TRADES UNION CONGRESS 2017: CWU DELEGATION REPORT

The 2017 Trades Union Congress took place from Sunday 10th September to Wednesday 13th September 2017.

All unions were entitled to submit two motions to the agenda. The CWU National Executive Council agreed the following motions:-

MOTION 1 – A NEW DEAL FOR WORKERS

Insecure employment and the growing pressure workers are under to work harder and faster for less, are the defining issues of our time for the trade union movement.

Far from creating a country that works for everyone, the Conservative government is creating a country in which we work ‘til we drop. In contrast, Labour’s 2017 manifesto put forward a transformative agenda on employment rights.

The government-commissioned Taylor report failed to address the need to enhance individual and collective rights to protect workers and bring about a real upturn in terms and conditions. The crucial question now facing the union movement is what are we going to do about it?

Congress agrees it is time to make greater demands on behalf of all workers and develop a new model of trade unionism that can organise workers everywhere, reverse the decline in overall UK trade union membership and counter the predicted impact of the gig economy.

Specifically, Congress calls on the General Council to:

Develop a common bargaining agenda to tackle insecurity.

Publish a trade union manifesto on what constitutes a new deal for workers.

Mobilise for a national demonstration for a new deal for workers to be held no later than the first half of 2018.

To facilitate the above, the General Secretary will bring forward documentation for agreement at the Executive Committee and General Council. This will also include how we build support for a major campaign and reach a consensus on deliverable action.

Communication Workers Union

MOTION 2 – A NEW MODEL OF TRADE UNIONISM

Conference recognises the growing challenges facing the trade union movement and is extremely concerned that 2016 saw a reported fall of 275,000 TU members with density reported at 23.3%.

Congress agrees that to revolutionise the world of work, deliver a new deal for workers, ensure wider society benefits from the gig economy and to re-assert trade union values and organisation – the TUC and its affiliated unions must now lead a major transformative project to create a new model of UK trade unionism.

The General Secretary will bring forward for agreement, documentation to the Executive Committee and General Council on the overall shape, aims and objectives of the project by March 2018, including consideration of the following:

• How we significantly increase levels of engagement with members and representatives.

• How we strengthen local workplace activism.

• Improving co-operation, methods and effectiveness of organising.

• A stronger focus for the TUC in co-ordinating solidarity and supporting workers in dispute.

• The best model of trade unionism to influence the gig economy.

• Bringing forward a younger generation of representatives and members.

• Ensuring the whole movement better reflects the gender, ethnicity and diversity of the workforce.

• Improving the scope and reach of collective and sectoral bargaining.

The project will build on and pull together existing relevant TUC work strands and review all TUC structures to strengthen the voice of smaller unions. The project will ensure the widest consultation with unions and seek the widest possible direct engagement with workers.

Communication Workers Union

The CWU was also entitled to submit two amendments. These were as follows:

Amendment to Motion P06 – The safety risks of light touch regulation (BALPA)

Add at end of third paragraph

‘Accordingly Congress is concerned that Government will use ‘Brexit’ as an excuse to water down or remove valuable Health and Safety legislation’.

Insert in the 4th paragraph line 3 after the word ‘regulation’

Congress also agrees that we will campaign widely to protect and preserve existing legalisation from indiscriminate removal under the guise of being “better for business”.

Amendment to Motion P10 – Climate Change (BFAWU)

Add the following two new points at end of motion

1 consult with all affiliates to seek input into the development of a cross sector industrial strategy that works towards delivering internationally agreed carbon emission reduction targets

vi develop a “just transition” programme for those workers affected by the industrial changes necessary to develop a more environmentally sustainable future for all.

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

2017 TRADES UNION CONGRESS – BRIGHTON

MINUTES OF THE TUC DELEGATION MEETING

HELD IN THE TENNYSON SUITE, WATERFRONT HOTEL,

ON SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER AT 10.30AM

___________________________________________________________________

PRESENT: Jane Loftus (Chair), Dave Ward (General Secretary), Tony Kearns (SDGS), Andy Kerr (DGS T&FS), Terry Pullinger (DGS Postal), Maria Exall (ex officio), Amarjite Singh, Jim McKechnie, Joyce Stevenson, Kate Hudson, Sajid Shaikh, Tony Gilkes, , Mick Kavanagh, Tom Cooper, Katie Dunning, Erin Massey, Jeff Till, Rob Wotherspoon.

