UPDATE ON HOLIDAY PAY

 

As you will know, the union wrote to members on holiday pay in February this year with a letter that was sent out to home addresses with the Voice. A copy of this was attached to LTB 64/15. The purpose of this letter is to provide an update on the issue.

 

As we stated in the letter to members, the CWU is seeking to deal with the issue collectively and we are currently in the process of trying to negotiate agreements with all of the employers across the postal side. The aim of the union in these discussions is to resolve the issue in relation to both backdated claims and to bring holiday pay entitlements in the different employers into line with the law going forward.

 

As we also explained in the letter to members, the fact that the union is continuing to negotiate on this on your behalf does not prevent you from making a claim yourself, should you wish to pursue this individually. For those who do wish to do so, it is important to be aware that any claims for past underpayments that are lodged after 30th June will be subject to a two year cap.

 

Because the union is seeking to take a collective approach to holiday pay, and given the number of members across the CWU who may be affected by this issue, as set out in the letter to members we will not be able to provide legal support to individuals who wish to make a claim themselves. There is, however, a guide to making a claim on the CWU website at http://www.cwu.org/holiday-pay.html

 

We will keep members informed of developments and progress on reaching settlements with the employers on the postal side as these progress. Any queries on the contents of this LTB should be addressed to dgspholidaypay@cwu.org

 

Yours sincerely

                                             

Dave Ward Ray Ellis

General Secretary Acting Deputy General Secretary (P)

THE FUTURE OF THE POSTAL INDUSTRY – ALL BRANCH MEETING AND PARLIAMENTARY LOBBY OF MP’s: CHANGE OF DATE TO THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2015 

I write further to LTB 387/15 which gave details of the important all branch Parliamentary event on the “Future of the Postal Industry” due to take place in Central Hall, Westminster.

 

Due to the Summer Budget being announced on the same day, it was necessary last week for us to change the date of this event to Thursday 9th July 2015. We advised all branches of this by email on 18th June 2015.

 

CWU officers and representatives are urged to prioritise this meeting and make every effort to attend.

 

The full details of the event are as follows:-

 

DATE: THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2015    

VENUE: THE LIBRARY, CENTRAL HALL

ADDRESS: STOREY’S GATE, WESTMINSTER SW1H 9NH

VENUE LINK: http://www.c-h-w.com/

TIME: 11.00AM – Refreshments from 10.30AM

 

We apologise for any inconvenience this change may have caused.

 

I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.  

 

An agenda will issued nearer the time but if there are any enquiries about the content of this LTB these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office quoting the reference LTB402/15. 

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

​​​​​

 

Dave Ward​​​​​​

General Secretary

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 Election of National Representative Positions – 2015

 

• CWU Retired Members Advisory Committee

• CWU Youth Committee

 

Further to LTB 358/15 dated 1st June 2015 please find below ballot results for the above named Delegations.

 

 

RETIRED MEMBERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

6 Retired members living in England

 

Dorothy Burnett

Newcastle Amal

126,725

*Elected

Ernie Coggins

Midland No 1

121,645

*Elected

Rodney Downing

South East No 5

92,802

*Elected

Brian Lee

East London Postal

105,876

*Elected

Allan Trotter​

Merseyside Amal

122,619

*Elected

Ken Ward

Plymouth & East Cornwall

89,802

*Elected

Graham Wilson

Manchester Clerical

66,607

 

 

 

CWU YOUTH COMMITTEE COMMITTEE 

 

South West

 

Gary Daw

Plymouth & East Cornwall

79,698

*Elected

Nebo Mutemwakwenda

Bristol & District Amal

48,746

 

 

London

 

Jay Bhundia​

South West Middlesex Amal

69,259

 

Charlotte Regan

Greater London Combined

71,778

*Elected

 

 

 

 

​​

The branch analysis for the above ballots is attached to this LTB.

 

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Tony Kearns​

Senior Deputy General Secretary

Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2015 

The annual presentation of the Ken McKenzie award was mandated by Annual Conference in 2010 and is presented to a ULR (Union Learning Representative) or group of ULR’s who have made a significant contribution to lifelong learning within the CWU. The award will be presented at the CWU ULR National Networking Event in November 2015.

 

Last year it was awarded jointly to Nick Bury and Liz Phillips and as usual we received a good number of nominations of a very high quality.

 

I am now inviting applications from Branches for the 2015 Annual Ken McKenzie award for lifelong learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs. Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees by completing the attached nomination form.

 

Completed Nominations should be sent to:

 

Michelle Simpson, Education and Training Department, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email learn@cwu.org

 

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2015.

 

The presentation of the award will be made at the Annual CWU ULR Event on 24th and 25th November 2015 in Nottingham.

