The labour movement's fate and history is intertwined with that of trade unions, and in the 21st century levels of trade union membership and engagement are dwindling. Laws restricting their operational scope since the 1980s and onwards have decreased bargaining powers and a new, more fluid and often dispersed labour force in the "gig economy" has proved difficult to unionise. However, low rates of pay and insecure or unsafe labour conditions persist - especially among casualised workers were unionisation rates remain particularly low.

To delve further into these issues, the Young Fabians Technology Network invites to a discussion evening on July 18 in Committee Room 21 in the Houses of Parliament starting at 7pm. We will be joined there by Angela Eagle MP -- Angela Eagle has a been long advocate for Trade Unions rights, having started her political career by working in the COHSE union (now part of UNISON) and being made Shadow Business sectary in 2015. She has also written extensively on the future of work and how this will effect the trade Union movement.

More speakers will  be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Topics to be discussed include the nature of the challenge trade unions are facing, what the responses to these challenges are, and what an effective trade union for the 21st century looks like. Questions will also be invited from the floor. Afterwards, as is customary, we will continue our discussions more informally in a nearby pub.

As there are security checks to get into Parliament, we recommend that attendees arrive 20-30 minutes in advance of the event's starting time. For any questions, either comment below or email [email protected]rg.uk and we will get back to you swiftly.

We hope to see you there.

Best regards,

The Young Fabians Tech Network