PROPOSED HEADCOUNT REDUCTION OF OPGs IN DELIVERY AND PROCESSING

Branches and Representatives are aware that Royal Mail (IDS) announced to the Markets on 14^th October their intention to ‘right size’ the company by reducing frontline jobs across Delivery and Processing by up to 10,000 full-time equivalents.  This serious issue, along with the unagreed reduction to the MTSF VR terms, have featured highly during recent negotiations.

Despite the union continuing to engage in good faith in these negotiations with the employer, we have now received formal notification from Royal Mail confirming their intention to proceed with headcount reduction under section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act of 1992 in respect of redundancies amounting to at least 20 people in a number of workplaces.

The Royal Mail letter is completely outwith the MTSF agreement, as it contains a method of dealing with redundancies which may include compulsion, together with significantly reduced redundancy terms.  Both of these positions are unacceptable and conflict with the Pathway to Change agreement, Section 2.4 “Job Security – Commitments and Assurances to Employees” which crucially states:

• “In line with our existing agreements and by utilising the flexible process within these, as change is deployed, RMG will avoid compulsory redundancies. This commitment will be joint reviewed in May 2023”

• “In line with our existing agreements, as change is deployed, the MTSF voluntary redundancy terms will continue to apply. This commitment will be jointly reviewed in May 2023.”

In essence Royal Mail has advised the union the 30-day legal consultation period on redundancies has now formally commenced.  As a consequence, Branches and Representatives are instructed not to engage with management concerning job losses, redundancies and associated revision activity, or one to one meetings with members regarding these matters.  In the event local managers attempt to proceed along these lines, this should immediately be progressed via the Dispute Resolution Procedure.

We know our Representatives and members will be concerned by this development; however, we must ensure the MTSF and Pathway to Change agreements are defended by this union and its members.  We remain fully committed to bringing these disputes to a successful conclusion and in doing so, protect our members’ jobs and terms & conditions.

In the event that Royal Mail Group proceed unilaterally with an unagreed preference exercise further advice and guidance will be issued to Branches and Representatives.

Further developments will be reported.

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

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward                                             Andy Furey
General Secretary                               Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)  

Davie Robertson                                      Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary                              Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden                                             Andy Hopping
Assistant Secretary                             A/Assistant Secretary   

LTB 450.22 PROPOSED HEADCOUNT REDUCTION OF OPGs IN DELIVERY AND PROCESSING

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Solystic PSM Accident – Operator’s Loose Clothing Trapped in Conveyor – ‘Precautionary Safety Measure (Removal of Induct Workstation Chairs) – PSM Safety Modification Update:

This is an update to Branches further to LTB 364/22 issued on 12 September 2022.

As you’ll be aware, the PSM manufacturer ‘Solystic’ of France and Royal Mail have been investigating an incident in which a PSM Induct Station operator’s clothing (sleeve) became trapped and his arm drawn into the moving conveyor at Romford MC on 17 August 2022, leading to the emergency stop being activated by a nearby manager and thus avoiding serious injury.

A Briefing Instruction was cascaded to all plant managers in light of the incident and a review of the incident was initiated with PSM manufacturer Solystic to jointly examine options for mitigating the ‘nip’ risk which occurs if staff reach across the conveyor or lean into the conveyor belt area.

Royal Mail removed all chairs at the Induct Work Stations as a precautionary measure, to reduce the risk of further safety incidents involving the gap between the end of the dispatch belt and the Induct Station and thus ensure operator safety. This was because the initial investigation found that the seating was a contributory factor when operators inadvertently rested their arm against the gap at the end of the dispatch conveyor as they leaned across. The removal of chairs was a temporary measure whilst a permanent solution was investigated and established with the machine manufacturer Solystic.

Managers were instructed to brief all PSM operators, reminding operators that they should not lean on, or touch the induct belt whilst it is stationary or moving, as this may result in a nip incident. They were also reminded of the safety standards which need to be followed when working on the Induct Station and the Safe Working Instruction was updated to conform to the new Standard Operating Practice.

Royal Mail have reported to the RM/CWU National Joint PSM Safety Forum that the machine manufacturer ‘Solystic’ have now produced, tested and finalised a roller bed design change modification in their factory which they report removes the ‘nip’ risk. A modification kit will arrive from ‘Solystic’ this week and will be fitted to the NWMMC (Wolverhampton Mail Centre) PSM for final live testing and monitoring over a number of shifts. If successful ‘Solystic’ will produce enough modification kits for all Royal Mail ‘Solystics’ PSMs and they will be installed on all PSMs across Royal Mail nationally.

Once the modifications are installed, the operators’ chairs will be re-introduced to the Induct Workstations.