IN ATTENDANCE: Bill Taylor, Lionel Sampson, Andrew Towers, Jeremy Baugh, Janina Dunn

1 INTRODUCTIONS

The Chair welcomed all CWU Delegates to the meeting in particular those who were attending the TUC Congress for the first time and asked the delegation to introduce themselves to the meeting.

The Chair informed the delegation that the meeting would take a 30 minute break after point 3 to enable delegates to read the policy documents with a view to intervening in any debates.

The General Secretary welcomed all delegates and said that this year’s Congress was probably the most important TUC for many years and that the CWU has been pushing for new policies on a new deal for workers with the TUC.

The General Secretary also encouraged all delegates to consider speaking on debates during the course of the week, and said that he felt this year’s TUC would be a good and interesting Congress.

2 APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Daniel Coles who was unable to attend Congress due to a family bereavement and Terry Pullinger TUC Fringe (National Shop Stewards Network).

3 TUC DOCUMENTATION

Bill Taylor, Head of Research explained what documentation the delegation would need for the TUC.

The SDGS explained the process for submitting motions, and amendments and the subsequent compositing process.

4 POLICY AND DECISION MAKING

Following a break to consider the recommendations the Chair went through the policy recommendations:-

The following policy was agreed.

Motion

RecommendationComposite 1

Support3

Support4

Support5

SupportComposite 2

Support7

SupportComposite 3

SupportComposite 4

Support11

Support12

Support13

Support14

Support15

Support16

Oppose17

SupportComposite 5

SupportComposite 6

Oppose21

SupportComposite 7

Oppose26

SupportComposite 8

Support33

Support34

Support35

Oppose36

Support37

Support38

Support39

Support40

Support41

SupportComposite 9

SupportComposite 10

Support52

Support53

Support54

Support55

Support56

Support57

Support58

Support59

Support60

SupportComposite 11

Support63

Support64

Support65

Support66

SupportComposite 12

Support68

Support69

Support70

Support71

Support72

Move73

Support74

Support75

Support76

Support77

Support78

Support79

Support

GENERAL COUNCIL STATEMENTS –

Subject

Recommendation

TUC Campaign Plan 2017 – 18

Support

Making a jobs-first, rights-first Brexit a reality

Support
The above policy was agreed.

5 TUC GENERAL COUNCIL REPORT

The Chair went through TUC General Council Report pointing out its contents and asked if delegates wanted to raise any matters arising from the various Chapters.

Following consideration there were no issues raised by the delegates.

The SDGS explained to delegates the process for submitting motions, and amendments and the subsequent compositing process. He explained the documentation which would be required by delegates.

6 CWU MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS – SPEAKERS

The following CWU commitments and interventions were agreed.

CWU Commitments – Speakers

Composite 2 Second Katie Dunning

Composite 4 Second Tony Kearns

Composite 8 Support Dave Ward

Motion 72 Move Dave Ward

CWU Interventions – Speakers

Composite 1 Support Andy Kerr

Composite 3 Support Jane Loftus

Composite 6 Oppose Dave Ward

Motion 17 Support Tony Kearns

Motion 35 Oppose Maria Exall

Motion 37 Support Amarjite Singh

Motion 76 Second Tony Kearns

Motion 77 Second Tony Kearns

7 NOMINATIONS

The General Secretary was elected to the General Council by right of office as agreed by the NEC.

Maria Exall was elected unopposed in Section I – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.

8 TUC GUEST SPEAKERS AT CONGRESS

The Chair advised delegates of the advertised speakers during TUC Congress 2017.

9 FRINGE MEETINGS AND RECEPTIONS

The delegation was advised of a number of fringe meetings involving, or of special interest to the CWU.

Sunday 10th – John McDonnell – LRC – Old Ship Hotel

Monday 11th – Dave Ward/Tim Roache – CWU/GMB New Politics, New Trade Unionism – Conference Centre Restaurant.

Tuesday 12th – Tony Kearns – Climate Change – Conference Centre

Tuesday 12th – Jane Loftus – SUTR – Grand Hotel

Tuesday 12th – Maria Exall – Tories Out – Friends Meeting House, Ship Street.

