Sunday Services – Enquiry Offices (Customer Service Points) 

Further to LTB 593/15 issued to Branches on 14th September 2015 it has come to our attention that very little activity has been taking place regarding the opening times of Enquiry Offices and in particular Sunday opening for the additional 266 Units which had been identified as fitting the criteria for Sunday opening.

Branches will recall that deployment of the Sunday Opening is scheduled to take place from January to March 2016 and Units were asked to engage early to enable discussions to be completed in time to meet this schedule.

Within the National Agreement, Annex A clearly stated:

It is accepted that all revised arrangements will be determined by fact and demonstrable evidence, including the agreed criteria as stated in the “Enquiry Office Opening Times” paragraph of the main agreement. Where locally units are unable to agree revised arrangements such cases should be escalated to the relevant ADR and DSM by 30th October 2015 to review the situation and see if agreement can found. Where no agreement can be found it should be escalated to the Delivery Director and CWU Divisional Representative by 20th November 2015 for further review. Failure to reach agreement at this stage will result in the disagreement being referred to National level by the 4th December 2015.

In order to establish exactly what the position is around the country we are requesting Branches and/or CWU Representatives to provide the department with a short report on the current state of play regarding the 266 Offices which are due to deploy Sunday opening in 2016. The full list is attached for ease of reference.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 530

Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Bob Gibson

CWU Assistant Secretary   

Future of Delivery – Update 

Further to LTB 627/15 regarding the Future of Delivery and the debate which began with the ADR Briefings regarding a Future Delivery Model. We are continuing discussions with Royal Mail and correspondence has been exchanged covering our respective positions and outlining our current thoughts at this early stage. To be clear, at this stage nothing has been agreed other than to continue dialogue and explore options on this very important subject.

To supplement this we have called a briefing on Wednesday 16th December 2015 for all CWU Divisional Representatives where they will be taken through the current position and initial outputs emanating from the Optimised Mail Preparation trial so that they are fully informed on the implications for all functions and can be in a position to impart this knowledge into the field and into the ensuing debate.

Further discussions/meetings have been scheduled with Royal Mail on a more frequent basis and with longer sessions. Information resulting from these meetings will be shared on an ongoing basis with Branches, CWU Representatives and our members via our existing communication channels such as briefings, LTBs and the Voice.

In addition further discussions will take place with Royal Mail regarding how we engage all affected parties in the New Year so that we can have a fully inclusive debate on the Future of Delivery, with due regard for the other functions.

We are aware that there is some concern in certain areas regarding some of the ideas and views that are being put forward and considered to feed into this debate. Everyone can be assured that that is all they are at this stage and there is no commitment from the CWU to introduce anything until we fully understand the implications and impact on our members in terms of jobs, terms and conditions and their ongoing well being.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 230.03

Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours sincerely
Bob Gibson

CWU Assistant Secretary

Delivery Indoor & Outdoor Planning Values 

Royal Mail has undertaken indoor and outdoor Industrial Engineering study work this year to update the current data bank values and parameters. This is primarily because of having to provide the Regulator with the most up-to-date costing on every element of operational tasks.
These new values will at some stage be included into the current Revision / Resourcing Tools, and from an indoor point of view the aim is to have a new Auto-IWT version ready in March 2016. The new values and how they are applied has been finalised with the exception of the values for units sorting packets / parcels to mini-Yorks. This will be a new value and is nearing completion, but has been problematic because of the numerous different set ups within delivery offices and trying to determine which is the most efficient.
The current position on how the new values will be applied to the outdoor work is still under discussion with the business. There is currently a difference of opinion with Royal Mail on how the observed time in the outdoor studies is reflected in workload.
The element of the study dealing with walking speeds when using delivery equipment is still ongoing and has to be completed to give as a complete view of the changes to the outdoor workload.
Within the outdoor study work the Industrial Engineers have established a value for Deliver to Neighbour (D2N) of 1 minute 53 seconds a call. This figure is subject to the ongoing discussions outlined above and may not be the final time for this task. We are bringing this to the attention of our representatives so that you are aware of this issue as we recognise that units are currently engaged in revision activity and are seeking guidance on how much time should be allocated for D2N. In the absence of a National Agreement on this our advice at this stage is that CWU representatives should not agree a time that is less than the time stated above. This issue in question is whether the time allocated is the basic minute value or the standard minute value.
Our discussions with the business are continuing and we hope to come up with an acceptable range of values that reflect the time the outdoor tasks actually take and that they are then applied to the outdoor operation in a way that is fair and manageable for our members.
It is imperative that we resolve this issue satisfactorily due to the impending “Final Mile Optimisation” (FMO) programme where the businesses aim is to introduce an outdoor forecasting process. Further update will be issued in due course.
Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 230.03

Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours sincerely
Bob Gibson

 Attendance Procedure – GP v OHA Advice 
My department has received many complaints about managers not following the correct procedure when there is a conflict of advice between member’s GP and Occupational Health Advice (OHA).

