..Congress backed a Young Members' call for a programme of political education for young workers that explicitly addresses how trade union activity has delivered essential workers rights and has benefited society and demonstrates the positive and practical workplace benefits of union membership for young people. It also called for a positive media campaign about the value of trade union membership and participation.
"Our movement’s history is one of struggle, but not one of unwinnable struggle - we have won major victories for working people. We’ve fundamentally changed the lives of millions. That’s a hell of a legacy to fight for", said Graham.
"We haven’t always got all our demands, but that is the very nature of trade unionism, negotiating, dealing, and bargaining until we reach an agreement that delivers for our members.
"But now this vile Tory-run government - driven by a twisted ideology, are attempting, with their sledgehammers and steamrollers, to reduce to rubble what our parents and the generations before them fought for so long and so hard for.
"Congress, it’s our experience through talking to young people that those struggles, our struggles are even forgotten or simply never taught, whether through formal education, or by their families or the media. The consequence is that too many people do not understand the role the labour movement played in gaining and building up what is now being torn down.
"Without an appreciation of what trade unions have delivered, it is difficult to get across the great potential of collective endeavour. Our achievements are practical examples of what we can do together and, as such, both realistic and inspiring.
"That’s why we believe that it is our task as a movement, to ensure that young people hear about the heritage of what organised labour has delivered, and why it’s so important to defend it."