Royal Mail Group Ballot – Peer to peer texting – One volunteer per Branch needed

Dear Colleagues

The Communications Department are launching a new peer to peer text messaging system tosupport our get the vote out operation across all the Industrial Action ballots that are taking place in the CWU.

As you can imagine, having conversations with over 100,000 CWU members in the Royal Mail ballot will be a significant logistical operation.

We will utilise our postal executive members, field officials and CWU staff but we also want one volunteer per branch to join the team.

The technology involved is very easy to use but we recommend each branch puts forward a volunteer with the time and skills to take on this project.

The first texts will be sent on Friday 1st July with a national training event held at 11am on this day. Branches are encouraged to put forward their volunteers by no later than Friday 24th June so we can put all necessary planning in place.

The name, Email and mobile number of the selected volunteer should be emailed to Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org with the subject line TEXT VOLUNTEER ROYAL MAIL GROUP.

We look forward to working with you all on this initiative.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger                                            Chris Webb
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)        Head of Communications

22LTB277 Royal Mail Group Ballot – Peer to peer texting – One volunteer per Branch needed

View Online

Royal Mail Group National Ballot – Getting the Vote Out – New Text Messaging Service

Dear Colleagues,

This is just a short note to let you all know that the Communications Department will be running a ew text messaging service to hopefully aid the turnout in the forthcoming industrial Action ballot.

The personalised, peer to peer service will be used by volunteers from our Executive, Branches, Divisions and CWU staff.

The purpose of this LTB is to make Branches aware of this activity so, if you are asked questions on it by members, you can confirm its legitimacy.

This link can provide further information if you need it: https://www.cwu.org/rm-sms

Yours Sincerely,

Terry Pullinger                                                      Chris Webb
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)               Head of Communications

22LTB276 Royal Mail Group National Ballot – Getting the Vote Out – New Text Messaging Service

View Online

Royal Mail Group Estate – Recommissioning of Water Fountains:

Following discussions with Royal Mail Group regarding the above, Nick Burns Royal Mail Group National Safety, Planning, Standards and Reporting Manager has informed the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment department that the use of water fountains, which were suspended as a precaution during the Coronavirus pandemic can now be brought back into use, in line with industry guidance. A communication to all Units has been issued to that effect.

The communication to all Unit Managers/PiCs confirms that water fountains that have either been decommissioned or temporarily withdrawn and have not been used for some time, must be correctly recommissioned to ensure legionella control, water quality and cleanliness of the asset.  To do this, RMG sites must contact the RMG National Service Centre on 0333 005 0312and request recommissioning of the water fountain. Arrangements will then be made to undertake the work required.  The water fountains must not be used until this work has been completed and the fountain cleared for use.

In the communication, all employees have been asked to remember to follow good hygiene practice and refrain from placing their mouth directly in contact with the nozzle of the fountain.  Let the water run for a few seconds before taking a sip and users should wash their hands before and after touching the fountain.

It’s important for individuals’ health to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially all outdoor workers at this time of the year during the hot summer days. A good way to do this is by filling up a water bottle – Royal Mail provide official re-fillable water bottles to outdoor staff (see LTB226/22). These can be filled from a drinking water tap or water fountain/dispenser.

See attached image of the Royal Mail provided new supply branded/refillable 750ml water bottles for outdoor workers and images of typical Royal Mail Group estate water fountains. 

 “Remember Stay Hydrated – Stay Healthy”

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB275 Royal Mail Group Estate – Recommissioning of Water Fountains

NHS Stay Hydrated Stay Healthy Poster

Royal-Mail-750-ml-New-Supply-of-Branded-Refillable-Bottles-for-Outdoor…..

TYPICAL ROYAL MAIL GROUP ESTATE WATER FOUNTAINS

View Online

POST OFFICE: REVISED PAY OFFER FOR 2022/23 – REJECTED

Further to LTB 248/22 dated 7^thJune.

