OPENREACH Ltd and Openreach Northern Ireland – L&D Changes to the Apprenticeship Programme

The Openreach National Team (NT) has recently met with the company to discuss the current Apprenticeship Programme and what the future model will look like.

The current apprenticeship programme covers Fibre Jointing, Fibre Cabling and SD Copper.  The current apprenticeship model follows the new apprenticeship standard which was developed by Openreach and other telecom companies and introduced in August 2021.  The new standard is a 12 to 15-month programme which requires facilitation and learning interventions (10 workshops) which are delivered through the assessors.  In parallel, the apprentices need to complete functional skills which is English and Maths Level 1 and Level 2.

Following the successful completion of all workshops and functional skills, individuals will reach their End Point Assessment (EPA).  This is where they need to demonstrate their learning through a 3-part assessment covering knowledge, skills and behaviours.  In the current model, each apprentice assessor manages 30 to 40 recruits through the process.

In total the Apprentice team is supported by a team of 71 people – a combination of 61 team members and 10 managers.  The Team Member population has a mixture of C3’s and B2’s depending on their role.

Going forward, Openreach will bring any telecoms engineer, both field and desk recruits, in as ‘Trainees’ rather than ‘Apprentices’.  This will also affect Openreach Northern Ireland who have previously always followed an Apprenticeship model.

The company’s rationale is that declining volumes are significantly reducing the need for apprenticeship delivery resource.  In 2020/2021 apprentices were at a peak with 4000 coming through.  This number has been reducing year on year ever since and the company have forecasted the volumes for 2023/2024 to be potentially less than 200.  Currently Openreach still have c3000 apprentices, which will continue to be fully supported through their journey.  The programme will be wound down gradually over the next 12 months and the training will continue to be delivered by the L&D training team.

Openreach’s main recruitment going forward will be into Civils, Poling and FTTP Provision, which currently are not brought in through an Apprenticeship.  Commitments given to us by the company are;

• Trainees will still go through the same training and be expected to meet the same standards of learning and workmanship

• Internal accreditation as opposed to Level 2 apprenticeship (NVQ), which takes 12 months

• Accreditation is industry recognised and will still allow people to move and progress their career

• They will internally support with Maths and English learning for those who want this development, as opposed to everyone needing to complete it

• No change to pay or T&C’s – they join on TMNEA (trainee) and move to TMNE2 on completion of their traineeship

With the 61 Team Members (TM’s), this includes 12 TM’s who are secondees and will be going back to their roles at the end of March as per their existing agreements.  As the Apprenticeship programme runs through to completion, Openreach propose to redeploy the apprenticeship team into alternative roles or provide the option of Flexible Voluntary Paid Leaver.

The company have indicated that individuals will have priority candidate status and will receive pay and pension protection (PPP).  Openreach have already identified a number of options which may be of interest for different people, depending on the grade, skills and location; this includes trainer, planner and designer roles in the wider L&D function, as well as field roles.  The CWU Openreach National Team has clarified with the company for those who are C3 and B2, if they find an alternative role within a ‘mixed graded role’, i.e. FBC which has a mixture of C3’s and TMNE3 they will remain at C3 with no PPP.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be offered to our members.  The EOI will include the option of moving to an alternative role within the business or considering a voluntary paid leaver package with a latest leaving date of 31 July 2023.  There will be the option to extend to the latest 31 October 2023 by exception, depending on the people remaining on programme.  At any point should an individual who has opted for VPL secure another permanent role internally they will have the opportunity to withdraw their voluntary paid leaver application, rescinding their leaver payment.  They also have the ability to bring their leaving date forward, and still receive their leaver payment, should their personal circumstances change or they secure a role externally.  This is based on sufficient notice being given (minimum 4 working weeks excluding annual leave notice period).

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be sent to Davie Bowman’s office in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Fiona Curtis on behalf of

DAVIE BOWMAN
Assistant Secretary

LTB 445

LTB 445 – Attachment 1

LTB 445 – Attachment 2

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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

The purpose of this LTB is to inform Branches and Representatives that the Union has 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 Thursday 24^th November 2022 and before 04:00 on Saturday 26^th November 2022.  The industrial action will be discontinuous.

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 446.22

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National Stress Awareness Month 2022:

Last month World Mental Health Day took place in October when the theme was the ‘Number One’ campaign –  asking everyone to make their mental health and wellbeing their number one priority.

Continuing on from that, this month we have CWU National Stress Awareness Month, building on National Stress Awareness Day 2022. With various organisations choosing different awareness days and the fact that these are not one-day issues but are on-going long-term problems, the Health Safety and Environment Department at CWU HQ continues to prioritise and spotlight mental health, wellbeing, anxiety and stress as key issues.  Working with some of the key organisations and charities, we will be presenting some great resources and useful information to put to good use.

We will be highlighting the ways that stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem and how CWU Reps can help members. Millions around the UK experience stress and it is damaging to our health and wellbeing.

We know what it is like to feel stressed and being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to depression and mental health problems or make existing problems worse. Throughout November, we will be highlighting the ways that stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem and how CWU Reps can focus on this crucial issue and can support members who are affected by stress or are in crisis.

Millions around the UK experience stress and it is damaging to health and wellbeing. For example, at some point in the last year, 75% of the population felt so stressed that they felt unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation).

Overview

• Most people feel stressed sometimes.
• Some stress can be helpful. Too much stress may make you ill.
• Stress affects everyone differently, but there are common signs you can look out for.
• There are many different causes of stress. Stress is not an illness itself. But it can make you unwell if it is very bad or if it lasts a long time.
• You might not be able to avoid stress but there are things you can do to manage it.

About – What is stress?

Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.

A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.