A further update will follow in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB453 Solystic PSM Accident – Operator’s Loose Clothing Trapped in Conveyor – (Removal of Induct Workstation Chairs) PSM Safety Modification Update

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTE – AN UPDATE TO CWU MEMBERS

Please find attached a document that gives members and branches an update on Royal Mail Group’s financial position, the negotiations that have taken place and the future of the company.

We felt it was crucial for the union to set out our positions ahead of Royal Mail Group updating the markets tomorrow.

We ask all branches to ensure this document is given the widest possible circulation.

Also attached is a letter we have today sent to all MPs. We will be building on this by calling an urgent meeting of all major shareholders in the Royal Mail Group.

We will also be holding national gate meeting day on Tuesday 22^nd Novemberand a reps brief will be shared ahead of this.

Branches will be aware that the recent Joint Statement stated that negotiations would continue until the 15^th November.  We have made clear to the company that we are willing to continue talks through to the 22^nd November and they have told us that they also want to continue negotiating, after their update to the markets tomorrow.

In addition to the communications contained in this LTB we will be giving a further and fuller update to field officials, branches, reps and members on the status of negotiations later this week.  It is important you convey to our members that the update on negotiations will be separate to this communication.

The CWU remains committed to reaching an agreement and we will do everything possible to deliver this ahead of next week’s strike action.

We must be crystal clear though – unless the company move significantly towards the union on a range of issues, the prospect of achieving an agreement quickly is unlikely.

The job of every single branch, representative and member of the union now is to build for the strike action planned for 24^th,25^th and 30^th November and the 1^st December.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                    Andy Furey
General Secretary                                      Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)      

Mark Baulch                                        Carl Maden                                         Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary                          Assistant Secretary                         Assistant Secretary

22LTB452 ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTE AN UPDATE TO CWU MEMBERS

6879 message to members in rmg 16.11.22

16.11.22 LETTER TO MPs

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2022 Dispute Relating to Royal Mail Group Breaking the “Pathway to Change” and Associated National Agreements and Protections for CWU Represented Grades Employed by Royal Mail Group Consisting of Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Fleet

Branches and Representatives will know that negotiations are continuing with Royal Mail Group on our disputes, however in order to keep the pressure on it was important that the union today served the statutory notice of discontinuous strike action to RMG.

The strike will cover all duties and scheduled attendance commencing between the period at or after 04:00 on Wednesday 30^th November 2022 and before 04:00 on Friday 2^nd December 2022.  The industrial action will be discontinuous.

The Postal Executive has also endorsed a further programme of strike action throughout December 2022 and this will be communicated to Branches and Representatives in due course.

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

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)      

 LTB 451.22

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‘Brake’ National Road Safety Week – ‘Safe Roads For All’ Campaign 14-20 November 2022 – ‘Everyone’s Life Matters On The Roads’ (Materials Further To LTB 447/2022)

Further to LTB No. 447/2022, see attached additional campaign materials issued by RMG this morning. Please find attached a copy of the RMG specific plasma screen slides that will be used on the ‘plasma TV screens’ across all Royal Mail Group units as well as on RMTV and the RMG website and intranet etc., to promote Brake Road Safety Week.  Also attached as issued with LTB 477/2022 is a copy of the Huddle Message that will be delivered across all units this week to promote ‘Brake National Road Safety Week’.  There will also be a film on RMTV that will be running on plasma TV screens and on the social media ‘Workplace’ site.

LTB 477/2022 should be read in conjunction with this additional short LTB.

All ASRs Deputy/Sub ASRs and WSRs are asked to support the road safety campaign and ensure that PiCs and managers deliver the messages and materials and ensure members are aware of the campaign week and see the materials.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB449 ‘Brake’ National Road Safety Week 14-20 November 2022 – (Materials Further To LTB 447-2022)

Road Safety TV Screen

SHE Huddle FY22 066 Brake RSW

Safe Roads For All

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An update on the talks.

Facebook https://fb.watch/gKe5Mi7Pen/

Twitter https://twitter.com/cwunews/status/1591112516347699200?s=46&t=Z3raJ3itVMM94jAQ4cHjSQ

StandByYourPost

RMG Disputes 2022 – Claims for Unlawful Deductions from Pay and Trade Union Detriments – Online Claim Form

Further to LTB 379/22 that was sent to Branches and Representatives on 22^ndSeptember 2022 and LTB 383/22 that was circulated a day later, Branches will be aware that the DGS(P) Department and industrial Officers have received a number of reports across the country that Royal Mail managers are targeting CWU members in different ways because they have taken strike action and/or due to them being union members.  Examples include:

1. Management unilaterally changing duty start times and/or scheduled attendances at short notice.
2. Denying members overtime opportunities in preference for agency & other workers. This may also impact upon whether a member meets the regularity threshold for holiday pay.
3. Changing innovative duty patterns without agreement.
4. Suspending CWU Representatives or members for various allegations related to trade union activity.
5. Deducting sick pay from members off sick on strike days.
6. Deducting strike pay before strike action has taken place.

