC Congress in Brighton over recent days (13-16 September) with a strong presence standing up for members and workers more widely across many areas. 

Importantly we were able to win Congress round to backing our position of a fully just transition to Great British Railways (GBR) - that means protecting jobs, pay, pensions, travel facilities, terms and conditions in the move to public ownership. 

We helped pass TUC policy on making our railways safer, calling for the reversal of cuts to Network Rail and safeguarding our railways from the escalating climate crisis.  

TSSA delegates made clear our position that we must see public ownership of rolling stock and that DB Cargo cannot be allowed to be broken down and pulled apart over the planned sale of the UK arm of the rail freight giant by its parent company. 

The union also spoke up on the cost of living and contributed to setting the TUC’s approach to economic strategy, as well as on the rights of migrants and asylum seekers. 

At fringe events we were represented on discussions about how workers must resist the far right as well as on boycott, divestment and sanctions in solidarity with Palestine, and for wages not weapons.  

Commenting on Congress TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: "TSSA had a very successful Congress overall with many people working hard to make sure our voice was heard time and again on behalf of our members. 

"I am proud that TSSA was again seen clearly as a strong progressive voice in the TUC fighting for our members' rights, an economy that works in their interest, and a more peaceful, antiracist world for them to live in."