LTB 193/25 - SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY - TONY KEARNS

No. 193/25

To:   All Branches

Dear Colleagues

SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS

All branches will be aware of the decision taken at the special conference on the 28th June 2025 to remove from the CWU rule book the position of the Senior Deputy General Secretary.  A revised rule book was agreed by the NEC at its meeting on Wednesday the 13^th August 2025 and as such the role now ceases to exist.

Many will be aware that Tony Kearns had already signalled his intention to leave the CWU. Following discussion, we can now inform branches that Tonys last day at the CWU will be the 30th November 2025. The period between now and then will be utilised to affect a handover of the responsibilities associated with the current role and assist in finalising some Headquarter restructuring projects. 

I am sure all branches and representatives will recognise the excellent and unprecedented contribution that Tony has made in representing the Union and our members for 46 years.  His detailed knowledge of the organisation and how it operates, alongside his wider understanding of the trade union movement, is unsurpassed in the history of the CWU.

On a personal level, I want to thank Tony for all the assistance and advice he has given me for the last 10 years in my role as General Secretary and as a trusted comrade. 

We will ensure at a future date that we mark Tony’s contribution to the CWU in a way that reflects his lifetime commitment to the union movement.  In the meantime, I am sure all branches would wish to pass on their messages of thanks and on behalf of the whole union we offer our best wishes to Tony and his family for the future.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary   

LTB 193/25 – SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS