CWU Attends GFTU Biennial General Council Meeting

Between 18th and 20th May the CWU participated in the General Federation of Trade Unions’ Biennial General Council Meeting. The GFTU is a federation with a membership of over half a million members. It was established in 1899 on the founding principles of education, solidarity, and unity, with the aim of improving the lives of working people and their communities.

This year’s delegation was led by Kate Hudson, Head of Equality, Education & Development Department and she was enthusiastic about participation. “The 2025 GFTU Biennial Congress was a great success. I always find these events particularly friendly and constructive, and this year was no different. Our delegation was able to support motions that will have a direct impact on our members’ working lives and wider society; covering issues as diverse as ensuring Labour’s New Deal for Working People honours the priorities of the original CWU campaign; justice for the WASPI women; trade union rights and collective bargaining; organising in the gig economy; campaigns against sexual harassment in the workplace; and for solidarity with trans comrades who are facing increased prejudice as a result of the recent High Court ruling. We also moved for Congress to affiliate to CWUHA in memory of Andy Kerr. It was a really productive few days and I always leave there feeling refreshed and reinvigorated and ready to change the world for the better.”