A Trade union is a group of employees/workers who join together to help protect and improve their terms and conditions.
Find out more…
Yes!
You have a legal right in the UK to join a union. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because you are a union member.
Some unions have restrictions on who can join. This is normally due to them representing select sectors.
For example the CWU represent workers in the following industries.
- Communications
- Telecoms
- Technology
- Financial Services
- Post and Delivery
Join the CWU here
The Communication Workers Union is the main trade union in the United Kingdom for people working in Telecoms, Comunications, Tech and Postal delivery companies. The CWU was founded in 1995 when the Union of Communication Workers (UCW) and the National Communications Union (NCU) merged.
The CWU currently has over 150,000 members.
Find out more.
https://www.cwu.org/about-the-cwu/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_Workers_Union_(United_Kingdom)
The CWU represent workers in the following industries.
- Postal, courier and logistics
- Telecoms and engineering
- Administration, security, facilities and maintenance
- Banking and financial services
- Call centres and business process outsourcing
- Retail and sales
- Technology and new media
Find out more.
https://www.cwu.org/What-the-union-does
Its quick and easy to join and takes less than 5 minutes online.
Follow the link below to sign up.
If you’re unable to join online, please contact the branch by phone and we will be pleased to help.
Call us on
0331 630 0475
Your cover starts from the date and time your membership begins.
Generally unions can’t help people with a problem that happened before the time they joined the union.
Similar to car insurance, you wouldn’t be able to get insured after an accident and expect to be covered for something that had already happened.
There are many benefits to becoming a member of the CWU and a Trade Union.
- Better pay and conditions. We campaign for and represent members like you, fighting for your right to better pay and working conditions.
- Free legal advice and support with work-related issues. …
- A range of member benefits and discounts. …
- Membership from as little as £5.35 per month.
- Union representation
Find out more.
Already a member?
Find out how to access the Benefits page on the CWU website.
AGM stands for Annual General Meeting. This is a meeting held once a year and gives a round up to members of the last 12 months. Union business and the financial accounts are presented, reports of the past year’s work are given, officer’s elections are ratified and standing orders/branch rules are debated and amended.
There are also opportunities to take questions and share suggestions.
Read our Officer reports from this years AGM on our notice board:
https://gwestern.co.uk/branch-noticeboard/
Yes, providing you’re a current member of the branch.
Invites are sent out to all branch members via email prior to the AGM.
Due to the large geographical size of our branch, it’s often difficult for members to attend an AGM in person. To counter this issue we currently send out invites for members to join via a Zoom (video call) link prior to the meeting.
CWU Conference a yearly formal meeting of the CWU.
The meeting attendees include the General Secretary, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, the National Executive Council (NEC), National teams (NT), Reginal and Branches, Branch officers and members.
Conference occurs over several days and starts with General conference and includes both Postal branches and T&FS branches and then splits after all joint motions and speeches have been covered. The conference then splits into two Conferences as to focus on the members that the postal or T&FS represent and their different issues and topics.
At conference speeches are given and motions are moved, debated and voted on by the branches.
CWU Conference is a yearly formal meeting of the CWU.
The meeting attendees include the General Secretary, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, the National Executive Council (NEC), National teams (NT), Reginal and Branches, Branch officers and members.
Conference occurs over several days and starts with General conference and includes both Postal branches and T&FS branches and then splits after all joint motions and speeches have been covered. The conference then splits into two Conferences as to focus on the members that the postal or T&FS represent and their different issues and topics.
At conference speeches are given and motions are moved, debated and voted on by the branches.
Motions are use as part of the democratic process within the union. They are used to formally ask or instruct the executive to do something on your (Branch/Members) behalf. Motions are submitted prior to conference. If accepted, they are delivered in the form of a speech delivered from a podium. The speech can last up to 3 minutes. After this someone is required to second the motion either formally or by also speaking from the podium to back the motion. If the motion is successfully seconded, then it is then opened to debate. During the debate, others get the opportunity to speak in favour or against the motion. Once all the arguments for and against have been heard then the motion goes to a vote. Dependant on the outcome of the vote, it will result in the motion either being carried or not carried (being accepted or not accepted).
A CWU branch is a section of the CWU based on geographical boundaries for local branch officers and representatives. All CWU members are allocated to their local branch based on where they work.
The positions within the branch are:
Secretary
Chair (Chair person)
S.P.O.C
Financial Secretary (Treasurer)
Political Officer
Womens Officer
Young workers Officer
BAME Officer
LGBT+ Officer
Equalities Officer
Health and Safety Officer
Learning Officer
Retired Members Officer
Postal Technical Services Officer
Industrial Relations Officer
The Branch Secretary is responsible for the daily administration of the Branches business.
This includes making arrangements for, and attending, all meetings of the Branch and it’s Committees and where possible or necessary any Area and Sectional meetings.
Submitting agendas for Branch meetings to the Chairperson , including being responsible for the minutes of those meetings.
Representing the interests of the Branch members either collectively, or individually.
Find out more:
The Chair / Chairperson is responsible for the conduct of all meetings of the Branch, its Committee, and facilitates business by preserving order and decorum.
The Chairperson examines the branch bank statements, deposit books and cheque books and accounts to ensure the finances have been dealt with in accordance with the National Rules.
The Branch Treasurer reports all expenditure at Branch/Committee meetings. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping branch finances up to date and in strict accordance with the rules and policies of the union.
They also present audited balance sheets at Branch Annual General Meetings for each account held by the Branch.
Find out more:
The Political Officer’s position plays a leading role in strengthening local links with the Labour Party by working with local CLPs and regularly reporting to the branch on political matters. They also support CWU members who wish to get more involved in politics and public life.
The Equality Officer has a significant role in ensuring that equality issues are dealt with and addressed effectively at branch level.
The Equality Officer works alongside other branch representatives ensuring all equality data (including minutes and records of meetings) are kept safely and where necessary acted upon.
Recruiting new members, organizing and providing representation to members.
Monitoring harassment, discrimination and equality issues in the workplace.
Contributing to making the branch more relevant to the membership.
Provides opportunities for members to raise equality issues.
Is involved in negotiating with management along with other union officials on the equality agend.
Monitors and reviews relevant company equality policies, ensuring they reflect up-to-date legislation and best practice
Provides support and identifies opportunities for encouraging under-represented groups to take part in the union and ensure their equality needs are addressed.
Identifying training opportunities and keep members and management informed and up-to-date on equality matters.
Assists and supports members pursuing discrimination cases.
Is the primary contact point for equality matters within the Branch.
Find out more and meet our branch Equality Officer.
The primary role of Branch Youth Officers is to represent members in the Branch under the age of 30. Branch Youth Officers also have a leading role in helping to organise and recruit young workers into the CWU, including promoting and campaigning on issues that affect young workers in the workplace and wider society.
The BAME abbreviation stands for Black & Asian, Minority Ethnic. There is a debate on the use of this acronym and some people use black in a political collective context, or PoC (People of Colour).
General Conference 2014 agreed that the BAME Officer role will form part of the model branch constitution. The following is not an exhaustive list and is meant for guidance. The role will include:
- Promoting issues affecting BAME workers to the branch
- Reporting to their branch/region on relevant
- Escalating relevant issues where necessary. This should involve collaborative work with their respective Regional Leads and Equality Officer and if necessary the appropriate IR
- Generally working closely with your Regional BAME
- Acting as a general point of contact where necessary on BAME
- Providing information to BAME members (liaise with the branch on this accordingly). Where possible, direct communication with BAME members is a good way to have effective outreach (newsletter etc).
- Attending Regional and National Equality meetings, TUC or STUC Black Workers Conference (latter as a visitor if individual is not elected to attend via right through CWU elections)
- Involvement and support of CWU campaigns against the Far Right, promoting rights of migrant workers and refugees
- Compilation of motions to CWU General Conference (equality section). Individual should be versed in protocol applied for submission of motions – liaise with branch for info if unsure
- Consideration to attend CWU Regional Leads meetings as an observer; permission from the National Officer should be obtained Also discuss with your branch if there are any fiscal elements required to attend, as this will be met by the branch, so authorisation will be required before attending.
The Womens Officer provide a supportive role, offering specialist advice and information to members and representatives on equality matters. They also play a leading role in delivering the union’s strategy on equality and campaign work.
The branch Welfare Officer gives advice and information to members. This includes directing members to suitable services ensuring they are aware of the support and services available to them. They are also able to assist with applications for financial assistance when relevant.
Union Learning Representative are responsible for supporting, developing and improving the learning culture within the workplace by organising courses, supporting and encouraging members and representatives to take part in learning.
The Branch Health and Safety Officer oversees and organises all things relating the Health and Safety within the Branch.
This includes organising all of the Branches USRs and their duties.
Find out more and meet our branch Health and Safety Officer.
USR stands for Union Safety Representative.
Health and Safety Representatives are responsible for carry out regular workplace inspections, consulting with members and management on health and safety issues and ensuring that employers are adhering to their safety policies and carrying out their legal health and safety duties.
We currently have workplace USRs within BT and Openreach.
Our Branch and Regional Health & Safety Officer, Peter Simpson is the Lead for all members from all businesses within the Great western branch.
The Regional Executive Committee oversee the work of the Region in-between full Regional Committee meetings. Compromising Regional Secretary, Regional Assistant Secretary, Regional Chair.
ACAS stands for the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service. They give employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. They also offer training and help to resolve disputes.
Find out more:
TUC stands for the Trade Union Congress.
