BRANCH SESSION ON ASSET REVIEW – TUESDAY 21^ST APRIL 2PM

Further to LTB 210/20 we are writing to share the details of an informal CWU Branch engagement session on the Asset Review. The meeting will be held via the video app Zoom at 14:00 tomorrow (Tuesday 21^st April).

You will need to download the Zoom app on your laptop, tablet or smart phone and simply follow the instructions below to join the meeting. If you are using Zoom for the first time, we would recommend that you join a few minutes early so you can make sure your camera (which can be switched off if you prefer) and audio are working.

We would recommend a maximum of two delegates per branch so the video call is manageable. There will be an opportunity for branches to put questions during the session and we will explain this prior to the start of the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

Join Zoom Meeting :

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89648601795?pwd=hKIQRNKSAjpTHWeMaCnEXLocR82TWA

Password: 059729

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward                                                                              

General Secretary

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 213/20 -Branch session on Asset Review – Tuesday 21st April 2pm

Temporary Relaxation Occupational Driver Medicals – Licence Renewals

Please find attached for information an update that has been issued on the Gov.UK website in relation to the temporary removal of the routine D4 medical associated to occupational licence renewals (Annex A)

Branches and representatives will note that the temporary change applies to drivers whose licences are due to expire or have expired since 1st January 2020. Under the scheme, drivers will be able to receive a temporary 1 year licence, providing they do not have any medical conditions that affect their driving and their current licence expires in 2020. Drivers with health issues will still need to declare these, and those with health issues that prevent them from driving safely will not have their licence renewed.

Attached for the information of Branches are the comms released by the business this morning on the issue (Annex B)

The department has received numerous enquiries during the Covid 19 crisis regarding occupational licence renewals and the difficulties in fulfilling the medical requirements, as such we believe that the temporary change will be welcomed by our Professional Driver grades. We would therefore request that every effort is made to ensure this LTB is publicised, in order that our members are made aware of the updated position.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 014.14

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant SecretaryLTB212/20Annex A

Annex B

POST OFFICE: CONSULTATIVE BALLOT RESULT – WEEKLY TO MONTHLY PAY

Further to LTB 173/18 dated 26th March. The consultative ballot of members regarding the Post Office’s imposition of monthly pay closed today. I am pleased to advise Branches that our members voted overwhelmingly in favour of accepting the compensation agreed. The ballot result is as follows:VOTES ACCEPTING THE COMPENSATION 

471 

97% VOTES REJECTING THE COMPENSATION 

14 

3% TURNOUT 

70% 

This matter has clearly taken some time to conclude, due mainly to the fact the Post Office initially refused to negotiate a Collective Agreement to compensate members for the inconvenience of transferring to monthly pay and the resultant Employment Tribunal “test case” last year.  However, I am pleased we have now reached a satisfactory conclusion and that our members have accepted the agreement reached via ACAS and the terms of the associated compensation.

Next Steps

The Post Office will now write individually to all former weekly paid members (in post as of 9^thFebruary 2018) to advise them of the amount of compensation they will receive with April salaries (refer to LTB 173/18 for full details of the compensation calculations).  For those members who took the interest free loan offered by the Post Office at the time of the transfer to monthly pay, the details of their outstanding loan will be outlined within this letter.  If the amount of compensation for an individual member exceeds their outstanding loan, the balance will be paid in cash with April salaries.

I have today written to members’ home addresses to inform them of the ballot result.  Once again I would like to thank our members for their patience during these lengthy and complex negotiations with thanks also to our Representatives for their support.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be directed to Lea Sheridan on 020 8971 7361 or lsheridan@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

18LTB208 – Post Office – Consultative Ballot Result – Weekly to Monthly Pay

CWU REDESIGN PROJECT – ASSET REVIEW

All branches will be aware that in January 2020, we issued LTB 022/20 which explained that as part of the asset review the NEC had taken in principle decisions to sell Alvescot Lodge and the Elstead Hotel.  The purpose of this LTB is to advise branches that at its meeting on the 16^th April, the NEC unanimously agreed 3 recommendations that moved forward our redesign project and concludes the review of our assets.

