TUC Congress - more than just a Union
I recently had the privilege of attending TUC Congress 2026 in Brighton as President of Advance Union. It was an inspiring, thought-provoking, and informative experience, giving me the opportunity, for the first time in my trade union journey, to take my place alongside representatives from unions across the UK and contribute to discussions that shape the future of working people.
Throughout the week, I participated in debates, discussions, and votes on a wide range of issues affecting workers across every sector, not just financial services. It was a valuable opportunity to broaden my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing working people throughout the country and to see first-hand how many of the issues we encounter in our own workplaces are echoed across other industries.
Hearing from speakers from across the trade union and Labour movements provided an important insight into the wider economic, social and workplace issues facing workers today. While the sectors represented were diverse, the themes were often strikingly familiar: fair pay, job security, equality, dignity at work and ensuring workers have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.
Most importantly, Congress reinforced the importance of belonging to a wider trade union movement. Listening to different perspectives, sharing experiences, and working collectively towards common goals demonstrated the strength that comes from solidarity. It was a powerful reminder that positive change is achieved when workers stand together and support one another.
Unity works
The theme of this year’s Congress was “Unity Works”, and that message was evident throughout the week.
One highlight was seeing Advance Union General Secretary, Jim Leonard, second a motion on the future of financial services on behalf of AEGIS. As President, I was immensely proud to witness this contribution and the powerful message it delivered.
In his speech, Jim highlighted the deep inequalities that continue to exist within our industry. He spoke about how women remain disproportionately represented in lower-paid roles, often balancing the greatest burden of unpaid caring responsibilities, which can limit career progression, suppress earnings and restrict opportunities that should rightly be available to all.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that technological advances, including artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation, do not deepen existing inequalities.
As Jim stated:
“The future of financial services should be a future that works for everyone who works in it, not just the few at the top.”
This message strongly reflects the values of Advance Union and the work we do every day on behalf of our members. As our workplaces continue to evolve, we must ensure that fairness, inclusion and opportunity remain at the heart of that change.
Call to Action
My call to action for all Advance members and representatives is simple: let’s continue to make unity work.
Whether that means supporting a colleague through a difficult situation, offering advice and guidance, representing their concerns, or simply being there to listen, every act of support strengthens our union. It reinforces the principles on which it is built.
By standing together, listening to one another, and working collectively, we can continue to build stronger workplaces, stronger communities and a stronger union for the benefit of all our members.
Because when we stand together, support one another and speak with one voice, Unity Works.
Sinead Purse
President, Advance Union