Signs and causes of stress

Stress affects different people in different ways. Below is a list of some of the common signs. Some of these things will not apply to you. You may have other signs of stress that are not listed – these are common examples provided by the ‘ReThink Mental Health’ Charity.PhysicalMentalBehaviourHeadachesWorry about future or pastCryingSweatingImagining the worstEating more or lessStomach problemsBeing forgetfulBiting your nailsMuscle tension or painNot concentratingAvoiding othersFeeling tired or dizzyFeeling irritableSleep problemsSexual problemsRacing thoughtsRushing tasksFast heartbeatGoing over and over things in your mindDrinking or smoking moreDry mouthMaking mistakesBeing irritableShort of breathFeeling lowBeing snappy

What causes stress?

Almost anything that affects your daily life, work or relationships can cause stress. Even seemingly small issues can cause stress if they go on for a long time. Some people are more affected by stress than others. It can depend on factors such as your personality, upbringing, your work and home life.

Situations or events that seem positive can cause stress, such as having a baby or getting married. If you feel stressed in these situations you may struggle to understand why. You may not feel that you can talk to anyone about your feelings or struggle with guilt. But feeling stressed in these situations is very common.

Below are some examples of things than can cause stress (ReThink Mental Health).SituationEventNot having a jobGetting married or divorcedNot sleeping wellBeing diagnosed with an illnessMoney worriesMoving houseWork problemsHaving a job interviewBeing bulliedSomeone close to you passing awayProblems looking after childrenBeing evicted from your homeHealth issuesLeaving hospital after a long stayFamily or relationship problemsGoing to courtNot having a routineGoing to a benefits assessment

Are stress & mental illness linked? And Can mental illness cause stress?

Having a mental illness could cause stress for many reasons such as:

• Being stressed by your job and work issues,
• having to give up work because you are unwell,
• spending too much money when you are unwell and get into debt,
• having issues with welfare benefits,
• being discharged from mental health services but don’t feel ready,
• not getting on well with your doctor, care coordinator, or anyone else involved in your care,
• being worried about how long it will take you to recover from your illness,
• not knowing how to manage your symptoms, or
• being worried about side effects if you are taking medication.

Can stress cause a mental illness?

Stress is not an illness itself, but it can lead to you becoming unwell. For example, if stress lasts for a long time it can lead to anxiety and depression. Experiencing a very stressful or traumatic event could cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Stress can make an existing mental illness worse, such as causing a psychotic relapse.

You may use alcohol or drugs to deal with your stress. But if you do this on a regular basis you may need to seek support. Using alcohol or drugs in the short-term may help you to cope. But it may make your mental health worse in the long term.

Self-help – How can people help themselves?

There are things that people can do to help reduce the symptoms of stress. This is also known as self-care. There isn’t a set process for where you should start, or what you should do, everyone is different. You may need to try different things until you find what works for you.

Stress diary

If you don’t know what is causing your stress, it might help to keep a ‘stress diary’ for a few weeks. It may help you to identify things that you may be able to change.

You could write down when you feel stressed. You should include what happens just before or after you feel stressed.

It could also help you to identify things which can make you unwell. These things are known as ‘triggers.’ Identifying your triggers can help you to have more control over your stress levels.

Get practical advice

You may be able to take steps to change the cause of your stress. There are lots of places you can get practical advice on different issues. An advice service may be a good place to start. They may be able to support you and give advice to solve an issue. There are details of different organisations that give practical advice and ‘Useful contacts’ below.

Manage your money

Money can cause many different issues such as poverty, debt and relationship problems.

Making a budget sheet could help. This will help you work out what you can afford to pay.

If you are worried about your debts, there are places that you can get advice and support, such as StepChange, Citizens Advice and National Debtline. Their contact details can be found below.

Plan your time

If you plan your time this can make you feel more in control of things. Here are some ideas that could help you do this:

• Write lists of what you need to do,
• Prioritise the most important tasks,
• Share tasks with others if you can,
• Don’t put things off, and
• Set yourself steps and goals for complicated tasks.

Talk to someone – ‘Let’s Talk’

Telling someone how you are feeling may help with stress. It can help to ‘offload’ your worries. You may feel comfortable talking to someone you know. Or you might prefer to talk to someone who doesn’t know you. You could call an emotional support line or see a counsellor. There are some emotional support lines at the bottom of this page.

Stress risk assessment

Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by doing a stress risk assessment and acting on it. The CWU has national agreements with all the major

employers on both individual and group stress risk assessments. Members suffering the effects of stress are encouraged to ‘talk’, approach their Union Rep, Safety Rep, Mental Health First Aider or Ambassador to seek help, support and assistance without delay should they need help at work of feel in crisis.

Make lifestyle changes

Limit your caffeine intake
Coffee, tea, energy drinks and chocolate contain caffeine. Reducing your caffeine intake could help you sleep better. Especially if you reduce it in the evening. You could have herbal tea, a warm milky drink or warm cordial instead.

Exercise
Exercise can relieve stress. It can also help you to stay healthy. There are lots of ways to exercise, and people enjoy different things. You could try cycling, walking, running, team activities or going to the gym. Doing housework or gardening is also a way to exercise.

Get enough sleep
If you’re dealing with stress you may struggle to sleep well. If you don’t get enough sleep this can cause problems such as poor concentration and low mood. Long term sleep issues can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

If you struggle with sleep, you can try to:

• talk to your doctor,
• refer yourself for talking therapy, or
• practice sleep hygiene.

Sleep hygiene means things like:

• having a regular bedtime routine,
• only using your bed for sleep,
• exercising regularly but avoiding lots of exercise too close to bedtime,
• cutting down on caffeine, especially in the evening,
• making the place you sleep is a comfortable temperature,
• making sure the place you sleep is dark,
• not using your phone or computer immediately before bedtime, and
• making sure that the place you sleep is tidy.

Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy balanced diet is good for your mental and physical health.

You can get more information on exercising, sleeping and eating a balanced diet from the NHS. You can find this by following this link: www.nhs.uk/live-well/

Do something nice for yourself every day
It is important to do some things because you want to, not because you have to. This could include reading a book, watching a film or eating something you enjoy.

Online resources
There are websites which give information about how to manage your mental health. There are also websites which explain how you can use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to improve and manage your mental health. These can also be used for dealing with stress.

• NHS: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
• Mood Gym: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome/new/splash;
• Mood Juice: www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk;
• Live life to the Full: www.llttf.com/index.php?section=page&page_seq=8&;
• Psychology Tools: www.psychologytools.com/

Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation to help you to be aware of the present moment and pay attention to it. This can help to deal with symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. You may be able to find online mindfulness courses through YouTube or apps.

Use relaxation techniques
Relaxation can help you to deal with stress and stop you from getting stressed. Some people relax using meditation, aromatherapy or yoga.

Can the doctor help?

You can speak to your GP if you are struggling to cope with stress. Struggling to cope with stress may include the following:

• You are struggling to do everyday things.
• You have stopped looking after yourself.
• You are taking more time off work.
• You have thought that life is not worth living.
• You are using drugs or alcohol to cope with how you feel.
• You have felt very low or hopeless for 2 weeks or more.
• You no longer enjoy anything.
• You are having panic attacks.

It may help you to write down a list of the main points and questions that you want to discuss with your GP. This can be helpful if you are feeling anxious or worried.

If you have kept a stress diary you could take this with you. See the previous section for more information about a ‘stress diary.’

Your GP could offer:

• self-help advice,
• stress management classes,
• talking therapy,
• medication, or
• support groups in your area.

Further reading – Books

You can find books about how to manage stress from your local library. Or you can buy books or audio books from online websites such as Ebay or Amazon.  If you are not sure what books to try you could read customer reviews. This may help you to decide where to start.

Further Information, advice, guidance and support – See the following A-Z List of organisations for Stress, Anxiety and Mental Health 

Alzheimer’s Society

Provides information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines.

Telephone: 0300 222 1122 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and 10am to 4pm on weekends)
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Telephone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Men’s Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk/beatstress.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

Telephone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Rape Crisis

To find your local services phone: 0808 802 9999 (daily, 12pm to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm)
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Mental Health UK

They provide information on managing work related stress. You can find this by following the link: www.mentalhealth-uk.org/best-working-life/

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.

Telephone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Telephone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Telephone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.ocduk.org

PAPYRUS

Young suicide prevention society.

Telephone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141(9am to midnight, every day of the year)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Refuge

Advice on dealing with domestic violence.

Telephone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Relate
They are a charity who provide relationship counselling. They can provide counselling over the phone, live chat, webcam or face to face. You have to pay a fee to use Relate. If you want to contact them with a general enquiry or book an appointment, you will have to find your nearest Relate and give them a call through their website.
Website: www.relate.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans
Available 24 hours a day. They provide confidential support for people in emotional distress or despair. They offer a non-judgemental service and can be contacted by telephone, letter and e-mail. There’s also a face-to-face service available at their local branches.

Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org/

SANE

UK mental health charity aiming to improve the quality of life of anyone affected by mental illness. Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000. 4:30pm -10:30pm everyday
Email: through the website
Website: www.sane.org.uk

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum

Support Line
Offers help to people on any issue. They provide non-judgemental, confidential support and advice to help you to find ways of coping with a particular problem. They can also be contacted by post and email. Helpline opening hours vary.

Telephone: 01708 765200
Email: info@supportline.org.uk
Website: www.supportline.org.uk

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Telephone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk/

Abuse (child, sexual, domestic violence)

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Plus. (Formerly living without Depression and Manic Depression)

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP® is a self-designed wellness process. You can use a WRAP to get well, stay well and make your life your own. It was developed in 1997 by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals.
Website: www.mentalhealthrecovery.com

Alcohol misuse

Alcoholics Anonymous

A free self-help group. Its ‘12 step’ programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face-to-face and online support groups.

Telephone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 

Al-Anon

Al-Anon is a free self-help ‘12 step’ group for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Telephone: 0800 0086 811 (daily, 10am to 10pm)
Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk

Drinkline

A free confidential helpline for people worried about their own or someone else’s drinking.

Telephone: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm)

National Association for Children of Alcoholics

Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking.

Free Helpline: 0800 358 3456

Email: helpline@Nacoa.org.uk

Website:  https://nacoa.org.uk/

SMART Recovery UK

SMART Recovery UK face-to-face and online groups help people decide whether they have a problem with alcohol and drugs, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.

Telephone: 0330 053 6022 for general enquiries about SMART Recovery UK (9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday)
Website: smartrecovery.org.uk

Debt

National Debtline
Provides free, independent and confidential advice about debt. You can contact them over the telephone, by e-mail or letter.

Telephone: 0808 808 4000. Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm
Address: Tricorn House, 51-53 Hagley Rd, Birmingham B16 8TP
Webchat: through the website
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org

StepChange
Provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone worried about debt. You can contact them over the telephone or online.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111. Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm
Address: Wade House, Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8NG
Webchat: through the website. Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
Email: through the website
Website: www.stepchange.org

General

Citizens Advice
Offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. They advise on benefits, housing, debt and other issues face-to-face or over the phone or webchat. Most areas of the country have a local Citizens Advice service. Search on their website for your local service.

