Marvin OnumonuCyngor Gwynedd has become the first workplace in Wales to sign and adopt Twf – The Welsh Language at Work Charter.
The signing took place at a special event in the Council Chamber with representatives from TUC, Unison, GMB and Unite unions, and Lowri Williams, strategic director at Comisiynydd y Gymraeg.
This followed Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet’s decision last December to adopt the charter.
TUC Cymru developed Twf to help workers, trade union branches and employers create bilingual workplaces.
The charter focuses on growing the use of Welsh at work and making sure workers have access to union representation in their chosen language.
By signing, Cyngor Gwynedd and the unions agreed to four core principles: growth and Welsh language rights, inclusion and linguistic justice, leadership and accountability, and continuous learning and confidence building.
Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Cyngor Gwynedd Leader, said: “The Twf Charter brings together two movements that are close to my heart – the language movement and the trade unions movement.
“Emphasising the right for Council employees and the people of Gwynedd to use their language is extremely important, and that is what this charter does.
“I’m extremely proud that Cyngor Gwynedd is the first workplace in Wales to sign – the Twf Charter is incredibly important, and our aim is to see growth in the use of the language across all of the Council’s work.”
Jeffreys added: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of the process and for the opportunity to celebrate at this special event.”
Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Welsh language, said: “I’m proud that Cyngor Gwynedd is the first workplace in Wales to collaborate with TUC Cymru and representatives from Unison, GMB and Unite union branches to sign and adopt Twf: The Welsh Language at Work Charter.
“The principles demonstrate a commitment to working in partnership in providing an inclusive bilingual workplace and to promote and enable growth in the use of the Welsh language at work.
“I hope that other organisations will soon follow Cyngor Gwynedd in adopting and signing the charter.”
Dr Mandy James, TUC Cymru Bilingual Communications Officer, said: “Congratulations to Cyngor Gwynedd for being the first local authority to sign and commit to Siarter Twf in Wales.
“Siarter Twf and its principles will support Cyngor Gwynedd to work in social partnership with the trade union branches – Unsain, GMB and Unite – to create an inclusive Welsh workplace and growth in the use of Cymraeg at work.
“Trade unions have a critical role in delivering on linguistic justice for workers in Wales; safeguarding and promoting workers’ Welsh language rights as a matter of fairness, equality and equity; and ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from prejudice and judgement.”
James added: “Unions support members and workers to identify, organise and secure more opportunities for everyone to increasingly use Welsh at work, and develop their Welsh language skills.
“Using the Welsh language is a valuable and practical skill in the workplace and enriches our social life and communities in Wales.
“The Twf Charter will assist with planning and ensuring that the inclusive Welsh and bilingual workplaces of the future are spaces where all workers can use their valuable bilingual skills.”