The TUC are an overarching organisation which represents most affiliated UK trade unions, including the CWU.
Find out more about theTUC here:
The Great Western branch covers a large geographical area. The area highlighted on the map above shows our branch area.
After you join the CWU via https://join.cwu.org/ and your application has been processed, our membership team will confirm which branch you come under.
If you’re already a member but unsure of which branch you come under then please contact the Membership Department on 0208 971 7447 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email membership@cwu.org and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Below is a list of all the areas that come under the Great Western branch.
Abbotsbury, Abbotts Ann, Abson, Aldbourne, Alderbury, Alderton, Almondsbury, Alresford, Amberley, Amesbury, Andover, Andoversford , Ashbury , Ashurst, Avebury , Avonmouth , Axbridge , Badminton , Baltonsborough , Banwell , Barnwood , Bassett, Bath Kingsmead , Batheaston , Beaminster , Beaulieu , Beckington , Bemerton, Bere Regis, Berkeley , Bibury , Bindon Abbey, Birtsmorton , Bishops Caundle , Bishops Cleeve , Bishops Waltham, Bishopsworth , Bisley , Bitton , Blagdon Bristol, Blakeney , Blandford, Bleadon , Blunsdon , Boscombe, Botley, Bournemouth, Bourton, Bourton-on-the-War , Box , Bradenstoke , Bradford-on-Avon , Braishfield, Bramdean , Bransgore, Bratton , Bredon , Bridport, Brimscombe , Brinksworth , Bristol, Broad Hinton , Broadchalke, Broadstone, Broadwindsor, Brockenhurst, Bromham , Broughton , Bruton , Buckland Newton , Buckland , Bulford, Burbage , Burley, Bursledon, Burton Bradstock, Cadnam, Calne , Cambridge , Canford Cliffs, Cannings , Castle Cary , Castle Coombe , Cerne Abbas , Chandlers Ford, Chapmanslade, Charlton Mackrell , Cheddar , Cheltenham, Chew Magna , Chewton Mendip , Chilbolton, Child Okeford, Chippenham , Chipping Sodbury , Chirton , Chiselborough , Chiseldon , Cholderton, Christchurch, Churchdown , Churchend, Churchill , Chute Standen, Cinderford, Cirencester , Clanfield , Cleeve Hill, Clevedon , Coberley , Codford-St-Mary , Coleford , Collingbourne Ducis, Coln-St-Aldwyn , Combe Down , Compton Dando , Coombe Bissett , Coombe Hill , Corfe Castle, Corscombe , Corsham , Corton Denham , Crabwood, Cranborne , Cranmore , Crewkerne , Cricklade , Crudwell , Devizes , Didmarton , Ditcheat , Donhead, Dorchester, Downend , Downton, Droxford, Drybrook , Durley , Durrington Walls, Dursley , Dymock , Earldoms, East Knoyle , East Stour , Easnd , Eastleigh, Eastville & Annexe , Edingworth , Evercreech , Evershot , Exton TRS, Fairford , Fairoak, Falfield , Faringdon , Farley , Faulkland New , Fawley, Felton, Ferndown, Filkins , Filton , Fishponds, Fiveways, Flax Bourton , Fontmell, Ford Down, Fordingbridge , Fossebridge , Fovant, Frampton Mansell, Frome , Froxfield, Gillingham, Glastonbury , Gloucester Hempsted , Gloucesr , Graley, Great Bedwyn , Guitting Power , Hamble, Hampton, Handley, Hardwicke , Harestock, Harnham Hill, Hartpury , Hatherden , Hawthorn Stores, Haydon Wick , Hazelbury Bryan , Henbury , Highcliffe, Highworth , Hilmarton , Hindon , Holmsley, Holnest , Horfield, Hullavington , Hursley , Hurstbourne Tarrant , Hythe, Idmiston, Ilchester , Itchen Abbas , Keevil , Kellaways , Kemble New , Kempsford New , Keynsham , King’s Somborne , Kingswood , Kington Langley , Lacock , Lavington , Lechlade , Leighrton , Limpley Stoke , Linkenholt, Lockeridge , Lockerley, Locks Heath, Long Ashton , Long Bredy , Long Sutton , Longhope , Longparish , Lorridge Bridge, Ludgershall, Lydbrook , Lydney , Lymington, Lyndhurst, Lytchett Minster, Maiden Bradley , Maiden Newton, Malmesbury, Malwood, Marlborough, Marnhull , Marshfield , Marshield, Marston, Martin Cross , Martinstown , Martock , Meare Heath , Melksham , Mells , Mere, Micheldever , Middle Woodford , Midsomer Norton , Milborne Port , Milborne St Andrew , Milford on Sea, Milton Abbas, Minety , Minsrworth , Miserden , Moorhill A, Morden , Nailsea , Nailsworth , Netheravon, Netherbury , Netherend , New Milton, Newent , Newnham, Newnham-on-severn , North Cadbury , North Cerney , North Star House, North Trowbridge , Northbourne, Northleach , Northleach TRS, Nunney , Nursling, Oakhill , Ogbourne-St-George , Olympus, Overbury , Owslebury , Oxenwood, Painswick , Parkstone , Patchway, Pewsey , Piddletrenthide , Pill , Pilning , Pilton , Poole, Portishead , Portland, Poulton , Powerstock , Preston (Dorset), Priddy , Puddletown , Purton , Radstock , Ramsbury , Rangeworthy , Ringwood, Rockbourne , Rodmarton , Romsey, Ropley, Rownhams, Salisbury, Saltford , Saul , Seagry , Seend , Shafsbury, Shepton Mallet, Sherborne , Sherston , Shirley, Shrewton, Shrivenham, Shurdington , Somerton , South Cerney , South Petherton , Southbourne, Southrop , Sparsholt , St Briavels , St Clements House, St Marybourne , Stalbridge, Stanford-in-the-Vale , Stapleford, Staunton Court , Steeple Langford, Stockbridge, Stoke Bishop , Stone Point, Stonehouse , Stow-on-the-Wold , Stratton-on-the-Fosse , Stratton-St-Margaret , Street, Stroud , Studland , Sturminsr Marshall, Sutton Scotney, Sutton Veny , Swallowcliffe Down, Swanage, Sway, Swindon, Tarrant Hinton , Teffont , Temple Cloud , Templecombe , Tetbury , Tewkesbury , Thornbury , Thornhill, Thornhill, Tibberton , Tidworth, Timsbury , Tirley , Tirley , Tisbury, Toghill, Toothill , Totton, Trowbridge , Twigworth , Twyford, Uffington , Uley , Upavon, Upton Noble , Upwey, Verwood, Wallop, Wanborough , Wareham, Warminster, Warmwell, Wedmore , Wells , West Coker , West Harptree , West Lulworth , West Wellow, Westbourne, Westbury Wilts , Westbury-on-severn , Westbury-on-Trym , Weston-Super-Mare , Westonbirt , Weyhill, Weymouth, Wheathill , Whitchurch , Whicroft , Whiley, Whiparish , Wickwar , Wilton, Wimborne, Wincanton , Winchcombe , Winchester, Windrush , Winscombe , Winrbourne , Winrslow, Winton, Witchampton, Witcombe , Withington , Woodborough , Woolston, Wootton Bassett , Worle , Worth Matravers , Wotton-under-Edge , Wrington , Wroughton , Wylye , Yatton , Yeovil, Yetminster.
The Great Western branch covers a large geographical area. The area highlighted on the map above shows our branch area.
After you join the CWU via https://join.cwu.org/ and your application has been processed, our membership team will confirm which branch you come under.
If you’re already a member but unsure of which branch you come under then please contact the Membership Department on 0208 971 7447 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email membership@cwu.org and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Below is a list of all the areas that come under the Great Western branch.
Abbotsbury, Abbotts Ann, Abson, Aldbourne, Alderbury, Alderton, Almondsbury, Alresford, Amberley, Amesbury, Andover, Andoversford , Ashbury , Ashurst, Avebury , Avonmouth , Axbridge , Badminton , Baltonsborough , Banwell , Barnwood , Bassett, Bath Kingsmead , Batheaston , Beaminster , Beaulieu , Beckington , Bemerton, Bere Regis, Berkeley , Bibury , Bindon Abbey, Birtsmorton , Bishops Caundle , Bishops Cleeve , Bishops Waltham, Bishopsworth , Bisley , Bitton , Blagdon Bristol, Blakeney , Blandford, Bleadon , Blunsdon , Boscombe, Botley, Bournemouth, Bourton, Bourton-on-the-War , Box , Bradenstoke , Bradford-on-Avon , Braishfield, Bramdean , Bransgore, Bratton , Bredon , Bridport, Brimscombe , Brinksworth , Bristol, Broad Hinton , Broadchalke, Broadstone, Broadwindsor, Brockenhurst, Bromham , Broughton , Bruton , Buckland Newton , Buckland , Bulford, Burbage , Burley, Bursledon, Burton Bradstock, Cadnam, Calne , Cambridge , Canford Cliffs, Cannings , Castle Cary , Castle Coombe , Cerne Abbas , Chandlers Ford, Chapmanslade, Charlton Mackrell , Cheddar , Cheltenham, Chew Magna , Chewton Mendip , Chilbolton, Child Okeford, Chippenham , Chipping Sodbury , Chirton , Chiselborough , Chiseldon , Cholderton, Christchurch, Churchdown , Churchend, Churchill , Chute Standen, Cinderford, Cirencester , Clanfield , Cleeve