Telephone England: 03444 111 444
Telephone Wales: 03444 77 20 20
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Attachments:

• Work Stress Handbook – (UK National Work Stress Network)
• Stress How To Cope Guide – (ReThink Mental Health)
• Taking To Someone Who May Be Suicidal Guide (Zero Suicide Alliance)

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB443 National Stress Awareness Month 2022

Workstress Handbook – UK National WorkStress Network

stress-how-to-cope-rethink-mental-health-guide-booklet

Zero-Suicide-Alliance-Booklet-talking-to-someone-who-might-be-suicidal

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TUC Events “Bold Solutions – COP27 (UN Climate Change Conference), Trade Unions, the Climate crisis, a just transition to climate safety and workers’ rights, economic and energy crises and how we fix them.”

The TUC is organising two events – one in person and one online, coinciding with the COP 27 (UN Climate Change Conference), and bringing trade union and climate activists together to gather solutions – How do we combine our struggles for an equitable cost of living, a just transition to climate safety and workers’ rights? The TUC states that we urgently need a politics that builds a safe climate for future generations, a rapid and just transition alongside quality jobs, and an economy that rewards work, not wealth.

Online Event: Thursday 17 November 2022,
6pm – 8:30pm (2hrs 30mins)
Speakers:
Shavanah Taj (General Secretary, Wales TUC),
Camille Barbagallo (Climate Justice Coalition),
Caitlin Lee (Unite Hospitality workers’ branch)
more TBC.
This event will be via Zoom.
Register here:- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cop27-trade-unions-and-the-climate-and-economic-crises-tickets-440371291387

In Person Conference: Thursday 1 December 2022,
9.30am – 5.30pm.
TUC General Council Chamber and Room 1,
Congress House,
Great Russell Street,
London WC1B 3LS
Register here:- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bold-solutions-the-economic-climate-and-energy-crises-and-how-we-fix-them-tickets-433506669117

Note: COP27 is the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The conference is formally known as the ‘United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties’ and this is its 27th iteration. Given that the official title is a mouthful, it is shortened to COP27 which is short for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. It’s being held from 6 November until 18 November 2022in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

To find out more on COP27 visit:https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop27

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB442 TUC Events Bold Solutions – COP27 (UN Climate Change Conference)

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The Climate Justice Coalition – COP27 Global Day of Action 12 November 2022(30 Demos Across UK and Ireland)

The Climate Justice Coalition is organising 30 demo events across Britain and Ireland to give solidarity with activists in Egypt, and make the links between the cost of living, energy and climate crisis.

The list of events is:

• LONDON – Shell Building, Belvedere Rd 12:00 (The Trade Union Bloc meets at 11.30am Belvedere Road, alongside Jubilee Gardens, opposite the Shell Centre Building).

• EDINBURGH – St Andrew Sq. 12:00
• NEWCASTLE – Grey’s Monument 12:00
• BIRMINGHAM – Victoria Sq. 14:00
• SHEFFIELD – Barkers Pool 12:00
• BLACKPOOL – Blackpool Tower 12:00
• MANCHESTER – Coaches to Blackpool
• COVENTRY – Council House 13:30
• BRISTOL – College Green 12:00
• PLYMOUTH – Guildhall Sq. 12:00
• SOUTHAMPTON – Guildhall Sq. 12:45
• PORTSMOUTH – Guildhall Sq. 12:00
• CARDIFF – Cardiff Crown Court 11:00
• SWANSEA – Castle Square 12:00
• CARMARTHEN – Carmarthen Park 12:30
• CAERNARFON – Castle Square 13:00
• EASTBOURNE – Train to London Demo
• NOTTINGHAM – Trinity Square 11:00
• TELFORD – Dale End Ironbridge 10:45
• STRATFORD-UPON-AVON – Henley Street 13:30
• BOURNEMOUTH – Bournemouth Pier 12:00
• BATH – Kingston Parade 12:00
• LEICESTER – Clock Tower 14:00
• LOWESTOFT – Britten Centre 12:00
• NORWICH – City Hall 12:00
• OXFORD – Cornmarket 12:00
• WIMBORNE – Central Wimborne 10:00
• ALTON – Alton Public Gardens 11:00
• BELFAST – organised by CJC Belfast
• COVENTRY – Council House 13:30
• DERRY & DUBLIN – organised by CJC Ireland
• LEAMINGTON SPA – Pump Room Gardens 12:00
• MAIDSTONE – 33 Tonbridge Road12:30
• MARKET DRAYTON – High Street 12:00
• STAMFORD – Sheep market 11.30
• MARKET HARBOROUGH – Old Grammar School 13:00
• BRIGHTON – Churchill Square 12:00
• SHROPSHIRE – High St, Market Drayton 12:00

To find out more on these events visit:

COP27 Mobilisations

Note: COP27 is the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The conference is formally known as the ‘United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties’ and this is its 27th iteration. Given that the official title is a mouthful, it is shortened to COP27 which is short for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. It’s being held from 6 November until 18 November 2022in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

To find out more on COP27 visit:https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop27

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB441 The Climate Justice Coalition – COP27 Global Day of Action 12 November 2022 (30 Demos Across UK and Ireland)

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 42 – November 2022:

Introduction

The Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC. The GJA 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.

GJA ‘Free’ Courses:

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 with details published in the newsletter.

The GJA now offer three ‘on-line’ courses as follows:

1. Climate Change Awareness

This short introductory course is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of the issues around climate change.  The course is divided into 4 modules.  The modules contain background information, short videos, graphs and illustrations.

• Module 1: Climate Change Explained
• Module 2: International Responses
• Module 3: Trade Union Responses
• Module 4: Getting Involved

At the end of each section, there are references and links to additional materials if you want to go further. There are no formal tests and you can work through the materials at your own pace but there are optional quizzes to check your understanding at the end of modules 1, 2 and 3.

