2020 Dispute Relating to Honouring & Deploying the Four Pillars of Security & Pay/Guiding Principles National Agreement between the CWU & RMG

Please find attached a copy of the declaration of the result for the recent industrial action ballot of CWU members employed by the Royal Mail Group (excluding members working in Royal Mail Property and Facility Solutions, and Parcelforce Worldwide).

The current legislation requires the union to provide all persons entitled to vote in the ballot and the relevant employers “as soon as is reasonably practicable” after holding of the ballot the following information:

1. The number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot.
2. The number of votes cast in the ballot.
3. The number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question, or as the case may be, to each question.
4. The number of individuals answering “No” to the question, or as the case may be, to each question.
5. The number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned.
6. Whether or not the number of votes cast in the ballot is at least 50% of the number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot.

Therefore the ballot result meets the required threshold.

Accordingly you must now take immediate steps to publicise the result to all relevant members, however it is essential that any communications regarding the result must be as a minimum contain the information as detailed at items a) to f) inclusively above.

Branches are also reminded that only the National Executive Council have the authority to instruct members to take industrial action.

Further information regarding the next steps of the dispute will be circulated by the DGS (Postal) 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 SecretaryTerry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary Postal

20LTB130

CWU RMG – Report of Voting

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS Updated Advice for the Public as of today 17 March 2020, including ‘Stay at Home’ Advice

Introduction

The NHS have again updated their advice to the public regarding Coronavirus Covid-19 which is set out below and includes the ‘stay at home’ advice.

Number of Cases

As of 9am on 16^th March 2020, approximately 44,105 people have been tested in the UK for Coronavirus (Covid-19), of which 42,562 were confirmed negative and 1,543 were confirmed as positive. 55 patients who tested positive for Coronavirus Covid-19 have died.

Main Symptoms to look out for are: 

• Fever (high temperature).
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties.

Updated NHS Advice  

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.  It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus.

Stay at home if you have Coronavirus symptoms.

Stay at home if you have either:

• A high temperature/fever.
• A new, continuous cough.
• Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties.

Do not go to a GP surgery, Pharmacy or Hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

How long to stay at home and what should you do?

• if you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days.
• if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.
• If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
• If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

See below ‘Advice about Staying At Home’.

Urgent Advice: Use the NHS 111 Online Coronavirus service if:

• You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home.
• Your condition gets worse.
• Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus (social distancing)

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

It is particularly important for people who:

• are 70 or over
• have a long-term condition
• are pregnant
• have a weakened immune system

Do

• Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
• Always wash your hands when you get home or into work.
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Only travel on public transport if you need to.
• Work from home, if you can.
• Avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.
• Avoid events with large groups of people.

Don’t

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family.

How coronavirus is spread

• Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
• Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
• It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or through food.

Travel advice

• There are some countries and areas where there’s a higher chance of coming into contact with someone with coronavirus.
• If you’re planning to travel abroad and are concerned about coronavirus, see advice for travellers on GOV.UK.

Treatment for Coronavirus

• There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.
• Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses.
• Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.
• You’ll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.

The NHS will be contacting people from Monday 23 March 2020 if they are at particularly high risk of getting seriously ill with coronavirus. They’ll be given specific advice about what to do. They should not contact their GP or healthcare team at this stage – they should wait to be contacted.

NHS Stay at Home Advice – Coronavirus (COVID-19)  

Tips for staying at home

It’s important to stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading. 

How long to stay at home if you have symptoms

• Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
• If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
• After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.
• But, if anyone in your home gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start. Even if it means they’re at home for longer than 14 days.

Important Information: 

• If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
• If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.
• After 7 days, if you no longer have a high temperature you can return to your normal routine.
• If you still have a high temperature, stay at home until your temperature returns to normal.
• If you still have a cough after 7 days, but your temperature is normal, you do not need to continue staying at home. A cough can last for several weeks after the infection has gone.

Do

• Try to keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) from other people in your home, particularly older people or those with long-term health conditions.
• Ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines – but avoid contact with them.
• Sleep alone if possible.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Try to stay away from older people and those with long-term health conditions.
• Drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help with your symptoms.

Don’t

• Do not have visitors (ask people to leave deliveries outside).
• Do not leave the house, for example to go for a walk, to school or public places.

Urgent advice: Use the NHS 111 online Coronavirus service if: 

• You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home.
• Your condition gets worse.
• Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.

Use the 111 Coronavirus service.