 
Complaints are around managers acting on the advice of the OHA and ignoring any advice from the member’s GP. We have met with Royal Mail and re-emphasised the wording and spirit of the agreement. In doing so, we have ‘tweaked’ the agreement to enable the proper conversations to take place. Instead of the Occupational Health Practitioner having the conversation with the GP, the OHA Regional Health Lead will have the discussion with the member’s GP.

 
Consent still has to be given by the member prior to any discussion taking place.

 
We have agreed the following wording which will replace Question 19 at the back of the attendance procedure booklet:-

 
If the advice provided by the Occupational Health significantly differs to that of a GP and cannot be resolved by a discussion between the manager and employee, the Regional Health Lead (RHL) will contact the employees GP to discuss any issues and come to a mutual consensus. The manager will then confirm this in writing and discuss the outcome with the employee.

 
In addition to this, the following wording has been sent to managers and been updated on PSP.

 
If there is a substantial difference in opinion between the GP and the Occupational Health practitioner then the manager should contact their Regional Health Lead (RHL) and inform the employee. The RHL will review the case, and speak to the OHS practitioner concerned for clarification if required. If the RHL is unable to bring the issue to resolution, then on receipt of written consent from the employee, the RHL will make contact with the GP to discuss and reach agreement. If after engaging with the GP, resolution is still not reached, then a face to face appointment with an Occupational Health physician will be arranged in order to determine the final outcome. The RHL will confirm the final outcome to the DSM, DOM or the appropriate manager, who will then inform the employee verbally and in writing. If the employee still does not return to work following the final advice, the manager should contact HR Advice and Support.

This re-emphasis should ensure managers use the correct process within the procedure and eliminate managers just using the OHA advice.

 
Any enquiries should be addressed to PTCS department, quoting reference PTC/RE/dj/415. Email address: djeffery@cwu.org  

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis                                               

Assistant Secretary

ERRATA – Rules Revision Conference 2016 – Submission of Rule Amendments 

It has been noted that the attachment to LTB 745/15 has the wrong closing date on the Amendment Form. The amended form is attached below along with the motion guide.

For clarity, Branches and Regional Committees are reminded that the closing date for submissions of Rules Amendments to the Rules Revision Conference 2016 is Tuesday 2nd February 2016. Submission of Rules Amendments can be posted or emailed but must arrive by midnight.

Please note that all correspondence must be sent by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal e-mail address.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

Rules Revision Conference 2016 – Submission of Rule Amendments 

Attached with this Letter to Branches are Rule Amendment forms for the Rules Revision Conference 2016.  

Branches should note that the Motion Guide for submitting rule amendments to the Rules Revision Conference 2016 has been attached.

Entitlements

In relation to the Rules Revision Conference 2016 all Branches and Regional Committees are entitled to submit up to three proposals to the Rules Revision Conference 2016.

Branches and Regional Committees are reminded that the closing date for submissions of Rules Amendments to the Rules Revision Conference 2016 is Tuesday 2nd February 2016. Submission of Rules Amendments can be posted or emailed but must arrive by midnight.

Branches, Regions, and the NEC are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the Rule Amendments submitted therefore it is important that Rule Amendments are checked before they are submitted.

Please note that all correspondence must be sent by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal e-mail address.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

Member – Nominated Trustee Director – Royal Mail Pension Plan 

The Trustee of the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP) is a company called ‘Royal Mail Pensions Trustees Limited’. This company is legally responsible for ensuring that the RMPP is run properly. The board of directors of this company comprises nine trustee directors, of whom one is an independent Chair appointed by Royal Mail Group (RMG), with the agreement of the union’s, four are nominated by or on behalf of the membership and four by RMG.

One of the member-nominated positions is due for selection from 1 April 2016 and so nominations are now being sought. Nominations can be from any individual who is a current, retired or deferred member of the RMPP, irrespective of Union membership. A self-nomination form is attached which once completed should be returned to the Senior Deputy General Secretary department at CWU HQ, by 19 December 2015.  

All Candidates will be required to submit a 200-word (maximum) statement supporting their candidature for election to the position when returning their nomination forms.  

Individuals wishing to understand the role of a trustee can visit the Pensions Regulator’s website and read the ‘Guide for New Trustees’ and the ‘Trustee Toolkit’ and review the first e-learning module for more information.

Upon receipt of a nomination, an information pack will be dispatched to the individual who has submitted the nomination. The pack will contain information on the role and responsibilities of a Trustee, a detailed job description and a personal specification for a potential Trustee.

Prior to a ballot taking place all candidates who have submitted a fully completed nomination form will be required to attend a half-day pre-election familiarisation seminar in London during January, which will be organised by the RMPP Trustee. At this stage candidates will be asked to re-confirm that their names should be added to the ballot paper and will also be given the opportunity to make any textual changes to their supporting statement.