2. A Trade Union Guide to Just Transition

Social justice must be at the heart of the development of a net-zero carbon economy. The course covers:

• The meaning and history of the term just transition
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

It is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of why just transition should be central to climate change policy.

3. Air Quality – a trade union issue

The following issues will be explored in this free online course. It is made up of 3 modules,

• Module 1: The Causes and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
• Module 2: The Law and Government Policy
• Module 3:  Trade Union Responses and Campaigns

Link to GJA on-line Courses:https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/courses/

GJA Founder Graham Petersen:

The founder GJA Secretary and Newsletter editor was Graham Petersen who 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 and has been a visitor and guest speaker at CWU events and meetings. After 30 editions, Graham stood down at the GJA AGM last year and has handed over to Paul Atkin as newsletter editor and Tahir Latif as GJA Secretary. Graham remains a GJA Steering Group member and is now working part time for the Wales TUC having recently written a publication for them ‘Greener workplaces for a just transition – a Wales TUC toolkit for trade unionists’ which was circulated by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department.

Paul Atkin Editorial GJA Newsletter Issue 42 – ‘Lost and Damaged’

In this edition Paul Atkin in his editorial focuses on the UN confirming that they see ‘no credible pathway’ to keep below a 1.5C average rise in global temperature! Pauls says we are now in a period of desperate damage limitation. It’s not 1.5C or let it rip because no other limit is worth the bother.  The higher above 1.5C we allow it to get, the worse it will be. We have to fight for every gram of carbon reduction we can get as quickly as we can get it.  In this, the COP process is inadequate but essential. So far it has shaved about half a degree off the projected temperature rise by 2100. Not enough, but we’d be sunk without it. There will be a huge fight at the current COP27 over loss and damage. Faced with increased pressure from the Global South, the US has agreed to talk about this, but not to commit any money. The contrast of this eye dropper meanness with their gushing spigots of cash for military expenditure reveals their priorities and shows us where the resources can come from. News that the UK failed to meet its September deadline for £260 million worth of aid to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) – aimed to help developing countries adapt and mitigate climate effects – sends the same careless and irresponsible message as new Tory PM Rishi Sunak’s evident reluctance to turn up at the COP27. It is characteristic of this Tory Government that it sees fighting climate change as counterposed to repairing the domestic economy, not the way to do it. The UN’s warning makes it clear that climate breakdown is not so much ‘above politics’, as foundational to any politics – and economics – that is relevant to the period we are in; so anything that doesn’t address it is becoming a form of displacement activity. With most people stating they would be proud to vote for a Party promoting renewable energy and insulation, we have the majority. Let’s mobilise it concludes Paul (GJA Editor Paul Atkin).

Contents Newsletter 42

• Editorial: Lost and Damaged
• Climate Campaigns letter to Cost of Living Campaigns
• ITUC demands on COP27
• Nov 12th Day of Action
• TUC Bold Solutions Rally and Conference
• Getting off gas
• Social Justice and Pakistan Floods of 2022
• UNISON Green Week
• Five Strategies for Challenging the “Jobs vs. Environment” Frame
• Debate: Green Socialist New Deal from Green Left
• Climate Education initiative for former coalfield areas
• Working with local authorities for publicly accountable social housing retrofitting
• Fit for the Future – Why we need to make our education buildings greener, safer and healthier places and how to get started
• Green Bites

COP27 Global Day of Action 12 November 2022 (30 Demos Across UK and Ireland)

The Climate Justice Coalition is organising 30 demo events across Britain and Ireland to give solidarity with activists in Egypt, and make the links between the cost of living, energy and climate crisis.

• LONDON – Shell Building, Belvedere Rd 12:00 (The Trade Union Bloc meets at 11.30am Belvedere Road, alongside Jubilee Gardens, opposite the Shell Centre Building).
• EDINBURGH – St Andrew Sq. 12:00
• NEWCASTLE – Grey’s Monument 12:00
• BIRMINGHAM – Victoria Sq. 14:00
• SHEFFIELD – Barkers Pool 12:00
• BLACKPOOL – Blackpool Tower 12:00
• MANCHESTER – Coaches to Blackpool
• COVENTRY – Council House 13:30
• BRISTOL – College Green 12:00
• PLYMOUTH – Guildhall Sq. 12:00
• SOUTHAMPTON – Guildhall Sq. 12:45
• PORTSMOUTH – Guildhall Sq. 12:00
• CARDIFF – Cardiff Crown Court 11:00
• SWANSEA – Castle Square 12:00
• CARMARTHEN – Carmarthen Park 12:30
• CAERNARFON – Castle Square 13:00
• EASTBOURNE – Train to London Demo
• NOTTINGHAM – Trinity Square 11:00
• TELFORD – Dale End Ironbridge 10:45
• STRATFORD-UPON-AVON – Henley Street 13:30
• BOURNEMOUTH – Bournemouth Pier 12:00
• BATH – Kingston Parade 12:00
• LEICESTER – Clock Tower 14:00
• LOWESTOFT – Britten Centre 12:00
• NORWICH – City Hall 12:00
• OXFORD – Cornmarket 12:00
• WIMBORNE – Central Wimborne 10:00
• ALTON – Alton Public Gardens 11:00
• BELFAST – organised by CJC Belfast
• COVENTRY – Council House 13:30
• DERRY & DUBLIN – organised by CJC Ireland
• LEAMINGTON SPA – Pump Room Gardens 12:00
• MAIDSTONE – 33 Tonbridge Road12:30
• MARKET DRAYTON – High Street 12:00
• STAMFORD – Sheep market 11.30
• MARKET HARBOROUGH – Old Grammar School 13:00
• BRIGHTON – Churchill Square 12:00
• SHROPSHIRE – High St, Market Drayton 12:00

To find out more on these events visit:

COP27 Mobilisations

TUC Events “Bold Solutions – COP27 Trade Unions, The economic, climate and energy crises and how we fix them.”
The TUC is organising two events – one in person and one online, coinciding with COP 27 and
bringing trade union and climate activists together to gather solutions – How do we combine our struggles for an equitable cost of living, workers’ rights and a just transition to climate safety? We urgently need a politics that builds a safe climate for future generations, a rapid and just transition with quality jobs, and an economy that rewards work, not wealth.

