THE TUC and the NUS signed an agreement yesterday for joint campaigning by the trade union and student movements for the coming year.
The partnership was signed at Congress House in London by TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady and by new NUS National President Megan Dunn.
A joint press statement said that the accord will see the TUC and the NUS commit to work together to fight discrimination on campuses, in workplaces and in wider society, and to defend further and higher education from privatisation.
The organisations will also pledge to join forces to engage students with the world of work, inform young workers of their employment rights and campaign for high quality apprenticeships. TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘The union and student movement share many values and challenges and this new partnership aims to increase our ability to campaign more effectively together.
‘Too many young people are bearing the brunt of the Chancellor’s failed economic plan, stuck in zero-hours, low-paid jobs, saddled with mountains of student debt. Every young worker should be in a trade union, to get their voice heard and their interests represented.’
NUS National President Megan Dunn said: ‘It is almost ten years ago that one of my predecessors became the first NUS President to speak at the TUC Congress. Over that time NUS and the TUC have worked together to campaign to safeguard and extend rights for workers – including working students.
‘I am proud that with this agreement we are reaffirming our historical partnership. Working together could not be more important. Faced with cuts to student support, an increase in debt and insecurity at work it is vital that in the year ahead we stand together. This agreement continues and builds on the success of our longstanding commitment to do just that.
