BAME OFFICER REPORT.
As we are all aware the last few months have been quite busy for all the cwu reps because of the dispute with Royal mail. Its also been an opportunity to inform and educate members about the importance of the union membership. Many of the BAME members are quite new or part timers, less involved in union activities so they have been quite anxious about the dispute and the looming of strike action. Not always easy but Earnie Orviss, steve Clarke Luke Smith , Austin Goldsmith , Amanda Hill and all the other reps have done good job to explain and get members on board for ‘”yes” vote so well done to all involved ( forgive me for not mentioning everyone’s name’s).
I wrote letter to all the BAME members to inform and invite to raise awareness of the role of BAME issues and current dispute with Royal mail.
I have been trying to find information and to liaise with various minorities groups in Peterborough who stand for common goal of ‘unity and communal harmony’ and to help members where to seek advice if they face any problems.
As I gain my own knowledge and experience of various minorities members who work at Peterborough mail centre I am amazed at the variety of people from interesting diverse backgrounds which I would like to use to enrich the knowledge of wider members. I have faced some issues with lack of (nil) interest shown from senior management apart from weekend maneger Philp Rosier who has shown interest and granted me hour on Saturday for this role.
The information of BAME members is not up to date and confusing which needs to be sorted and mapping.
On 17th of October I went to black workers conference first time as BAME officer in Bristol it was well attended and many important issues, motions were discussed and debated ie the role of BAME should be recognized same as IR frame work. Race Advisory Committee should be given more saying to influence the Union policies. The plight of Royhinga Muslims of Myanmar and local campaign “justice for Judah”( please Google) Mr Judah Adunabi who faced police discrimination were highlighted. The black slave history of the city of Bristol and the current proud diverse communities of Bristol were told by CWU local South West branch Reps, guest speaker Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees (descended of Jamaican slave now first elected black mayor in Europe) and local historian Dr Madge Dresser. RAC members CWU HQ equality officer Linda Roy and CWU general secretary Dave Ward also addressed conference. Dave Ward highlighted the work being carried out for the “redesign” of the union and reflected on shrinking of Royal mail and as a result drop in membership and the effect it’s having on CWU resources. He acknowledged the importance of having different committees ie LGBT, women’s, BAME etc who represents the interests of minority members and make CWU stronger.
Although not enough time but It was an opportunity to get to know other Activists for networking. Unfortunately I couldn’t vote on any motions as I wasn’t holding the voting cards.
I have printed and displayed posters in the mail centre to raise awareness of ‘Hate crime week’ and currently doing some research to display past stories to celebrate ‘Black history month’. Elected or not I shall continue working towards the greater interests of CWU. Many thanks for your support

Jasbir Singh.

HSE Public Consultation Document (CD285) on Proposed Amendments to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) – CWU Response

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Consultation Background

The HSE has published Public Consultation Document (CD285) in which it proposes to amend the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) to implement a legislative change that was recommended by the ‘Post Implementation Review’ (PIR).

The proposal is to align the periods between medical examinations for workers engaged in licensed Asbestos work (currently 2-yearly) with those engaged in notifiable non-licensed Asbestos work (currently 3-yearly). In effect it would become 3-yearly for all.

Key Proposal

The consultation document (CD285) states that the proposal to change the frequency of medical examinations for workers engaged in licensed Asbestos work from 2-yearly to 3-yearly which they state is intended to streamline the medical surveillance requirements of the legislation, but that it does not represent a reduction in worker protection.

The CD explains that it will also be necessary to amend the Approved Code of Practice Managing and Working with Asbestos (HSE publication L143) to reflect the proposed change to the legislation.

In addition, it states that some of the other PIR recommendations can be achieved by amendments to guidance in other parts of L143.

Proposed Changes CWU Response

The CWU, TUC and all UK Trade Unions will be responding by rejecting and opposing the change. In short, the trade union view is that any harmonisation should be upwards to 2-Yearly for all and NOT downwards to 3-Yearly for all.

