TRADE unions must engage with younger workers to help create transformative change across society, the Communication Workers Union’s Jane Loftus said today.

Addressing a National Shop Stewards Network fringe meeting on the first day of the union’s annual conference, she said younger people should be part of the movement’s vision for a better world as they have “got more of a stake in it.”

Ms Loftus, who is president of the union’s national executive committee, told delegates in Bournemouth: “I haven’t fought for 40 years just to give up. Never give up — make sure we make a difference.

“And we will make a difference, but we have to reach out and maybe do things a little bit differently to get those young workers on board.”

Rob Williams, chairman of the network, which brings together reps from various unions across the country, said the group is ready to support all workers amid the current strike wave.

“We’ll always be behind you, we’ll always be supporting you,” he said.

Mr Williams invited delegates to the network’s 2022 conference at London’s Conway Hall on July 2.