Political Economy Conference

About The Course

Part sponsored by Lipman-Miliband Trust, we are hosting our first political economy conference for UK trade unionists.

This conference is for all levels of unionists who’d like to actively participate in a discussion and take it back to their union and branch. We will together reflect where the UK trade union movements are, what we have achieved and what the current challenges are, and where we should be heading in the short- and long-term future.

The speakers will be both academics and trade union leaders, who will guide the conversation around each topic.

• What would the economy look like, if it was rebuilt in the interest of the workers?
• What is political economy and why does it matter for trade unions?
• Post-Brexit UK economy: Austerity, privatisation, and no growth
• The world after Trump: Tariffs, nationalism, and authoritarianism
• How do we bring political economy into our fights?

We start by imagining what alternative economies may look like, if it was geared in favour of the workers, not capital. Then we lay out the foundation by defining political economy, and its importance for the trade union and working-class movements. The two following sessions delve into the domestic and international economies, respectively, with group activities. We then finish by devising concrete plans to implement the points discussed at branch/union level.

The price includes accommodation on the night of the 28th November, food, and course materials.

Please note: Places are funded for 15 participants who meet our selection criteria, courtesy of the Lipman-Miliband Trust.