Month: June 2019

National Clean Air Day – Thursday, 20 June 2019

National Clean Air Day – Thursday, 20 June 2019: 

National Clean Air Day is on Thursday 20 June 2019. Coordinated by the Charity, Global Action Plan, Clean Air Day brings together communities, businesses, education and the health sector to improve public understanding of air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, to build awareness of how air pollution affects our health and to explain some of the easy things we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and our health too.

The campaign for cleaner air is not just for one day every summer, but for 365 days a year. The Global Action Plan is to ensure that everyone has the information they need about air quality so they can lead their lives in the most non-polluting and health-enhancing way. So Global Action Plan campaigns to help people:-

  • Minimise car travel and switch to walking/cycling
  • Make the transition to electric vehicles
  • Manage air pollution in the home

Costs of air pollution
Air pollution harms the health of millions, particularly young children and those with lung and heart problems. It’s a public health issue on a par with cancer and heart disease – and costs the UK some £20 billion a year.

Through simple messages, such as walking or cycling to school, the campaign aims to inspire thousands of people up and down the country to take part in events in their schools, communities or at work.

About Clean Air Day 2019
In 2018 more than 2,000 organisations and thousands of individuals took part in 550 events across the UK. The campaign generated more than 1,750 media items, and 51,000 tweets. Central to the campaign is the UK’s leading public information portal on air pollution and health www.cleanairday.org.uk.

The 2018 campaign, in the run up to Clean Air Day on 21 June, got off to a brilliant start with a story about the London Marathon in late April. Research revealed a massive 89% drop in the capital’s air pollution on the day of the Marathon when the streets were closed off to traffic. This was picked up not only by the UK national media, but internationally too. The campaign peaked on Clean Air Day itself, with events up and down the country, Global Action Plan staff appearing on TV and radio news to talk about air pollution, and #CleanAirDay trending on Twitter for eight hours. Many people took up the challenge to walk or cycle to work, college or school. In Edinburgh they closed off the Mound to traffic for the morning, landscaping and installing benches to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. In Manchester a hospital ran free bike maintenance sessions for its 3,000 staff. Portsmouth gave away free park-and-ride tickets to encourage people to use more public transport. And in Lambeth, London, as part of a week of events, a school installed a screen of ivy to protect it from pollution from a nearby road. The 2018 campaign clocked up more than 1,450 news or broadcast items since the beginning of April. This, combined with social media, meant there was a staggering reach of more than 900 million. At least 2,000 organisations engaged in the day and there were more than 550 events. Most important of all, however, is that the air pollution message, and what can be done to tackle it, is now firmly in the mind of many more people.

The full report on National Clean Air Day 2018 is available at:- https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/news/clean-air-day-2018-impact-and-celebration-report

Groundbreaking Research
Over the course of 2018 ‘Global Action Plan’ revealed new research about:

Global Action Plan
Global Action Plan is a charity that’s working for a green and thriving planet where we can live happily without ruining the Earth we depend on. They’re experts in helping people live more sustainable lifestyles. They do this by making connections between what’s good for people and good for the planet. They are the organisation behind National Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest air pollution campaign. They work with young people on reducing consumerism and increasing wellbeing – what’s good for people is often greener too. And they bring business and young people together to work on a sustainable future – helping young people develop the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental issues is good for the planet and for everyone’s future too.

Resources
Campaign downloadable resources including leaflets/posters etc are available at:- https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/forms/clean-air-day-resources

Attachment:
Air Pollution The Basic Facts

CONTACT & FURTHER INFORMATION
Global Action Plan
9-13 Kean Street
London WC2B 4AY
Tel: 020 7420 4444
Email: info@globalactionplan.org.uk

Website: https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB351 National Clean Air Day – Thursday, 20 June 2019

Air Pollution – The Basic Facts



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Seat Belts Save Lives – Mine Saved Me” – Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS, RMP&FS, RME, RM Fleet etc.) – Road Safety Week 2019 Closes With A Salient Message – Why Wearing a Seat Belt is Important:

Seat Belts Save Lives – Mine Saved Me” – Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS, RMP&FS, RME, RM Fleet etc.) – Road Safety Week 2019 Closes With A Salient Message – Why Wearing a Seat Belt is Important:

Despite the fact that motor vehicles are equipped with more safety features than ever before, none of these innovations are as critical to the safety of drivers and passengers as a seat belt. Unfortunately, many drivers and passengers choose to ignore this effective injury-prevention device, putting themselves at risk of injuries or even death. According to all motoring and medical experts seat belts reduce one’s risk of suffering injuries or death by about half. In fact thousands of lives are saved every year by seat belts in the UK.

