GFTU Press Releases
BOSTU joins the General Federation of Trade Unions
Date: 16 March 2026
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) is proud to announce the affiliation of BOSTU- the union for British Orthoptists, part of British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS). BOSTU becomes the GFTU’s 30th national affiliate.
Founded in 1937, The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) is the professional body for orthoptists. BIOS members in the UK are also automatically trade union members of the British Orthoptic Society Trade Union (BOSTU).
BIOS is affiliated with the Allied Health Professionals Federation, a group of 12 bodies representing more than 158,000 workers in the UK. BIOS is also a member of the International Orthoptic Association (IOA) and Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne (OCE).
SSTA makes history as first Scottish union to join the General Federation of Trade Unions
Date: 10 March 2026
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) is proud to announce the historic affiliation of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA). The SSTA becomes the first Scottish union ever to join the federation in its 127-year history — a landmark moment for both organisations and for the wider trade union movement.
Founded in 1944, the SSTA is Scotland’s only specialist union for secondary teachers. For more than eight decades, it has been dedicated to advancing education in Scotland, safeguarding professional standards, and promoting the interests of secondary teachers in all matters affecting their working lives and the future of Scottish education.
Woodcraft Folk makes history as first community affiliate of the GFTU
Date: 11th February 2026
Today, in Heart Unions Week, Woodcraft Folk — the co-operative movement for children and young people — has become the first ever community affiliate of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).
Following a rule change agreed at the GFTU’s Biennial General Council Meeting (BGCM) in 2025, national community organisations are now able to apply for affiliation to the 127-year-old trade union federation, opening a new chapter in how the labour movement works alongside community-based organisations.
The GFTU has long demonstrated a strong commitment to the recruitment, development, and empowerment of young trade union members, including through its regular young members’ development weekends held at its headquarters and education centre in Quorn, Loughborough.
© Henry Fowler, GFTU pictured Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Woodcraft Folk) and Gawain Little at TUC Congress 2025 in Brighton.
CODIR condemns unilateral Israeli attack upon Iran
Date: 13th June 2025
The Committee for the Defence of Iranian People’s Rights (CODIR) has condemned as outrageous the Israeli military attack upon Iran when talks with the United States were ongoing and due to enter their sixth round this Sunday.
“The British people, trade union movement and British government need to be sending a clear message to the Israeli government that this is an outrageous breach of all international norms, for which there will be consequences”, said CODIR General Secretary, Gawain Little. “Israel has been allowed to act with impunity in Gaza and clearly now has the people of Iran in its sights. This action is not only a provocation in the Middle East but a threat to world peace.”
Education Fund Launch for local Trades Union Councils (TUCs)
Date: 20th May 2025
Today, the General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust (GFTUET) has launched an education fund for all trades union councils (TUCs).
This fund will enable all local trades union councils (TUCs) to access the education programme provided by the GFTUET for an annual donation.
This is the latest innovation from the GFTU, who last month launched an education fund aimed at branches and regions of non-affiliated GFTU unions, to access the popular educational courses for all trades council members.
Commenting on the importance of this change for the GFTU and its educational trust, Gawain Little, general secretary said, “Our education programme is doubling in size year on year. We are proud to offer high quality online and residential courses, assisting the development of new layers of active trade unionists, the foundations of the renewal of our movement.”
Date: 5th March 2025
The General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust (GFTUET) has today launched an education fund.
This latest move by the historic trade union federation enables access to its popular educational programme for all trade union branches and union regions.
Fair Play Cabaret comes to Quorn Grange Hotel
Date: 7th October 2024
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and Equity are proud to announce the beginning of a new regional roadshow, ‘Fair Play Cabaret’, starting at Quorn Grange Hotel on 15th October. Doors open 7:30. Show 8 - 10pm.
A star-studded line-up of performers features comics and activists Mark Thomas, Imran Yusuf, Kate Smurthwaite and hugely talented musician Rory McLeod. Tickets are just £15, concessions only £5.
UK Private Hire Drivers Union joins the General Federation of Trade Unions
Date: 23rd August 2024
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) is proud to announce the new affiliation of the UK Private Hire Drivers Union (UKPHD).
UKPHD Union is a new fast growing grass roots union, dedicated to improving the working conditions of its members comprising of private hire drivers. Its core mission is to support drivers with the many day-to-day issues that they face.
General Federation of Trade Unions and SOAS Launch New Economics Education Initiative
Date: 20th July 2024
The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) Educational Trust and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) will be launching a new partnership, supported by funding from Innovate UK.
This collaboration, structured under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, will bring a range of new economics education to workers across the UK.
Using data and AI to support union organising, GFTU X Bombe partnership
Date: 9th April 2024
Today, the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU), a federation of 28 unions representing a combined 600,000 union members, and data, campaigns, and artificial intelligence (AI) company Bombe announce a historic partnership within the trade union world.
This partnership will enable access for the trade union movement to the latest sophisticated targeting, data analysis and building of artificial intelligence products to support and grow the trade union movement.