10 DELEGATION SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

The Chair confirmed that the Congress seating plan was contained on page 29 of the Congress Guide. CWU would be situated in Block A, Row F 1 – 12 and Row G 6 – 12.

11 CWU COMMUNICATIONS

Media Contacts

The Chair asked delegates to consult Chris Webb, Head of Comms or Charlie Pullinger, Press Officer prior to interacting with the media. She also reminded delegates that before posting any personal photographs of individual members of the delegation or CWU HQ team – permission of the individual should be sought.

12 ABSENCES DURING CONGRESS

The Chair asked the delegation to confirm to Tony Kearns SDGS if they would be absent during Congress, or if they were required to leave Congress early.

13 DELEGATION DINNER

There would be a delegation dinner at 8 p.m. in the Noblesse Suite – drinks in the bar for 7.00/7.30 p.m.

14 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Amarjite Singh asked the meeting to consider submitting an Emergency Motion on Burma and that he would like to speak on it.

The General Secretary advised the meeting that CWU has submitted and Emergency Motion on Royal Mail and that Terry Pullinger Deputy General Secretary (Postal) would be moving the Emergency Motion.

There were gate meetings in relation to the Royal Mail dispute on Monday morning at Brighton Delivery Office and Worthing which would be attended by the General Secretary, Senior Deputy General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary Postal and President.

The General Secretary also advised the delegation that the CWU would be holding a live Facebook session (Q&A) regarding the dispute on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1.00 p.m.

The complete TUC Congress decisions for 2017 can be downloaded from the following website.

www.tuc.org.uk/key-documents-congress-2017

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB043 TRADES UNION CONGRESS 2017- CWU DELEGATION REPORT

201801241015

201801241014

LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 2017: CWU DELEGATION REPORTS

The 2017 Labour Party Conference was held in Liverpool from Sunday 24th to Wednesday 27th September 2017.

The following is a report on the decisions taken by the CWU delegation at their meeting on Sunday 24th September 2017.

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

2017 CWU Labour Party Delegation Meeting

Tennyson Suite, Jury’s Inn Waterfront Hotel, Brighton

Sunday 24th September 2017, 8.30am

___________________________________________________________________

PRESENT: Beryl Shepherd (Vice President), Dave Ward (General Secretary), Tony Kearns (SDGS), Andy Kerr (Deputy General Secretary, T&FSE), Craig Anderson, Paul Braithwaite, Kye Dudd, Kate Dunning, Scott Hartles, Kate Hudson, Steve Jones, Brian Kenny, Steve Phillips, Sajid Shaikh, Joyce Stevenson, Alan Tate, Dave Tee and Richard Wilkins

IN ATTENDANCE: Jane Loftus, Chris Webb, Bill Taylor, Maria Exall, Lionel Sampson, Andrew Towers and Meta Bovell

1 INTRODUCTIONS

Beryl Shepherd, Vice President welcomed all CWU Delegates particularly those attending the Labour Party Conference for the first time. She especially welcomed our young worker delegate, Scott Hartles from Scotland No.2.

Maria Exall was attending the meeting in an ex-officio capacity as Vice Chair of TULO.

The General Secretary also welcomed delegates and observers to the meeting and said that he expected this conference to be very positive for all concerned.

2 APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from:-

• Terry Pullinger – on annual leave

• Craig Anderson – attending a course at Ruskin College; due to arrive Sunday evening

• Natalie Fleming – will no longer be able to attend as a delegate due to domestic issues

3 LABOUR PARTY DOCUMENTS

Bill Taylor, Head of Research ensured that all delegates had the appropriate documentation:-

• NEC Annual Report 2017

• National Policy Forum Report 2017

• CAC Report No. 1 and Appendix of NEC Rule Changes

• Labour Party Annual Conference Guide

• CWU Policy Document: 2017 Summary

4 CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE (CAC) REPORT NO.1

Andrew Towers, Head of Political Strategy advised delegates that each day they would receive a Conference Arrangements Committee Report.

CAC Report No.1 issued that morning, contained the day’s agenda and the full list of all contemporary motions submitted. The Appendix contained the NEC’s Constitutional amendments.