Why is wearing a seat belt is important:

  1. It keeps vehicle occupants inside:
  2. It restrains the strongest parts of the body:
  3. Seat belts spread out the force of a collision:
  4. Helps the body to slow down:
  5. It protects the brain and spinal cord:
  6. Wearing a seat belt is required by law (POSTAL WORKERS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THIS LAW AS SOME WRONGLY BELEIVE):

Some believe that air bags are an effective substitute for seat belts. While they are an excellent safety feature, an air bag on its own will not protect a driver or passenger. If you are not wearing your seat belt, it is unlikely your body will remain in a position that allows your air bag to help prevent injuries. To get the most out of this safety feature, you must wear a seat belt. Not wearing one can have deadly consequences.

Attached is a copy of the CWU Website Article which appeared last week and can be read on the website still with some dramatic photographs – the article entitled “Seat Belts Save Lives –Mine Saved Me” published as part of the Road Safety Week Seat Belts Campaign tells the story of Parcelforce Driver and CWU member Carl Prendergast’s very serious, terrifying, recent road accident in which his 7.5-tonne Parcelforce lorry smashed through the barriers on an elevated flyover in Reading and cart-wheeled over before dropping upside down some 30 feet before landing on its roof, on the road below. In his own words Carl said: “If I hadn’t been wearing my seat belt, I’d have been catapulted out of the front windscreen and crushed to death on the road.” And he appealed to all his fellow CWU member colleagues and drivers; “Please never forget your seat belt, it can save your life – it certainly saved mine.”

RMG Road Safety Week has concluded but the message never ends. Carl’s story is an important example of the absolute necessity of wearing a seatbelt at all times while driving. Without a seatbelt, Carl would not be with us today – that’s the honest truth of the matter. Please everyone, it only takes a second for another driver perhaps to make a small mistake and as we can see from the Reading incident, the consequences are potentially catastrophic. Seatbelts save lives and in this case it certainly did. Those who don’t wear their seatbelts whilst behind the wheel put themselves in mortal danger. We’re all extremely relieved that Carl survived this horrific accident and walked away with minor injuries. I’m hoping that during Royal Mail Group/CWU Road Safety Week 2019, that Carl Prendergast’s story and the photographs of his accident has and will continue to help raise awareness of the vital importance of Seat Belts. During the Road Safety Week – Seat belts Campaign, Royal Mail, Parcelforce, and all parts of the group and the CWU worked hard together to raise awareness and promote the importance to CWU members who drive as part of their job, the importance or wearing their seat belts, through the posters, work time briefing sessions, via website articles, through road safety video clips and case studies like Carl’s case in order to get across how important this message is.

On behalf of CWU HQ I would like to personally thank Carl Prendergast for volunteering to tell his story in order to help get this important message across and to also wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and our very best wishes for the future – Thank you Carl.

I wish to conclude once again with this salient warning message to all CWU members: “Seat Belts have been a legal requirement in the UK since 1983 and contrary to a common urban myth that still prevails, Royal Mail and Parcelforce Drivers are NOT exempt from this Law – so don’t get caught out! Unfortunately a number of CWU members have been caught by the Police and have paid the penalty with driving convictions and with fines of up to £500.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB350 Seat Belts Save Lives – Mine Saved Me – Road Safety Week 2019 Closes With A Salient Message

Seat belts save lives – mine saved me

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Four Pillars Appendix A: Royal Mail Fleet Pay and Attendance


Four Pillars Appendix A: Royal Mail Fleet Pay and Attendance

Further to LTB210 the individual member ballot on the Royal Mail Fleet Appendix A draft Agreement closed this morning and the result is as follows:

Total ballot papers received:     717

Total ballot papers dispatched: 947

Spoilt ballot paper:                      1

In FAVOUR                                 172

AGAINST                                     544

The draft Agreement has therefore been decisively rejected on a very high turnout (76%).

A meeting of all Fleet representatives has been scheduled for Thursday 13th June to discuss next steps. 

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis
Assistant Secretary

19LTB349

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CWU Rule Book 2019

CWU Rule Book 2019

Please find attached a copy of the revised CWU Rule Book 2019 which incorporates the necessary changes required as a result of the rule amendments carried at the Special Rules Revision Conference.

