Celebrating union recognition at Transport for Wales (TfW)

PCS is proud to celebrate a major step forward for workers’ voice and fair work in Wales, as Transport for Wales (TfW) has formally concluded a trade union recognition agreement for its non-operational staff. The agreement, signed on 20 March 2026, marks a significant achievement for social partnership and demonstrates the power of sustained, constructive engagement between unions, government, and employers.

Ken Skates MS, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales held a ceremony at Ty Hywel, in Cardiff bay, where unions and government officially signed the agreement.

For PCS, this milestone reinforces what we have long championed: that meaningful change is only possible when the workforce is involved from the very beginning. 

The recognition agreement strengthens the foundations of industrial relations within TfW and reflects the organisation’s commitment to the principles set out in the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023. PCS already has members in TfW who are civil servants and perform back-room functions such as HR and finance, we will increase our membership as TfW grows. 

PCS national officer for Wales, Siân Boyles, welcomed the agreement as “a clear example of what can be achieved when unions and employers work together in a spirit of genuine partnership.” PCS stands alongside fellow unions - ASLEF, FDA, GMB, Prospect, RMT, TSSA, and Unite in celebrating this achievement and in reaffirming our shared commitment to improving working lives across the Welsh transport sector.

The agreement is part of a wider programme of collaborative working between the Welsh Government, TfW, and the recognised trade unions. Through regular senior-level engagement, unions have played a central role in shaping:

• Employment standards across TfW
• Bus franchising reform
• Transport network integration
• Organisational and cultural change within TfW.

TfW’s commitment to the principle of “one network, one timetable, one ticket, one team” has been strengthened by early and proactive engagement with unions, ensuring workers’ insight directly influences reforms.

As Wales invests in a more integrated and sustainable transport network supported by £115.9 million through the Regional Transport Fund, the recognition agreement ensures TfW workers and unions will continue to play a central role in shaping that future.