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB129 Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS Updated Advice for the Public as of today 17 March 2020, including ‘Stay at Home’ Advice

RE: SICK ABSENCE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – COVID 19

The department wrote to Royal Mail on 9th March to discuss assurances around what will happen in the event of members having to self-isolate due to coronavirus. A response was received on 12th March and a meeting took place on 13th March 2020. A further discussion has taken place today.

Whilst advice will change on a regular basis going forward around self-isolation, we wanted to ensure members are not put in a position where they could be faced with the decision to come to work and risk spreading the virus or taking the proper medical advice and stay at home. A major part of the decision making process in the above scenario will be whether they can afford to stay at home and also have the security of knowing they will not be have the absence counted under the Attendance Agreement.

We welcome the sick pay being paid to members within their first year of employment and see this as a positive way forward. This was confirmed in Royal Mail’s Communication sent out on Friday 13th March 2020. This is attached at Appendix A.

We have also spoken to Royal Mail about discounting absences within the Attendance Agreement relating to coronavirus. Royal Mail’s response to discounting absence due to coronavirus is below.
Will absences due to coronavirus be counted within the attendance procedure?

Answer: We would expect the vast majority of coronavirus absences to be discounted from the normal attendance procedure. However, in the event coronavirus absences are for an excessive duration or repeat in nature further investigation may be required.

Where members have to take time off to look after dependents they will be able to take annual leave, unpaid time off or be able to work flexibly.
These terms apply to everyone within Royal Mail group, including RMPFS members. Parcelforce have similar arrangements in place, through a separate communication.

All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference 415. Email address: khay@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely,

Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary (Acting)

20LTB127

Coronavirus Manager’s Update

Re: Coronavirus Covid-19 – PDA Use and ‘Signed For’ Delivery Problems For Members on Royal Mail and Parcelforce Deliveries and Members in Customer Service Points (CSPs – Callers Offices)

LTB 123/20 issued on Friday 13 March 2020 reported to Branches and Regions that CWU/HQ has been inundated with complaints from Branches, Reps and members across both Royal Mail and Parcelforce who were experiencing extreme difficulties in making deliveries as growing numbers of customers were refusing to touch and sign members PDAs. This has been complicated by the UK national shortage of disinfectant wipes which leaves members with nothing to clean the PDAs and which are both passed between staff and between staff and the customers.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that it is safe to receive letters or packages. Previous research has found that coronaviruses don’t survive long on objects such as letters and packages based on what the WHO know about similar coronaviruses such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, WHO experts think this new coronavirus likely survives poorly on surfaces. However, although Experts believe this virus perishes fairly quickly on surfaces, they don’t know for sure how long the novel coronavirus covid-19 can survive on surfaces such as metal, glass or plastic and there are mixed opinions. Therefore, the advice that the surface is cleaned with appropriate disinfectant wipes is sound advice as an added precaution. Preferably items are not passed around at this time.

As a result of the UK shortage of disinfectant sanitiser wipes and customers currently not wanting to touch the PDA plus other associated problems with keeping hands clean on outdoor work, a letter was sent to the Royal Mail Service Delivery Director along with the Parcelforce Operations Director, the Royal Mail Delivery Director and the Royal Mail Collections and Processing Director, requesting urgent positive action and a firm decision with clear consistent instructions to our outdoor delivery workforce in Royal Mail and Parcelforce, which immediately removes the risks and the indecision, either temporarily withdrawing the PDA signature requirements for the duration of the current pandemic or changing the method of use as some competitors have plus urgently reinstating the supply of disinfectant wipes etc.

Discussions have been taking place with both Royal Mail and Parcelforce over the weekend from Friday through Saturday and Sunday and I’m pleased to report that a satisfactory resolution of the problems has been achieved in which the customer signature requirements have been removed as a temporary/interim arrangement, during the current Coronavirus Pandemic period.

Two Royal Mail ‘Managers Updates’ (dated 13 March and 14 March – copies attached) have been issued clearly detailing the changed processes and which set out the fact that in light of coronavirus pandemic, Royal Mail have made temporary changes to Operational Delivery and Customer Service Point processes for the delivery of any parcels which cannot be posted through a letterbox, or items that require a signature as well the process for when customers visit the CSP – Customer Service Points or Callers Offices to collect their undelivered items. These temporary changes are effective immediately and remain in place until further notice. 

The Health, Safety & Environment Department welcomes the prompt and decisive action taken by both Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide to change the way in which both Royal Mail and Parcelforce deliveries are made, in order to protect the workforce from the risk of cross infection and confrontation as well to overcome customer concerns about touching the PDA (Postal Digital Assistant – Hand Held Computer).

