Get active
Joining the union will give you an opportunity as a member to help build a strong union presence within your workplace from simple word of mouth encouragement to involvement as a union rep.
Interested in Becoming a Workplace Rep?
Who can become a rep?
If you're a CWU member and a good listener, you could become a rep
What is involved?
Mainly you will be communicating with members, the union and occasionally with management as well. You will be asked to represent members in grievance and disciplinary hearings.
What support will I get?
Training provided by the CWU will prepare you for the role. As well as this, you will have direct access to specialists and your local Branch. As a new Rep, the Branch will provide you with a lot of support, and allow you to gradually develop into the role, beginning with smaller issues and working at your own pace.
What next?
Contact your regional organiser. Remember, you don't have to become a Rep to get more involved with the union. There are plenty of other ways to get active as a member, for example:
Be a union contact
> Union contacts don't necessarily have the time to come to meetings, or want to represent colleagues at discipline hearings. But they might be willing to give out information, gather colleagues' views on ongoing issues, and act as a first point of contact for others. They have access to information, support and training.
Be a union advocate
> Get trained up to represent colleagues in discipline hearings. Learn how to support others, and help deliver a fair, lawful outcome for friends and colleagues. Get support from your local branch whenever you need it.
Be a union correspondent
>Keep us informed with what's going on in your part of the business. Write to us using the contact us page - but use a personal email address, not a work one!
... Or just speak to colleagues about joining!
What you can do as a member
Build your union
A union is more effective when people get involved. A union is only as strong as its members. See what you can do to build your union and reap the rewards:
- Ask a colleague to join
- Give your team members a union leaflet
- Tell everyone about Join CWU Now
- Stay in touch with your organiser and let him/her know how things are at work
- Go along to the monthly working group meetings to discuss issues and how to build the union
- Join us on Facebook or find us on Twitter: @CWUnews
This is far from exhaustive and if you're really interested in getting involved then contact us.
The strength of the union is its members.
The stronger your union, the stronger your voice
Want to join the union? Complete the application form and return it via email to joinunion@cwu.org or post:
FREEPOST RRGT-GURE-TXHX
CWU Organising Department,
London, SW19 1RX
For any advice and guidance please contact us on freephone 0800 731 7434.