CWU Contemporary Motion

Andrew Towers also explained that the Labour Party Policy was made via the National Policy Forum (NPF) process. The Policy Commissions considered submissions from individual members, trade union affiliates and other affiliated organisations. Following consultations within the wider party, policy documents agreed by the NPF needed to be endorsed by Annual Conference.

Contemporary motions to annual conference allowed CLPs and unions to address issues which could not otherwise have been raised through the NPF process. Each affiliate was therefore entitled to submit one Contemporary Motion to Labour Party Conference.

The CWU submitted a motion on ‘Industrial and Economic Strategy’, using the Royal Mail dispute as a contemporary hook. This motion was therefore deemed as being contemporary. We had subsequently worked with other affiliates (UNITE and Aslef) to bring together a composite motion on the subject.

Those contemporary motions meeting the strict criteria would progress to the Contemporary Motions Priority Ballot. Andrew Towers explained that CLPs were also entitled to vote on four subjects, which may or may not be the same as those selected by the trade unions.

Priorities Ballot

The Senior Deputy General Secretary, Tony Kearns, advised that all Contemporary Motions were contained on page 15 of CAC Report No.1.

As stated, trade union affiliates would choose four contemporary issues and in accordance with colleagues in TULO the General Secretary recommended the following contemporary issues in the Priorities Ballot:

• Tackling Insecure Work

• Building an Industrial and Economic Strategy for all

• Public Sector Pay and Access to Work

• Grenfell Tower Fire

The contemporary issues were agreed.

Andrew Towers and the Chair agreed that they would collect and complete the priorities ballot paper.

5 NATIONAL POLICY FORUM (NPF) REPORT 2017

The NPF Report 2017 contained the Policy Commission Annual Reports.

• Early Years, Education and Skills

• Economy, Business and Trade

• Environment, Energy and Culture

• Health and Care

• Housing, Local Government and Transport

• International

• Justice and Home Affairs

• Work, Pensions and Equality

In addition there were the following Appendices:

• Submitting organisations

• National Policy Forum membership

The NPF Report 2017 was agreed.

6 LABOUR PARTY NEC ELECTION

The General Secretary advised that the Delegates Report contained details of the candidates standing for the Labour Party NEC.

There were 12 individuals to be elected, 6 of whom must be women.

Originally there were 13 candidates listed however following discussions at TULO, Usdaw agreed to withdraw Joanne Cairns and therefore the recommendation was to vote for the 12 remaining candidates, who were:-

Keith Birch

UNISONJennie Formby

UniteAndi Fox

TSSAJim Kennedy

UniteAndy Kerr

CWUPaddy Lillis

UsdawPauline McCarthy

BFAWIan Murray

FBUWendy Nichols

UNISONCatherine Speight

GMBSarah Owen

GMBMick Whelan

ASLEFThe recommendation was agreed.

The election would take place on Monday 25th September 2017 and ballot papers would be collected and completed by Andrew Towers and the Chair.

7 EMERGENCY MOTIONS

A number of Emergency Motions had been submitted but none had been placed on the agenda.

The Chair explained that if further emergency motions were submitted and a decision of the delegation was required – a formal ‘consultation form’ would be circulated. If a further meeting of the delegation was needed this would be arranged.

8 NEC CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

The NEC Constitutional Amendments for 2016 were contained in CAC Report No. 1. Andy Kerr DGS (T&FS) and LP NEC member explained the NEC’s proposed rule changes.

It was agreed that the CWU would support the NEC’s position on Constitutional Amendments

9 CARD VOTES

The Chair advised that there would be a number of votes during conference and for the constitutional amendments CWU would be required to do this by submitting card votes. Each delegate was allocated a card vote booklet. These would be administered as a delegation. Therefore 4 volunteers were required to look after the card votes on the floor of conference.

The following names were put forward and agreed.

• Brian Kenny (Steve Phillips as deputy)

• Katie Dunning (Richard Wilkins as deputy)

10 INTERVENTIONS / SPEAKERS

The CWU speaker on our Contemporary Motion on “Building an industrial and economic strategy for all” would be the General Secretary.

The Senior Deputy General Secretary, Tony Kearns indicated that he would like to speak during the Environment, Energy and Culture debate.

