The Communications Union (CWU)

Building worker power on AI in telecoms, tech and financial services with the CWU

We’re collaborating with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to develop the practical skills needed to identify and negotiate the impact of AI on workers in the telecoms, tech and financial services sectors.

Through a series of action-oriented workshops over 5 months, union reps and officers will dig into the concepts and tools of building worker power on data and AI and apply learning in workplaces. We will work towards collective agreements, lasting partnerships between CWU, civil society, and academic allies and the bolstering of the union’s political advocacy on technology.

Building on our extensive work with trade unions, over the first half of 2025 Connected by Data partnered with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to strengthen worker power on AI.

For the CWU the stakes have risen with key companies like BT announcing an aggressive strategy to cut jobs through AI automation. With a range of technologies applied in different contexts, the CWU needed to build a comprehensive strategy. This required more than one-off events or generic training; it called for capacity building that would establish the infrastructure and momentum for long-term change.

This short summary outlines what we did, what we learnt and what will happen next.

To find out more, get in touch with Adam.

 Read more

Do you collect, use or share data?

We can help you build trust with your customers, clients or citizens

 Read more

Do you want data to be used in your community’s interests?

We can help you organise to ensure that data benefits your community

 Read more