 

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to me via the Education and Training Department at learn@cwu.org

 

Best wishes.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Trish Lavelle

Head of Education and Training

Network 15 Revision – Stage 1 Data Gathering 

Further to LTB 344/15 the department has been made aware that sites are at various phases in relation to the Stage 1 data gathering activity of the agreed Network 15 Revision process.

 

In order to ensure that there is timely participation in the data gathering activity, it has therefore been agreed with the business that a formal launch of the Stage 1 activity will take place on Monday 22nd June 2015.  

 

Against that backdrop all affected representatives are requested to ensure that engagement is taking place with management locally in relation to this activity in line with the terms of the Joint Statement communicated via LTB 344/15.

 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary, e-mail: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 233.11

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Terry Pullinger

Assistant Secretary

 

Royal Mail Group (excluding POL) Revised Transfer Policy and Process 

Branches will be aware of CWU HQ’s continuing dialogue with Royal Mail to update and improve the transfer process for individuals who wish to transfer location voluntarily within Royal Mail Group.

 

As a result of those discussions Royal Mail has transformed the infrastructure that provides the mechanics employees use to access the online application process. This is down to a project called Success Factors which is a system that not only provides the facility for job applications but can also administer a number of other internal business performance measures regarding personal development, training and individual qualifications.

 

Consequently the link which was previously issued has been changed and the screenshots previously provided have also been completely changed. The discussions have also resulted in an updated policy, which is attached, that our members will be able to utilise that provides the various screenshots making the process simpler and more user friendly.

 

The revised policy and online system has now gone live. All employees currently on the job alert system are in the process of being written to explaining the changes and how they go about updating their job alerts going forward.

 

The Union remains in dialogue with Royal Mail regarding the existing Transfer Policy, including issues such as the availability of full time jobs, recruitment and filling of vacancies which will be subject to further updates in due course.

 

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 440.23

Email address: hnutley@cwu.org or mstewart@cwu.org

 

Any enquiries to Terry Pullinger’s Office, quoting reference 202

Email address: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org

 

Yours sincerely​Yours sincerely

​​

Bob Gibson​Terry Pullinger

Assistant Secretary​Assistant Secretary

 

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 Facebook: Dave Ward CWU @DaveWardGS

 

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION 

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 

ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2015 

• TUC

• Labour Party

 

Further to LTB 359/15 dated 1st June 2015, please find below ballot results for the above named National Delegations.

 

TUC

 

Postal Constituency

 

Lay Members (5 Members to be Elected)

 

 

Bob McGuire​80,549​*Elected​

James McKechnie​61,297​*Elected

Ian Murphy​42,100

Sean Ryan​​46,615

Sajid Shaikh​52,692​*Elected

Amarjite Singh​77,568​*Elected

Tony Sneddon​50,742​

Ian Taylor​57,074​*Elected

Rob Wotherspoon​43,348​

 

​

LABOUR PARTY

 

Postal Constituency

 

Lay Members (5 Members to be Elected)

 

 

Bruce Devenport​32,236​

Kye Dudd​42,504

Peter Firmin​30,527

Hugh Gaffney​78,653​*Elected

Sajid Shaikh​66,050​*Elected​

Amarjite Singh​82,486​*Elected

Alan Tate​65,800​*Elected​

Mark Walsh​​82,425​*Elected​​

​

 

 

Telecom & Financial Services Constituency  

 

Lay Members (3 Members to be Elected)

 

Jonathan Bellshaw​32,531​*Elected

Francis Banks​39,876​*Elected​

Brian Kenny​40,472​*Elected

Duncan Strivens​16,220

​

Please find attached a copy of the branch breakdown for these ballots.

 

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

NATIONAL BRIEFING – FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2015 

We have attached to this LTB the Agenda for tomorrows briefing which prioritises the fast moving events affecting the future of the postal industry.  

 

Although the briefing will be focused on taking stock of competition, privatisation and regulation issues and how the CWU will respond to these, the agenda also provides the opportunity for an update on other industrial matters currently being dealt with by the Officers.

 

Finally, you will note from the agenda that a Royal Mail speaker, Gary Burgess, the Delivery Director, will give the company’s perspective and an update on the impact of Whistl pulling out of their UK delivery operation.   

 

Given the amount of developments since Annual Conference, it is important that all Branches are in attendance and that we fully discuss the approach the Union needs to take.  

 

We look forward to seeing you all at the briefing.

 

Any enquiries about the content of this LTB should be addressed to the GS Department. 