To assist members in challenging this treatment and to build on the information that was circulated in the aforementioned LTBs, the Union is now circulating an easily accessible online link, where members can input their details to begin the process of registering a claim.  This link also contains full details of the process members must follow, as per the flowchart attached to LTB 379/22 and the ‘Grounds of Complaint’ in LTB 383/22.  This form takes less than 5 minutes to fill in.

https://www.cwu.org/rmg-ia-claim

We would ask Branches to circulate this link to all CWU Representatives and members.

The responses will be gathered from these forms centrally and then circulated to Branches.  The Branch Secretary or Legal & Medical Secretary will then need to submit the details gathered to Acas for early conciliation as soon as possible.  All the details required for Acas will be provided on the form.  Postal Executive members Rob Wotherspoon, Saf Khan and Luke Elgar will be acting as the liaison points between the DGS(P) Department and Branches and providing assistance where required.

The legal avenue will hopefully provide members with more confidence that all of these unacceptable behaviours from the employer can be challenged individually as well as through our collective procedures.  In advance, I would like to thank all Branches and Representatives for their support in assisting these members to lodge claims.

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

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 448-22 RMG Disputes 2022 – Claims for Unlawful Deductions from Pay and Trade Union Detriments Online Claim Form (003)

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Brake’ National Road Safety Week – ‘Safe Roads For All’ Campaign 14-20 November 2022 – ‘Everyone’s Life Matters On The Roads’:

Introduction
The ‘Brake’ National Road Safety Week campaign takes place next week 14-20 November and is again being supported by Royal Mail Group (RMG) and the CWU jointly. The RMG materials arrived only yesterday so our apologies for the late notice.

Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event. Every year, thousands of companies, fleet operators, schools, organisations, trade unions and communities get involved to shout out for our right to make safe and healthy journeys on the UK’s roads every day. ‘BRAKE’ announced that the theme of Road Safety Week 2022 is ‘Safe Roads For All’ – ‘Everyone’s Life Matters On The Roads’. Celebrating the heroic work of road safety professionals and those driving safely plus explaining how we can all play a part in making journeys safer for everyone.

‘Brake’ is a road safety charity working with communities and organisations across the UK to stop the tragedy of road deaths and injuries, make streets and communities safer for everyone, and support people bereaved and seriously injured on roads. ‘Brake’ has been working since 1995 to make a difference across the UK.

Royal Mail Group, the CWU and Unite/CMA will be supporting the 2022 ‘Brake’ Road Safety Charity’s annual national Road Safety Campaign again this year which takes place next week from 14-20 November.  The idea is all about raising awareness of road safety to all drivers in Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMP&FS, RMSS and RM Fleet etc. Royal Mail operate one of the largest vehicle fleets in the UK and Europe and as such are a key player.

The 2022 campaign will concentrate on a number of key messages to drivers and managers to raise awareness of key areas of road safety, including safe vehicles and speeds, the recently updated Highway Code and driving laws and the importance of inclusivity to keep us all safe on the roads, no matter who we are or how we travel, emphasising how important it is for drivers to ensure that they always drive safely and make road journeys safe for everyone.

The theme, in keeping with the safe system approach to road safety, helps support UK Government objectives to invest in measures to enable people to make safe, healthy and sustainable journeys, including measures to encourage more people to move more often in active ways, such as cycling.

The theme was set following discussions with representatives from community groups, the police, Government, businesses, educators and other charities.

Employers and fleet operators can help employees or members understand how to protect themselves and other road users through good policies, procedures, training and education.

The Road Safety Week campaign is supported by funding from the Department for Transport’s Think! campaign and sponsors.

In their launch statement ‘Brake’ stated: “We all use roads and deserve to feel safe when we move around, whether we walk, ride, drive or use public transport. Everyone’s safety on roads matters, whether we are young or old, wherever we live and whatever our ability. ‘Safe Roads for All’ recognises that there are lots of different road users, from HGVs to vans and cars, to motorcyclists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. We are all just trying to get somewhere and none of us want to get hurt or hurt someone else – there is no ‘them and us’, we’re all in this together. We also all have the right to breathe clean air and be able to move around our communities and between places in ways that are safe and healthy for us and the planet. This is at the heart of this year’s campaign and ‘Brake’ would encourage everyone to take part by visiting the Road Safety website for more information and to sign up.

The Statistics
Last year 1,558 people were killed on UK roads, 50% of whom were either motorcyclists, cyclists, or pedestrians. This year Brake are campaigning for ‘Safe Roads for All’.

The Campaign Messages on Speeding, Distraction and Impairment
Next week Royal Mail, Parcelforce and all other parts of Royal Mail Group will be asking drivers to concentrate on and think carefully about these areas. Following the advice and rules will help to protect drivers, passengers, other road users and pedestrians against the main causes of road deaths.  They will keep drivers safe at work, and also help to keep drivers and their family and friends safe when away from work. You might never know it, but you may just save a life! – Thank you, and Safe Driving!

