CWU Equality Conference Brings Activists Together

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 caring responsibilities, and Paula Peters from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), who highlighted the continuing impact of welfare reforms on disabled people.

Delegates also heard from Saba Ali of the Ban Conversion Practices Coalition, who outlined the ongoing campaign for a comprehensive ban on conversion practices, while Friends of Al-Aqsa’s Shamiul Joarder discussed solidarity with the Palestinian people and the importance of campaigning for human rights and justice.

A key feature of the conference was a series of “Moments of Resistance” sessions led by the four national equality leads. These sessions celebrated the power of collective action, highlighting successful campaigns and victories made in challenging inequality and discrimination in the workplace and wider society. Delegates also viewed a powerful film demonstrating the significance of the Equality Act and the vital protections it provides in advancing fairness, dignity, and equal treatment for all.

Addressing conference remotely, CWU General Secretary Dave Ward warned of the growing influence of the far right and stressed the importance of trade unions continuing to educate, organise and engage members. He also highlighted opportunities created by the Employment Rights Act, including new rights and protections for equality representatives.

One of the most engaging sessions on day two was delivered by Liz Tomlinson, an Admiral Nurse with Dementia UK. Delegates learned about the impact of dementia on individuals and families, practical ways to offer support, and the specialist services provided by Dementia UK. Liz also highlighted the Herbert Protocol, a national scheme which allows vital information about a person living with dementia to be shared with police quickly if they go missing, helping to reduce search times and improve safety.
Employment rights were another major focus of the conference.

Jenny Noble from the TUC outlined new legal rights for equality representatives, including rights to paid time off and workplace facilities to carry out their duties, describing the changes as a significant step forward for workplace equality.

Delegates also heard from Lee Barron MP, former CWU Regional Secretary, who reflected on his journey from the trade union movement into Parliament and emphasised the importance of working-class representation in politics. He reinforced the enduring value of solidarity and collective action in tackling injustice and improving workplace rights.

Throughout the two-day event, delegates shared experiences, developed new knowledge and renewed their commitment to equality.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Kate Hudson, CWU Head of Equality, Education & Development, who reflected on the key themes discussed throughout the two-day event, including solidarity, representation, workplace equality and collective action. Thanking delegates, speakers and organisers for their contributions, Kate praised the commitment shown by equality activists from across the union and encouraged delegates to build on the ideas and learning shared during the conference. She reiterated the CWU’s ongoing commitment to challenging discrimination, promoting inclusion and ensuring equality remains at the heart of the union’s work.