Month: March 2019

Royal Mail – Urgent Security Newsflash Issued Following The Discovery of Three Suspect Packages & Viable Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at Transport Hubs – Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Station:

Royal Mail – Urgent Security Newsflash Issued Following The Discovery of Three Suspect Packages & Viable Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at Transport Hubs – Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Station:

Branches will have seen the breaking news appearing through the media last night and this morning on TV, Radio and in National Newspapers reporting the discovery of 3 IEDs.

Yesterday afternoon, the Royal Mail National Protective Security Manager briefed the National Health, Safety and Environment Department and assured us that Royal Mail’s Security Team is working closely with the Police and others.

The Police are investigating three small improvised explosive devices which have been sent in the mail, addressed to transport hubs including airports and a train station. A small fire was started when one of these packages was opened.

The Suspect Packages were posted in Brown Jiffy Bags, contained inside white outer plastic envelopes and bearing Dublin, Republic of Ireland Postmarks and they each had two Valentine’s Day Stamps affixed bearing hearts and the message ‘love Ireland’. (See attached RM Security Urgent Newsflash and photographs of the items).

All CWU Reps are asked to support the Royal Mail cascade of this information‎‎, asking members to be vigilant and keep a keen look out for any similar items in the Postal system which should be reported immediately and treated as a ‘Suspect Package’ as per the RMG “Stay Calm/Be Aware” process and if in any doubt Persons in Charge (PiC) and Managers should call Royal Mail Central Postal Control (CPC) for guidance. CPC are available to support Offices and they have been fully briefed‎.

One of the three items briefly caught light when opened and a full scale ‎joint Police investigation is underway‎ involving both the UK and ROI Police forces and Security Services.

‎AN Post, the Postal Services provider in the Republic of Ireland is working closely with Royal Mail and has issued an Alert within their operation to look out for similar suspect packages entering their system, addressed to the UK.

Likewise, All ROI mail comes in to the UK via Atherstone and so the management and staff were briefed there as a priority to be on the lookout. Additionally the Belfast Mail Centre management and staff were briefed and measures have been taken regarding screening of mail items bound for the UK.

Therefore, please urge members to remain vigilant at all times.

The characteristics of the packages found so far are:

Contained in a white self-sealing C5 outer polylope/plastic postal bag or envelope, bearing two x Euro 1 Republic of Ireland (AnPost) postage stamps with a heart motif and cancellation marks. ‎ The address was handwritten in block capital letters in black ink‎. Inside the postal bag is a brown A5 Jiffy bag. The addresses were transport hub related (Heathrow Airport, London City Airport and Waterloo Rail Station.

If any member discovers a suspicious item matching this description, follow the Royal Mail Stay Calm/Be Aware guidelines for managing suspect parcels:

http://staycalm.online/on-site/incident/suspect-items/‎

Or

Contact CPC on 0345 266 1060

  • Ensure the item has been set down carefully on the nearest flat surface – the floor will do.
  • Do not try to cover it or put it in a bag.
  • Do not bend, squeeze, flex or pinch the item.
  • Warn colleagues and people in the immediate vicinity that a suspect package has been found and that you are in the process reporting it and determining if there is any danger.
  • Alert your manager who will call the CPC or the Police and advise staff on next steps‎.

The Police will be keeping Royal Mail Security updated and informed of any further developments in their investigations and Royal Mail Security are continuing to work with the authorities to protect against further items entering the Royal Mail pipeline. Royal Mail Security will be liaising with the Health Safety and Environment Department on any further developments in due course and we will update Branches accordingly.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB139 Urgent Security Newsflash Issued Following The Discovery of Three Suspect Packages & Viable Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

Briefing note transport hub suspect packet series


0

CWU Celebrates Landmark Low Level Letter Box Victory as Government Prepares to Change Building Regulations To Help Postal Workers: 

CWU Celebrates Landmark Low Level Letter Box Victory as Government Prepares to Change Building Regulations To Help Postal Workers: 

‎The CWU is today celebrating a landmark victory for its postal worker members.

Branches and Regions will be aware of the re-launched, high-profile campaign which has gained huge publicity over recent months.

After years of campaigning to ban low level letter Boxes, the Union intensified its campaign earlier this year lobbying MPs, government ministers, local authorities, public advisory bodies, trade associations and developers etc.

The issue rose to prominence in January when a Private Member’s Ten Minute Rule Bill sponsored by the CWU and Royal Mail, with cross-party endorsement, was presented to a packed House of Commons by Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford and received the support of all political parties.