The requirement to obtain a signature has been removed with immediate effect on Delivery Rounds. Deliveries will be made by dropping off the Parcel or Package (anything which don’t go through the letterbox) by placing it by the door on the doorstep knocking/ringing the bell then withdrawing two metres, confirm identity verbally where required, witness the customer taking the item inside then complete the transaction on the Hand Held Computer. If the customer refuses the item it will be recorded as undelivered and retrieved back to the Royal Mail Delivery Office, with a Red (739) ‘Something For You Card’ left informing the Customer when and where it can be collected or re-delivery arranged. This action taken will minimise contact and risk during doorstep transactions with customers.

Likewise in Customer Service Points (CSPs – Callers Offices) the requirement to obtain a signature has been removed with immediate effect. The CSP staff will check ID as normal when required, scan the barcode on the parcel and follow the Item Collected process on the PDA (and SPS process in an SPS enabled office). When the CSP staff member gets to the relevant screens they will input the customer’s name into the PDA as normal but when the signature screen is displayed they will input “XP1” themselves and press Done.

The 13 March Royal Mail Managers Update covers: (copy attached) 

• Changes to Operational Delivery Processes For “Non-Signed” for parcels (1C/2C, RM24/48, T24/48)
• Changes For “Signed” parcels including letter formats (Signed For, T24/48 with signature, International)
• Changes For “Special Delivery” parcels, including letter formats
• Changes For “Age Verification” parcels
• Key Point: This applies to all parcels and items requiring a signature to all customers

The 14 March Royal Mail Managers Update covers: (copy attached) 

• Changes to collection of items from CSPs
• Handing over “Non- Signed For” Parcels (1c/2c, RM24/48, TR24/48) to customers
• Handing over “Signed For” Parcels (Special Delivery, Recorded, International, T24/48, Age Verification) to customers
• Key Point: This applies to deliveries to all customers
• The Parcelforce Worldwide Interim Delivery Process Guide For Deliveries Requiring a Signature: (copy attached) 
• Clearly sets out with the use of a ‘flow chart’ how the simplified process works, as follows: 
• Locate Delivery Point
• Obtain Customer Response and check name and address are correct – No Response leave 739 Card
• Scan Barcode or tap on job
• Ask recipient to confirm name and input it
• Hand over item
• If the recipient refuses to provide their name then the item is not handed over and a 739 card is left

All processes take place with no direct contact and the PDA is retained by Royal Mail/Parcelforce WW staff member without at any time handing it over to the customer.

With regards to any Customer Conflict Issues on the Doorstep the following form of words has been agreed with Both Royal Mail and Parcelforce:-

Customer Conflict Issues on the Doorstep 

It is important that, if at any stage an OPG feels threatened or in danger, they should walk away from the doorstep (leaving the parcel if unable to take the parcel back) and inform the police (if required), the Security Helpdesk and their manager. You can contact the Security Helpdesk through your PDA menu or dial (0207 239 6655). Alternately, you can dial 999. 

Royal Mail and Parcelforce have confirmed that they will continue to keep all standard operating procedures under review and take appropriate steps to protect the workforce and the general public. This is a fluid situation, changing by the day and therefore will be monitored closely in order that the Businesses can react where need be.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Office

LTB 126.20 – Coronavirus Covid-19 – PDA Use and ‘Signed For’ Delivery Problems for Members on Royal Mail and Parcelforce Deliveries and Members in CSPs

RM Managers Update 13 March 2020 Temp Changes To Ops Delivery Processes

RM Managers Update 14 March 2020 Temp Changes To Collection from CSPs Pro

INTERIM DELIVERY PROCESS TO BE USED FOR ALL PARCELFORCE DELIVERIES REQUIRING A SIGNATURE v2

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) – CANCELLATION AND POSTPONEMENT OF CWU EVENTS

LTB 121/20 sent out on Friday 13^th March 2020 informed Branches of a number of actions we were in the process of drawing up in order that the CWU can continue to operate as a result of the above pandemic.

Over the weekend a number of developments have occurred both publically and industrially and on the afternoon of Monday 16^th March the NEC Emergency Committee (EC) met to discuss the CWU approach. Before detailing the decision of the EC it is worth repeating one of the key messages of that LTB. That is, Branches will be aware that the Health and Safety department have issued a number of LTBs that are directed at the industrial health and safety aspects of this matter as it impacts upon our members working conditions. In relation to those issues branches and representatives should continue to deal with those matters through the relevant industrial departments in conjunction with the H&S Department at CWU HQs.