The new Rule Book is on the website and you can find by using the following link:

https://www.cwu.org/my-union/rulebook/

Any queries regarding this LTB please contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or by e-mail to aniven@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

 

Dave Ward
General Secretary

19LTB339 – CWU Rule Book

06215 Rule book 2019[1]

 

View Online

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Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative/Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2019

Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative/Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2019

Nominations are invited from Branches with Members in the respective Parcelforce Worldwide regions (including members in RMSS) for the following Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative & Substitute positions;

  • North, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region
  • Central Region
  • South West Region
  • South East Region

The term of office for the above positions is two years and the successful candidates will take up office on conclusion of the nomination or election process as appropriate. Candidates should be aware that the above positions have been under review for some time by the CWU & Parcelforce and therefore the term of office may be subject to change.

Candidates however are asked to note that all future elections for these positions will be conducted in tandem with the PFW Regional Organiser elections, the next election of these positions is scheduled for October 2020, so the period of office for the successful candidates in these elections positions will be for less than the two year period.

For ease of reference, attached to this LTB is a list of Parcelforce locations shown within the 4 regions detailed above.

A Nomination form is attached to this LTB. If additional forms are required they are available on request from the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department. Completed forms which must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair or accredited deputies and the nominee, should be returned to Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, by 2nd July 2019 (14:00).  

The timetable for the nominations is as follows:

Nominations Open:  11th June 2019

Nominations Close:  2nd July 2019 (14:00)

If Ballots are required, these will be conducted on an individual member ballot basis of the relevant eligible CWU members and will be conducted in accordance with the election guidelines for CWU Senior Regional/Field officials, a copy of the guidelines are attached for your information.

Branches will be advised of any ballots required and the timetable for these in due course.

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

19LTB348 – Election of Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health and Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health and Safety Representative 2019

Guidelines

Parcelforce CWU Reps Workplaces

Consent Form

Parcels Area HS Rep Nomination Form

Parcels Area HS Sub Rep Nomination Form

View Online

 

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING A NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF PARCEL POSTING BOXES

JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING A NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF PARCEL POSTING BOXES

Branches will be aware that trial activity has been taking place in line with the Terms of Reference Between Royal Mail and the CWU Covering a New Commercial Initiative – Meter Boxes to Accept Parcel Postings Trial (LTB 356/18 refers).

The trial activity in the LE and NN geographical areas involved 30 Meter Boxes and assessed the commercial benefits in being the first company to offer a Post Box approach to parcels. It involved the expansion of current Meter Boxes to accept parcel postings, to assess customer desire for this option and to test commercial viability to drive future strategy for posting customers and design of future street furniture.

Further to the trials in the Northampton and Leicester areas of dual purpose usage for Meter Boxes which was deemed as successful, the business plan is to now deploy this capability during Summer 2019.

Branches may well have seen that Royal Mail had publicised the initiative in the run up to their Capital Markets Day, which was unfortunate as we had not concluded the Joint Statement at that point. Although both departments were given pre-advice of the announcement, the business had indicated that they were unable to delay their comms.

Despite this, as this is a potential growth initiative, discussions have continued and a Joint Statement has now been concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy of which is attached for your information.

In summary circa 1,433 meter boxes will be converted into dual purpose Parcel & Meter boxes to permit customers posting Standard parcels that have postage paid, either by account or where postage has been purchased on line through the Royal Mail Click and Drop channel.

Meter boxes that are currently collected from 5 days a week will require a Saturday collection and a Monday relief collection. Where needed Meter Boxes will be refurbished/painted.  All Meter Boxes will be fitted with new time plates and branding plates, and known as Parcel Boxes.

After a period of one year the usage of the boxes will be reviewed and low volume boxes may revert back to being a meter box.

There will be full CWU involvement in the deployment activity and full training will be provided in relation to the revised processes.

The Nationally agreed Joint Statement contains the commitment that there will be a formal review monthly following the commencement of the roll out deployment in order to ensure any issues are resolved and after a one year period by RM and the CWU Nationally, taking full account of all experiences and the feedback gathered jointly from CWU/RM.

The Business has forwarded a proposed deployment plan based on Mail Centre catchment areas which is attached for the information of Branches.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department.

Outdoor Department, email: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference number: 532.

or

Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 721.03.

