Branch News & Events Catchup

Every second counts when someone's heart stops beating. Yet many of us walk past defibrillators every day without knowing where they are, how to find them, or how crucial they could be in an emergency. As we mark World Restart a Heart Day, it's the perfect opportunity to ask yourself a simple question: Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is? The honest answer for many people is no. But spending just a few minutes finding out today could help save a life tomorrow. Why

As electric vehicles become increasingly common across Openreach, BT and other fleet operations, the CWU has produced comprehensive EV Safe Driver Guidance to help protect members, improve awareness and ensure safe systems of work are in place. The guidance highlights both the opportunities and the unique safety considerations that come with the growing use of electric vehicles in the workplace. While EVs are generally safe, members need to understand the warning signs associ

CWU activists from across the union gathered at the Grand Hotel in Leicester on 23-24 September for the 2026 National Equality Conference. The conference opened with National Disability Lead Mark Anthony Bastiani welcoming delegates and setting the tone for a programme that explored workplace equality, social justice and the challenges facing trade unions today. Guest speakers included Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury from Carers UK, who spoke about the realities of balancing work and ca

Report of the 37th National Hazards Conference Mind & Body: The Critical Work of Safety Reps in Protecting Workers Online and in-person event, Keele University 4-6 September 2026 Every year union safety reps and safety activists gather together at this unique grass-roots event aimed at addressing the challenges in keeping workers safe. This year the challenges continue with a changing political landscape, misinformation, cuts to public services, deregulation, the effects of c

The Burston Strike Rally is far more than a yearly gathering on a village green, it is a living memorial to the longest-running strike in British history, a 25‑year stand for justice led not by union officials or political leaders, but by schoolchildren. On 1 April 1914, 66 of Burston’s 72 pupils walked out in protest after their teachers, Annie (Kitty) Higdon and her husband Tom, were unfairly dismissed for challenging poor conditions and standing up for local farm labourers

A big thank you to all who came along and helped to make it a fantastic day from start to finish. Norwich Pride is always such a welcoming and fun day out for all, and this year was no different! Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to doing it all again in 2027!

Andy Burnham’s chance to rebuild Britain needs the courage to confront the landlords, bosses and water companies who profit from national decline — and embolden workers to defend his platform. In politics as in life, second chances don’t come often. Yet Andy Burnham’s appointment as prime minister has given the Labour Party precisely that. After being elected with a massive majority two summers ago, Keir Starmer’s government didn’t deliver the change that millions of people c

As temperatures across our region continue to climb, many of us are feeling the strain. Whether you’re out on the road, in a cab, up a pole, or working indoors with poor ventilation, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be unsafe. And yet, despite the obvious risks, UK law currently sets no maximum working temperature. That often surprises people, but it’s true: there is no legal point at which work must stop because it’s “too hot.” So where does that leave workers

Every year, your CWU Telecoms & Financial Services (T&FS) and Eastern No 3 Postal Branch Branches come together to proudly support Norwich Pride—and we would love for you to join us! Pride is an open, vibrant, and inclusive event for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. It is a fantastic day out for friends and family to show their support, celebrate solidarity, and make some new friends along the way.

Every June, Injury Awareness Week shines a light on something many of us know all too well: when someone is hurt through negligence, the impact doesn’t stop with the injury. It ripples through families, workplaces, and communities. For those of us in the Telecoms and Financial Services sectors, the risks may look different from traditional heavy‑industry environments — but they are no less real. Whether it’s a fall from height on the network, a road traffic collision while tr

What the Law Says and What Employers Must Do With the UK now under a red weather warning for extreme heat, many of our members are facing temperatures that make safe working genuinely challenging. Whether you’re outdoors, in a vehicle, in a cab, or inside a building that traps heat, it’s important to know your rights, your employer’s legal duties, and what the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) actually expects during periods of dangerous heat. This isn’t just about comfort. I

On the surface, June may look like nothing more than a month of vibrant parades, rainbow flags, glitter, corporate sponsors, and celebration. But for most LGBTQIA+ people and the trade union movement, Pride is—and has always been—a protest. ​This year, as we mark Pride Month 2026, we need to look beyond the corporate branding and remember our roots. The original Pride movement of the 1980s was born from a necessity to survive in a climate of severe state-sanctioned hostility

Loneliness is something many people experience but few feel able to talk about. That’s exactly why Loneliness Awareness Week exists, to break the stigma, raise understanding, and remind every one of us that feeling lonely is a natural human emotion, not a personal failing. This year’s theme focuses on the importance of connection and the simple truth that small conversations can make a big difference. Whether it’s a chat with a colleague, a message to a friend, or reaching ou

13–20 June 2026 As summer approaches and more people head outdoors to enjoy our rivers, broads, lakes, and coastline, CWU North Anglia is proud to support Drowning Prevention Week 2026. This national campaign, led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), aims to equip communities with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe around water. For our region, this message is especially important. Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire see preventable water‑related incidents e

In every workplace, there are people quietly making sure others get home safe. People who step in before something goes wrong. People who challenge unsafe practices, push for improvements, and refuse to let standards slip. Those people are your trade union safety reps, and they’re far more than a title on a noticeboard. Every day, safety reps are out there: Spotting hazards before someone gets hurt Raising concerns and pushing for fixes Investigating accidents and near‑mis

quick round up of the 2026 CWU T&FS Conference in Bournemouth

Every year, your CWU North Anglia Branch is able to support incredible charities and community organisations and that’s only possible because of you, our members. Your continued support, solidarity, and commitment to our branch allow us to give back to groups who make a real difference in people’s lives

April is Stress Awareness Month — a reminder that stress affects us all, and support matters.

AI is already here, and it’s evolving fast. Whether you are curious, excited or even a little unsure about what it means for your role, this is the perfect time to learn more and ask questions.

Our Telecoms & Financial Services sector are campaigning for fewer hours with no loss of pay. Find out how you can help: https://www.cwu.org/campaign/sww/ #ShorterWorkingWeek