Communications Workers Union

The Communications Workers Union, also known by its alias CWU, is a trade union that represents employees working in the communications and postal sectors across the United Kingdom. Its core activities include negotiating wages and conditions, providing legal support, and offering training and professional development to members. The union operates from its headquarters located in the United Kingdom, coordinating national and regional initiatives. As a representative body, it engages with employers and policymakers to advocate for the interests of its workforce.

In March 2024 the union disclosed a cyberattack that disrupted its information technology systems and email services, prompting a precautionary shutdown of affected networks. The incident led the organisation to engage third‑party cybersecurity experts for forensic analysis and to notify the UK Information Commissioner's Office about the potential exposure of member data. While the union advised members to remain vigilant against phishing attempts, it did not confirm claims that backup data had been corrupted. Regional offices initially reported only email outages without awareness of a broader security breach.

The episode highlighted the union’s reliance on digital infrastructure for internal communication and member services, underscoring a distinguishing attribute of its operational dependence on secure IT systems. As a sector‑specific union, the CWU’s focus on telecommunications and postal workers sets it apart from broader general unions. Its response to the incident, including cooperation with regulators and transparency with members, reflects its commitment to accountability and member protection. No further details about ownership or parent‑subsidiary relationships are provided in the available sources.