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Category: Updates from the Field
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ACORN Union UK Launches National Campaign to Protect Tenants
ACORN Union UK held its first-ever national convention in Bristol, bringing together over 200 members from across England and Wales for a day of workshops, strategy sessions, and action planning. The convention marked the launch of their new national campaign, Bailiffs Out of Britain, which calls for an end to the use of private bailiffs and debt collectors who intimidate low-income families and deepen poverty.
To kick off the campaign, members staged a dramatic eviction resistance role play, with volunteers acting as bailiffs while dozens of members locked arms to defend the home. The crowd erupted in cheers as the simulated resistance held strong, demonstrating the power of collective action. The convention’s energy and determination sent a clear message: when tenants stand together, they win.
Listen to the Speeches
Nick’s Closing Speech:
BFD Launch Speech:
Opening Speech:
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Big Wins for ACORN UK: Rent Reductions and Successful Eviction Resistance
ACORN Liverpool scored a major victory this month, stopping a planned rent hike and securing an 80% reduction for nearly 300 households. Meanwhile, ACORN Coventry successfully resisted an eviction after a member requested reasonable accommodations for his disability. Members rallied outside the apartment for over 10 hours, and the landlord ultimately canceled the eviction, showing the power of organized tenant action.
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ACORN Ontario Hosts “Boiling Point” Meeting to Tackle Extreme Heat in Housing
ACORN Ontario brought together over 120 members and allies in a high-energy online meeting called Boiling Point to demand urgent action on extreme heat in housing. Leaders from five cities shared updates on local campaigns, including maximum temperature bylaws and tracking heat-related deaths. ACORN Hamilton celebrated a major victory after months of organizing, successfully negotiating with a landlord to drop a rent increase and secure affordable housing for over 30 residents.
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Locataires Ensemble Scores Major Win in Lyon’s Beat the Heat Campaign
In July, Locataires Ensemble led a powerful Beat the Heat day of action in Lyon. Their rally, backed by nearly 5,000 petition signatures, successfully pushed the city to commit to bringing tenant unions and landlords together to find solutions. The city is now considering a municipal decree to hold landlords accountable, marking a breakthrough for tenants and a major moment in the global campaign for safe, healthy, and climate-resilient housing. -
ACORN Members and Allies Win Big on Heat Action and Worker Protections
In Dharavi, ACORN India members marched through the crowded streets to demand urgent action on rising heat. With two million people living in just 2.1 square kilometers, residents face some of the harshest impacts of global warming. ACORN stands in solidarity with the people of Dharavi as they call for immediate solutions.Meanwhile, in Bihar, the Gig Workers Association achieved a major victory after a long campaign, with the city passing a bill that guarantees maternity leave and disability benefits for gig workers. These wins highlight the power of organized communities to secure protections and improve lives.
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STRASCAS Secures International Support in Fight for Workers’ Rights
July brought a major victory for STRASCAS as the International Union of Food Workers (IUF) stepped in to back their campaign against sugar giant SOSUCAM. The IUF condemned the killing of STRASCAS member Gaston Djora and criticized SOSUCAM for refusing to negotiate with the union. They also called on the Cameroonian government to uphold international labour rights and pledged to launch an international solidarity campaign. This marks a powerful moment of collective action in the fight for justice and workers’ rights. -
ACORN Peru Engages Communities on Values and Livelihood Support in San Juan and the Andes
In San Juan, ACORN Peru hosted several meetings for young people, their parents, and the community to discuss community values and plan how they can be implemented. In the high Andes, communities have been working with ACORN to organize basic vet care for the animals, who are a essential piece of the economy as well as a dietary staple.
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Locataires Ensemble Takes Action Against Overheating Homes in Lyon
Members of Locataires Ensemble are mobilizing against overheating homes, a huge issue as the temperature continues to rise. They have launched a petition calling on the Mayor of Lyon to enforce protections like shutters and ceiling fans. A win here could set a precedent across France! Their efforts are building momentum across the globe as we move closer to ACORN’s global Beat the Heat day of action on July 23rd!
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Living Rent Secures Major Rent Freeze Victory in Glasgow
This June, Living Rent kept the pressure up after last month’s “Unfair Funfair” by continuing their campaings for rent control in Glasgow. After months of hard work from tenants and under the threat of direct, collective action, the Water Row Company has reversed prior rent increases, apologised, frozen rent for a year and agreed to consult tenants on future increases – everything that tenants demanded! This will save tenants a total of £50k in the next year, a major win!
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Big Wins for Renters in Liverpool and Community Outreach in Leeds
Liverpool tenants have secured an 80% rent hike reduction for hundreds of residents, a huge win that will have provide massive relief to renters who couldn’t afford such an insnae hike! In Leeds, members took their “Agony Acorn” stall to Holbeck Gala, talking to people about the issues hitting hardest in the community.
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