11 LEADERS SPEECH

The Chair advised that delegates would receive an invitation card for the “Speech by the Leader of the Labour Party” delivered to their rooms. This will be on Wednesday 27th September 2017 at 12.15pm and she reminded delegates that they needed to be in the hall early to take their seats

12 POLICY SEMINARS

There are 9 Policy Seminars taking place in the Brighton Conference Centre. The CAC Report No. 1 (page 12) contains the details and locations of all the Policy Seminars.

Monday 25th September 2017 (16.15 – 17.30)

• International Buckingham, Hilton Hotel

• Justice & Home Affairs Edinburgh, Hilton Hotel

• Economy, Business & Trade Balmoral, Hilton Hotel

Wednesday 27th September 2017 (09.00 – 10.00)

• Brexit Buckingham, Hilton Hotel

• Early Years, Education and Skills Edinburgh, Hilton Hotel

• Housing, Local Government & Transport Balmoral, Hilton Hotel

Wednesday 27th September 2017 (10.15 – 11.15)

• Health and Social Care Buckingham, Hilton Hotel

• Environment, Energy and Culture Edinburgh, Hilton Hotel

• Work, Pensions and Equality Balmoral, Hilton Hotel

The Chair stated that if anyone wished to make an intervention on any subject covered in the seminars, this would need to be in line with CWU Policy and delegates should have a copy of the 2017 CWU Summary Policy Document.

13 CWU RECEPTION

The CWU would be hosting a reception this year in the Albert Room at the Grand Hotel. This would take place on Monday 25th September 2017 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

It was agreed that Kate Hudson, Craig Anderson, Dave Tee and Steve Phillips would act as door stewards.

The Leader of the Labour Party would be in attendance during the course of the event.

14 FRINGE MEETINGS (FEATURING CWU SPEAKERS) AND RECEPTIONS

The Chair advised the delegation that a full list of fringe meetings could be found in the Conference Guide. However, she highlighted some fringe events and receptions of particular interest or that featured CWU speakers:-

Date

SpeakerEventVenue

Sunday 24th Sept @

5.30pm – 7.30pm

TULO Reception

[Invitation event]Viscount Room, Hilton Metropole HotelSunday 24th Sept @

7.30pm – 9.00pm

GSWorld Transformed Winning in power 2022The Synergy Centre, 78 West Street & Middle Street

Monday 25th Sept @

11.00am

GSWorld Transformed State of the UnionsThe Synergy Centre, 78 West Street & Middle StreetMonday 25th Sept @

3pm

Kate HudsonLabour’s industrial strategy [part of World Transformed]The Synergy Centre, 78 West Street & Middle StreetMonday 25th Sept @

6.30pm – 8.30pm

GSCWU Reception

[Invitation event]Albert Room, Grand Hotel

Tuesday 26th Sept @

5.30pm

Justice for Colombia receptionHall 7 WYE, Hilton Metropole HotelTuesday 26th Sept @

6.30pm – 9.00pm

GSLRC Fringe – Forward to a Labour GovernmentFriends Meeting House, Ship Street

15 MEDIA CONTACTS

The Chair reminded delegates not to talk to the media without prior reference to Chris Webb, Head of Communications. She also emphasised the need to obtain permission from any individual before photographs of delegates were posted onto Social Media etc.

16 ABSENCES DURING CONFERENCE

Some delegates indicated that they would be absent during some periods of the conference to attend morning fringes, and the Chair requested that she or the SDGS be notified of lengthy absences.

17 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The General Secretary advised the delegation that this year we had an exhibition stand at the Labour Party Conference (also at the TUC Conference). He invited all delegates to visit the stand during conference.

Delegates were also given passes to the World Transformed Conference which the General Secretary explained the CWU had secured an number of trade union focused fringe sessions for.

The Meeting concluded at 10.05am.

The following is a report on the decisions taken by the CWU delegation at their meeting on Monday 25th September 2017.