Previously, we rejected a pay offer of 2.5% and a £500 one-off lump sum for 2022/23.  Following a meeting on Friday 17^th June, a marginally revised offer has been received, which increases the headline to 3% (the lump sum remains the same).

When coupled with a pay freeze for 2021/22 (still no movement in this area), and taking into account the current cost of living crisis, 3% over two years is woefully inadequate, particularly with inflation (RPI for May) now standing at 11.7% .  The Postal Executive has therefore rejected this offer and we will be urging Post Office to do much better.  We will be writing to our members to advise them of this minor development.

As a consequence of our Post Office members still facing a pay freeze for 2021/22, along with a derisory offer for 2022/23, the Postal Executive has determined further strike dates, which we will notify the employer of in due course.  Further developments in this regard will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB274 Post Office – Revised Pay Offer For 2022-23 – Rejected

View Online

DGSP Terry Pullinger smashing it on Radio 5 tonight – talking about the Royal Mail Group ballot.

https://fb.watch/dNMjBQ3xWH/

DGSP Terry Pullinger LIVE as we prepare to serve notice today

https://fb.watch/dNgMsU4oIY/

PLEASE SHARE

Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety – New Permanent Appointment:

LTB 397/21 informed all CWU Branches, Regions and CWU Health and Safety Representatives in Royal Mail Group that Dr. Shaun Davis Royal Mail Group Global Director of Health and Safety had resigned after 10 years in the post and he left at the beginning of March. Dr. Davis thanked all the CWU local Workplace and Branch Area Health and Safety Representatives for their important role and contribution to the health, safety and wellbeing of the workforce in Royal Mail Group during his ten years (2012-2022) in office.

LTB 100/22 – informed all CWU Branches, Regions and CWU Health and Safety Representatives in Royal Mail Group that Phil Graham had been appointed as ‘Interim’ Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department have been interfacing with Phil Graham since his appointment and a ‘frank’ and productive introductory meeting. Last week at our invitation Phil Graham addressed two Regional Briefings of all Royal Mail Group Area Health and Safety Reps and took questions. Mr. Graham has a wide experience across a number of industries having worked in mechanical engineering, logistics, the chemical industry and he was head of health and safety at SHV Energy. Phil Graham has Royal Mail Group wide responsibility for Safety, Health and Wellbeing until the handover to the permanent appointment and he has also been carrying out a review of health, safety and risk management across the organisation. Phil Graham will continue in his current position during a transition period until the permanent replacement takes over which is expected to be towards the end of October.

Royal Mail Group CEO Simon Thompson announced on Friday that the new permanent appointment as Royal Mail Group Director Health and Safety is Richard Byrne who is joining the company from Travis Perkins plc where he is currently Group Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Fleet. Mr. Thompson has explained in his communication message that Richard Byrne has 20 years of experience in managing and leading on health and safety in multi-site organisations with a similar risk profile to Royal Mail Group, including Network Rail and ATS Euromaster. He is a published author and chartered member of IOSH.

See attached communication ‘message from Simon Thompson CEO’ dated 17 June 2022.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB273 Royal Mail Group Global Director Health & Safety – New Permanent Appointment

Realignment of Our Safety Function

View Online

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2022 – June 20 – 26

Cervical Screening Awareness Week is an annual event which will run from 20th to 26th June 2022. The week aims to highlight the importance of regular cervical screening for women’s health.

Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women under 35 with two women in the UK per day dying from the disease. Regular cervical screening appointments can prevent up to 75% of instances of cervical cancer, saving 5000 lives per year. Despite this, many women are reluctant to have this test done with a quarter of women not responding to their screening invitation. Cervical Screening Awareness Week is organised by the charity Jo’s trust, a charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer or abnormalities.

Cervical Screening Awareness week aims to encourage all women to have regular cervical screening as well as to provide information and reassurance around any fears or embarrassment that women may have concerning taking the test.