Hill, Clevedon , Coberley , Codford-St-Mary , Coleford , Collingbourne Ducis, Coln-St-Aldwyn , Combe Down , Compton Dando , Coombe Bissett , Coombe Hill , Corfe Castle, Corscombe , Corsham , Corton Denham , Crabwood, Cranborne , Cranmore , Crewkerne , Cricklade , Crudwell , Devizes , Didmarton , Ditcheat , Donhead, Dorchester, Downend , Downton, Droxford, Drybrook , Durley , Durrington Walls, Dursley , Dymock , Earldoms, East Knoyle , East Stour , Easnd , Eastleigh, Eastville & Annexe , Edingworth , Evercreech , Evershot , Exton TRS, Fairford , Fairoak, Falfield , Faringdon , Farley , Faulkland New , Fawley, Felton, Ferndown, Filkins , Filton , Fishponds, Fiveways, Flax Bourton , Fontmell, Ford Down, Fordingbridge , Fossebridge , Fovant, Frampton Mansell, Frome , Froxfield, Gillingham, Glastonbury , Gloucester Hempsted , Gloucesr , Graley, Great Bedwyn , Guitting Power , Hamble, Hampton, Handley, Hardwicke , Harestock, Harnham Hill, Hartpury , Hatherden , Hawthorn Stores, Haydon Wick , Hazelbury Bryan , Henbury , Highcliffe, Highworth , Hilmarton , Hindon , Holmsley, Holnest , Horfield, Hullavington , Hursley , Hurstbourne Tarrant , Hythe, Idmiston, Ilchester , Itchen Abbas , Keevil , Kellaways , Kemble New , Kempsford New , Keynsham , King’s Somborne , Kingswood , Kington Langley , Lacock , Lavington , Lechlade , Leighrton , Limpley Stoke , Linkenholt, Lockeridge , Lockerley, Locks Heath, Long Ashton , Long Bredy , Long Sutton , Longhope , Longparish , Lorridge Bridge, Ludgershall, Lydbrook , Lydney , Lymington, Lyndhurst, Lytchett Minster, Maiden Bradley , Maiden Newton, Malmesbury, Malwood, Marlborough, Marnhull , Marshfield , Marshield, Marston, Martin Cross , Martinstown , Martock , Meare Heath , Melksham , Mells , Mere, Micheldever , Middle Woodford , Midsomer Norton , Milborne Port , Milborne St Andrew , Milford on Sea, Milton Abbas, Minety , Minsrworth , Miserden , Moorhill A, Morden , Nailsea , Nailsworth , Netheravon, Netherbury , Netherend , New Milton, Newent , Newnham, Newnham-on-severn , North Cadbury , North Cerney , North Star House, North Trowbridge , Northbourne, Northleach , Northleach TRS, Nunney , Nursling, Oakhill , Ogbourne-St-George , Olympus, Overbury , Owslebury , Oxenwood, Painswick , Parkstone , Patchway, Pewsey , Piddletrenthide , Pill , Pilning , Pilton , Poole, Portishead , Portland, Poulton , Powerstock , Preston (Dorset), Priddy , Puddletown , Purton , Radstock , Ramsbury , Rangeworthy , Ringwood, Rockbourne , Rodmarton , Romsey, Ropley, Rownhams, Salisbury, Saltford , Saul , Seagry , Seend , Shafsbury, Shepton Mallet, Sherborne , Sherston , Shirley, Shrewton, Shrivenham, Shurdington , Somerton , South Cerney , South Petherton , Southbourne, Southrop , Sparsholt , St Briavels , St Clements House, St Marybourne , Stalbridge, Stanford-in-the-Vale , Stapleford, Staunton Court , Steeple Langford, Stockbridge, Stoke Bishop , Stone Point, Stonehouse , Stow-on-the-Wold , Stratton-on-the-Fosse , Stratton-St-Margaret , Street, Stroud , Studland , Sturminsr Marshall, Sutton Scotney, Sutton Veny , Swallowcliffe Down, Swanage, Sway, Swindon, Tarrant Hinton , Teffont , Temple Cloud , Templecombe , Tetbury , Tewkesbury , Thornbury , Thornhill, Thornhill, Tibberton , Tidworth, Timsbury , Tirley , Tirley , Tisbury, Toghill, Toothill , Totton, Trowbridge , Twigworth , Twyford, Uffington , Uley , Upavon, Upton Noble , Upwey, Verwood, Wallop, Wanborough , Wareham, Warminster, Warmwell, Wedmore , Wells , West Coker , West Harptree , West Lulworth , West Wellow, Westbourne, Westbury Wilts , Westbury-on-severn , Westbury-on-Trym , Weston-Super-Mare , Westonbirt , Weyhill, Weymouth, Wheathill , Whitchurch , Whicroft , Whiley, Whiparish , Wickwar , Wilton, Wimborne, Wincanton , Winchcombe , Winchester, Windrush , Winscombe , Winrbourne , Winrslow, Winton, Witchampton, Witcombe , Withington , Woodborough , Woolston, Wootton Bassett , Worle , Worth Matravers , Wotton-under-Edge , Wrington , Wroughton , Wylye , Yatton , Yeovil, Yetminster.
