Royal Mail & CWU National Terms of Reference on the Trial of a Vehicle Check App

Branches will recall LTB 381/20 issued on the 16th July 2020 advising the National Terms of Reference on the trial of a vehicle check app. The LTB advised that Royal Mail has committed to maintain its vehicle fleet to a standard agreed with the Department of Transport. In addition, the duty of care to our members and other road users and members of the public, as well as the Health & Safety at Work Act, means that Royal Mail must ensure all drivers are aware of their responsibilities. To maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition, it is the legal responsibility of every driver to carry out basic safety and maintenance checks every time a vehicle is used.

The LTB advised that the Outdoor Department had been invited to review the Drivers Manual with the intention of re-visiting the driver safety checks which includes the Daily, Duty and Weekly Checks. For clarity, these checks were introduced in order to comply with the company O Licence maintenance obligations, as Royal Mail had committed to maintain its fleet of vehicles to a standard agreed with the Department of Transport.

We can now confirm to Branches that the trials have successfully concluded with positive feedback from Drivers in the 13 sites where testing was undertaken. CWU members involved in the trial have also confirmed the use of the app and guidance provided, to be user-friendly in helping them to complete the vehicle check process. The app has been developed and designed to be simple and easy to use which sits on the PDA and supports operators in completing the checks. The app will replace the requirement to enter details into a vehicle logbook with all data being made available in a QlikView dashboard, for unit managers to view. This will further promote and increase visibility of the pre-use checks being completed.

Both Royal Mail and the CWU support the use of an app for the vehicle check process, recognising that we need to jointly encourage compliance of the actual checks and that this can only be undertaken in a supportive way. The pre-use checks have also been refreshed and categorised as a daily and weekly check that has been tested across the trial sites as advised in the Joint Statement attached to LTB 381/20. Following the positive feedback from the test sites, a Phase 2 app and GBI dashboard was rolled out in October. Draft training materials were also delivered to gauge the best approach to up skill drivers on how to complete the checks, record findings via the app and capture feedback from frontline staff.

It is important to note that the app does not replace the formal PMT1 Fault Reporting procedure which continues to remain in place.

Royal Mail will now roll out this capability nationally from early next year (Jan-March 2021), following which there will be an agreed training approach of using Skype / Microsoft Teams sessions to up skill Workplace coaches (WPCs). The WPCs will then train all drivers with all their training recorded, via Success Factors. The Vehicle Checks app will then be enabled across all PDAs so drivers can begin recording all pre-use checks via the app. The aim is to replace the manual logbooks with the digitised process. National training materials have been developed using driver feedback from the test sites, which consist of widely recognised formats including PDA animation video(s) (accessed via Content on Demand), Vehicle Checks handout, and posters.

Royal Mail and the CWU will carry out a Post Implementation Review to jointly ensure that all drivers are not only able to physically complete their pre-use checks and accurately record via the vehicle checks app, but to ensure that any safety related matters are addressed as a matter of urgency. This includes any resultant work found on the vehicle that ensures complete roadworthiness to the required ministry standard. Further, the Department has yet to finalise any associated times for the refreshed vehicle checks which will remain subject to ongoing discussions with Royal Mail.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department quoting reference 300, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 571/20 – Royal Mail CWU National TOR on the Trial of a Vehicle Check App – 30.11.20

Attachment – JS – On The National Deployment of the Vehicle Check App – 30.11.20

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety/Security Flash – Vehicle Security (Vehicle Thefts & Contents Thefts):

Introduction:

A Security Flash has been issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team (copy attached), to remind all delivery and collection drivers that they play a vital part in reducing the safety and security risks to themselves and customers’ mail by following the operational security standards as well as staying alert and being vigilant at all times.  A large number of these incidents could have been avoided if drivers had followed the basic operational security standards.

Background, Security Failures, Impact and Effect of these Incidents:

There has recently been an increase in the theft of Royal Mail Group vehicles and thefts from Royal Mail Group vehicles. Many of these incidents could have been avoided if the drivers involved had followed the Security Rules for Drivers. Failure to comply with these standards increases the risk to drivers’ personal safety if criminals think that Royal Mail Group vehicles are left insecure with goods inside. Additionally, there is the obvious risk of loss, theft, damage and interference with customers’ mail and these incidents result in customer complaints and compensation claims, brand and reputation damage and often result in conduct code, disciplinary action against drivers at fault.