Mark Baulch                                                       Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary                                                Assistant Secretary

19LTB346

Attachment 1 – JS National Deployment of Parcel Posting Boxes 10.06.19

Attachment 2 – Parcel Post Box Proposed Deployment Plan



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Dave Ward: ‘Peterborough shows how to win a Labour government’

Dave Ward: ‘Peterborough shows how to win a Labour government’

June 7 2019

“A good win for Labour and now let’s get the focus back onto the domestic agenda,” said our general secretary Dave Ward this morning in response to the increased majority won in yesterday’s Peterborough by-election.

Not only did the party defy the odds to beat off the challenge of Nigel Farage’s rebranded electoral vehicle and hold this marginal seat, Labour also surpassed its 2017 performance and raised its majority.

With the potential impact on Labour of the controversial circumstances which sparked yesterday’s by-election and the challenge from Nigel Farage’s organisation – arriving in the area with its confidence boosted by victory in the EU elections – the odds were against the party.

On the day, bookmakers were quoting Nigel Farage party at 1/5 to win, with Labour’s Lisa Forbes as far out as 7/2 – but the bookies had failed to factor in the ‘ground war’.

Dave Ward explains that this was critical to our victory, which was achieved because of “the mass party that Jeremy Corbyn has created,” which meant that Labour had by far the largest number of volunteer activists on the ground on the day helping get out the vote.

And our own CWU members played their part in yesterday’s crucial battle, including Eastern Region secretary Paul Moffatt, who said that he was “immensely proud of the CWU and work our own activists have done in Peterborough.

“My heartfelt thanks to Andy Beeby Eastern No 5 Branch Secretary, Terry Henderson and other members of the Branch for all their hard work.

 “This was an incredible win, not just for the Labour Party, but for Lisa Forbes MP and the people of the city – this victory shows what local people can deliver when motivated and the important part that trade union movement plays in politics,” Paul added.

Peterborough is traditionally a very tightly-contested Constituency. Labour gained it in 2017 from the Conservatives, who had held it since 2005 – after the seat had been ‘red’ in both the 2001 and 1997 elections.

Among political analysts, the city is often referred to as a ‘bellwether’, due to the fact that, in nine of the last 11 general elections going back to 1974, the party that won Peterborough also won nationally (2005 and 2017 being the exceptions.)

Dave Ward points out that, this excellent result also vindicates the Labour Party’s overall political strategy of focussing attention on domestic issues, the ‘bread and butter’ agenda of defending jobs, public services and workers’ rights.

And going forward, “getting the focus back onto the domestic agenda and the damage the Tories are doing to our country, and keeping it there is how we will deliver a Labour government,” he insists.



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Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay 7th June 2019

Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay

Further to LTB 307/19, the Department is continuing to receive reports that managers in certain areas of the country are being instructed not to register or progress grievances that relate to the issue of average pay on leave (holiday pay). The Department has also received information that a voice message stating the following is now being played on the national system: “We are not accepting any more grievances regarding holiday pay as this is being dealt with at national level, please contact your Union Representative.”

In some locations it is also evident that certain managers have been provided with the following instruction:

“A number of grievances in relation to HOLIDAY PAY (not SA) have been handed to the DOMs across a few units this past week and there is potential these will increase following a steer from the National CWU to the divisional/area and local Representatives.

PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER THESE ON PSP.

Instead can you please ensure that you respond to the relevant individuals with a holding note in line with the statement below?

I can advise you that the calculation of holiday pay is under consideration and as this is an issue being discussed at national level I am unable to progress this issue through the formal grievance process. I will of course update you following any agreement with the CWU on this matter.”

Whilst it is true that holiday pay is now being discussed nationally and a further meeting is due to be held with Royal Mail Group next week, the fact remains that members who are now taking annual leave are effectively having their average earnings reduced.

Diktats of the types above are not only against the terms of our national agreements but are also aimed at obstructing members from claiming what is rightfully theirs.

When a member is met with either of the responses above (or similar), they must immediately move to complete the online ACAS Early Conciliation (EC) form. They should also let their listed Representative know that this is the case so that ACAS can be informed once contact is made. In tandem with this, it would be useful if the member could also email their line manager to request that a grievance is lodged.

Branches should also ensure that the number of members following this course of action continues to be maximised so that settlements can be sought for the holiday pay that they are owed.

The Department is also in dialogue with ACAS to examine ways in which the early conciliation process can be streamlined so that the number of calls is reduced. We soon hope to be in a position where a revised process can be circulated.