Speeding
Excessive speed is a contributory factor in one-third of fatal collisions.

At lower speeds, drivers have better control over their vehicle, better observation, and more time to react to if something happens. Being in a low speed collision means the forces are much lower. An average speed reduction of just 1mph, reduces collision frequency by 5% – drivers need to remember that when travelling at ‘just a few mph’ over the limit.

Remember, it’s a limit, not a target – drive to the conditions, reducing speed according to the weather and the road.

‘20 is plenty’ in many urban and residential areas, even if the limit is 30mph. Nobody is saying to drive everywhere at 20mph but use your judgement to consider when and where this is appropriate. A vehicle driven at 20mph could be stopped in time to avoid a child running out three car-lengths in front. The same vehicle driven at 30mph could not stop in time and would hit the child at 27mph. This is roughly the same impact as a child falling from the third floor of a building!

Distraction
Safe driving requires a driver’s full focus, with their eyes and their mind on the road. Anything which takes attention away from driving increases the risk of a collision – do not use a mobile phone, eat whilst driving, programme the sat-nav, read addresses etc.

RMG policy is clear that drivers must not use a mobile phone or other mobile device (including PDAs) whilst driving, including hands-free. Speaking on a mobile phone increases the risk of a collision by four times, and hands-free use is no less risky. Drivers can follow a sat-nav (or RON) provided it’s been programmed in advance and drivers must not try to change it whilst driving.

Impairment
When carrying out pre-use vehicle checks, drivers should take a moment to check that they are safe to drive and speak to their manager if they aren’t.

Don’t drive tired – falling asleep at the wheel has obvious consequences but driving whilst excessively tired also affects a driver’s ability to concentrate and increases reaction times. Drivers should ensure that they are well rested before work, take their breaks and do not exceed drivers’ hours rules.

Avoid drugs and alcohol – there are strict legal limits for drugs and alcohol, above which drivers face receiving a driving ban and a hefty fine. However, even small levels can significantly affect the ability to drive safely, so the best approach is not to take any drugs or alcohol if planning to drive – not a drop, not a drag.

Check any medical conditions – lots of medical conditions can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely and drivers must report to DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) if they develop certain conditions or if existing conditions worsen. Details can be found on the DVLA website. Drivers must also report any of these conditions to their manager immediately. Be aware that many prescriptions or over the counter medications can make a person drowsy and/or unfit to drive – always check with the pharmacist if not sure.

Case Study
In 2008, postman Chris Robbins was seriously injured when he was hit by a speeding driver. You can hear his story and the impact it had on him and his family, on RMTV. Chris calls for drivers to drive within the speed limit, to focus on the road, avoid distractions and never drive tired. If everybody was to do this all the time, then road casualties would decrease sharply.

RMG Campaign and Staff WTLL/Huddle
See attached RMG Staff WTLL/Huddle for next week’s National Road Safety Week. In RMG the campaign will be supported by plasma screen slide messages and TV screens will be used to promote ‘Brake National Road Safety Week.’ The attached Road Safety Week Huddle message will be delivered to promote the campaign and there will be a short video/film on RMTV and plasma TV screens and on social media.  The RMTV campaign has been built around an interview with a ‘case study’ involving Chris Robbins, a postman from Bradford who was seriously injured when hit by a speeding motorist in 2008.  The interview has been filmed for RMTV and will be included in the programme for road safety week.

Benefits of the Campaign:

• Improved compliance with RMG Policy and Road Traffic Law.
• Increase road and driver safety awareness amongst drivers and managers.
• Reduction in road traffic collisions.

CWU ASR Support and Participation:

• CWU/ASR, Sub/ASR and WSR full support and participation is much appreciated by Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide, RMSS, RMP&FS and CWU HQ.
• Engage front line managers and ask them if they’ve delivered the Road Safety Week message, WTLL/Huddle?
• Ask managers – have they made all drivers aware of the 3 key campaign messages?
• Check that drivers have received the Road Safety Week WTLL/Huddle briefing?
• Carry out safety inspections and increase Road Safety Week awareness?
• Remind drivers to carry out their ‘mandatory’ vehicle pre-use safety checks before they set out on their journeys.

Further information on the ‘Brake’ Road Safety Week can be found on their website: https://www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week

Attachments:

• RMG SHE Huddle FY22 066 Road Safety Week
• ‘Brake’ Road Safety Week Poster

Thanks for your support and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB447 ‘Brake’ National Road Safety Week – ‘Safe Roads For All’ Campaign 14-20 November 2022 – ‘Everyone’s Life Matters On The Roads’

SHE Huddle FY22 066 Brake RSW

Safe Roads For All

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