Communication Workers Union (CWU), the UK’s largest trade union for the communications sector, comes to Bournemouth International Centre on 25-30 April 2015 with a packed conference and fringe meeting agenda.
CWU celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and represents the interests of almost 200,000 members from post, telecoms, mobile, and financial services companies including BT, Capita, EE, Telefonica O2, Parcelforce, the Post Office, Royal Mail, Santander and UK Mail.
Delegates will debate and vote on a range of motions, including political party funding and trade union ballots. Changes to employment law, government cuts, housing problems and the rise in food banks are among the many issues to come under the spotlight.
“Bournemouth is a great destination for our delegates,”
says Tony Kearns, CWU senior deputy general secretary.
“The venue gives us the scope to address mainstream issues in conference, and run targeted, fringe meetings for delegates to debate more specific issues that matter to them, such as equality and health and safety. The event coordination is excellent, making Bournemouth International Centre an easy choice for our annual conference. There’s also plenty for delegates to enjoy outside the venue and celebrate our 20th birthday.”
Beryl Shepherd, CWU President, will open the conference with an address to delegates on Sunday and Labour’s Shadow leader of the Commons Angela Eagle will address conference on Sunday afternoon.
Also on the agenda is a Blacklisted fringe meeting and political party funding debate. Monday 27 April 2015 has been designated Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Day with a number of initiatives being discussed in front of the CWU Race Advisory Committee. Guest speakers are Roger McKenzie, Assistant Secretary of Unison and Palestinian trade unionist, Yazeed Rimawi.
After the general conference on the first two days, the event splits into two streams – a Postal Conference and Telecoms and Financial Services Conference. Fringe meetings are also being held over the five days in breakout rooms, focusing on specific issues and audiences including young and retired members, the CWU’s international work, equality and health and safety.
A press room has been set up for journalists throughout the week with a live feed from the conference floor. Copies of Emergency Motions, press releases, speeches and other conference literature will also be available.
“CWU is a regular visitor to Bournemouth, we have a great relationship with the team and are looking forward to welcoming delegates back to Bournemouth International Centre.
says BH Live Director of Venues, Pat Coyne.
“Organisers are taking full advantage of the flexibility of our venue, with conferences in two of our main event spaces and fringe meetings running alongside in breakout rooms. An exhibition supports the event programme and in the evenings, delegates will have the opportunity to explore the town’s vibrant social scene.”
Conference events can be followed on twitter @cwuconference, or the hashtag #cwuconf15
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Notes to the editor
Bournemouth International Centre is operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council.
About BH Live
BH Live is the South Coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives. With over 2.5 million visits a year and over £31 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
In 2013/14, BH Live hosted 423 shows, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 1.8 million leisure centre visits and welcomed 88,000 conference and exhibition delegates which contributed over £45 million to the local economy.
For further press information:
Elizabeth Symmons
PR & Corporate Communications Executive, BH Live
Elizabeth.Symmons@bhlive.co.uk
01202 451866