We have attached to this LTB a full report on the conclusion of the review, including the agreed recommendations to accept an offer for the immediate sale of Alvescot Lodge and to proceed with the sale of the Elstead Hotel at the earliest viable opportunity.

With regard to CWU Headquarters (150 The Broadway), we have concluded that we should remain in Wimbledon for the foreseeable future.  This is the right decision in the current environment and will ensure that the union still has by far its biggest asset in place for the future.  However, the plan for our Headquarters will now involve a substantial reduction in our existing operating space (around 50%) and once the internal reorganisation of our headquarters structure has been completed, we will be seeking to generate a significant additional income by renting out the remainder of the building.

All branches will be aware that the asset review is a key component of our plan to achieve financial stability, alongside the staff changes we have implemented on pensions, our headquarters voluntary redundancy programme and the review of Unionline.  It is essential that we continue to press forward with the overall redesign project and this is more necessary than ever, given the extraordinary times we are witnessing with the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing trends on membership and other financial factors that are referenced in the attached report.

To support the decisions on our asset review, the NEC also agreed a paper which set out viable options for interim residential training.  Furthermore, Kate Hudson, the Head of Equality, Education and Development, will be providing branches with a full update on how we will develop our plans going forward.  This will include an ongoing commitment to residential training, as part of a more blended approach, including utilising regional facilities, with the aim of reaching more representatives than we are currently able to.  Additionally, the work we are undertaking on our new support package for representatives, is designed to facilitate the approach Kate is taking by setting out clear training and education entitlements for all representatives.

To fully explain the rationale behind the NEC decisions, we will be holding a branch video conference meeting next week and the details and format for this will be sent out in due course.  This will also include a session led by Kate Hudson explaining how we will develop our overall strategy going forward.

We can confirm that we have met with our staff at Alvescot Lodge and informed them of the sale.  This is against the background that we have previously agreed a voluntary redundancy package with staff.  Furthermore, in the report you will see that the buyer for Alvescot Lodge is an organisation that runs an educational/residential facility for autistic children and we are in discussions with the buyer to see whether there may be any opportunities on future employment for our existing staff.

In the meantime, we would like to place on record our thanks to all our staff who have provided a great service at Alvescot Lodge over many years and for the dignified way they have conducted themselves during this very difficult time and on hearing the decision.  We fully understand that our branches and representatives, as we do, hold our staff and Alvescot Lodge in the highest regard and we want you to know this has not been an easy decision for the NEC to take.  However, taking all relevant circumstances into account and after considering all available options, the NEC is in no doubt that it is acting in the best interests of the overall membership, the terms of the redesign project and the need to sustain the CWU as an independent trade union.

Any enquiries on the asset review to the SDGS Department sdgs@cwu.org and enquiries on the redesign project to the GS Department gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward – General Secretary                                                                                 

Tony Kearns  – Senior Deputy General Secretary

20LTB210 – CWU REDESIGN PROJECT – ASSET REVIEW

Report – CWU Asset Review

Important update from Carl Maden on sick and attendance Procedures https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/551213972482964/

Learning Resources from the CWU

Branches and their Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) may find the information and educational resources outlined below useful for representatives and members to access during the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions. 

The Equality, Education & Development Department are determined to continue to support our ULR networks and collectively share best practice and support with learning and development opportunities in line with trade union values. 

It is well understood that education and the process of learning can assist in improving mental health problems during times of crisis or high stress. It can provide focus and positivity when many other social interaction options are restricted. 

Whilst there are many online learning resources available the following list includes links endorsed by some of our ULRs as well as those that are accessible through our in-house learning platform CWU Left-Click. 

