A YEAR ago, trade unionists across the region and country worked tirelessly to bring an end to 14 years of Tory rule. As trade unionists from across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber meet this weekend in York, we will be reflecting on that change and what is to come. 

The early impact of our efforts is clear. The election of a Labour government has delivered long-overdue victories for working people — the repeal of anti-strike “minimum service levels” laws and the introduction of the New Deal for Working People, the most significant expansion of employment rights in generations.

This progress didn’t come from goodwill. It has come from the determination and struggle of workers and their unions. Change has been won in workplaces and in proposed legislation from our strikes, our protests, our relentless campaigning that forced change onto the agenda. And we should be proud of what we have achieved.

But our fight is far from over. We meet at a time of enormous challenges, both at home and abroad. Last summer’s riots, fuelled by far-right thugs, were a stark reminder that the forces of division are never far away. Across Europe, the far right is gaining ground, exploiting economic hardship and insecurity to sow hate.

In the United States, Donald Trump’s return to power emboldens those who seek to roll back hard-won rights and protections.

This weekend, we hold our first-ever merged regional conference of the TUC North East, Yorkshire and the Humber. This unification strengthens our movement, allowing us to build greater solidarity across workplaces and communities. As trade unionists, we know that unity is our greatest strength — and it is that unity we will need in the months and years ahead.

Our unions know too well the need for that unity and solidarity. In recent weeks we have seen the reality of university funding, and UCU members have been taking action to protect jobs and conditions, as well as access to education opportunities for future generations. Conference will debate motions on this and more as we look to build on improvements to working life promised in legislation and continue to win change in workplaces.

In the region, our unions are working hard to protect the future of steel at Scunthorpe. We’ll be debating this with trade unionists on our panel, as well as important panel discussions on how we respond to the far right and make the most of the proposed changes to employment rights.

We’ve a range of motions to be debated and to shape priorities. Whether that is on rail, the climate, social security, free school meals, devolution or more, our unions in the new merged region will work together to make a difference for our members and our communities. 

It won’t be easy — there is much to do, quickly and all in need of attention. The economy and forthcoming Spending Review present challenges. But our unions have a clear message — we should not pay the price. 

There is no time for complacency. Trade unions have always been the backbone of the fight for social and economic justice. We must now redouble our efforts — not just to defend the victories we have won, but to push for more. We need the Employment Rights Bill delivered, in full. We must challenge any attempts to shift the burden of economic instability onto working-class communities. And we have to organise against the rise of the far right, making clear that workers’ real enemy is not each other but those seeking to divide us. And amid all this we need a growing, diverse trade union movement.

Now is the time to be bold, to organise and to demand the future we deserve. 

Jay McKenna is acting regional secretary of North East, Yorkshire and Humber TUC