Robinson successfully defended his school from closure, fought for the unification of the teaching unions, mentored future trade union leaders and transformed teaching at the Marx Memorial Library, writes JOHN FOSTER

HOW to organise workers in sectors with low union density is the biggest dilemma facing the trade union movement. Most workers — almost 78 per cent of the British workforce — are not in unions.
Not only does this deny most workers a voice at work, it has serious political ramifications.
Politicians of all stripes would have to deal more seriously with union concerns if the labour movement encompassed most of the workforce. Our industrial power to influence policy would be far greater.

Ben Chacko talks to RMT leader EDDIE DEMPSEY about how the key to fixing broken Britain lies in collective sectoral bargaining, restoring unions’ ability to take solidarity strike action and bringing about the much-vaunted ‘wave of insourcing’

Incoming Usdaw general secretary JOANNE THOMAS talks to Ben Chacko about workers’ rights, Labour and how to arrest the decline of the high street

Durham Miners’ Association general secretary ALAN MARDGHUM speaks to Ben Chacko ahead of Gala Day 2025