The 97th Annual STUC Women’s Conference took place in Glasgow in October. The conference was chaired by UNITE the Union’s Lorna Glen and the theme for conference this year was ‘Solidarity and Succession’.

Solidarity has been a key principle of the trade union movement since its establishment; common action, unity and strength have been witnessed across our movement and in this year particularly. Be that through our international solidarity in calling for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza, our national solidarity in winning a dispute for fair pay in FE, and standing united against job cuts in the education sector, notably in Glasgow and at Robert Gordon University.

Motions

Solidarity amongst our movement was felt across conference evidenced by the many motions passed and supported by delegates. The EIS delegation spoke to motions on succession planning, violence at work, women’s health, support for the forgotten women of Afghanistan and many more.

Alison Beattie moved motion 6 ‘Extension of School Clothing Grants’ on behalf of the EIS. The motion would alleviate poverty and ease pressure on families, allowing them to budget more appropriately throughout the year.

“This goes beyond just clothing. It’s about the future of our young people, and the values we uphold in Scottish society. Ensuring they have the necessary attire to attend school with dignity and confidence.”

Moving composite motion B for the EIS ‘Tackling Misogyny’ was General Secretary Andrea Bradley, reflecting on the increase of far right and extremist attitudes seeping into the mainstream. Andrea highlighted the risk of misogyny from casualised to life threatening, and gave context of the threat to teachers with the majority of this workforce being women. “The rising incidence of violent and aggressive behaviour in schools is discriminately affecting women, not only this but it teaches our young women and girls to accept these abusive behaviours”.

The EIS delegation then submitted an emergency motion, emergency motion 2 Solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese Women, the motion was moved by EIS delegate Selma Augestad, National Officer for Equality, and a first time speaker at the conference.

Selma called for the STUC women’s committee to raise our united voice as trade unionists, for women and girls in both Gaza and Lebanon who are facing daily struggle with their futures uncertain. Selma then reminded conference on the power of a movement united. “Trade unionism is the antidote to hopelessness, we must sustain our movement by coming together as one”.

Supporting each other

The conference theme of succession was embraced by our movement this year and within the EIS, with first time delegates and experienced trade unionists working together to form our delegation this year. The EIS delegation was represented by 20 delegates including 7 first time delegates to the STUC Women’s Conference.

First time delegates were supported in our delegation with some feeling emboldened to speak at the podium, others contributed to discussions within the delegation and helped with speeches. The actions of our first time delegates and the support they received and provided highlighted the importance of succession building in our unions.

It was clear to all involved that seeing this succession in action made this year’s theme feel that much more authentic.

Voices from conference…

With succession in mind it seemed important to reach out to some of our first time delegates while preparing this report for the SEJ, to get their thoughts following the conference in the hope they can inspire other women who have been wanting to get more involved in our movement.

Gabi Warburton, Highland LA Secretary and first time delegate said, “Attending the STUC Women’s Conference was a fantastic, supportive experience. As a first time delegate and speaker, speaking to the first motion on succession in the trade union movement, I was nervous to be first up but felt very supported by the delegates in the room.

“I felt very moved by several speakers who shared their own, personal stories and was very impressed at how well all the high school pupils spoke on their experiences of sexual harassment. It was a brilliant experience that I hope to experience again.”

Laura Murray EIS-FELA Branch Secretary at West Lothian College and first time delegate said, “This was my first conference and I was absolutely blown away by all our speakers. I don’t think I have been in a room with so many inspiring people who allowed themselves to be so vulnerable when speaking.

“The theme of succession felt very relevant as we had several young ladies from a few high schools speak and I now feel very confident that these young women will carry on the good work of my sister unionists. The conference has left me feeling recharged after EIS-FELA’s long dispute and I am ready to get back to the fight for improving workers’ rights and conditions.”

The EIS succession plan…

This conference marked the end of Andrea Bradley’s dedication as the EIS delegate to the STUC Women’s Committee. Andrea has represented the EIS at Women’s Committee as our delegate since 2015 and for even longer as equality officer before this.

She has worked tirelessly campaigning for anti-poverty objectives, most notably around the campaign for universal free school meals. She is also to be credited in the creation of the “Herstory Project”, encouraging the women of our movement to share and celebrate their activism. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her hard work and dedication.

Succession in mind, we now welcome Selma Augestad as the new EIS delegate to the committee. Selma was elected unopposed at this year’s conference and will begin her work continuing to represent EIS objectives at STUC Women’s Committee.

On her election Selma said, “I am honoured to represent the EIS on the STUC Women’s Committee for 2024-25, into the role that has been held so effectively by EIS General Secretary Andrea, for the past ten years.

“Since the establishment of the STUC Women’s Committee, their work has been essential to improving women’s working conditions – ensuring that women’s equality is core trade union business, and nurturing the next generation of women activists.

“Bringing my background in the Violence against Women and Girls sector, and an intersectional equality lens, I look forward to working with the Committee to progress our key priorities, including on tackling sexual harassment and continuing our long-standing campaign for universal free school meals.”

Eva McFarlane reports on the work of the EIS delegation at this year’s STUC Women’s Conference.