Online Event: Thursday 17 November 2022
6pm – 8:30pm (2hrs 30mins)
Speakers:
Shavanah Taj (General Secretary, Wales TUC),
Camille Barbagallo (Climate Justice Coalition),
Caitlin Lee (Unite Hospitality workers’ branch)
more TBC.
This event will be via Zoom.
Register here:- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cop27-trade-unions-and-the-climate-and-economic-crises-tickets-440371291387

In Person Conference: Thursday 1 December 2022
9.30am – 5.30pm.
TUC General Council Chamber and Room 1,
Congress House,
Great Russell Street,
London WC1B 3LS
Register here:- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bold-solutions-the-economic-climate-and-energy-crises-and-how-we-fix-them-tickets-433506669117

Note: COP27 is the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The conference is formally known as the ‘United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties’ and this is its 27th iteration. Given that the official title is a mouthful, it is shortened to COP27 which is short for the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. It’s being held from 6 November until 18 November 2022in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Quote of the Month:

“This is the undeniable truth of our age. It is cheaper to save the planet than destroy it.”

(Ed Miliband MP)

Attachments: 

• See attached copy of the GJA Newsletter No.42 for November 2022.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB440 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 42 – November 2022

GJA-Newsletter-42-Nov-2022

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UK National Work Stress Network Conference, 11 to 13th November 2022, Nottingham:

The UK National Work-Stress Network is holding its very popular Annual Conference on Friday 11 November 2022 – Sunday 13 November 2022 at the Double Tree Hilton, Nuthall Road, Nottingham NG8 6AZ. The conference will focus on the tools and strategies needed by trade unionists to support their members, protect themselves and get employers engaged in tackling work stress in order to our make workplaces a safer place for all.

The UK National Work-Stress Network knows that as workers, union reps and stewards you have been ‘under pressure’ in unprecedented times, so this conference seeks to explore your issues and provide information and advice that you may find useful to take back with you. The final full list of speakers and workshops will be confirmed shortly. Those who have attended the UK National Work-Stress Network Annual Conference previously will be aware of the organiser’s record for providing an interesting event with excellent speakers with a stimulating range of topical workshops.

Conference Registration:

http://www.workstress.net/about-us/conferences

Delegate Cost is £350 Residential Conference Rate and £250 non Residential Rate.

The UK National Work-Stress Network 

The UK National Work-Stress Network is committed to the eradication of the causes of work-related stress and associated illnesses. It campaigns to advance this aim through its involvement with the Hazards Campaign; and in conjunction with the TUC, European organisations, within UK Trades Union structures.

The Network calls for:

Employers, company directors and managers at all levels to acknowledge their duty of care and for their acceptance of their health and safety responsibilities to the workforce;

legislation and enforcement procedures to outlaw all forms of workplace stress, bullying and victimisation; also to ensure full corporate liability for workplace injury; and the creation of a caring, supportive workplace culture with ‘Dignity at Work’ for all and for worker sensitive procedures for all.

The Network consists of many hundreds of like-minded people, some of whom have suffered the consequences of work-related stress. Amongst their numbers are experienced caseworkers, counsellors, occupational health workers, trades union lay and paid officers and those who are just determined to see effective management which recognises the needs of the workforce as well as of business.

The UK National Work Stress Network Handbook and Guide – Sponsored by CWU

This handbook was produced by the UK National Work Stress Network and consists of unpaid volunteers bringing together workplace trade union and health and safety representatives, academics, safety professionals and others to campaign for the better protection of workers against stress-related mental and physical illnesses caused by poorly controlled workplace psycho-social hazards.

The handbook examines:The problem

• The extent of work-related stress illness
• The cost of work-related stress illnesses to the individual, society and the economy
• The causes of work-related stress
• The effects of stress on the mental and physical health of workers
• Obstacles to progress
• The law

The solution

• Preventing work stress (the role of government, employers, trade unions and individuals)
• Conducting a risk assessment
• Dealing with individual stress

Appendices

• WorkStress (UK National Work Stress Network)
• Fit notes
• Sample workplace audit forms
• The European dimension
• Useful sources of information
• References

Download an Electronic Copy of the Handbook here:

http://www.workstress.net/sites/default/files/stress.pdf

(Hard Copies available in limited numbers from the Health, Safety & Environment Department at CWU/HQ).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB439 UK National Work Stress Network Conference 11 to 13th November 2022 Nottingham

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HSE Health and Work Conference 2022 – 15 November 2022, 9.00am – 3.15pm

The Health, Safety & Environment Department at CWU HQ has received an invitation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for CWU Health and Safety Reps and other Reps where interested to attend the HSE’s one-day, on-line, Health and Work Conference 2022 on Tuesday 15 November 2022, 9.00am – 3.15pm.

This is an interactive, free, all-day event that will take place virtually on-line and is part of the HSE’s approach to inspire and promote better prevention, management and control of the common risks and causes of occupational ill-health across Great Britain.

Building on the success of last year’s conference, which saw huge demand, the HSE has increased the capacity five-fold to provide 5,000 spaces for delegates.

At the conference the HSE will unveil how it is supporting the Government’s response to the Health is Everyone’s Business (HiEB) strategy, as well as discussions on topics including work related stress and mental health, occupational health, musculoskeletal disorders, and occupational lung disease.

