Opening speeches reports

“In the CWU, we don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk,” said our general secretary Dave Ward in his lively opening speech to annual conference 2018 in Bournemouth this morning.

Describing the CWU as the “strongest workplace union in the UK,” Dave praised the “relentless work of our industrial constituencies” and highlighted the Four Pillars, Tell BT No and Close the Gap campaigns in particular.

“This was workplace trade unionism at its very best,” said our general secretary, who linked our new and effective style of campaigning to the ongoing redesign project that he launched when he was elected.

“Breakkng new ground on engagement with our members and with the public were our key objectives – and we’re delivering,” he pointed out.

“Yes, redesign is about financial stability, but it’s equally about investing in the future.

“We’re developing a new package of support for our reps and a new, ambitious and expansive organising and recruitment strategy as well,” Dave continued.

And the union will be working to improve its training, education and equality work as well.

In a specific message to young members, our general secretary said: “We’re not looking at you to be the leaders of tomorrow – we want you to be the leaders of today.”

Looking at the wider world of work, Dave turned to the forthcoming New Deal for Workers demonstration planned for May 12th in central London and urged conference delegates to make every effort to attend.

“It must be a catalyst for re-asserting trade union values across the UK, and I’m appealling to every one of you to be there and helpnus deliver our best-ever turnout at a national demonstration.”

————————

In her opening address, the union’s president Jane Loftus had also flagged up the CWU redesign project, which she said was “about a union fit for the future.”

This union does embrace change, she insisted, and pledged that democracy would remain the guiding principle of the union going forward.

The Windrush scandal, the Grenfell fire and the emergence of the “Football Lads Alliance” were examples of the need to remain vigilant and active in our staunch opposition to racism, Jane continued.

These and other associated subjects would be among the agenda issues to be debated at conference, she told the audience, adding a “special thank you” to members who have taken part in anti-racist protests.Opening speeches reports.