As we are aware this is a contagious disease and varying degrees of “self-isolation” and/or “social distancing” initiatives are rapidly coming into force. Indeed following the meeting of the EC the Government have made further announcements on this issue.  These new Government announcements follow decisions taken over the weekend such as the Scottish Government has placing a de-facto ban on all events of more than 500 people. Large scale sporting events (Premier League, EFL, Rugby Six nations) have been cancelled. This is because it is accepted that such large gatherings assist in spreading this virus.

There is no escaping the fact that we face a serious situation, people have and will continue to die as a result of this pandemic. The CWU has a real responsibility to put in place what actions we believe necessary to protect out members, activists and staff and alongside them their friends, families and communities.

As a result of the current environment and the ever changing position i.e. the likelihood that the situation we face will worsen dramatically the EC believes it would be irresponsible if, at a time when people are being advised to put distance between themselves and others to minimise the risk of spreading the infection, we continue to operate as if nothing is happening.

Amongst the issues the EC had to consider for example, was if we went ahead with General Conference we are looking at approximately 1,000 people coming together to work in close proximity to each other. Precisely the type of environment we are told heightens the risk of spreading the virus.

Accordingly the EC has agreed with immediate effect to postpone and/or cancel the following specific and general events within the CWU.

• CWU Annual (General and Industrial) conference 2020.
• NEC and Industrial Executive meetings and associated subcommittee and industrial business meetings.
• All CWU schools/training and CWU organised events.
• Branch Annual General meetings/Membership meetings.
• All Regional meetings.
• Implement an avoidance of all non-essential travel policy within the CWU.

As highlighted in LTB 121/20 we are continuing to work thorough the steps we will need to ensure that the CWU continues to operate during this difficult time. This means scoping alternative arrangements to ensure that key meetings can take place in some format.

We know Branches will understand when we say the above decisions, whilst not taken lightly, are the right approach. Our aim here has been to ensure that we act responsibly when it comes to the wellbeing of members, reps and staff at what is a deeply concerning period of time for all.

As part of our planning around next steps we will also aim to scope what opportunities there are to run any of the above conference/events, etc. later in the year.

We will continue to keep Branches updated on our response to this issue as and when we implement alternative arrangements aimed at ensuring the CWU continues to operate and support our reps and members as the situation we face develops further.

Unless or until otherwise advised branches should continue to raise any issues with any CWU HQ Department as they normally would.  Any changes to this approach as a result of the implementation of alternative working arrangements at HQ level will be notified to Branches immediately.

Any comments or questions on the above should be addressed to Tony Kearns at sdgs@cwu.org.   However we are sure you will all understand that we are now committed to putting in place operational changes to ensure continuity of our day to day operation and it will be those matters than now take priority.

Yours sincerely,Dave Ward

General SecretaryTony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

20LTB128

RE: SICK ABSENCE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – COVID 19

The department wrote to Royal Mail on 9th March to discuss assurances around what will happen in the event of members having to self-isolate due to coronavirus. A response was received on 12th March and a meeting took place on 13th March 2020. A further discussion has taken place today.

Whilst advice will change on a regular basis going forward around self-isolation, we wanted to ensure members are not put in a position where they could be faced with the decision to come to work and risk spreading the virus or taking the proper medical advice and stay at home. A major part of the decision making process in the above scenario will be whether they can afford to stay at home and also have the security of knowing they will not be have the absence counted under the Attendance Agreement.

We welcome the sick pay being paid to members within their first year of employment and see this as a positive way forward. This was confirmed in Royal Mail’s Communication sent out on Friday 13th March 2020. This is attached at Appendix A.

We have also spoken to Royal Mail about discounting absences within the Attendance Agreement relating to coronavirus. Royal Mail’s response to discounting absence due to coronavirus is below.
Will absences due to coronavirus be counted within the attendance procedure?

Answer: We would expect the vast majority of coronavirus absences to be discounted from the normal attendance procedure. However, in the event coronavirus absences are for an excessive duration or repeat in nature further investigation may be required.

Where members have to take time off to look after dependents they will be able to take annual leave, unpaid time off or be able to work flexibly.
These terms apply to everyone within Royal Mail group, including RMPFS members. Parcelforce have similar arrangements in place, through a separate communication.

All enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference 415. Email address: khay@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely,

Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary (Acting)

20LTB127

Coronavirus Manager’s Update