During the week there will be information stands at GP surgeries, workplaces and sports centres, fundraising events and a social media campaign where women are urged to tell their stories relating to cervical cancer and cervical screening.

More information about Cervical Screening Awareness Week and information about cervical cancer and cervical screening itself can be found on the Jo’s Trust website www.jostrust.org.uk or from your local GP’s office.

Cervical Screening Saves Lives Campaign

The NHS and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust report that Cervical Screening is one of the best ways women can protect themselves from cancer but one in three women don’t attend.

Cervical screening coverage for the total target age group (25 to 64 years) fell from 76% in 2010/11 to 71% in 2017/18, then increased slightly to 72% in 2019/20. 15.5 million women were eligible for cervical screening in 2019/20 and 11 million women were screened within the specified target period.

Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England launched a national campaign in 2019/20 to encourage all eligible women not to ignore their cervical screening invitation or if they have missed their last cervical screening appointment, to book an appointment with their GP practice. As the nation emerges from a two-year Covid pandemic, it’s time to get a screening appointment in the diary and to re-launch the awareness campaign.

Two women die every day from cervical cancer and Public Health England and the NHS have requested help to reduce this number.

Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has made a significant impact on cervical cancer mortality since it was established in 1988 and screenings save an estimated 5,000 lives per year, which is why it’s vital that the CWU continues its support to encourage women members to attend their screening appointments.

The target audience is all eligible women aged 25 – 64, and in particular women aged 25 – 35 as they are the least likely to currently book their cervical screening check.

There are also some small sub-groups who are disproportionately less likely to participate – including women from ethnic minorities, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and lesbian and bisexual women. The campaign is designed to include these groups.

The Facts:

• 3,000 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer yet there are steps women can take to prevent it from affecting them. Despite this, in the UK 30% of women do not take up their invitation for cervical screening. Raising awareness of cervical cancer prevention remains more necessary than ever.
• Every day in the UK 9 women are diagnosed – 3000 a year and 2 women die of cervical cancer every day – 750 a year.
• Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease.
• In the UK, cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35.

The campaign aims:

• Highlight and Remind women of the risk of cervical cancer.
• Highlight the importance and preventative benefits of screening and the often misunderstood screening test.
• Dispel feelings of unease or embarrassment around getting screened.
• Encourage women to respond to their cervical screening invitations.
• Encourage women to consider booking an appointment if they have missed previous invitations.
• Tackle barriers to screening highlighted by research, issues such as fear and embarrassment.

Why support for the campaign is needed:

• Cervical screening saves lives – encourage women members to get screened if they are overdue a test.
• Don’t ignore cervical screening invitations.
• If you or someone you know has missed their last screening, book an appointment with the GP practice now.
• The more women we can encourage to get their screening done, the better. That’s why we need everyone’s help to spread the word.

NHS Website “What is Cervical Screening (The Smear Test) Including a Video, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust –Helpline & ‘Ask The Expert’ Support: 

If anyone has a question, wants reliable information, confidential and professional support or just needs to hear a friendly voice then Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are always ready, keen and willing to assist via their expertly staffed free helpline. You can contact them by phone or email. Call the Helpline on 0808 802 8000 (Helpline opening times vary).

Also available is the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Medical Panel who are all qualified medical professionals including GPs, Nurse Colposcopists, Gynaecologists and Gynaecological Oncologists. All the experts kindly volunteer their time and expertise. Enquiries and questions can be sent via the Website at this link: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-support/ask-expert

No question is too big or small and those calling can do so for themselves, a partner, a family member, a friend or colleague. 

Questions commonly asked are; what is a cervical screening/smear test, what do the results mean, fertility, coping with life after cancer, about HPV and vaccination, colposcopy, cervical cell changes, feeling worried about symptoms, trying to come to terms with a recent diagnosis, the next steps, finding support and needing to talk to someone.

‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ 

Established in 1999, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. As Branches and Regions will know, the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department established a close working relationship with ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ in 2009 and has worked with the charity and supported their campaigns since then and proudly we are the only Trade Union listed with our Logo on their ‘Time To Test’ supporter’s page. The CWU has been active in campaigning on this issue for years, supporting Cervical Screening Awareness Week and we will be supporting it again this year, continuing our strong working links with ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ as we have done in the past, supporting the ‘HPV Vaccination’ campaign, ‘Put Yourself in The Picture’ campaign, the ‘Smear For Smear’ campaign, and the ‘Time to Test’ campaign with the CWU Logo on the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Website. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust was established in 1999 by James Maxwell after his wife Jo passed away from cervical cancer. I have met the late Jo Maxwell’s sister and the Jo’s Trust Chief Executive Robert Music on several occasions – both have thanked CWU for its support and we intend to continue that working relationship.

In line with CWU Conference Policy established with the carriage of Motion 38 (2009) and Motion 6 (2019) we will continue to support Cervical Screening Awareness raising campaigns and encourage Branches and Regions to cascade that support and awareness raising.

Contact Details for further information, resources and Helpline:

Address: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust 7-14, Great Dover St, London SE1 4YR

Phone: 020 3096 8100

Helpline: 0808 802 8000

Email: info@jostrust.org.uk

Website: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/

Resources & Further information and support can be found at:

• NHS Website – “What is Cervical Screening (The Smear Test) Including a Video, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – https://www.jostrust.org.uk/
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust “Ask The Expert” – https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-support/ask-expert

Attachments: 

• Cervical Cancer Factsheet
• Cervical Screening Saves Lives Poster
• Cervical Screening Nothing To worry About Poster
• Cervical Screening Lasts 5 Minutes Poster
• Cervical Cancer Know The Symptoms Poster

We hope all Branches and Regional Health and Safety Forums will support this important campaign.

[Previous Cervical Cancer Campaign LTBs & Resources: 937/10, 938/10, 1064/10, 171/11, 172/11, 200/11, 036/12, 036/14, 242/14, 062/15, 370/16, 228/19 360/19.]

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB272 Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2022 – June 20 – 26

Cervical-Cancer-Factsheet

Cervical-Screening-Saves-Lives-Poster-1

Cervical-Screening-Nothing-To-Worry-About-Poster-2

Cervical-Cancer-A-Smear-Test-Takes-5-Mins

Cervical-Cancer-Know-The-Symptoms

View Online

https://youtu.be/W62awHw_rq8

Royal Mail Vauxhall Combo Van Serious Fire – Battery Power Lead Earthing Risk (RED TSB ISSUED):

Following a serious vehicle fire which destroyed a Vauxhall Combo van, an investigation by RM Fleet found that an incorrect battery had been supplied and fitted which was slightly taller than the correct standard battery. Additionally, the battery terminal plastic cover was missing from the battery lead. This caused the terminal to contact and arc to the underside of the vehicle bonnet and subsequently cause a fire.

RM Fleet issued a ‘RED’ Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) No 11/22 to implement a safety remedial action plan for all Vauxhall Combo battery dimensions/height to be checked and any batteries in excess of the correct maximum height to be changed in order to avoid contact with the underside of the vehicle bonnet.

See attached copy of the ‘Red TSB’ and images of the burnt out van.

Through the Red TSB process, RM Fleet Workshops are checking all Vauxhall Combo vans to ensure they are safe.

To support the campaign, would all ASRs ensure that drivers undertake their pre-use checks and observe whether there are any signs of contact and arcing between the battery terminals and bonnet underside. If so this should be reported to the RM Fleet workshops via a PMT1 and the van taken out of service for safety checking and repair.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB271 Royal Mail Vauxhall Combo Van Serious Fire – Battery Power Lead Earthing Risk (RED TSB ISSUED)

TSB 11 22 Red Vauxhall Combo Battery Check

View Online