About Us
What Are Unions Good For?
Trade unions have long been the backbone of progress for working people. Formed out of necessity during the Industrial Revolution, unions were created to challenge unsafe conditions, poverty wages, and long hours that left workers with little protection or dignity. Through relentless struggle, organising, strikes, and negotiation, trade unions earned rights that are often taken for granted today: the eight-hour or less workday, paid holidays, sick leave, maternity protections, and health and safety laws.
The path wasn’t easy. Early unionists faced dismissal, blacklisting, imprisonment, and even violence. But despite these barriers, they stood strong, often under immense pressure from powerful employers and unsympathetic governments. The Tolpuddle Martyrs of 1834 are one such example where farm labourers were punished for simply trying to form a union. Their fight, and the efforts of countless others since, built a movement that shifted the balance of power in the workplace. Thanks to trade unions, the modern worker’s environment is safer, more secure, and far fairer than it once was.
Today, trade unions continue to play a vital role in defending the rights and welfare of workers. Among these, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) stands as a leading force in the UK, representing over 180,000 workers across the postal, telecoms, and financial services sectors.
In the telecoms industry, CWU representation extends far beyond just BT or Openreach. The CWU supports members in companies such as Virgin Media O2, Sky, Capita, Ericsson, Vodafone and many smaller fibre companies, ensuring workers across the communications sector have a strong, collective voice. The union plays a crucial role in negotiating fair pay, defending job security, and improving terms and conditions for its members.
On a day-to-day level, the CWU is much more than just an organisation that shows up during disputes. Our reps are often the first line of support for workers facing workplace issues, whether that’s a health and safety concern, unfair treatment, or a grievance with management. Reps regularly conduct workplace inspections, deal with accident investigations, and monitor compliance with employment law and safety procedures. In many cases, CWU involvement prevents problems before they escalate.
Moreover, CWU pushes for long-term improvements, such as fairer scheduling practices, reasonable workloads, investment in training and development, and inclusion of workers’ voices in technological changes and restructures. Especially in our fast-evolving telecoms sector, where automation and outsourcing threaten jobs and working conditions, the CWU fights to ensure change happens with workers, not to them.
The union also works to protect workers’ dignity, campaigning on mental health, anti-bullying, diversity, and inclusion. Whether you’re a home/office worker or an engineer climbing poles in, we’ll make sure you’re treated with fairness and respect.
In summary, unions are not relics of the past, they are vital organisations that give workers power, voice, and security. The CWU exemplifies this, standing strong for telecoms industry workers every day, ensuring that the legacy of trade union struggle continues to deliver real results in the modern world.
South East Telecom CWU
We the officers at CWU South East Telecom are a robust and active branch of the CWU, formed through a recent merger of 3 southeast England branches. We represent many members from all telecom workers across much of south-eastern England, not limited to but including BT and Openreach staff. We provide everyday support for health & safety issues, pay negotiations, campaign representation, member events, and and any disciplines that members may find themselves in. We provide up-to-date communications and campaigns through our website and social media platforms.