If there is more than one valid nomination, a ballot will be held of all individuals who are employee members of RMPP and who are employed in CWU represented grades, irrespective of Union Membership. The ballot will be conducted by the distribution of ballot papers direct to individual home addresses. Completed ballot papers must then be returned in the envelope that will accompany the ballot paper to Popularis Ltd, who has been appointed as Independent Scrutineer for the purposes of this election.

The candidate who receives the most votes in the ballot will be selected as the CWU MND. In the event that there is only one nomination forthcoming then that nominee will be deemed to be selected without the need for a ballot and should there be no nominations at all, the nomination and selection process will be re-run no more than three years later.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary department for the attention of Peter Metcalfe.

Yours sincerely
Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

General Conference 2016 – Monday 25th April 2016 – Submission of Motions 

Attached with this Letter to Branches are Motion forms for General Conference 2016.  

Branches should note that the Motion Guide for submitting Motions to General Conference 2016 has been attached.  

Entitlements

In relation to the General Conference 2016, all Branches are entitled to submit three motions to General Conference. Regional Committees are entitled to submit three motions to the General Conference however one of the motions must be from the Regional Women’s Committee. Regional Health and Safety Forums are entitled to submit three motions on Health, Safety and Environmental matters.  

Branches/Regional Committees/Regional Health and Safety Forums are also reminded that the closing date for the submission of motions to General Conference is Tuesday 9th February 2016. Submission of motions can be by post or e-mail but must arrive by midnight.  

Branches, Regions, Health & Safety Forums Minority Conferences and the NEC are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

Please note that all correspondence must be sent by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal e-mail address.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by e-mail to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

OYAL MAIL: MULTICHANNEL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (MCE) – 2015/16 HALF YEAR BONUS PAYMENT 
Branches are advised there were three out of six measures where targets have not been achieved in relation to the MCE bonus scheme for the first half of 2015/16. For our members working in MCE this means a half year bonus of £250 (compared with £450 for the same period last year) which will be paid with November salaries.

 
A Joint Statement has been agreed with Royal Mail MCE and is attached to this LTB for your information.

 
Disappointingly this is the lowest bonus payment we can ever recall being paid and obviously this will be badly received by our MCE members especially as the achievement of some of the measures are out of the control of members. However there is still the opportunity for members to earn a further £500 bonus for the second half of the year.

 
I have registered my concerns with management regarding bonus measures that have been failed through no fault of our members. I will not let this matter rest and will be making further representations to senior management regarding my legitimate concerns. 

 
Further developments with regards to discussions over my comments above specifically relating to certain measures such as the scale of Customer Complaints and the detrimental impact on bonus payments will be reported as appropriate. There is no doubt that the well documented actions of Royal Mail in respect of job losses in deliveries has in turn increased the number of Customer Complaints and this has resulted in extra pressure being placed on our members to serve the customers. The net result is that bonus measures have been failed and this has impacted detrimentally on our members’ bonus payments.

 
Any queries in relation to this LTB should be directed to Lea Sheridan on 020 8971 7361 or lsheridan@cwu.org.

 
Yours sincerely

 
Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

ROYAL MAIL GROUP – HALF YEARLY FINANCIAL RESULTS 

Please find attached to this LTB a paper from CWU Research highlighting the key points contained in the company’s financial results, issued today, together with a press release from the DGS(P) Department.  

Despite the tough competitive and regulatory environment, the latest results (covering the six months to 27 September 2015) show that overall revenues and profits were broadly flat. Operating costs are down and employee productivity has risen significantly with efficiency improvements delivered across all parts of the Royal Mail Group.

To maintain such a solid performance in the face of increased competition and huge price pressure, while still delivering an excellent public service, is clearly a testament to the continued hard work and commitment of CWU members and the vital contribution they make to the success of the business.

But the latest accounts do not paint the full financial picture and reflect the wider impact of full privatisation. The Government took £750m out of the business when it sold its final stake in Royal Mail and, to date, the company has paid out £343m in dividends to private shareholders (a figure that will rise to £416m by January 2016).

Through the People’s Post campaign, the union will continue to challenge the role of the Regulator and press for a level competitive playing field that allows Royal Mail to fulfil its Universal Service obligation and deliver to every home in the country, at a uniform price, six days a week. The Regulator should be in no doubt that the CWU will continue our campaign to protect not only the postal service but also our members’ terms and conditions and the Agreement we have with Royal Mail to deliver long term growth and success.

However, underneath these positive results is declining morale in the workplace particularly in the light of Royal Mail’s failed resourcing strategy. Clearly steps have been taken to address that issue and as well as us pushing the growth agenda (which is crucial in the light of the continuing decline in letter traffic) we will also be reminding Royal Mail that real success is not only measured by the statement of accounts but by a tangible, mutual interest of conditions in the workplace consistent with our Agreements.  

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,
Terry Pullinger​​​​​​

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)