The Consultation closing date is 30 October 2017 and any Safety Rep, Branch or Regional Health and Safety Forum that wishes to respond should do so by that date.

Consultation Questions

CD285 seeks views on the proposed changes and includes a number of questions, divided into four parts:

1. The legal changes required to bring about the recommendation in the PIR report 2. The amended Approved Code of Practice 3. The amended guidance in the Approved Code of Practice 4. The impact on business of making the changes

CWU Response

See attached copy of the CWU/HQ response and a copy of the HSE Public Consultation Document (CD285).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB574 HSE Public Consultation Document (CD285) on Proposed Amendments to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) – CWU Response

HSE Public Consultation Document CD285 Asbestos Regulations CWU Response

CD285 Consultation On Proposals To Amend The Control Of Asbestos Regulations 2012

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MOTION 29 CWU GENERAL CONFERENCE 2017

Motion 29 was carried at CWU General Conference 2017, for ease of reference a copy of that motion is produced below.

This Conference values the work retired members do on behalf of the union and wants them to remain active and engaged and play their part in the success of the CWU as an independent trade union.

However, following the publication of LTB’s 664/16 and 723/16, Conference recognises that concerns have been raised about the NEC decision to endorse the President’s ruling on retired members’ voting entitlements.

Conference further recognises that there are inconsistencies across Branches in the application of retired members’ voting rights and that concerns equally exist regarding whether or not it is right for retired members to vote for occupational/industrial positions at Branch level, when they are no longer in employment.

In light of the aforementioned developments, Conference agrees that as part of the Re-design Project, the NEC will aim to build a consensus on a way forward on these issues, in line with the following principles:-

· To enhance the work of the union, the aim will be to provide clarity on the role to be played by members who are retired and by those who retain other membership but are not in employment

· Recognise that the interests of working members and retired members must be served differently.

· Recognise that succession planning and progression within the union is important to the development and longevity of our organisation.

· To identify what voting rights are appropriate for all categories of CWU membership whilst upholding the principle that retired members should not be able to vote for occupational/industrial positions.

The NEC is instructed to establish a small working group with the aim of producing a report to the NEC no later than the end of July 2017. The NEC will then agree a way forward that supports the principles listed in this Motion and will subsequently publish a report to Branches no later than the end of September 2017. The working group will ensure that there is opportunity for all views to be represented and will include members of the RMAC. The report will also identify any required rule changes and provide for the most expedient, practical and cost effective way to place these before Branches for endorsement.

As can be seen from the wording of the motion the intention was to have a report on this matter to Branches by the end of September 2017.

The purpose of this LTB is to inform Branches of why this hasn’t happened and to outline what has taken place, and how we will deal with this issue going forward.

Firstly, the working group is to be made up of (amongst others) members of the RMAC. The election process for the RMAC, following nominations, was not complete until mid-June 2017.

Following this a meeting of the RMAC was held on Wednesday 9th August 2017 with the specific aim of discussing the contents of Motion 29. That meeting discussed the contents of Motion 29 and laid out, in report form, those issues then needed to be addressed by the working group as part of prosecuting the terms of the motion. At that point the intention was to hold 2 meetings of the working group to carry out the more detailed work required.

Unfortunately, no sooner had that meeting take place then work began in earnest around the CWU “4 Pillars” campaign within Royal mail.

Key to this was ensuring that the ballot process was undertaken as scrupulously as possible in order that we reduced the risk of having a ballot declared invalid by the courts. This is a major piece of work undertaken under the remit of the SDGS Department and as such meant that a number of other issues, including the issue of Motion 29, had to be delayed.

Whilst this is frustrating for all concerned there is no question that the serious matters that needed to be attended to demanded that we prioritise this work as part of the wider and ongoing campaign. Difficult as this was we believe making this issue a priority was the correct course of action to take despite the fact that this then seriously delayed our ability to act on other issues.

