What is a trades union council?

Trades union councils are local groups of trade unionists. They are elected from trade union branches whose members live and/or work in the area. Trades union councils are often referred to simply as trades councils (TCs). TCs promote effective solidarity in disputes, joint campaigns on issues such as health, education, welfare and transport, and, in general, provide the vital link between the workplace and the wider working-class community. Trade union branches affiliate to their local TC on the basis of a small annual fee per member. Trades Councils are affiliated to the STUC, send delegates to its Congress and are represented on the STUC General Council.

What do trades councils do?

TCs’ campaign locally, often organising May Day and Workers Memorial Day event.

TCs promote effective solidarity in disputes, joint campaigns on issues such as health, council budgets and cuts, education, welfare and transport, and, in general, provide the vital link between the workplace and the wider working-class community.

Trades councils and the trade union movement Trades councils are the local trade union movement! They can be called upon by any trade union branch to show strike or other dispute solidarity, which could be via a picket line, media publicity or a financial appeal. National trade unions can promote their priority issues more effectively when local trades councils assist with publicity, leaflet distribution, recruitment, and speakers at meetings.