Key Drivers’ Activities and Learning Points set out in the Safety Flash are:

Before leaving the vehicle unattended ensure that:

• Keys have been removed from the ignition and the vehicle is locked.
• All windows are closed.
• No mail/parcels are on view in the front cab area.
• No personal possessions are on view – e.g., rucksacks and mobile phones which can attract criminal attention and opportunist thefts. Remove temptation.
• Customers’ mail must always be kept secure and remain secured in the load compartment.
• Never leave mail/parcels unattended.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas and park as close to the delivery/collection point as is safely possible and practical.
• Be aware of the surroundings and anyone acting suspiciously.
• Criminals are increasingly using distraction techniques, typically asking for directions, or for help or asking various questions. This can be a trick to stall the driver whilst an accomplice steals items from the vehicle.
• If the vehicle is secured and mail is not left insecure then the risk is reduced.

Key Managers’ Activities:

• Managers must ensure that this Security Flash is delivered to all drivers and a record maintained for audit purposes.
• Where necessary, drivers should be reminded of the Security Rules for Drivers.
• Managers should print and display this Flash on noticeboards.

Attachment:

• RMG Security Flash FY20 001 – Vehicle Security

ASR Activity – Please Convey A Warning To All Our Collection/Delivery Driver Members:

Don’t become another statistic! Stay alert, don’t be complacent, be vigilant at all times. Keep your vehicle and its contents locked and secure at all times. Remember, it only takes a matter of seconds to have the vehicle stolen or for opportunist criminals to steal mail from the vehicle. Don’t Let It Be You!

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 579/20 – Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Security Flash – Vehicle Security (Vehicle Thefts & Contents Thefts)

Attachment – Security Flash FY20 001 Vehicle Security

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash – Poor Standard of Pallets and Euro Pallet Boxes (EPBs) Loading and Presentation:

Introduction:

The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, restrictions and closing of non-essential high street shops for months during 2020 has led to a huge shift to online shopping. This combined with the Christmas peak pressure period has led to record levels of traffic in the Royal Mail and Parcelforce networks. Despite the injection of 622,000 Yorks including 70,000 additional new Yorks, the accelerated increase and record levels of parcels has led to a shortfall of Yorks during peak and the business has had to utilise hired Magnum Containers and an increased use of various pallets and pallet boxes in the operation. These have all been risk assessed with Safe Systems of Work (SSoWs) being produced plus training materials where necessary and Vehicle Loading Plans.

Background, SSoW Failures, Impact and Effect:

A Safety Flash has been issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team (copy attached), following a number of incidents of poor adherence to safety standards that could lead to significant musculoskeletal injuries as well injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls.

There is also a danger of overloading trailers and vehicles if the ‘load plan’ is not adhered to.

The correct loading and presentation of these pallets is crucial. SHE Flash FY20 021 Pallets and Euro Pallet Boxes has been issued to highlight the issues.

Key Managers’ Activities and Learning Points set out in the Safety Flash are to ensure that staff:

• Follow the Safe System of Work (SSoW) at all times.
• Follow the training given – including manual handling and manual pallet truck training at all times.
• Adhere to the vehicle or trailer load plan.

All Managers are expected to ensure that employees:

• Ensure that all relevant actions are completed as per the dedicated SharePoint site.
• Display the Safety Flash on the Unit Notice Board and bring it to the attention of the workforce.

Area Health and Safety Reps 

Would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps please note and communicate the content of the Safety Flash, supporting the key messages and learning points, reminding members of the importance of looking after their own safety as well as the safety of work colleagues and to report all safety hazards and unsafe working conditions. The key message is always follow the SSoW.

Attachment:

• RMG SHE Safety Flash ‘FY20 021’ Pallet and Euro Pallet Boxes

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 577/20 – Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash – Poor Standard of Pallets and Euro Pallet Boxes

Attachment – SHE Flash FY20 021 Pallets and Euro Pallet Boxes

CWU Accounts 2019

Please find attached the Financial Statement required by Section 32A of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 as amended, for the period 1^stJanuary to 31^st December 2019.

Please can you ensure that this information is brought to the attention of the members of your Branch.

Also attached are the details of the monies that make up Branch Funds and including Regions.  The attached document lists each Branch with the brought forward balance from 2018 and the closing balance for 2019.  This demonstrates the movement in each account for the financial year 2019.