Delegates at the event will see how health and work is evolving not just in response to the pandemic, but also around the actions needed to be taken collectively by employers, employees, regulators and others to prevent harm caused by work-related ill-health.

The HSE state that the event will provide an opportunity for businesses, public and third sector organisations, health professionals and others to engage directly with HSE regulatory inspectors, scientists and health topic specialists, as well as hear from the HSE Chief Executive.

There will also be the chance to choose from a selection of workshops on priority areas of health and work.

The day will include discussions around work related stress and mental health, occupational health, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational lung disease, COSHH and much more.

The HSE advise that spaces are limited, so those interested in attending should register early.

Health and Work Conference 2022 Agenda (Please note agenda timings are subject to change).

Tuesday 15th November 2022, 09:00 – 15:15

09:00 Event registration/sign-in 

09:30 Welcome Ali Wellens — Head of Health and Work Branch, HSE

09:40 Keynote

09:50 HIEB Panel Discussion

• Rick Brunt — Director for Engagement and Policy, HSE
• Angela Matthews — Head of Policy and Research, Business Disability Forum
• Paul Wilson — Director of Policy, Federation for Small Businesses
• Ruth Wilkinson — Head of Health and Safety, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

This interactive panel discussion brings together the Health and Safety Executive’s Director for Engagement and Policy Division, Rick Brunt, and members of the HSE’s Health is Everyone’s Business Task and Finish Group to discuss:

• the benefits of the non-statutory guidance (particularly to Small and Medium Enterprises)
• what this guidance means for businesses
• how you can apply this guidance in your workplace

10:50 Break

11:00 Elective Workshops

Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders – Back to Basics!

This session will explore the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders (static work, repetitive work and physical strain); manual handling (including employer’s legal duties under the Manual Handling Regulations), upper limb disorders, risk assessment tools and using display screen equipment.

• Matt Birtles — Principal Ergonomist, HSE
• Chris Quarrie — Specialist Inspector in Human Factors and Ergonomics, HSE

Protecting Respiratory Health

This session emphasises the importance of protecting respiratory health in the workplace. Exploring the origins of the HSEs statistical evidence base, what that evidence base tells us and how that has translated into HSE activity over the previous months.

We then turn our focus to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) hierarchy of control, steps which all employers must consider in sequence to control the risks of exposure to substances harmful to health within the workplace. The application of engineering controls to reduce occupational exposure is one of those steps and we will look at local exhaust ventilation (LEV), exploring its importance in the protection of respiratory health and how you can make best use of this engineering control and the standard for good maintenance.

• Dave Marshall — Policy Advisor, HSE
• Duncan Smith — HM Principal Occupational Hygiene Specialist Inspector, HSE
• Lucy Darnton — Statistician, HSE
• Tracy Hamilton — Head of Respiratory Interventions and COSHH, HSE

Consent Authorisation for Ionising Radiation Practices – The New Approach

This session will be run by HSE Specialist Inspectors (Radiation), supported by the HSE radiation policy team. The session will be a walk through the new process for consent authorisations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The new process will be introduced in 2023. Employers requiring consent from the HSE will need to prepare a Safety Assessment. Starting in effect with a blank sheet of paper participants will walk through the outline content of a Safety Assessment.

• James Taylor — Principal Specialist Inspector (Radiation), HSE
• Deepa Gopalakrishnan — Policy Advisor, HSE

The signs, symptoms and management of work-related stress

Stress is a major cause of sickness absence in the workplace.  This session aims to raise awareness of work-related stress and mental health, explains the legal duties placed on employers and introduces the HSE Management Standards approach to tackling work-related stress.  The session also covers the ‘Working Minds’ campaign, specifically aimed at smaller businesses to help them recognise the signs of stress and make tackling issues routine.

• Jennifer Webster — Registered Occupational Psychologist, HSE
• Elizabeth Goodwill — Head of Work related Stress and Mental Health Policy Team, HSE

Occupational Health: Keeping well at work

During this session we will show you how existing evidence, bespoke research and key partners all helped develop and deliver the principles to support the non-statutory guidance which will help to support disabled workers and those with long term health conditions in the workplace.  The HSE’s Principal Medical Adviser will be taking you through the importance of quality health surveillance and the HSE’s expectations of occupational health providers in a post-Covid environment. The HSE’s Occupational Health Inspectors will be providing advice on how to access quality occupational health support, and expectations.

• Moya Woolley — Occupational Health Policy Team Leader, HSE
• Julie Wood — HM Principal Specialist Inspector (Occupational Health), HSE
• Steve Forman — Principal Medical Adviser, HSE

12:25 Lunch

13:25 Elective Workshops

Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders – Back to Basics!

This session will explore the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders (static work, repetitive work and physical strain); Manual handling (including employer’s legal duties under the Manual Handling Regulations), upper limb disorders, risk assessment tools and using display screen equipment.

• Matt Birtles — Principal Ergonomist, HSE
• Chris Quarrie — Specialist Inspector in Human Factors and Ergonomics, HSE

Protecting Respiratory Health

This session emphasises the importance of protecting respiratory health in the workplace. Exploring the origins of the HSEs statistical evidence base, what that evidence base tells us and how, that has translated into HSE activity over the previous months.

We then turn our focus to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) hierarchy of control, steps which all employers must consider in sequence to control the risks of exposure to substances harmful to health within the workplace. The application of engineering controls to reduce occupational exposure is one of those steps and we will look at local exhaust ventilation (LEV), exploring its importance in the protection of respiratory health and how you can make best use of this engineering control and the standard for good maintenance.

