We invite you to an enlightening event where we will explore the potential benefits of Universal Basic Income (UBI) for trade unions and their members. This is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about how UBI could bolster our collective bargaining power, provide financial security for our members, and contribute to a fairer society. We will continue our discussion from Basic Income North 2023 on what UBI can do for unions and how union members can support UBI.

We will explore various themes, such as the value of paid and unpaid work and the importance of solidarity.

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Panel

Chair: Maddy Radcliff- Campaigns and Social Media Manager, Musicians' Union.

John McDonnell MP - Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor.

Vicky Blake - Leeds University UCU Honorary Secretary and former UCU General Secretary contender.

Jonathan Rhys Williams - Lawyer GMB Wales and South West and Co-founder of UBI Lab Wales.

Balraj Samrai - musician, facilitator and youth worker

There is significant complexity surrounding Trade Unions and their position on a Universal Basic Income. However, UBI is fully in line with trade union principles; solidarity, workplace representation, rights, equality and democracy. A UBI can be used as a tool for Trade Unions (for members and organisations).

For example, when in dispute, a UBI provides an indefinite strike fund. As a UBI is non-withdrawable, striking members would be able to rely on this as a ‘basic income’, meaning that members could still meet their monthly outgoings, whilst being able to remain on strike – forcing the employer back to the negotiating table and strengthening the hand of the Union.

A UBI is a monthly sum paid to everyone to act as a basic income on top of work. This is so people can pursue opportunities which require financial help, do work they want to do whether that is paid or unpaid volunteering and to act as a safety net in case of unexpected situations.