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

2017 CWU Labour Party Delegation Meeting

Renaissance Suite, Jury’s Inn Waterfront Hotel, Brighton

Monday 25th September 2017, 8.30am

______________________________________________________________________________

PRESENT: Beryl Shepherd (Vice President), Dave Ward (General Secretary), Tony Kearns (SDGS), Craig Anderson, Paul Braithwaite, Kye Dudd, Kate Dunning, Scott Hartles, Kate Hudson, Steve Jones, Brian Kenny, Steve Phillips, Sajid Shaikh, Joyce Stevenson, Alan Tate, Dave Tee and Richard Wilkins

IN ATTENDANCE: Jane Loftus, Chris Webb, Bill Taylor, Maria Exall, Lionel Sampson, Andrew Towers and Meta Bovell

APOLOGIES: Andy Kerr (Deputy General Secretary, T&FSE)

1 CONFERENCE ARRANGMENTS COMMITTEE (CAC) REPORT NO.2

CAC Report No.2 issued that morning, contained the day’s agenda and the result of the Contemporary Motions Priorities Ballot (in Appendix 1 on page 22).

The eight subject areas selected for debate were:

Top 4 Issues from Affiliates Ballot

Top 4 Issues from CLP BallotGrenfell Tower

NHSPublic Sector

Pay HousingWorkers’ Rights

Social CareGrowth and Investment

Rail

Composite Motions

As a result of the Compositing Meetings, nine composite motions were agreed and listed on pages 9 – 21. The recommendation was to support all 9 composite motions.

• Composite Motion 1 – Growth and Investment

• Composite Motion 2 – Public Sector Pay

• Composite Motion 3 – Public Sector Pay

• Composite Motion 4 – Workers’ Rights

• Composite Motion 5 – Housing

• Composite Motion 6 – Grenfell Tower

• Composite Motion 7 – Rail

• Composite Motion 8 – NHS

• Composite Motion 9 – Social Care

The General Secretary recommended that the delegation support the all 9 Composite Motions and the list of subject areas.

The delegation agreed to support the composite motions.

2 INTERVENTIONS / SPEAKERS

The following delegates indicated that they would like to speak.

Kye Dudd

Composite Motion 5 – HousingSteve Jones

Composite Motion 8 – NPF Report on Mental Health

It was also agreed to support the Labour NEC statement on Brexit.

3 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

The Meeting concluded at 9.05am.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

The compositing meetings agreed 9 composite motions which are printed below.

Composite 1 – Growth and Investment

Building an Industrial and Economic Strategy for All

Conference notes that ONS Labour market figures released on 16th August estimated real wages for employees fell by 0.5% compared with a year earlier. TUC analysis shows nominal wage growth is still approximately half of the average before the 2008 crash; real wages have not yet recovered and are not expected to until at least 2021. ONS GDP data on 24th August confirmed that per capita growth is below last year’s.

Successive Tory governments have failed to deliver the required funding to improve the UK’s infrastructure and boost our economy. The latest World Economic Forum report ranked the UK 24th out of 138 countries on the perceived quality of its infrastructure and that the UK invests less in infrastructure as a share of GDP compared with similar countries.

The Conservative austerity agenda has created a low pay, low productivity, unbalanced economy over-reliant on consumer debt. Work has become increasingly insecure. Conference believes the Labour election manifesto put forward the economic strategy necessary to reverse these trends, transform our economy and provide decent work for all.

Conference believes that infrastructure investment can improve the quality of jobs, skills and training and enhance the lives of citizens whilst also reducing carbon emissions. Public investment in infrastructure pays for itself as evidenced by a report by the OECD which showed that investing 0.5% of GDP in infrastructure could boost overall GDP by almost 0.6% whilst reducing the nation’s debt as a share of GDP by 0.2%.

Conference also believes the commitment in the manifesto to public ownership and public investment is essential to building an economy that works for all.

On 14th September the CWU balloted over 100,000 postal workers in Royal Mail in the first national dispute since privatisation. Staff in Royal Mail are under relentless pressure to work faster and harder than ever before. Their pay, pension and terms and conditions are under attack while in just three and a half years Royal Mail has paid out almost £800m in dividends. This is the familiar story of privatisation and Conference expresses its solidarity with CWU members in Royal Mail. In particular Conference endorses the manifesto commitment to re-nationalise Royal Mail at the earliest opportunity.

Conference welcomes Labour’s long term strategic vison for jobs and growth and pledge to create a National Investment Bank and National Transformation Fund to increase public investment to stimulate growth, create good jobs, raise living standards and improve the public finance. Labour should continue to develop these plans to invest – such as in our social housing, transport, communications and energy system – to ensure all communities benefit from economic growth and to rebalance our economy, sectorally and geographically.