The campaign to prevent low level letter boxes is a top priority of the Communications Workers Union and the Health, Safety & Environment Department has been campaigning for changes to Building Regulations for some time, so that the fitting of low level letter boxes is prevented in new developments, refurbishments and door replacements.

The CWU knows that bending or stooping to deliver to clusters of low level letter boxes presents many potential problems to postmen and women with the risk of back, arm and joint injuries, repetitive strain injuries, trapped fingers, and dog bites as well as the risk of damage to packets and the risk of theft for customers. Back injury is the primary cause of sickness in Royal Mail which recorded nearly 17,000 back related absence spells last year. Dog bites through letter boxes is a common occurrence and in many cases results in finger and part finger amputations.

Having won the unanimous support of Members of Parliament, the good news that emerged today is that the ‘Building Regulations Advisory Committee’ has formally endorsed the Union’s call for change and has recommended to the Minister the inclusion in part ‘M’ of the revised, updated Building Regulations, a new minimum height for letter boxes within the upcoming formal review of UK Building Regulations later this year. This will mean that a minimum letter box height will at long last become Law and low level boxes will be outlawed on all new developments, refurbishments and replacements.

The Government has a target of one million new homes to be completed by the end on 2020 and large developments with low level letter boxes are an obvious concern and a nightmare for postal workers. The Union has had to tackle the problem by challenging builders piecemeal when they install low level letterboxes in big numbers and we’ve had to do that without the force of the law behind us. Today’s news from the House of Commons couldn’t have come at a better time.

Emma Clancy, Chairperson of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC)‎ has written to the minister supporting an amendment to the Building Regulations, acknowledging the Union’s campaign, stating that the BRAC recognises that there are potential occupational health and ergonomic issues with low level letter boxes‎ and that they support an amendment to Regulations to include a minimum letter box height.

The housing Minister Kit Malthouse has subsequently indicated his support for the change and we now hope it can be pushed through quickly.

This is an extremely important development and positive change for the health and safety of postal workers out on deliverers six days a week, 52 weeks of the year and a huge step forward for sensible change.

This is great news for CWU delivery members. Further reports will be made when the regulatory changes are progressed over the coming months.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB142 CWU Celebrates Landmark Low Level Letter Box Victory as Government Prepares to Change Building Regulations To Help Postal Workers

View Online

0

UN Anti-Racism Event – Saturday 16 March, London

UN Anti-Racism Event – Saturday 16th March, London

You will be aware from previous LTBs and communications that the UN Anti-Racism event in London on Saturday 16th March has been made a priority commitment by the CWU.  We would like to reaffirm the need for all CWU Branches to send a delegation to the demonstration to ensure we have the biggest possible turnout on the day. 

It is also vital we are as bright and vibrant as possible.  Our Communications team are working on advanced plans but all Branches should come in CWU colours (new brighter shade) and if possible bring your Branch banners.

We have seen some innovative work taking place across the union to build numbers and Branches should consider approaches such as releasing local reps, bringing family members and friends, working with local trades councils and building links with community groups.

The demonstration will assemble on Park Lane, W1K 1QA (near the Dorchester Hotel) at 12 noon – the CWU team will be there well in advance of this.

The General Secretary and others will address the CWU Block prior to the march commencing.

We have produced a campaign pack consisting of social media graphics and workplace posters.  These can be accessed via this link https://www.cwu.org/anti-racism-campaign-pack/

As we move towards March 16th please help us to build momentum online by tweeting about the demonstration using #TheCWU and tagging @CWUNews in your tweets.

Our aim is to make this event the launch of a new and more dynamic anti-racism strategy for the union – thank you for your work towards achieving this.

We will work with our Regional Secretaries over the next week or so to keep pushing the attendance as high as possible and we look forward to seeing you on the day.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Ward – General Secretary                          

Trish Lavelle – Head of Equality & Training                                     

Chris Webb – Head of Communications 

19LTB137 – UN Anti-Racism Event – Saturday 16th March London


0

SPECIAL REPORT   National CWU Representatives Briefing Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Cambourne Cambridge

SPECIAL REPORT

 

National CWU Representatives Briefing Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Cambourne Cambridge

 

CWU Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Terry Pullinger called a seriesNational CWU Representatives briefings across the country to update local CWU Representatives on the 2nd phase of the Pay and Four Pillars Agreement (P&FPA) and National issues. The meeting for the CWU Anglia Region was held on Wednesday 27th February.

