As you may already know, the CWU’s Political Fund Ballot is set to open on 24th September 2024 and will close on 15th October 2024, with the counting scheduled for 16th October. This is a critical moment for our union, and it is essential that all reps and branches are fully informed and engaged throughout this process.
Key Dates for the Political Fund Ballot
The ballot will open Tuesday 24th September 2024 and will then close Tuesday 15th October. Counting will then commence Wednesday 16th October 2024.
Why is the Political Fund Ballot Important?
The political fund enables our union to actively campaign on issues that directly affect our members and their communities. From advocating for workplace rights to supporting broader political and social campaigns, the political fund allows us to have a voice that represents the interests of working people.
Given the current climate, it has never been more important for us to retain this fund. Our members face increasing challenges both inside and outside the workplace. Without the political fund, we risk being silenced while businesses and major institutions continue to shape policy unchallenged.
What Materials are Available to You?
Following the Zoom briefing earlier this week, branches like ours were provided with all the necessary resources to engage members effectively during the ballot process. We have attached the following materials.
Headquarters have supplied us with an advanced copy of the member mailing which explains how the ballot will work while demonstrating some of our recent political activities. In addition to this, you will also be provided with ten reasons why members should vote ‘Yes’ to retain the political fund. Your engagement is crucial.
Key Talking Points for Engaging Members
When speaking with members about the political fund ballot, it’s important to highlight the following key points.
- Protecting Our Voice: Whatever your personal political beliefs, the political fund ensures that our union can represent our members’ interests on a political stage. If we lose the fund, only businesses and large institutions will have a voice in shaping policies that affect us all.
- Not Limited to Party Politics: Many members may believe that the political fund only supports the Labour Party. This is not the case. The fund also supports a wide range of regional and local initiatives, campaigns, and projects that benefit communities directly.
- Opt-In/Opt-Out Rights Remain: Members retain the right to individually opt in or out of the political fund. This ballot is simply about whether or not the union can continue to have a political fund at all.
- Tory Anti-Union Laws: It’s important to remind members that the need for this ballot is a result of anti-union legislation. These laws were designed to weaken trade unions and limit our ability to have a political voice.
Future Updates and Retired Members
We will also be communicating with our retired members soon, particularly around the issue of the Winter Fuel Allowance. As a union, we have made it clear that we do not support Labour’s recent decision regarding this allowance. We will be submitting a motion addressing this issue at the upcoming Labour Party Conference. Another important motion regarding the future of Royal Mail will also be tabled.
The Political Fund Ballot is more than just a procedural requirement—it’s about ensuring that our members continue to have a voice in shaping the political landscape. We encourage all reps and branches to make this a priority over the coming weeks and engage with every member to ensure a strong turnout and a resounding ‘Yes’ vote to retain our political fund.
By working together, we can safeguard our ability to stand up for our members in the face of growing challenges. Let’s ensure that the voice of the CWU remains loud and clear, not just in the workplace but also in the political arena.