Conference endorses the manifesto commitment to deliver universal superfast broadband by 2022 and to target the roll out of ultrafast broadband within the next decade.

Conference condemns the Transport Secretary’s statement on 22nd August which blamed “businesses, mayors and devolved authorities” for poor rail infrastructure. This was especially crass in light of the electrification works he cancelled just weeks earlier and reaffirms that Labour’s transport policy should include commitments to rail electrification and investment in new lines. We believe that these areas require modern regional transport infrastructure investment to create future prosperity. Conference calls for Labour’s transport policy to include the creation of a publically owned rail freight infrastructure operator under the management of Network Rail to help ensure consistency of supply from this sector, particularly in undertaking infrastructure work and renationalisation of our ports, starved of investment since privatisation.

Conference recognises that the postal industry as a whole is rife with exploitative employment models. Conference agrees that the liberalisation of the industry has driven a race to the bottom on terms and conditions and regulation must be overhauled as part of an industrial strategy to provide a new deal for workers. Conference additionally believes a Post Bank can play a key role in providing banking services for SMEs and tackling financial exclusion.

In stark contrast to the Tories, Labour’s industrial strategy and commitment to strengthening trade union and worker rights, including collective bargaining, and develop quality apprenticeships would deliver decent work, greater security, equality and higher wages as part of creating sustainable economic growth.

Conference welcomes the commitment to using public procurement as an important mechanism in driving up working standards and in creating a stable environment to re-shore and strengthen our manufacturing base and supply chain.

An economic strategy based on these foundations becomes more important given the economic uncertainty ahead under this government and was the basis to our popular pledges on the doorstep. Labour achieved a 9.6 per cent national vote share increase at June’s General Election (Labour’s largest increase since 1945). A Labour government is needed which replaces Tory austerity with policies to deliver an economy that works ‘for the many, not just the few’.

Mover: Unite the Union

Seconder: CWU

18LTB044 Labour Party Conference 2017 – CWU Delegation Report

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CWU YOUNG WORKERS CHARITY PROMISE – WEST HIGHLAND WAY WALK

In response to motions 2,3 and 4 that were carried at the National Young Workers Conference 2017 the National Young Workers Committee have committed to a CWU Young Workers Charity Promise.

The Charity Promise is to raise awareness and funds for three charities that work directly with young people who are struggling with mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts and the effects of homelessness.

The committee is therefore working with Papyrus UK, Centrepoint and the Ron Todd Foundation and will culminate in a charity walk in June 2018.

A team of 10 made up of CWU young workers across all constituencies will take on the 96 miles that is the West Highland Way Walk. The walk will take the team 6 days starting in Milngavie in Scotland and will take in Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Conic Hill and the shadow of Ben Nevis and finishing in Fort William. The days will consist of the team walking a minimum of 12 miles with one day asking them to walk 20 miles. A full itinerary is attached for the branches information.

The team will be staying in campsites and will have to contend with the unpredictable weather of the Highlands and the infamous midges!

Their journey can be followed on the dedicated Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/951471415009147/?ref=bookmarks

Branches are therefore asked to sponsor the team in their endeavours please. Donations can be made via their BT MyDonate team page:

https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/cwuyoungworkers

There are two places available on the team if any branch would like to support one of their young members taking part. For more information please contact Jo Thair on jthair@cwu.org

Branches are thanked in anticipation of their generous support of this amazing endeavour the team is taking on.

Yours sincerely

DAVE WARD

GENERAL SECRETARY

LTB – West Highland Way Walk

The West Highland Way Itinerary – 3rd to 10th June 2018

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CWU NATIONAL WELFARE FUND

Please find below the branch breakdown of CWU National Welfare Fund donations which were made in 2017.

