The Equality Trust’s executive director, Dr Wanda Wyporska, is one of 12 Commissioners overseeing a new project exploring what happens when workers and employers come together to build better businesses and improve workplace wellbeing. Dr Wyporska joins senior trade unionists, academics, politicians and think tank chiefs on the “Works For Us Commission for Collective Voice”, which launched a call for evidence in September.
The Commission particularly wants to hear success stories about how workers and employers have together improved ways of working to increase productivity and workplace satisfaction.
Chaired by Labour Peer, Baroness Margaret Prosser, and organised by Unions 21, the Commission is looking across the UK and beyond to find examples and ideas from academics, unions and employers themselves on how collective voice has overcome workplace challenges.
Dr Wyporska said: “I’m supporting the Commission because more collective bargaining means less income inequality, which contributes to a fairer society for us all.”
Becky Wright, Unions 21 executive director said: “The world of work is changing. Younger people are more likely and more willing to switch jobs frequently, to experience short contracts and to work in non-unionised industries, often where automation and new tech bring rapid change. Young professionals tell us unions need to evolve to meet these challenges. The Commission wants strong examples of where working people have been involved in discussions and decisions which have led to better business. Then we plan to share good practice and ideas with unions, employers and politicians.”
The Commission was launched in June this year in the House of Commons. Other Commissioners include: leader of the Lib Dems, Vince Cable; Labour MP, Angela Eagle; and SNP MP Neil Gray.
The call for evidence closes in January next year. The Commission aims to launch an interim report in April. For more information and to submit evidence and ideas, visit unions21.org.uk/worksforus and follow @Works_For_Us on Twitter.
Contacts:
Becky Wright, Unions 21 executive director: 07727 263371 becky@unions21.org.uk
Victoria Barlow, Unions 21 comms director: 07841 430115 victoriab@unions21.org.uk
Twitter: @works_for_us Website: unions21.org.uk/worksforus
About the Commission:
WorksForUs is the name for the Unions 21 Commission on Collective Voice in the 21st Century, an 18-month project exploring how voice at work can play a positive role in the UK economy. During the project we will gather evidence, encourage research and create a series of recommendations and examples for how collective voice can be re-imagined in an ever-changing economy. Alongside the Commission, Unions 21 will be working on more union-focused activities, in conjunction with our existing steering group of unions. The main outcomes for the project are:
- To identify the current understanding of employees, employers and public policy makers on the role and scope of collective voice and bargaining.
- To develop and promote workable mechanisms for collective voice for the 21st century
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Notes to editors
For interviews or further comment email jo.wittams@equalitytrust.org.uk
The Equality Trust is the national charity that campaigns to improve quality of life in the UK by reducing economic and social inequality. The UK is one of the most unequal countries in the developed world and evidence shows that this results in poorer mental and physical health, higher violent crime, poorer educational outcomes and lower levels of trust. Inequality affects us all, not just the poorest.