TUC CONGRESS 2025

A report from Abs J Choudhury, Branch Secretary, Branch 105 – Warburtons Enfield, Region 1, BFAWU delegate

TUC Congress 2025 – Pre-Congress Arrival in Brighton
I arrived in Brighton ahead of this year’s TUC Congress and checked into the hotel. First impressions were good: it was clean, spacious, and comfortable, which was needed for the busy days ahead.
The place was a lot busier than I expected, mainly because of the England vs Australia women’s rugby match, (even though the game wasn’t being played here in Brighton). I guess it’s because it was the first weekend after school had started and families were holding on to the summer mood, which meant
plenty of fans chose to travel and stay in Brighton, which made the hotel feel lively and a bit crowded.
Still, it was easy enough to settle in, and the atmosphere was upbeat. It felt like a solid base for the days of Congress to come.

TUC Congress 2025 – Day 1 (7th September)
Fringe Events
The day began with the Workers Planet fringe. Speakers stressed how climate change is a working-class issue, hitting us hardest and first. There was a clear link made between fair pay, community solidarity, and tackling the far right’s narratives. Later, the Latin America fringe highlighted international solidarity, from the fight against sanctions in Venezuela and Cuba, to lessons from Nicaragua and Colombia. The message was clear: unity across borders is vital.
Congress Floor Highlights
Outside the venue, activists made their voices heard, standing against the far right and voicing frustrations with Labour’s current leadership. It was noisy, passionate, but united. Inside, the Congress hall was grand, with stalls from across the movement. I spoke with representatives from the GMB, Unite, Morrish Solicitors and others.
The cultural touch came with Sai Ma performing Indian music as delegates took their seats, a calm moment before debate began. International delegates were also present, adding to the sense of solidarity.

Standout motions included:

• Motion 51 (National Renewal & Education) : opened with solidarity for Palestine, an emotional moment linking struggles together.
• Motion 33 (Standards in Government) : strong calls for law, not just guidelines, to tackle corruption.
• Motion 45 (Health Inequalities) : Sarah Woolley (BFAWU) spoke powerfully on nutrition and prevention as key to reducing health gaps.
  

Post-Congress Fringe
The evening ended with the Institute of Employment Rights. Speakers challenged the gaps in the proposed Employment Rights Bill especially around enforcement and zero-hour contracts. The discussion cut through far right scapegoating, making clear that exploitation comes from bosses and corporate lobbyists, not migrants. Later in the evening I joined the GFTU social, where fish and chips were served overlooking the pier, courtesy of the GFTU, a warm and welcome way to round off the first day.

Closing Reflection
Today showed me just how connected our struggles are, from climate justice to workers’ rights at home and solidarity abroad. The energy inside and outside Congress reminded me that our movement is strongest when united, and when we keep the focus on the real causes of inequality

TUC Congress 2025 – Day 2 (8th September)
Fringe Events
The morning started with the International Breakfast, overlooking the sea. We were welcomed by the TUC’s assistant director, with pastries, tea, coffee, and juice on offer. Delegates from Spain, Italy, Bangladesh, and Germany each shared how their unions were confronting the far right at home.
Later, at the Trade Union Coordinating Group fringe, Sarah Woolley (BFAWU) raised the growing issue of AI in the workplace. She made it clear that technology should be used with workers, not against them, a message that resonated strongly.

Congress Floor Highlights
Congress resumed with a series of motions, many centred around railway workers and freight trains. The atmosphere was calmer compared to the first day, with debate steady but determined. After a short lunch break, proceedings continued at 14:15. All the afternoon motions were carried unanimously, underscoring a strong sense of unity. The message repeated from the floor was that there is more in common than divides us.

Closing Reflection
Today felt less heated than yesterday but no less important. From the international voices at breakfast to the unanimous votes in the hall, the theme running through the day was unity across borders, sectors, and struggles.

TUC Congress 2025 – Day 3 (9th September)
Congress Floor Highlights
The day began with a Standing Up To Racism photoshoot outside the venue, before we headed into Congress to the sound of live music by Lina Sounds. At 10:30, I had the privilege of going on stage to speak on Motion 5 – Recruitment and Retention of Young Members. As a first-time delegate and
first-time speaker, it was a big moment for me. This was followed by an awards ceremony, recognising individuals for their achievements within the trade union movement.

Fringe Events
13:00 – Arise fringe, chaired by Sarah Woolley (BFAWU). Speakers such as Gawain Little and Rebecca Long-Bailey spoke with energy about building a stronger left and resisting the far right. It was a lively, well-attended session that set a hopeful tone for the battles ahead.
After lunch, Congress resumed at 14:30, running through the afternoon before closing at 17:00.

Closing Reflection
Today was a milestone for me, standing at the podium for the first time and speaking in front of Congress. Alongside the solidarity of SUTR, it felt like a day of both personal and collective strength.

TUC Congress 2025 – Day 4 (10th September)
Congress Floor Highlights
The final day of Congress began with Motion 71 – The Crisis in Palestine. Trade unions spoke powerfully about the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people and Britain’s complicity through government and parliament.
At 10:00, Congress heard from guest speaker Shaheer Saed of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions. In a moving moment, the entire hall held up posters reading “FREE PALESTINE” in a united show of solidarity.
Later, Motion 76 – Reform of the TUC brought a strong debate on the reelection of the TUC General Secretary. Arguments for and against were put forward, but ultimately the motion did not pass.
The Congress then drew to a close with an emotional speech from the TUC President, who announced his retirement and was honoured with a Congress Bell award.

Closing Reflection
The final day of Congress underlined the importance of solidarity both at home and internationally. From the unity shown with Palestine to the debates about our own movement’s future, it was a fitting end to a powerful few days.