Aegis Deputy General Secretary Ania Lomax felt very privileged to have taken an inspiring visit to Harvard Law School in Boston, USA, marking the culmination of a prestigious nine-month leadership programme run by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
Ania was one of just 23 trade union leaders and future leaders selected to take part in the TUC Leading Change Course, which began in October last year. The programme, delivered over five intensive modules, explored the challenges and opportunities facing the trade union movement – from climate change and labour to collective bargaining, AI, worker wellbeing, and criminal justice reform.
The final module, held in Boston in June, brought participants together at Harvard Law School for three days of high-level talks from leading academics, industry voices, and policymakers, including representatives from Amazon Flex and the Labour Adviser to the Governor of Massachusetts.
Reflecting on the experience, Ania said:
“Attending Harvard Law School was an absolute privilege. Over the past nine months, I’ve learned from some of the most inspiring speakers I’ve ever encountered and built a strong network of union leaders who share the same passion for improving working lives. The knowledge and connections I’ve gained will help strengthen Aegis as we prepare for the future of work.”
Throughout the course, modules were held at Warwick University, the Birmingham University Innovation Centre, TUC Congress House in London, and finally Harvard Law School. Each location offered unique insights and opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives.
Ania now plans to share her learnings with the Aegis full-time team to ensure the union remains fit for purpose, responsive to members’ needs, and ready to campaign on the issues that matter most.
“I am extremely grateful to Aegis for supporting me in taking part in such an incredible opportunity, and to the TUC for the invitation,” Ania added. “Most of all, I want to thank my fellow participants – an amazing group of people whose advice, support, and friendship made this experience unforgettable.”
