CWU RE-DESIGN PROJECT  IMPORTANT PRESENTATION AT CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE– 11.10am SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2016

CWU RE-DESIGN PROJECT  
IMPORTANT PRESENTATION AT CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE– 11.10am SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2016
 
The purpose of this LTB is to inform branches of a major project the CWU has commenced that will review and re-design the structure of our organisation so that we can secure our long-term future as a strong, independent trade union. 
On becoming General Secretary we started work to identify and understand the financial and organisational challenges facing the union now and in the future. The SDGS and I carefully considered those specific areas that we believed needed to be addressed as a priority in securing our financial stability and making us a more effective organisation, capable of responding to the changing needs of members and representatives. 
A presentation was made to the NEC in November 2015 which explained the case for re-designing the union and why it was the right time for CWU to embark on a major change programme. 
This was followed in January 2016 with more detailed information on the project and proposed timescales. The NEC endorsed the initial outline of the plan and also agreed recommendations to develop a comprehensive communications strategy – which would engage the whole union in the plans development and implementation. 
It is now our intention to share with branches some of the detail of the re-design work planned – and also to discuss with representatives how together we are going to positively deliver the changes required to secure and grow our union for the future. 
This is a great opportunity for the CWU to assess what type of union we want to be, what our priorities need to be – and what structures are required to improve the support we provide to members and representatives in the front-line. It is also a timely opportunity to consider how we support a stronger organising and recruitment strategy. 
A presentation covering all aspects of our current re-design plan will therefore take place in a special session during the Rules Conference on Sunday 24th April 2016. 
As we will be sharing information and taking views and questions from the floor – it is important that you ensure your branch delegation is fully represented at this session. 
We will be providing an accompanying document which will be available in advance of Conference and will assist all CWU representatives in understanding the approach the union is taking. 
The only way the Union can embark and succeed on a project of this size and nature is by us all working together as one union.  
Going forward, there will be plenty of opportunities for all CWU representatives and branches to input views and ideas on our future priorities and in this respect everything is in scope. 
Finally, given the importance of the subject matter, it is essential that all branch officers and industrial representatives are in attendance for the presentation and that you take the opportunity to participate in the debate. Further documentation will be sent in due course and in the meantime any enquiries relating to the contents of this LTB should be directed to the General Secretary’s office at gsoffice@cwu.org.
 
Dave Ward

General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 160/16 – CWU RE-DESIGN PROJECT