Our special guest for this episode is No Sweat convenor JayKerr. He reminds us that when NS set upshop nearly 30 years ago, “sweatshop” was a term little understood. Changing perceptions and understanding is just one of the many achievements of Jay and his colleagues. Our discussion dives deep into the politics and practicalities fo consumer boycotts, how to give meaning and life to international trade union solidarity, and what this can contribute to union building at home. The key takeaway - we can all make a difference as individualsand as part of the union movement. Visit nosweat.org.uk for more on the campaign. For signposting and background see Simon’s post on the Loudshirts blog.

Run time 30m24s. First published 28 November 2025.

Welcome to the fourth series of O4AC. We start with the most pressing of issues: How to counter the type of divisive, destructive narratives in the workplace, promoted by Reform amongst others. We discuss the practical steps that can and must be taken with Hope Not Hate Trade Union Liaison Officer Matt Collins, and get to grips with the invaluable “Five Tribes” analysis of Reform supporters. Unmissable.

Runtime 34m46s

This episode features a story of union building against the odds – disparate workers, often isolated from each other,a “sweetheart” union and employer hostility. For Paul Day and his colleagues in the Pharmacists Defence Association Union(PDAU), the challenge in organising the pharmacists in Boots plc was significant.

We discuss with Paul the process of removing the in-houseunion sand then engaging with potential members, the experience of having to use the statutory recognition/derecognition measures and what happened next.

In this instance, what happened next was further union building success for the PDAU in the former Lloyds chemists’ group and more recently Superdrug.

Paul is an engaging and captivating guest – someone whoreally has “worn the t-shirT and eaten the pie” as they say.

We’re grateful to have the support of Thompsons, the leading trade union and social justice law firm, The GeneralFederation of Trade Unions - delivering trade union education,building solidarity and the home of StrikeMap, Pellacraft, award winning and trusted supplier of promotional goods, and Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council. Thank you all.

Episode run time 32m22s. Organising For A Change ispresented by Martin Smith and Simon Sapper. Music is by Scott Holmes. It is a Makes-You-Think production. Contact the show at organising@makes-you-think.com. This episode was first published on 11 April. Organising For A Change willreturn in the autumn.