Sometimes you may call our main number but there wont be anyone available to speak. This can be due to our branch Officers and Reps being engaged on other calls, in meetings or it could be outside of office hours.
In this scenario please leave a voice mail and we will get back to you A.S.A.P.
Alternatively you can use the contact us form on this page https://gwestern.co.uk/ or email us at branchcwu@gwestern.co.uk
If it’s a formal meeting: Employers should allow employees to be accompanied at any formal disciplinary or grievance meeting.
If It’s an Informal meeting: It’s usually up to your employer to agree if you can bring someone else to the meeting. You can request this from your manager however they are not required to allow you representation for informal meetings unless stated otherwise in your company policies.
If you’re a member of the Great Western branch and still unsure and need further advice, contact us either via email at branchcwu@gwestern.co.uk or call us on
0331 630 0475
and we will be pleased to help.
More contact options: https://gwestern.co.uk/
An Amendment is a minor change or addition designed to improve a piece of literature/text, motion or policy proposal.
AOB stands for Any Other Business.
It’s the last item on the agenda of a meeting, it allows any attendees to raise any matter that has not been mentioned or discussed.
USR stands for Area Safety Representative.
USR is a CWU branch representative that leads on Health and Safety within the geographical boundaries of the branch.
ARS stands for Assistant Regional Secretaries.
An elected senior officer responsible for leading on communications, campaigns and equality, including deputising for the Regional Secretary when needed, in one of the 10 CWU regions.
AS stands for Assistant Secretary (National).
A National senior officer responsible for carrying out and discharging (Under the direction of the GS) union duties as they may be required to perform.
The Auditors are a body elected to examine the accounts and report back to the membership.
BAME stands for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.
BMC stand for Branch Model Constitution.
The BMC is a set of minimum standards/rules for every Branch. The NEC are responsible for publishing the Model Branch Constitution and ensuring its adherence.
Find out more: https://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Branch-Model-Constitution.pdf
A card vote is a vote where delegates to a conference, policy forum or meeting vote by holding up a card.
Collective bargaining is the official process by which trade unions negotiate with employers, on behalf of their members. Collective bargaining is only possible where an employer recognises a trade union and between them they decide on the scope of negotiations.
CWU stands for Communications Workers Union.
The term comrade generally means ‘mate’, ‘colleague’, or ‘ally’, and derives from the Spanish and Portuguese, term camarada, literally meaning ‘chamber mate’, from Latin camera, meaning ‘chamber’ or ‘room’. It may also specifically mean “fellow soldier”, comrade in arms.
Find out more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comrade#:~:text=The%20term%20comrade%20generally%20means,soldier%22%2C%20comrade%20in%20arms.
Constituency is an Industrial section of the CWU E.g. Postal or Telecoms & Financial Services (T&FS).
CLP stands for Constituency Labour Party.
The CLP is an organisation of members of the Labour Party who live in a particular parliamentary constituency.
Person elected to represent the CWU at other meetings, such as CWU Annual General Conference, UNI Global, TUC and Labour Party Conferences.
DGS(P) stands for Deputy General Secretary Postal.
They are an Elected Full-time principal Officer responsible for all issues solely within the remit of the Postal Executive (PE).
DGS (T&FS) stands for Deputy General Secretary Telecoms and Financial Services.
They are an Elected Full-time principal Officer responsible for all issues solely within the remit of the Telecoms and Financial Services Executive (T&FSE).
Dispute Resolution is a CWU Internal Complaints procedure aimed to deal with any dispute arising from the rules or regulations of the Union affecting Union members.
An EDM is a formal Parliamentary proposal submitted by a Member of Parliament for debate in the House of Commons. Early day motions draw attention to a particular subject or area of interest.
EVR stands for Early Voluntary Redundancy.
EVR is an early retirement incentive that is offered to eligible employees who meet a certain criteria.
Elections are a process held at every level of the CWU depending on the position in question. Members are entitled to stand for elected positions.
Branch Elections are held every 2 years, unless a position is vacated prior to the next election.
Employee Relations (ER) is a term used to refer to the relationship between employers and employees.
EED stands for Equality, Education and Development.
Equality Education and Development is a department at HQ which Leads on Equality and Education priorities and Strategies.
General Conference is a yearly decision making body that oversees policy development with representation from all relevant sections of the CWU.
GS stands for General Secretary. The GS is the elected full-time head of the union.
H&S stands for Health and Safety.
H&S is a term that generally covers the legal requirements that fall under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974. The term is also generally used to describe Occupational Health and Safety, and relates to the prevention of accidents and ill health to employees and members who may be affected by work.
HR stands for Human Resources and is a business function in charge of all employees and employee-related operations.
LGBT+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people +
This is a reference used to group all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people. The “plus” represents other sexual identities. For example, pansexual.
Left Click is the CWU educational website that provides a wide range of free online and distance learning courses for CWU members.
Find out more: https://unlock.cwu.org/news/cwu-left-click/
Any member not employed by the Union.
LPC stands for Labour Party Conference.
The LPC is an annual decision and policy making conference held by the Labour Party.
IR or Industrial Relations is a term used to explain the relationship and interactions in industry between trade unions and management in regard to improving the management of the affairs and benefits in terms of workers’ rights, pay, terms and conditions.
IE stand for Industrial Executives.
They are responsible for implementing Industrial Conference decisions and dealing with occupational and conditions of service issues. The CWU have two Industrial Executives: Postal and Telecoms & Financial Services.
Industrial Conference is a yearly decision making body that oversees policy development for industrial matters, with representation from all relevant industrial sections of the CWU. For example, all elected branch delegates from the T&FS constituency attend the T&FS Industrial conference and all branch delegates from the postal constituency attend postal industrial conference.
IAP stands for Independent Appeals Panel.
They are an elected body that is responsible for all internal appeal complaints requiring consideration and/or investigation, compromising 3 Independent CWU members.
Rebate is the branch membership income received by CWU HQ General Fund.
The President is the Chairperson of the National Executive Council (NEC) and General Conference. Elected by the whole membership.
The Political Levy is a small deduction from members’ weekly contributions which is put in the Union’s Political Fund.
a Point of Order is an interruption during a conference or meeting to complain that the conference or meeting is not being conducted in line with the Standing Orders.
Organising refers to recruiting new members in the workplace, involving them in CWU activity and encouraging members to take up active roles within the CWU structures.
New Entrant is a term used to describe a person who has recently become a new employee.
A National Policy Forum is a body that oversees policy development outside of conference, with representation from all relevant sections of the CWU.
A National Officer is a Full-time officer, typically with national responsibility for one or more sections of the union.
NEC stands for the National Executive Council.
The NEC is the Governing body of the CWU, comprising elected members from all constituencies and Strands of the CWU, including key national officers of the CWU. E.g. the General Secretary, President, Heads of departments, National Officers etc.
Find out more: https://www.cwu.org/about-the-cwu/whos-who/
NDC stands for National Disputes Committee.
An NDC is an elected body that is responsible for all internal complaints requiring consideration and/or investigation, compromising of NEC Members and an Appointed officer by the General Secretary.
MHFA stands for Mental Health First Aid.
MHFA refers to training which teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be developing or experiencing a mental health problems.
LOB stands for Line Of Business.
LOB is a general term more commonly used in the T&FS constituency which refers to a particular section or service of business.
LTB stands for Letter To Branches.
Letters to Branches are a form of communications sent directly from CWU HQ to branches.
A Regional Executive Committee (REC) oversee the work of the Region in-between full Regional Committee meetings. Compromising Regional Secretary, Regional Assistant Secretary, Regional Chair, Regional Financial Secretary, Regional Political Officer, Regional Lead – Women, Regional Lead – BAME, Regional Lead – LGBT+, Regional Lead – Disability, Regional Lead – Young Workers, Regional Lead – Retired Members, Regional Lead – Health and Safety, Regional Lead – Education, Learning and Training, Regional, Territorial and Field Industrial Leads and a designated NEC Member
Each region holds a regional conference every year that deals with regional issues and allows reps to have their say on the important issues.
Regional Committee Officers are Principle Officers of the Regional Committee compromising the Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Financial Secretary.
A Regional Committee (RC) is the main committee for each region, with representatives from each branch and strand. E.g., Equalities, Education, Political, Retired and Young Workers.
The CWU has ten geographical regions across the UK, which is the next level of organisation after the branch. Each has its own regional office. The regions are: Eastern, London, Midlands, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West and Wales and the Marches.
The Standing Orders Committee (SOC) is an elected body responsible for arranging the timetable and order of each session of CWU Conferences.
A Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) acts as the main contact point in workplaces within the T&FS constituency. SPOC’s are the bridge between the workers and the branch. They report issues to the workplace rep, distribute information in the workplace and help with membership mapping.
The Senior Deputy General Secretary (SDGS) is the elected full-time Officer responsible for deputising for the GS as when required, including assisting the GS in financial, administrative and strategic organisational matters.
Find out more: https://www.cwu.org/about-the-cwu/whos-who/
The CWU National Rule Book details the rules which govern the running of the CWU.