No sooner had the ballot process ended, with the declaration of the result, Royal Mail then began a process that culminated in the CWU being summoned to the High Court. Once again there is no question that this matter also needed the attention of a number of people at CWU HQ and yet again other matters were subject to delay.

The delay to the process to deal with the terms of Motion 29 are a source of regret, however we believe Branches will understand the overriding need to ensure that the issues that led to the delay are accepted and acknowledged as a priority issue for the CWU given the impact the dispute has for our 111,000 plus members in Royal Mail. There was no alternative but to treat these matters as a priority.

The decision of the Court however means that a window of opportunity has now opened up to address Motion 29, alongside other issues.

Accordingly the working group constituted under Motion 29, that includes 2 members of the RMAC, will now meet in the first full week in November to address the relevant issues.

We understand the frustration felt and voiced by some of our retired members on the delay that has occurred. The NEC and those involved at CWU HQ share that sense of frustration and remain as committed to resolving these issues as we were when the NEC moved Motion 29 at CWU General Conference.

Indeed should any branch wish to make a submission to be considered by the working group then these would be gratefully received, if you would like to do this please could your views be submitted by no later than Monday 7th November 2017.

A further update to branches, in lieu of a final report from the working group, will be made following the meeting in early November.

Finally can we thank all those concerned for the patience they have exercised at this difficult time and we would request that the contents of this LTB are brought to the attention of your Retired Members Section as soon as is practicably possible.

Any comments or 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

17LTB573

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Royal Mail Fiat Doblo Van Fire – Urgent Action Royal Mail Fleet Technical Services (TSB) 16/17 Fiat Doblo Fuel Pipe Checks

To: All Branches with members in RM Group

Dear Colleagues,

This is to update Branches and ASRs regarding the Fiat Doblo Van Fire which occurred in the Merseyside, involving a van being operated out of Bootle DO at the beginning of October. Following the fire a thorough investigation was carried out by the Royal Mail Fleet Engineers in conjunction with Fiat Vehicle Manufacturers and this has resulted in the publication/circulation of an “Urgent Action” Royal Mail Fleet Technical Services (TSB), number 16/17, headed ‘Fiat Doblo Fuel Pipe Checks’ (copy attached). TSB 16/17 was previously issued by Royal Mail Fleet to provide Royal Mail Fleet Workshops with instructions to check the fuel pipes in the engine bay on all Fiat Doblo petrol vehicles as a matter of urgency to prevent a potential fire risk. This TSB has been updated to inform all affected Fleet Workshops with the latest recommendations from Fiat and Royal Mail Fleet Engineering on this TSB action (copy attached). This updated TSB 16/17 is also available on the Royal Mail FMS Technical SharePoint intranet site in the TSB 2017 section.

The conclusion from the investigation and checks which have been undertaken is that there is no widespread fire risk danger to Fiat Doblo Van drivers.

Royal Mail Fleet operates 498 Petrol Fiat Doblo Vans within it entire group fleet of 46,000 vehicles. The Fiat Doblo Van has been in service since 2015.

The Royal Mail Group Head of Fleet Engineering assures the CWU Health, Safety, Safety and Environment Department that there is no inherent risk of fire but RM Fleet are still carrying out a check of all petrol Fiat Doblo Vans for completeness and as a precaution.

See attached copy of TSB 16/17.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Joyce

National Health & Safety Officer

17LTB570 Royal Mail Fiat Doblo Van Fire – Urgent Action Royal Mail Fleet Technical Services (TSB) 16 17 Fiat Doblo Fuel Pipe Checks

TSB 16 17 Doblo 1.4 Petrol Fuel Pipes VARIATION

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Royal Mail – Panther Easyflex Trainer Style Footwear Trials Update

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

This is an update further to LTB561/17 and my letter to all ASRs regarding the “Panther Easyflex” Trainer trials.

The Health, Safety and Environment Department would like to thank all those many ASRs that forwarded comments on the above trial footwear and the ordering/re-ordering process problems. All comments and input has been summarised and passed to the Royal Mail Assets Team and will be discussed in due course.

