CWU is a winner in Wales
2nd April 2012
The CWU is making a big impact in the Welsh trade union
community. The union has won the Wales TUC 'Rep of the
Year' award for 2011 and received a highly commended second
place in the Health & Safety category.
Howard Barr (left, centre), Virgin Media rep from the South Wales branch, proudly received his award in Wrexham on 19 March. His branch put his name forward after the success in recruiting new members in Virgin Media Swansea. Gavin Pearce (pictured left) was recognised for his work improving Health & Safety at the same site.
The awards were presented by the CWU's very own
Amarjite Singh, South East Wales Amal branch
secretary and the Wales TUC vice president.
Howard said "It's a great honour to receive this award and
is the culmination of a lot of hard work from myself and the union
reps team at Matrix Court Virgin Media. Together we were able to
recruit over 300 members in six months, building an active union in
our workplace.
"I'd like to thank the CWU South Wales branch for all
their support, South Wales organiser Sarah Connolly, the CWU reps
at Matrix Court, and of course the members who supported the need
for change by joining in their droves.
He went on to say "I'd encourage anyone else within
Virgin Media to join and be an active member within the CWU.
Organise and recruit within the workplace, asking your friends and
colleagues to join so that we can have recognition agreements
throughout the company."
For Gary Watkins, the CWU's regional secretary
in Wales, it was also a very proud and symbolic day and a sign of
how far the CWU had come as an organising union in the
communications sector.
Gary said: "The Wales TUC judges were knocked out by the
tremendous success Howard and the other activists in Swansea have
had. They were particularly impressed by the way Howard had used
social networking as an organising tool."
Offering his congratulations, CWU's national organising
officer, John East (right) said: "These
awards go some way in recognising the hard work and dedication of
our reps in the field who have not only contributed to the strength
of the CWU but to the wider trade union movement."
If you would like to become a member of the CWU simply complete an application form or contact us on freephone 0800 731 7434 or e-mail joinunion@cwu.org for more information.
