UK Union to Protest Migration Curbs, Rail Workers Plan Strike During Labour Conference

Britain's largest trade union, Unison, plans to protest proposed government measures to toughen UK visa rules during the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool next week. The union, representing over 1.3 million members including care staff and NHS employees, aims to voice opposition to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans to extend the waiting period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to at least ten years, and in many cases, longer.

Unison argues that these changes could force migrant workers to leave the UK, exacerbating workforce shortages in critical sectors like health and social care. The union has been campaigning for the proposed increase in the settlement period for ILR to be abandoned, urging Ms. Mahmood to reconsider proposals that they claim will drive away international staff. Debbie Rowden, Unison's senior vice president, stated at the TUC Congress that the proposed changes target workers in health and social care, who she believes are not being adequately valued for their contributions.

Adding to the disruption, rail workers on the publicly-owned TransPennine Express are also scheduled to strike during the conference. Approximately 200 workers, employed by outsourced companies for catering and cleaning services, will participate in the strike. This action is part of an ongoing dispute between the RMT union and TransPennine Express over pay and conditions. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey indicated that the strike aims to pressure the government to fulfill its pledge for greater insourcing of public services.

TransPennine Express has issued an apology to customers for the expected disruption and advised passengers to bring their own refreshments if possible. A Department for Transport spokesperson commented on the broader railway reforms, stating that Great British Railways aims to streamline operations and ensure that all staff are valued, regardless of how their work is resourced. The department indicated that future decisions on work resourcing will prioritize value for money for passengers, freight users, and taxpayers.