Marvin OnumonuTUC Cymru has launched ‘Twf – The Welsh Language at Work Charter’ to help create more bilingual workplaces in Wales.
The charter is based on four key principles and aims to support workers, trade union branches and employers to grow the use of Welsh at work.
Shavanah Taj, general secretary at TUC Cymru, said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to use, learn, and develop their Welsh language skills at work.
“We want to see an increase in inclusive bilingual workplaces where workers can use and develop their Welsh language skills and work in Welsh on a day-to-day basis.
“Creating inclusive bilingual workplaces goes hand in hand with achieving growth in the use of Cymraeg at work and linguistic justice for workers in Wales.”
Taj added: “Trade unions have a critical role in safeguarding and promoting workers’ Welsh language rights and ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from prejudice and judgement.
“Workers, trade union branches and employers can use Twf to support the provision of bilingual inclusive workplaces as a matter of fairness, equality and equity.”
Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner said: “The use of the Welsh language in the workplace is one of our strategic priorities.
“It is more important than ever for organisations to proactively plan for its everyday use—not only to strengthen internal Welsh language practices, but also to build the capacity of the workforce to deliver high-quality Welsh language services to the public.
“We have been working in partnership with TUC Cymru over recent years, and we would like to see Siarter Twf adopted across all workplaces in Wales.”
Derek Walker, Commissioner for Future Generations, said: “I am delighted that TUC Cymru has taken this innovative and proactive step to develop Siarter Twf to support the delivery of inclusive bilingual workplaces and growth in the use of Cymraeg at work.
“This is in line with recommendation 25 in my 2025 report which calls for all public bodies in Wales to develop a clear plan to increase the internal use of Welsh within public bodies.
“This allows staff to live their working lives increasingly through the medium of Welsh, fostering a stronger bilingual culture in the workplace.”
Walker added: “Siarter Twf is a strategic and progressive development which supports the achievement of these goals.
“I recommend its adoption by workplaces across Wales. This demonstrates their commitment to act to achieve an inclusive bilingual culture.”
Twf can also help workplaces plan to give young people more chances to use Welsh as they enter work.
