Communications Workers Union

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) is a trade union that represents employees working in the communications sector across the United Kingdom. Its membership comprises workers employed in telecommunications, postal and courier services, information technology and related support functions. The union’s principal role is to negotiate collective agreements covering wages, working hours and conditions with employers in these industries. It also provides legal representation, advice and support to members facing workplace disputes, grievances or disciplinary proceedings. Beyond collective bargaining, the CWU engages in policy advocacy and campaigning to influence legislation that affects communications workers and their families. The organisation offers training, education and professional development programmes designed to enhance members’ skills and adaptability in a changing labour market.

The CWU’s national headquarters are situated in the United Kingdom, from where it coordinates overall strategy and supports a network of regional offices. These regional structures enable the union to address local workplace concerns while maintaining a unified national voice on sector‑wide issues. A distinguishing attribute of the CWU is its exclusive focus on the communications industry, which allows it to develop specialised knowledge of the sector’s technological evolution and regulatory environment. This expertise informs its collective bargaining positions and its advocacy on matters such as digitalisation, job security and health and safety standards. Structurally, the CWU operates as an independent organisation without a parent company or subsidiary affiliations. In March 2024 the union suffered a cyberattack that disrupted its IT systems and email services, prompting a precautionary shutdown and the engagement of third‑party cybersecurity experts for forensic analysis, after which it notified the UK Information Commissioner’s Office and advised members to remain vigilant against phishing attempts while the full scope of any potential data breach remained under investigation.