CWU Left-Click has recently been upgraded and additional work continues to upgrade the navigation and look and feel of the site. Feedback so far has been positive and we are encouraging existing users and those yet to sign up to pay a visit. It is a straightforward process requiring only an e-mail address and membership number to set up an account. Once logged on, any course signed up for can be accessed from the “My Courses” section. Your Branch ULR can assist if necessary. 

Learning Resources available:

Coping with Covid-19

The CWU has created a new course space on Left-Click which pulls together a range of resources aimed at helping representatives, members and their families cope with the pressure of the current Covid-19 pandemic. 

Coping with Covid-19

Home Schooling Support

The CWU Scottish Regional Learning Committee and North West Regional Learning Committee have both pulled together a number of resources to assist with home schooling. 

They are applicable across the UK 

https://education.cwu.org/news/home-schooling-support/ 

Creative Courses

A new range of 5 different creative courses have been added to CWU Left-Click. These all feature free-to-download software, meaning that representatives and members can improve their creative skills free of charge. 

https://education.cwu.org/news/new-creative-courses-on-left-click/ 

English, Maths & ICT

Sigma has funding to run free English, Maths and ICT courses in London and the East Midlands. It is hoped that the West Midlands will follow soon. These courses can be delivered completely remotely during lockdown. https://youtu.be/OeIxqTPV4Zg 

Vocational Qualifications

The Skills Network deliver courses across England and Scotland but (in common with other providers) they have been experiencing problems maintaining full coverage since devolution of English Further Education funding to local authorities. If members express interest but their area is not currently covered, they will be offered two complimentary CPD courses while The Skills Network seeks to negotiate funding. 

https://cwu.theskillsnetwork.com/ 

Learning on your phone

Through their partnership with the TUC Unionlearn – Wranx are increasing their offer during lockdown. They provide online bite-sized training that can be accessed on any mobile device. Highly recommended 

https://unionlearn.ulp.wranx.com/ 

2020 CWU Photo & Poetry Competition

Many people have been recording their experiences of the current situation on their cameras or through song and poetry. 

The Equality, Education & Development Department has decided to make this the theme of our competition this year to acknowledge and applaud the work our members are doing to keep the country running. In order to maximise opportunities for people to participate we have also opened it out to include photography and poetry. Please participate and encourage all members to do likewise. 

https://www.cwu.org/news/2020-cwu-photo-poetry-competition/ 

We are keen to amass as many resources as possible to help our representatives and members through this difficult time and will be publicising further information through our webpages, social media channels and ULR networks. We would be grateful when circulating any links to online courses that you also add the survey link below. 

It enables us to gain feedback and also generates learning outcomes for our Union Learning Fund project in what will be a very difficult year. 

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DZMFZ37?fbclid=IwAR3FQW_MrmsA2FUHdiqQ4TsVjbYT0sD VVOYr2KTgCzbWeZnVGyDu2TRvJg4 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department at equality&education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

20LTB 209 – Learning Resources

Guidance on Assistance Available to Members and their Dependants during the COVID-19 Crisis

Branches will be aware of the recent announcements from the Government in relation to various assistance measures that have been put in place to assist individuals and their families during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The DGS(P) Department are aware that Branches may be receiving enquiries from members regarding the aforementioned measures and accordingly approached the CWU Research Department to request that they provide an outline of the various processes and aid that may be available to members and their dependants during what may be for many extremely worrying times. A copy of the report produced by the CWU Research Department is attached.

The report includes advice regarding the self-employment income scheme, mortgage and council tax holidays, renting arrangements and childcare. Also highlighted are the current gaps that exist in Government provision at this time.

In addition, the report contains information relating to the Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the current rules that apply to this arrangement (updated as of 14^th April 2020). Branches should note that dialogue is continuing with the business to assess the potential of CWU members (who are on reduced or no pay) qualifying for payment under this scheme. It is hoped that colleagues will find this information useful if they have family members or dependants who have been furloughed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Further updates on this issue will be provided in due course.