 

The CWU Vice President Jane Loftus Chaired the meeting with anagenda consisting of updates from Terry Pullinger, Mark Baulch, Davie Robertson, Carl Maden and Andy Furey, followed by Q&A’s from the floor.

 

Terry Pullinger

Terry was frank and honest with his presentation. He openly gave his opinion on what had happened to Sue Whalley which was she was sacked by Royal Mail as a result of the P&FPA she negotiated with the CWU. In short, the agreement came in, the cost of productivity rose, the share price fell, the board of directors asked questions and Sue Whalley left the business. Worse than that, her team of Managers who helped negotiate the agreement have either, also left the business or been moved to different unaccountable roles, meaning the Royal Mail authors of the agreement are no longer available or accountable for it.

Rico Back has been appointed as the new CEO of Royal Mail. He has no experience in the letter industry. He created his own parcel company, sold it to Royal Mail, which became GLS, remained the CEO of them and that’s why he received a £6 million pay offer to become CEO of Royal Mail. Rico does not reside in this country, has been virtuallyinvisible, only met with Terry Pullinger once. Has not met with any other CWU officers. He has reorganised a Management/Director structure like the one which caused the problems and pressures which led to the CWU’s Four Pillars dispute back in 2015/17

Rico and the new Managerial structure are planning a new Royal Mail parcel strategy without consultation with the CWU. This is outside the process of our agreements. Already, it has come to light the business have been tasked with between 4% and 6% budgetary/efficiency savings. This again, is outside the process of our agreements. The CWU accept the business must change to be able to compete in the market, therefore we signed up for the P&FPA because this gives us the opportunity to work together to make those changes in a way which brings the workforce along with them. We cannot be in a position where Royal Mail attempt to make changes without our involvement because this just leads to unrest in the workplace and we’ll find ourselves back where we were three years ago.

We must continue to work to the agreement and if that creates savings then all well and good. This is the reason we jointly signed up to it. Any attempt to introduce change outside of the agreement must be challenged through the industrial relations framework.

Terry went on to say we are awaiting the announcement of Royal Mails new business plan but as they are not talking with the CWU about it cannot comment on what it might be. If it is workable alongside ouragreements, then there would not be a problem. However, at this point of time it is difficult to judge.

 

Mark Baulch (Outdoor)

Mark gave an update on delivery issues. One point he mentioned was the potential the company are considering removing all parcels over the size of a shoebox from core deliveries and creating a new network for LAT delivery. This would have a significant impact on, not only, our delivery duty structure, but mail centres and logistics too. The introduction of super sort centres with parcel sort machine technology which can sort up to 400 destinations would seriously affect the current workplan.

 

Davie Robertson (Indoor)

Davie gave a more in-depth report on the changes within Royal Mails managerial structure and expressed the complications this is causing National negotiations. He reiterated what Terry had said about the importance of sticking to the P&FPA when negotiating resourcing in the workplace. He referred to Peterborough Mail Centre and what we achieved by using the agreement to increase contractual hours for 118 members of staff, 80 of which went part-time to full-time.

He talked about the trials on the Actual Hour Data Capture (AHDC)reiterating it was the CWU who stopped the business using the software to monitor every movement a member of staff would make throughout their shift via an RFID chip placed in their identity card, to just being agreed to monitor entry and exit at the start and end of a shift. The trial is not delivering the expected results and Davie feels the business will be reluctant to invest millions of pounds into the project. Moving onto the trial on the resource schedular, again Davie said this trial was also not producing the expected results. The reason simply being Royal Mail do not appear to able to input the correct information into the programme. Davie finished off by stating we will be expecting another hour towards the shorter working week in October and wonders what the reaction from the business is going to be now the enabling trials are not going to plan.

 

Carl Maden (for Ray Ellis) 

Carl gave an update on where we were with the review of the Attendance procedure which formed part of the P&FPA. The main part they are addressing is the contact strategy Royal Mail Managementhave been abusing and the phased return to work-rehabilitation strategy which Management clearly did not understand. He said there will be an LTB released shortly which will include a statement on short term modifications and phased return to work-rehabilitation. This LTB has now been released, it is LTB132/19. Questions were asked from the floor about the part-day sick absence and the line in the sand letters for members of staff who live with disabilities. Carl reiterated what Pete Donaghy had written to us in an email on the part-day sick absence when we raised it to the PEC as a potential problem. With the line in the sand letters, Carl advised members who receive them to put grievances in against the Manager with a view of taking it as far as an employment tribunal.