BRANCH

REASONAMOUNTBootle Financial Services

Domestic£1,000Bootle Financial Services

Illness£1,000Bournemouth & Dorset Amal

Illness£1,000Bournemouth & Dorset Amal

Domestic£1,000Bournemouth & Dorset Amal

Domestic£750Bradford & District Amal

Domestic£1,000Bristol & District Amal

Bereavement£1,000Bristol & District Amal

Illness£1,000Bristol & District Amal

Domestic£786Durham County Amal

Domestic£750Great Western

Domestic£530Greater Mersey & South West Lancashire

Illness£1,000Leicestershire

Bereavement£500London & West

Illness£1,000Newcastle Amal

Domestic£1,000Newcastle Amal

Illness£1,000North Lancs & Cumbria

Illness£1,000North West Central Amal

Illness£1,000North West No. 1

Domestic£750Northern/North West London

Illness£946.70Northern Ireland Combined

Domestic£1,000Northern Ireland West

Domestic£1,000South Central Postal

Illness£1,000South Central Postal

Illness£1,000South Wales

Illness£1,000South Wales

Domestic£1,000South Wales

Bereavement£1,000South Yorkshire & District

Bereavement£1,000

Total£26,012.70

Any enquiries regarding this LTB 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

18LTB042

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Manpower Close The Gap Campaign – EDM No 833

As part of Phase 2 of Close The Gap Campaign where the CWU continues to build political awareness an Early Day Motion (EDM) No 833 has now been put down by Hugh Gaffney MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill:

Please click on the link which will take you to the EDM:

AGENCY WORKERS AND THE SWEDISH DEROGATION

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2017-19/833

Branches should use the model letters to write to their MP, irrespective of party, asking them to support the EDM and where possible Manpower members should seek a meeting with their MP to discuss how they can lend their support.

Alternatively, Branches and members can tweet their MP asking them if they are prepared to support the EDM using the hashtag #CloseTheGap

Also find attached an updated summary sheet explaining the main points of the campaign that can be used when meeting or speaking to MPs.

Any queries should be addressed to Sally Bridge sabridge@cwu.org

https://www.cwu.org/campaign/close-the-gap/

Yours sincerely,

Sally Bridge

National Officer

LTB 040.2018 Manpower Close The Gap Campaign – EDM No 833 23.01.18

LTB 040.18 Attachment 1

LTB 040.18 Attachment 2

LTB 040.18 Attachment 3

LTB 040.18 Attachment 4

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BTPFS Sanitary Provision

Following representation to BTPFS regarding the sanitary provision across the BT Estate we have now received an update from the business.

With respect to the provision of sanitary bins in the operational and unoccupied BT Estate, BTPFS are progressing well although the timeline with PHS – which is the waste licensed waste carrier providing disposal and recycling – and the production of so many new bins is causing some delay.

However, in summary:

• BTPFS will be installing 4825 additional buildings with a PHS serviced sanitary provision.

• One bin per building, in either the unisex or ladies toilet.

• The roll out is due to commence during Q4.

• BTPFS are finalising the timeline with PHS, this centres around the large amount of new bins which PHS have to manufacture.

Any questions should be addressed to Sally Bridge sabridge@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Sally Bridge

National Officer

038.2018

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Working Time Directive (WTD)

Branches and Representatives will be aware that Royal Mail has recently issued a communication to managers in a number of areas relating to the Working Time Directive (WTD). A copy of the document is attached for your information.

The document makes reference to managers ensuring compliance with a range of issues covered by the WTD including night worker regulations, young worker regulations, Scheduled Attendance arrangements and the maximum working week (with or without the opt out). The communication refers operational managers to a new portal allowing them to access data on hours worked to ensure their units adhere to the terms of the WTD.

Branches are reminded that national discussions with the business are currently taking place regarding night workers and the WTD, that no agreement or revised wording has been agreed with the CWU and that longstanding working practices set out in the Way Forward Agreement should continue unchanged unless advised by CWU Headquarters.

Following correspondence with the CWU, Royal Mail has now removed the references to the night workers average and the Scheduled Attendance limits while these remain the subject of national talks with the Union.

CWU Representatives should therefore ensure that if local management attempt to change working practices on Scheduled Attendance limits and night workers hours, the previous advice set out in LTBs 448/17 and 459/17 should continue to be followed. If local managers fail to comply with the terms of our current agreements then a disagreement should be registered via the IR Framework and the status quo should apply.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely

 

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

18LTB036 – Working Time Directive (WTD)

Attachment 1 to LTB036-18 – ROYAL MAIL COMMUNICATION ON WTD