I trust the attached information will aid Branches and Representatives in assisting our members and families at this difficult time. It should however be noted that the information attached to this LTB is for guidance only as qualification for any form of assistance is dependent on an individual(s) personal circumstances.

The Department will endeavour to provide colleagues with further guidance on assistance that may be available during the current crisis.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Representatives, at all levels of this union, for the amazing job they are doing, and please stay safe.

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)    

20LTB207 Guidance on Assistance Available to Members and their Dependants during the Covid-19 Crisis

LTB 207.20 ATTACHMENT 1

CWU PROPOSAL, COVID-19 ESCALATING ISSUES & RESOLVING OUR DISPUTE

CWU Proposal & COVID-19 Escalating Issues

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Branches will be aware that the CWU sent an open letter to the business on 30^th March outlining a progressive strategy and a statement of proposals that would have ensured that the company was acting in line with its ‘key worker’ status and that the threat of the virus to our members was minimised as much as possible.

The statement was designed to get ahead of the game and the inevitable consequences arising from the escalation of the Coronavirus. Unfortunately it would seem that Rico Back, CEO, took offence at the content of the union’s policy and decided to disengage from further dialogue.  However, on 7^thApril Rico Back reengaged with the CWU on a call that had originally been arranged with Sally Ashford, Chief HR Officer, and Achim Dunnwald, Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer. During the call it was agreed that going forward regular, constructive dialogue would take place between myself and Sally Ashford to seek to deal with and resolve a number of outstanding issues causing major concerns for our members.

Whilst the aforementioned statement has certainly helped to build pressure on the business in terms of PPE provision, the CWU are well aware that social distancing problems still exist in many locations. Clearly the size and location of some units is a factor in this and we believe the proposals contained in our statement would have helped reduce such cases.

We are also aware that there are still a number of outstanding big ticket issues that have to be resolved, including the prioritisation of mail and saving lives, and matters that have been highlighted in feedback the Postal Executive has received from Branches and Divisions. Matters such as lack of flexibility around annual leave, measures for those over 65 years of age and HR policies needed to address full pay for those who are taking care of dependants.

In light of this I have written to Sally Ashford (attached) with the request that the business reconsider our proposal of 30^th March and commence dialogue with the union to mitigate the escalation of issues during the COVID-19 crisis and find mutual interest solutions.  In addition to this, Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary, continues to work tirelessly to resolve issues relating to sick pay and annual leave.

As I have previously stated, this is an extremely difficult time for our members and Royal Mail Group must be held to task.  Whilst talks will be difficult, the escalation process will at least provide another avenue to challenge the company.

Resolving our Dispute

Although the current Coronavirus pandemic and management’s failure to respond to CWU proposed solutions has naturally taken centre stage recently, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the fact that we are still in dispute nationally. Since the result of the national ballot(s) on 17^th March 2020, it is worth recognising that the business has continued to make reference to their desire to resolve the issues that remain in dispute.

Equally there is an outstanding pay rise to be concluded that was due on 1^st April 2020. Branches will recall that during our ballots and prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the company unilaterally made an offer of a 6% pay rise over three years directly to the frontline which was unacceptable and rejected by us with a reminder to the business that the 2020 pay settlement is separate from our “honouring the Four Pillars” dispute (as reported in LTB 92/20).  RMG’s actions were undoubtedly aimed at confusing the issues in dispute, potentially paving the way for another legal challenge and encouraging members to not support the ballot.

Against that backdrop I have now written to Achim Dunnwald (attached) with the offer of commencing dialogue on the issues in dispute and matters of reward.  Branches will note that I have asked the business to provide its views on how the current crisis may impact upon its business plan and the timescales contained therein.

Additionally, in recognition of the sterling work that our members have performed and their continued commitment during this crisis, I have asked for an above inflation pay rise on all aspects of pay to be implemented from 1^st April 2020, as well as a one-off payment to recognise the key worker status of our members. It should be noted however that crucially these are separate to the outstanding issues and Shorter Working Week relating to the 2019 pay award.