 

Andy Furey

Andy gave an update on the Crown Post Offices with WH Smith and the Royal Mail Pension Administration Dept being transferred across to Capita the company who won the bid for the work and received £31 million from the Government in doing so.

 

Terry Pullinger

Terry finished off the meeting with an inspiring rally call. Telling the reps how important they are to this union. They are the troops who make this union work. You proved that by the way you got the membership behind us and returned the 90% YES vote in the Four Pillars Campaign which earnt us the P&FPA. He said, no matter much how Royal Mail Management change we’ve got our agreements and if Royal Mail work with us on those agreements we can continue to move forward together.

 

 

 

EJ Orviss

Area Processing Representative

Area.processing@cwue5.org

 

Date 1st March 2019

 

0

UNI ICTS World Conference – 2019

UNI ICTS World Conference – 2019

The UNI ICTS World Conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 26th – 28th August 2019 at the Park Royal Hotel.

Nominations are invited for the CWU delegation to the above named Conference. The delegation size and nomination entitlements are as follows:

All delegates to be elected by and from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency

1 NEC Member

3 Lay Members
(at least 1 delegate must be a woman and at least 1 delegate must be under the age of 30 at the date of the conference)

The timetable for the election is as follows:

Nominations Open                            4 March 2019
Nominations Close                            18 March 2019 (14:00)
Ballot Opens                                       21 March 2019
Ballot Close                                         4 April 2019 (14:00)

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

19LTB135

UNI ICTS World Conference Election Regulations 2019

UNI ICTS World Nomination Form

Candidates Consent Form

0

Business & Public Sector and Global Services Consultative Committee – 2 April 2019, 11am

Business & Public Sector and Global Services Consultative Committee – 2 April 2019, 11am

Please note that there will be a meeting of the BT Business and Public Sector and Global Services Consultative Committee which will take place on 2 April at 11.00am in Conference Room 2 at CWU HQ.

Representation will be on the basis of one delegate per Branch with members in BT Business and Public Sector and/or Global Services. Branches should also note that they will be responsible for the costs incurred by their delegates.

If branches have any agenda items please email Julie Quaife jquaife@cwu.org.

Please provide the name of the person attending to jquaife@cwu.org so that visitors’ security passes can be prepared in advance.

Yours sincerely,

 

Allan Eldred
Assistant Secretary

134.2019


0

RE: Attendance Agreement – Statement on Short Term Modifications and Phased Return to Work – Rehabilitation

RE: Attendance Agreement – Statement on Short Term Modifications and Phased Return to Work – Rehabilitation

Branches and Members will be aware we have been challenging the business to ensure the Attendance Agreement is applied correctly. Section 7 of the Four Pillars agreement states “Both parties agree to undertake a joint review to improve the management of sick absence and improve overall attendance levels. This review will build on the joint work already completed on attendance last year and will look at best practice in attendance in other industries.” 

LTB 020/2019 provided a tripartite statement on the contact strategy which should have eradicated the misuse in this section of the attendance agreement. Issues have also been reported on members not getting proper rehabilitation when returning from sick absence and we have now agreed a tripartite statement with Royal Mail and Unite/CMA. The joint statement (attached) reaffirms commitment to the Attendance Agreement and deals specifically with short term modifications and phased return to work, which is part of supporting members who require rehabilitation when returning to work from sick absence.

It commits to ensuring:-

  • The manager meets with the employee to identify if there are any changes required to their normal role to enable them to stay in or return to work.
  • Short term modification and/or phased return to work plans should be agreed via conversation between the manager and employee, focussing on what can actually be performed. 
  • The employee will return to work and receive full pay.
  • Managers should hold weekly meetings with the employee to   discuss progress and adjust plans where necessary.
  • Plans will be extended beyond 4 weeks where appropriate.

This statement should eradicate the inconsistency of rehabilitation and ensure all members who require rehabilitation will agree a plan which consists of a short term modification and/or a phased return to work.

Any enquiries should be addressed to PTCS department, quoting reference PTC/RE/sn/402. Email address: khawkins@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely

 

Ray Ellis

Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1- 19LTB132 – Attendance Agreement – Statement on Short Term Modifications and Phased Return to Work – Rehabilitation

Attachment 2 – Communication on Short Term Modification and or Phased Return to Work Final


0

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