As previously explained, the key issue is to work towards getting a better range of Royal Mail footwear and in doing so getting more members wearing officially provided, fit for purpose, good condition, safe and healthy footwear which hopefully will contribute to reducing the risks of foot and joint problems as well as common slip injuries. We have also ensured that ASRs are fully involved in these objective s.

In response to the two main issues raised about obtaining a good level of trial questionnaire feedback responses from members, this has been discussed with Royal Mail and I’m pleased to be able to advise Branches and ASRs that:

◦ The closing date has been extended for the trial questionnaire feedback responses and,

◦ Measures have now been put in place whereby the trial survey return forms can now be printed and posted rather than just done online which was proving unpopular with many individual members who requested the option of a paper survey feedback return.

Additionally, in my discussions with Royal Mail Assets and Royal Mail’s footwear suppliers ‘Dimensions’, it has been agreed that a new simple, quick reference, handbook/pamphlet guide to ordering/re-ordering/replacing footwear with the new footwear range is to be produced for Managers, Union Reps and members, in order to overcome the common complaints and problems constantly reported to the Union. Branches and Reps will be updated on this in due course.

Your help in urging members who are trialling the new footwear designs to complete the feed-back forms would be very much appreciated as it will help get footwear right.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB568 Royal Mail – Panther Easyflex Trainer Style Footwear Trials Update

Panther Easyflex Survey – Hardcopy

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Colleagues,

Many of you will be members of the Labour Party. We ask that you put the model motion below to your CLP as a matter of urgency.

Please share this with any Labour Party members in your office.

This Branch/CLP believes that:

1. following an overwhelming ballot result Royal Mail should have listened to its staff and recognised the need to shift its position, instead of taking them to court to secure an injunction to delay strike action;

2. Royal Mail should never have been privatised. Alongside the increasing pressure on staff and their terms and conditions, the public are seeing price increases, cuts to services – for instance, with delivery office closures across the country – and asset stripping with over £200m worth of property having been sold off;

3. This is the familiar story of privatisation, with hedge funds and senior executives reaping the rewards. In just three and a half years Royal Mail has paid out over £620m in dividends to private shareholders – just under £500,000 every day – and last year alone Royal Mail’s CEO saw her pay packet increase by 23%; and

4. Royal Mail is an important public service and part of our national infrastructure that should be re-nationalised by a Labour government and brought back together with the Post Office in public ownership at the earliest opportunity.

This Branch/CLP therefore resolves to:

1. contact local CWU postal branches to express support for its members in the current dispute;

2. mobilise support for future picket lines;

3. take a solidarity photo at this meeting to be shared on social media tagging @cwunews; and

4. ask our MP and councillors to make clear statements in support of CWU members in Royal Mail.

Branch Workplace Women’s Committees – A Guide To Setting Them Up

Motion 7 at CWU Women’s Conference 2016 asked the Women’s Committee to enable all women in CWU represented workplaces to achieve their full potential and increase levels of interest in women becoming active within the Union.

The Women’s Advisory Committee was instructed that as part of this process, the success criteria of already established workplace women’s committees should be shared by the Women’s Advisory Committee via an LTB as best practice.

Please find attached to this LTB Branch Workplace Women’s Committees – A Guide To Setting Them Up. The Guide is a suggestion based on the experience of CWU members who are active at all levels and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Yours sincerely

Linda Roy

Assistant Secretary

LTB 567 – Branch Workplace Women’s Committees – A Guide to setting them up

Branch Workplace Womens committee set up idea

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Endometriosis Factsheet

To: All Branches

Please find below the latest Factsheet from the Equal Opportunities Department.

This Factsheet is also available online at the CWU website.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the Equal Opportunities Department.

Yours sincerely

Linda Roy

Assistant Secretary

LTB 565 – Endometriosis – Factsheet

545517-Endometriosis

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