In 2022 I started the process to gain a Worker's History Month. I realised that (on searches I did anyway) there is no such History Month anywhere in the world. I could only find some days dedicated to Workers. 

There is rightly so existing themed months celebrating and acknowledging our diversity, but nothing that shows that we, as workers are a diverse, intersectional group, that have experienced oppression, aggression and recession, as well as united, succeeded and defeated.

We do have a range of organisations and events that acknowledge and celebrate the Working Class, and the Trade Union Movement. A Worker's History Month would enable combining these elements focussing on the experience of Worker's.

The last few years in the UK we have seen more attacks on Trade Union Rights and people struggling under the Cost of Living rises. Numerous industries and sectors have undertaken industrial action - and had wins!

Education on unions and understanding of the movement is not included in formal education, with generations unaware of the power and achievements of unions. Workers History Month would enable an opportunity to celebrate Worker’s achievements recruit, and establish Workers Education that is ongoing as Every Day is Workers History.

It does not suit the establishment for Worker's to have more awareness of their common interests struggles - as Unity is our strength, which they do not want us to have nationally or internationally.

Initially I got a motion through PCS Left Unity in December 2022 then through PCS Union branch March 2023,  and PCS North West, which went to to TUC North West and was passed there in TUC NW Regional Conference 25/03/2023. 

It was scheduled for PCS National Conference 2023 but due to time was guillotined. It was passed as motion by my union branch again in March 2024 but was again guillotined at PCS National Conference in 2024.

I asked GFTU at a Fringe Event at TUC in Liverpool TUC 2023 if they would support a Workers History. Which they now do – great news! GFTU provide an FREE Online class on Trade Union and Working Class History.

Comrades from FBU tried to get to their National Conference this year but their adaptation made it ineligible. So will try again next year!

In the interim there is draft short motion that people can use and adapt to fit their organisation and rules on motions to show their support. 

Please put the motion forward to your union branch, trade council, professional or community association, etc and join the campaign!

We are currently in the process of building the website and social media to move forward as well as this Petition on Change.org. . Onwards!

Sample Motion for Union Branches, Societies, Organisations

A draft summary which can be amended or expanded on

This Conference/Branch/Organisation etc notes that the last few years have put Trade Unions into the spotlight as they organise and fight against anti TU Legislation, erosion of rights and derisory pay offers during a cost-of-living crisis.

Education on unions and understanding of the movement is not included in formal education, with generations unaware of the power and achievements of unions.  A Workers' History Month to be established as May when the movement also celebrates May Day would enable an opportunity to celebrate Worker’s achievements recruit, and establish Workers Education that is ongoing as Every Day is Workers History

Conference/Branch/Organisation etc believes that now is the time to acknowledge the power of workers, their diversity, and their history. 

Conference/Branch/Organisation etc calls on the Committee/Trade Council/NEC/National organisation etc  to have a Workers History Month in Branch/Union/Organisation etc and put it forward to the TUC/Region/National Union/Organisation etc to campaign for this to be adopted across the UK TU Movement and acknowledged nationally in line with other History months.

How can you support the campaign?

Propose the motion to your union branch, Society, Organisation  - including where applicable for the Motion to go to the TUC, National Union Conference, National Organisation Conference

Let us know when your branch, society, organisation has passed the Motion so we can confirm you as supporters

Watch out for the website which will launch by the end of 2024

Follow the Campaign on X/Twitter @whmcampaign

or Campaigner X/Twitter  @TraceyH4WHM

Insta:  @traceyhyltonsocialist 

TikTok: @traceyhyltonsocialist

Encourage others to support the campaign, sign the Petition, propose the WHM Motion, get active in widening awareness of the campaign 

Support the Petition on Change.org

Short Film About the Campaign You Tube