In this episode we chat with Dave Pike, the TUC’s RegionalSecretary for the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside. Dave walks us through an ambitious plan to boost the profile and effectiveness of union engagement in a politically diverse landscape, and how his own experiences organising workers in hospitality, catering and education make him “aggressively hopeful” for the future. We wish all our listeners a peaceful festive season and a healthy, happy new year.

Our special guest for this episode is No Sweat convenor JayKerr. He reminds us that when NS set upshop nearly 30 years ago, “sweatshop” was a term little understood. Changing perceptions and understanding is just one of the many achievements of Jay and his colleagues. Our discussion dives deep into the politics and practicalities fo consumer boycotts, how to give meaning and life to international trade union solidarity, and what this can contribute to union building at home. The key takeaway - we can all make a difference as individualsand as part of the union movement. Visit nosweat.org.uk for more on the campaign. For signposting and background see Simon’s post on the Loudshirts blog.

Run time 30m24s. First published 28 November 2025.

Welcome to the fourth series of O4AC. We start with the most pressing of issues: How to counter the type of divisive, destructive narratives in the workplace, promoted by Reform amongst others. We discuss the practical steps that can and must be taken with Hope Not Hate Trade Union Liaison Officer Matt Collins, and get to grips with the invaluable “Five Tribes” analysis of Reform supporters. Unmissable.

Runtime 34m46s