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

LTB 578/20

Statement 32A 2019

Statement 32A 2019_auditors report

2019 Region + Branch Funds Year End Figures

POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE

Further to LTB 549/20 dated 17th November 2020. Following today’s meeting under
the auspices of Stage 2 of the Collective Dispute Resolution Procedure (CDRP), it is
disappointing to report that no progress was made and we were met with an obdurate
stance by both Al Cameron, Chief Financial Officer and Lisa Cherry, Group Chief People
Officer. Unfortunately there was no attempt whatsoever to reach an agreement by the
Post Office and not even a pretence of attempting to negotiate.

The Post Office was completely dismissive of the Union’s legitimate arguments for a fair
and reasonable pay agreement and said our members were overpaid in comparison to
“the market”. Al Cameron in particular pointed to the franchising of Crown Post Offices
and said franchise partners pay considerably less to their employees. At no point was
there any acknowledgement of the extreme legal costs / compensation associated with
Horizon and the poor decision making by the Post Office Directors in this respect.

Lisa Cherry’s justification for the poor pay offer was to say that our members hadn’t
suffered any detriment unlike other workers during the pandemic. The Government’s
position in regard to pay for public sector workers for next year was also referenced.
Evidently this attitude demonstrates a race to the bottom mentality.

The Post Office’s intransigence is even more disturbing as the CFO reported they are on
track this year to deliver a £20m+ profit, which clearly will be delivered by the frontline
workers. This includes all of our members who are key workers, which at no point
was recognised by these Post Office leaders.

We have now agreed to enter Stage 3 of the CDRP which means we will have to meet
again within 5 working days. However, if the Post Office were to adopt an identical
position to today, it is an absolute certainty this pay dispute will be referred to Acas.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

LTB 576/20 – Post Office – Pay Dispute

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 29 – November-December 2020

The Greener Jobs Alliance was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy.  The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps.

The GJA came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC.

The GJA Newsletter editor is Graham Petersen, also the GJA Secretary. Graham is well known to the CWU and has a long standing working relationship with the Union. He is a former TUC Tutor and Course Designer who created Safety Reps training courses and the successful TUC Occupational Health & Safety Diploma Course. He was the head of the Trade Union Studies Centre at South Thames College before retirement from the post.

Newsletter 29 – The GJA’s November/December newsletter has been published following the flurry of Government activity around the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ announcements. The GJA has pulled together a range of union and other critical responses.

This month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson broadcast to the nation his ‘10-Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ (copy attached). Except it’s not. What’s missing? A strategic plan to reach net zero by 2050 and the public investment in jobs and skills to match. The UK, which is hosting important UN climate negotiations (COP 26) next year, is under national and international pressure to deliver an ambitious climate strategy that shows leadership, setting the bar high as countries around the world come to the table to pledge greater climate ambition. This isn’t it. It’s not only unions that have been critical of the plan. E3G a European think tank has also commented on the weaknesses https://www.e3g.org/news/green-without-the-recovery/.

A week before Johnson spoke, Labour launched its own plan for a Green Economic Recovery, calling for £30bn of spending over the next 18 months to create 400,000 new green jobs. This plan seems more focused on the here and now, the need to take swift action to deal with the economic fall-out from the pandemic and to kick start the work on the climate crisis. Even so, whether Labour is putting out short term plans or a full length strategy, the GJA believe it is essential for the Labour Party to keep focused on the radical building blocks needed to tackle the climate crisis:

• Public ownership of the energy sector – absent from this plan.
• Building green supply chains for UK manufacturing industries.
• Adoption of the Just Transition principle into UK law.
• A long term public investment strategy.
• Regional industrial strategies with strong partnership across unions, industry and communities.
• Prioritising the reduction of energy consumption as part of a low carbon building strategy.

Boris Johnson, with typical hyperbole, said, ‘Imagine Britain when a Green Industrial Revolution has helped to level up the country.’ As reported here, unions can’t wait for Johnson’s parcel to arrive, and instead, are organising in the UK and globally for urgent action on the climate crisis.

This is the final GJA newsletter of 2020 and GJA will continue to highlight concerns about the lack of a coherent strategy on green jobs and skills.

A copy of the GJA Newsletter No 29 is attached 

Contents:

1. Editorial
2. That morning after feeling: Johnson’s Ten-Point Plan
3. Labour’s ‘Green Recovery’ – timely, or timid?
4. Green Jobs Taskforce
5. Clean Air campaigns take off
6. Climate breakthrough for Yorkshire and the Humber region
7. Workers can’t wait – COP26 climate talks
8. ‘Proud to be part of our union’

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 573/20 – Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 29 – November-December 2020

GJA-Newsletter-No29-NovemberDecember-2020

HM GOV-10-POINT-PLAN-OR-A-GREEN-IND-REVOLUTION 2020