WOMEN’S TUC CONFERENCE

Amy Perks, HMP Long Lartin and Jess Baynes, HMP Erlestoke report on the 2026 Women’s TUC Conference

The 2026 TUC Women’s Conference opened with a clear commitment to Re-Sisters: Smashing the Status Quo, bringing together women trade unionists united in solidarity and determined to drive change across the trade union movement. This was a celebration of collective strength and a call to push further, faster and louder for equality and inclusion across every workplace and community.

TUC Director of Equalities, Kudsia Batool, chaired a panel on how the trade union movement would tackle the rise of misogyny, sexism and the far right. She was joined by Anki Deo, of Hope Not Hate; Dr Olivia Brown, of Bath University; and Vicky Thompson of Unite and the Scottish TUC Women’s Committee. There was open discussion regarding the links between the far right and sexism, along with concerns of misogyny within social media platforms.

TUC President and POA General Secretary, Steve Gillian, addressed the conference. Steve highlighted women’s issues and difficulties being faced by women within the prison service. Steve expressed his pride in his union’s women members who he said “sometimes pay a desperately high price” for working in prisons, and he urged trade unions to address misogyny, sexual harassment and racism in the movement. Steve added, “It’s not just for women to fight for those issues. It’s for men to also speak out and condemn it.” It was positive and inspirational to hear Steve discussing women’s issues within the prison service with many other unions and delegates present.

The conference continued with motions and composites regarding tackling the far right and the weaponisation of women and girls’ safety, and global women’s rights.

It was inspiring to see the number of first-time speakers who took the podium. They brought lived experiences of front-line workplace inequality and a fresh energy to the conference. The issues included challenges of balancing work and caring responsibilities, the fight for fair pay and secure contracts, the dangers of AI images, access to flexible working, domestic abuse and improving maternity and parental rights.

POA National Executive Representatives Jackie Marshall and Angela Montgomery introduced two motions at the conference. Jackie spoke regarding violence against women in the workplace. She called on unions and the TUC Women’s Committee to campaign for consistent prosecution and appropriate sentences for those who assault women at work, including sexual assault and stalking. Angela Montgomery moved the motion of support for victims of sexual violence. The TUC was asked to lobby the government to find an independent advocacy service for victims of sexual violence, to support women though the criminal justice process. Both movements were supported and voted for.

As the conference come to an end, delegates left more energised and determined to keep pushing and fighting for change. Women supporting women, unions standing together and voices that are too often overlooked were now being heard and valued. The message was clear: smashing the status quo isn’t a moment. It’s a commitment. Solidarity sisters!