Please follow this link to view the recently updated version: Rulebook 2024
Each Region has 6 Regional Sub Committees: Equality, Health and Safety, Young Workers, Retired Members, Political and Education, Learning and Development.
The Regional Secretary is an elected senior full-time officer responsible for a CWU region.
The Regional Organised Committee (ROC) is an established forum in the T&FS constituency aimed at revitalising membership and organising efforts. ROC’s are assisted by a T&FS Organiser and a member of the T&FS Executive.
The Regional Model Constitution (RMC) is a set of minimum standards for every Region. The NEC are responsible for publishing the Model Branch Constitution and ensuring its adherence.
Find out more: https://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/19LTB479-Redesign-Revised-Regional-Constitution.pdf
The Retired Members Committee is a National Committee aimed to protect the interests of pensioners and advise the NEC on any matters pertinent to Retired Members of the Union. Compromising the Vice President, NEC Retired Members (2 from Wales, 2 from Northern Ireland, 2 from Scotland and 6 from England).
The Vice President is a national elected position, acts as a deputy for the President.
An agreement by meeting/conference participants that for a period of time the Conference/meeting will not adhere to the Standing Orders, for example by running past the official end time of the meeting, or to allow someone to speak for longer than normally allowed.
Standing Orders are a set of rules to govern the conduct of a Conference/Meeting.
Unlock is a CWU Website aimed at providing members with information on how the union operates including advice for members on how to become more active in CWU activity.
Find out more: https://unlock.cwu.org/
ULR stand for Union Learning Representative.
A Union Learning Representative (ULR) is a specialist rep who organise local learning initiatives and provide advice, encouragement and information to members about learning opportunities.
The Trade Union and Labour Relations Consolidation Act 1992 (TULRCA) is a piece of legislation that regulates Industrial relationships between Trade unions and Employers.
T&FSE stands for Telecoms & Financial Services Executive.
T&FSE is the governing Industrial body of the CWU Telecoms &Financial Services (T&FS) constituency, comprising elected members from the T&FS constituency including key national officers of the CWU. E.g. the Deputy General Secretary T&FS and T&FS Assistant Secretaries
T&FS stands for Telecoms & Financial Services.
Telecom & Financial Services is a constituency within the CWU and represents members in the following industries:
- Telecoms
- Financial Services
- Engineering
- Technology
- Call Centres
Taken from CWU Unlock.
10 ways to become more involved in The CWU
Click on the links below to find out more
1.Attend your local CWU workplace meetings »
2.Help out with CWU activities and charity work »
6.Sign up for equalities updates »
8.Sign up for CWU membership training programmes »
For more information: https://unlock.cwu.org/
The Young Workers Committee (YWC) *formally known as the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)* is a National Committee aimed to protect the interests of Young Workers and advise the NEC on any matters pertinent to Retired Members of the Union. Compromising 2 Young Worker NEC members and 20 elected lay members Under 30: 1 from each constituency from each of the 10 CWU regions.
A Young Worker is classed as a CWU Member or Representative who is 30 or under.
If you’re interested in becoming a USR, please email branchcwu@gwestern.co.uk with the Subject USR interest. Please include your specific location within the Great Western branch in the body of your email.
We will register your interest on our database and will be in touch when USR vacancies become available in your area.
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Great Western Branch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatwesterncwu/
The CWU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwunews/
Please follow us to keep updated.
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Great Western Branch: https://www.facebook.com/paulcwu/
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The Great Western branch of the CWU covers over 7000 square miles of the UK and represents over 2600 members.
The highlighted area on the map below shows our location and the area we cover as a branch.
The Great Western branch of the CWU doesn’t represent postal members, accept for postal engineers.
Postal members of the CWU have their own dedicated branches.
The Great Western Branch currently represents CWU members in:
- Telecoms
- Financial Services
- Technology
- Call centres
- Postal engineers
Within our branch area.
If you’re a CWU postal member or looking to become one please use the following link to help find your local branch: https://www.cwu.org/contact-us/
The Great Western branch currently doesn’t have a youtube channel, however the CWU does.
CWU Live regularly upload new videos with useful information and updates including interviews.
Use the following link to find the CWU youtube Channel.
Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/c/CWULive
A disciplinary procedure is used by an employer to address an employee’s conduct or performance. A grievance procedure is used to deal with a problem or complaint that an employee raises.
Find out more: https://www.acas.org.uk/disciplinary-and-grievance-procedures
Under trade union law, our political work is funded through a separate levy to our membership subscription. This political levy is 20 pence per week and goes into a designated political fund which is administered by the union’s Political Fund Management Committee.
The levy is optional – if you want to opt in or opt out of paying it please contact politics@cwu.org and include your postal address or membership number.
Branches and Regions both receive a share of the levy to fund their political work on our key priorities. Please contact them to find out more about the union’s political work in your area.