Colleagues will no doubt recognise that the approach suggested in my letter, including the request to provide an extension to our ballot, will provide the best foundation at this moment in time to progress dispute resolution talks.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Representatives, at all levels of this union, for the amazing job they are doing, and please stay safe.

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)             

20LTB206 CWU Proposal, COVID-19 Escalating Issues and Resolving our Dispute

LTB 206.20 ATTACHMENT 1

LTB 206.20 ATTACHMENT 2

Pensions Issues – Correspondence

Branches will be aware of the concern amongst our members in respect of the provision of pensions and members’ benefits during this uncertain time.

Evidently huge pressure is being placed on the administration of pension schemes due to the continued Covid-19 crisis and our members are rightly seeking reassurances on a number of pension issues.  The pensions industry itself has made it clear that both trustees and companies should work with the scheme administrators to ensure that critical processes continue to be delivered throughout the current pandemic.

Despite this and even during such a unique time there are still unfortunately also various scams taking place and as a result it is important to ensure that members are made aware of these and are not rushed into making hasty financial decisions that they may later regret.  I have therefore taken the step of writing to Jon Millidge (Chief Risk & Governance Officer, RMG) to obtain the necessary guarantees that processes are in place to pay members’ benefits, process retirement benefits and bereavement cases, agree changes in operating procedures and other associated matters (a copy of the letter is attached).  Jon replied advising me that the matters raised fell under the remit of the RMPP and as such I was contacted by Richard Law-Deeks (RMPP, Chief Executive Officer).  Richard has confirmed the following:

• The RMPP have put a note on their website (copy attached) which they’re reviewing and will be updating on a weekly basis.
• There is a recorded message on their helpline when members call in.  This is being reviewed and updated regularly.
• They will be writing to members shortly as part of the pension’s newsletter including a Covid-19 update.
• The Trustee Executive and the Pension Service Centre are keeping a careful eye on transfers out, have introduced additional controls and staff have been briefed on scams.

It has been agreed that a note for our members will be drafted in relation to the RMPP.

Branches should also note that the CWU Pensions Working Group have been notified of the actions taken so far by the RMPP and if deemed necessary a meeting involving the CWU’s Pensions Working Group and Richard Law-Deeks will be arranged.

Branches will also be kept fully updated on further developments as and when they occur.

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)              

20LTB205 Pensions issues – Correspondence

Attachment 1 to LTB 205-20 – Jon Millidge letter

Attachment 2 to LTB 205-20 – RMPP and COVID19

Covid-19 Response from Postal Administrations and Trade Unions around the World

The Postal Department has been working with Bill Taylor, Head of Research to compile documentation that outlines the approach that has been taken by other Postal Administrations and Trade Unions from around the World in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Branches will be aware that the Postal Executive has already endorsed a forward-looking strategy that was designed to put us ahead of the game and that this has been relayed to both the business and our members.

The attached research paper provides an accurate position on what is happening in other countries in terms of the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), social distancing measures, the services that are considered to be a priority, the frequency of delivery, the Post Office Network and the delivery of essential items to the public.

This wide-ranging document featured in a conference call with UNI on Tuesday 7^th April 2020 and has been confirmed as still being an accurate reflection of what is happening in other Postal Administrations.  It is however the intention of the Postal Department to continue to work with the Research Department to ensure that this paper remains “live” throughout the current crisis with the text being updated regularly as further developments occur and additional information is provided from other countries.

I am convinced that this comprehensive analysis will undoubtedly prove to be a useful aid to Branches as we continue to develop our policy going forward and use comparisons of what is happening elsewhere.

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)               

20LTB204 Covid-19 Response from Postal Administrations and Trade Unions around the World

Attachment to 20LTB204 Coronavirus international postal response 3 April 2020