Finally we continue to be involved in talks regarding the wording of the COT3 Settlement Agreement and in particular the terms of Paragraph 2. As previously stated, we are apprehensive that the current text may result in members not receiving back pay, in the event that this is secured through a national collective agreement. Whilst we are hopeful that this can soon be resolved, in the interim it is evident that members who have accepted monetary settlements but not the present COT3 terms and conditions are now completing the online application for an Employment Tribunal.

Please do not be deterred by local management trying to stop your claim and encourage others to also claim. Royal Mail Group are settling all in time claims individually and should sign a national agreement ensuring fairness for all. The legal position is clearly established and companies are making agreements on this matter all the time, the latest being between the Prison Officers’ Association and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service as well as our own Union and British Telecom.

Keep the pressure building and we will have justice on leave pay.

Further updates will be provided by the Department in due course but in closing I would like to thank you for your continued efforts in highlighting this injustice locally.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

19LTB344 Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay

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ROYAL MAIL: FINANCE SERVICES & HR SERVICES – ANNUAL BONUS SCHEMES 2018/19 – DISCRETIONARY PAYMENT

ROYAL MAIL: FINANCE SERVICES & HR SERVICES – ANNUAL BONUS SCHEMES 2018/19 – DISCRETIONARY PAYMENT

Branches may be aware that the corporate scorecard targets for Royal Mail Group were not reached for the financial year ending 31st March 2019. Unfortunately this position has a negative impact as it affects bonus payments for both CWU and management grades. 

Despite not achieving the targets, Royal Mail has however decided to award a discretionary payment of 30% of the maximum bonus potentially achievable for CWU grades in both Finance Services, which amounts to £300 and HR Services (£225). This payment, which is pro-rata for part-timers, will be made with July salaries.

Whilst it is clearly disappointing that the scorecard measures were not achieved across the Group, we are pleased that Royal Mail is recognising the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our members by making this discretionary payment.

The following Joint Statements have been agreed for Finance & HR Services:

Annual Bonus Scheme – Finance Services

Unfortunately the Royal Mail Group Corporate scorecard targets for the 2018/19 financial year have not been met, which means that ordinarily bonus payments for FSA Grades in Finance Services would not be made.

However we are pleased to advise that Royal Mail has made a positive decision to award a “discretionary” payment of c30% of the bonus potential which is £300 (pro-rata for part-timers) for CWU represented grades in Finance Services. This payment, which has just been authorised, will now be made with July salaries.

Both parties are naturally disappointed that Royal Mail was unable to meet the overall performance target; however in these circumstances the CWU is pleased that Royal Mail has endeavoured to tangibly recognise the efforts and commitments of our FSA grades via the £300 discretionary payment which, whilst less than previous years, is welcomed.

The last year has been challenging and this discretionary payment is in recognition of the contribution you have made throughout the year.

We are confident that with your continued hard work and commitment we can deliver improved business results for 2019/20 and you will be able to share in that success.

Susannah Taylor                               Andy Furey

Group Financial Controller            Assistant Secretary

Royal Mail                                          CWU

Annual Bonus Scheme – HR Services

Unfortunately the Royal Mail Group Corporate scorecard targets for the 2018/19 financial year have not been met, which means that ordinarily bonus payments for CSA Grades in HR Services would not be made.

However we are pleased to advise that Royal Mail has made a positive decision to award a “discretionary” payment of c30% of the bonus potential which is £225 (pro-rata for part-timers) for CWU represented grades in HR Services. This payment, which has just been authorised, will now be made with July salaries.

Both parties are naturally disappointed that Royal Mail was unable to meet the overall performance target; however in these circumstances the CWU is pleased that Royal Mail has endeavoured to tangibly recognise the efforts and commitments of our CSA grades via the £225 discretionary payment which, whilst less than previous years, is welcomed.

The last year has been challenging and this discretionary payment is in recognition of the contribution you have made throughout the year.

We are confident that with your continued hard work and commitment we can deliver improved business results for 2019/20 and you will be able to share in that success.

Simon Haben                                                  Andy Furey

HR Director Strategy and Services           Assistant Secretary

Royal Mail                                                       CWU

Branches are urged to bring the above Joint Statements to the attention of our members working in both Finance Services and HR Services.

If you have any questions in relation to this LTB, please contact Lea Sheridan – lsheridan@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

19LTB343 – Royal Mail – Finance Services & HR Services – Annual Bonus Schemes 2018-19 – Discretionary Payment

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