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

​

 

Dave Ward​​Ray Ellis ​

General Secretary​Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Briefing on Friday 19th June – 11.00 – 13.30

Agenda

 

1. Session 1 – 11.00 – 12.30

 

• Introduction and update on competition and privatisation developments – General Secretary

• Whistl – Royal Mail perspective (Gary Burgess)

• Maintaining our focus on growth and defending the legal protections – Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

• Taking the CWU campaign forward – General Secretary

• Questions and contributions from the floor

 

2. Session 2 – 12.30 – 13.30

 

• Industrial Officer’s reports

– Ray Ellis

– Bob Gibson

– Terry Pullinger

• Questions and contributions from the floor

 

3. Any Other Business

 

Briefing closes 13.30

 

Royal Mail Group – Pension Salary Exchange (PSE)

Royal Mail has written to staff with details of a new way of making pension contributions, known as Pension Salary Exchange (PSE), which will save some of the cost of national insurance contributions.
Why is Royal Mail introducing PSE? The Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP) is, like most defined benefit schemes, contracted out of an element of National Insurance (NI) contributions. The government is ending contracting out in April 2016. This means NI contributions for RMPP members will increase from 10.6% to 12%. NI costs will also increase for the business. PSE is a way of reducing some of the cost.
How does PSE work? Instead of your pension contribution being deducted from your pay, Royal Mail will make your contribution directly to the pension scheme on your behalf and reduce your headline rate of pay by the same amount. This reduces the level of pay on which NI contributions must be made and therefore reduces the amount of NI paid.
Does this mean I am getting a pay cut? No. Your take home pay will increase as a result of PSE because of the reduction in NI contributions. Royal Mail intend to introduce PSE in August. From then until contracting out ends in April 2016 members of the RMPP will see an increase in take home pay. After April 2016 the increase in NI from 10.6% to 12% costs will reduce take home pay for members of the RMPP – but this reduction will be much less than would be the case without PSE. The Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan (RMDCP) is not contracted out of any element of NI, so members already pay the full rate and will not have to pay more NI from April 2016. RMDCP members will see an increase in take home pay which will be ongoing.
Will PSE affect any pay related allowances or benefits? No. Future pay rises will be based on pre-exchange pay. Pay related allowances and overtime will also be based on pre-exchange rates, as will redundancy, Ill Health Retirement terms and death in service payments
Will PSE have any affect on my company pension? No. Exactly the same level of payment will be made into the scheme, so benefits are unaffected.
Will PSE affect my ability to borrow? When contacted for details for your earnings, Royal Mail will show your pre-exchange pay as well as your salary exchange pay. Most defined benefit schemes now operate on a basis of salary exchange so lenders are familiar with these schemes.
Is this a form of tax avoidance? No. The scheme will be specifically endorsed by HMRC. Many other defined benefit schemes have operated salary exchange for many years – the BT scheme covering CWU members in Telecoms is an example.
Is everyone included? No. Anyone earning less than £192 per week will not be included. This is to ensure no one can lose out on income related state benefits. If a person’s earnings vary around this level, they will be taken out of PSE for any pay period in which earnings fall below £192 per week.
Does everyone benefit from salary exchange? People who have already reached state pension age no longer pay NI and will see no change. Not everyone will benefit equally. Higher rate tax payers pay a lower rate of NI contribution so people earning above £40,400 a year will see much less of a saving than basic rate tax payers.
What is the union’s view? The introduction of PSE was discussed at the Pension Policy Committee –a joint body including Royal Mail and the unions. We believe it makes sense to introduce PSE, because it reduces the cost of the ending of contracting out for members of the RMPP and the business, and produces a net financial gain for the members of the RMDCP. If you have any further questions, the union has established a dedicated email address pse@cwu.org
Yours sincerely
Ray Ellis

Postal Regulation – Ofcom Announcement, 16th June 

As you may have seen in the media, Ofcom has today announced that it is conducting a fundamental review of the way it regulates Royal Mail in the wake of Whistl’s withdrawal from the letter delivery market last week.

 

While Ofcom has presented this in its press release as part of its work to secure the universal service, the focus of this review will be looking at whether Royal Mail should have less commercial freedom – and should now be subject to price controls – and how Ofcom can ensure that it becomes more efficient.

 

Given Ofcom’s stance on the postal market and its efforts to promote competition, it is not a surprise to us that it is looking to restrict Royal Mail and put pressure on it over efficiency following Whistl’s announcement.

 

Ofcom has said that it will publish its initial proposals and consult on these in July, with a view to introducing a new regulatory framework in 2016. The CWU will be responding to this consultation and we will update branches about how today’s announcement fits in with our campaign on regulation and Ofcom’s approach to the postal market at the briefing at the TUC on 19th June.

 

Any queries about the contents of this LTB should be addressed to the GS Department.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Ray Ellis ​Dave Ward ​

Acting Deputy General Secretary (P)​General Secretary