Today at the National Eisteddfod, TUC Cymru is launching a critical conversation about the health of our society. They are gathering leaders, activists, and community members to confront a growing shadow over Wales: the rise of misinformation and the deepening fractures within our workplaces and neighborhoods. With Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams among the key speakers, the event underscores a sobering reality—that the unity which has historically defined Welsh progress is currently under siege. From the echo chambers of social media to the physical walls of our breakrooms, the fabric of our community life is being tested by forces that seek to pull us apart rather than bring us together.
At the heart of this initiative is a simple, human truth championed by TUC Cymru General Secretary Laura Doel. She reminds us that at our core, the people of Wales share the same fundamental aspirations: a fair wage, a secure roof over our heads, and a brighter future for our children. Historically, Wales has thrived because of collective action—achievements like safer working conditions and school meals were only possible because we chose solidarity over fragmentation. Today, however, that strength is being eroded. The recent Senedd election served as a catalyst that exposed and amplified these divisions, making it clear that we can no longer afford to be passive observers of our own polarization.
The response from the union body is the “United Cymru” campaign, a proactive effort to provide people with the tools they need to reclaim common ground. This isn’t just about abstract ideals; it is about providing practical resources, such as training on how to hold constructive conversations and evidence-based guides on addressing sensitive topics like the cost-of-living crisis, migration, and public care. By equipping everyday citizens with the ability to navigate difficult subjects without descending into hostility, the campaign aims to rebuild the trust that misinformation so effectively destroys. It is an invitation for all of us—politicians and workers alike—to leverage our diverse strengths to heal the cracks in our society.
The urgency of this mission is reflected in the frontline experiences of those like Cerith Griffiths, a TUC Cymru tutor. His account is particularly chilling: he notes that trade union representatives are increasingly reporting the appearance of far-right symbols in workplace facilities and an uptick in harmful misconceptions regarding disability benefits, climate change, and migration. When these toxic narratives take root in the workplace, they do more than just offend; they breed a pervasive distrust of institutions and one another. This is where trade unions and activists have a vital role to play, acting as a bulwark against intolerance and a bridge to re-establishing the unity that makes a workplace—and a country—function effectively.
The digital dimension of this problem is equally alarming, as highlighted by campaign lead Ffion Dean. We are living in a digital age where algorithms are engineered to radicalize, with social media platforms capable of serving extremist, anti-feminist, and exclusionary content to a new user in less than half an hour. With 90% of the UK population encountering online misinformation, the threat isn’t just “out there” in the digital ether; it is influencing the attitudes of our friends, colleagues, and families in real-time. Understanding how these algorithms operate and how to spot AI-generated deception is no longer a niche technical skill—it is a necessary form of digital literacy for every citizen.
Ultimately, the event at the Eisteddfod serves as a rallying cry for a more resilient Wales. As the United Cymru campaign moves into its next phase, the goal is to empower people to look past the screens and the rhetoric that divides us and focus on the common values that unite us. By fostering spaces where we can talk openly, identify falsehoods, and prioritize our shared humanity, we can start to turn the tide. If we are to ensure that the future of Wales remains one of progress and inclusivity, we must collectively commit to the work of rebuilding, one conversation at a time. The path forward is difficult, but history shows that when the people of Wales unite, there is very little we cannot achieve together.