• Dave Marshall — Policy Advisor, HSE
• Duncan Smith — HM Principal Occupational Hygiene Specialist Inspector, HSE
• Lucy Darnton — Statistician, HSE
• Tracy Hamilton — Head of Respiratory Interventions and COSHH, HSE

Consent Authorisation for Ionising Radiation Practices – The New Approach

This session will be run by HSE Specialist Inspectors (Radiation), supported by the HSE radiation policy team. The session will be a walk through the new process for consent authorisations under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The new process will be introduced in 2023. Employers requiring consent from HSE will need to prepare a Safety Assessment. Starting in effect with a blank sheet of paper participants will walk through the outline content of a Safety Assessment.

• James Taylor — Principal Specialist Inspector (Radiation), HSE
• Deepa Gopalakrishnan — Policy Advisor, HSE

The signs, symptoms and management of work-related stress

Stress is a major cause of sickness absence in the workplace.

This session aims to raise awareness of work-related stress and mental health, explains the legal duties placed on employers and introduces the HSE Management Standards approach to tackling work-related stress. The session also covers the ‘Working Minds’ campaign, specifically aimed at smaller businesses to help them recognise the signs of stress and make tackling issues routine.

• Jennifer Webster — Registered Occupational Psychologist, HSE
• Elizabeth Goodwill — Head of Work related Stress and Mental Health Policy Team, HSE

Occupational Health: Keeping well at work

During this session we will show you how existing evidence, bespoke research and key partners all helped develop and deliver the principles to support the non-statutory guidance which will help to support disabled workers and those with long term health conditions in the workplace.  The HSE’s Principal Medical Adviser will be taking you through the importance of quality health surveillance and the HSE’s expectations of occupational health providers in a post-Covid environment. The HSE’s Occupational Health Inspectors will be providing advice on how to access quality occupational health support, and expectations.

• Moya Woolley — Occupational Health Policy Team Leader, HSE
• Julie Wood — HM Principal Specialist Inspector (Occupational Health), HSE
• Steve Forman — Principal Medical Adviser, HSE

14:50 Break

15:00 Closing address – Sarah Albon — Chief Executive, HSE

Register for the HSE Health and Work Conference here:

https://healthandworkconference.co.uk/home?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hse-conf-2022&utm_term=register&utm_content=msd-3-nov-22#register

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB438 HSE Health and Work Conference 2022 – 15 November 2022 9.00am – 3.15pm

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NATIONAL DISPUTES – CWU/ROYAL MAIL GROUP JOINT STATEMENT

Further to LTB 431/22, please find attached a Joint Statement, which confirms we are now entering a serious phase of negotiations to resolve our Pay and Change disputes.

The Joint Statement also confirms that the CEO has committed to negotiating on all aspects of Pay and Change, including their redundancy plans for 10,000 job losses.  The Joint Statement also confirms that the Pay and Change offer tabled on Monday 31^st October and the subsequent letter to Parcelforce members, will now both be the subject of further discussion and negotiation.

You will see that the Joint Statement commits the Royal Mail Group to a number of actions that are designed to deescalate tensions and avoid flashpoints in all workplaces.  This includes a pausing of all activity with employees in relation to redundancies, alongside a commitment to start offering overtime opportunities again to our members.  This is a significant moment given the attacks that have taken place on the union and our members and demonstrates that strategy set out earlier this week was exactly the right one.

Please ensure the terms of the Joint Statement are circulated to members in all workplaces.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org and Andy Furey, Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal) at hford@cwu.org.

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   

22LTB437 NATIONAL DISPUTES CWU-ROYAL MAIL GROUP JOINT STATEMENT

CWU-RMG JOINT STATEMENT FINAL

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MARIA EXALL/PAULINE ROURKE

As you may be aware, it was announced at this year’s TUC Congress that Maria Exall has been elected to the position of President of the TUC for the coming year. She will also chair the TUC’s general council and executive committee.

Maria has been a CWU member and an active trade unionist for over 40 years. Having previously worked as a care worker and in mental health, Maria joined the CWU as a telecommunications engineer in 1988 and quickly became an active rep.

A member of the CWU National Executive Council for fourteen years, Maria has consistently championed women in the union and actively campaigned for more women to be recruited into engineering roles.

Maria has also been an active political campaigner and currently serves as the vice-chair of Labour Unions (TULO)– the liaison organisation between the Labour Party and the Labour-affiliated trade unions, as well as being a dedicated Labour activist.

In addition to being the first out LGBT+ President of the TUC, Maria has been tirelessly campaigning for the rights of the LGBT+ community for decades and chairs the TUC LGBT+ committee, representing this caucus on the TUC general council and executive committee.

In addition to Maria’s election, we are also pleased to acknowledge Pauline Rourke’s election as President of the STUC earlier this year. Representing over 500,000 trade union members across Scotland, Pauline brings a passion for equality in the workplace and a breadth of experience to the role.

Having joined BT in 1979, Pauline was a trade unionist from day one. As a union representative, Pauline has successfully defended workers, won legal battles, and fought to improve workers conditions and pay. Pauline has served on the STUC General Council for eleven years whilst also sitting on the STUC Women’s Committee and the Scottish Labour Executive Committee, as well as holding many positions within the union.

In 2015, she was awarded the STUC Meritorious Award by the STUC Women’s Committee for her outstanding work, on behalf of the trade union movement and women trade unionists in Scotland.

As the first woman to hold the position of STUC President, Pauline continues ground-breaking work within the wider trade union movement.

The election of both Maria Exall and Pauline Rourke to the presidencies of the TUC and STUC is not only a great personal honour but a great honour for the CWU and our members in the Telecoms industry. At a time where the trade union movement is facing many challenges and the CWU faces difficult industrial disputes, we are proud to have such incredible representation at the highest structures within our movement. With working people in Scotland and England facing more challenges than ever this winter, it has never been more important to have vocal trade unionists campaigning for the change so desperately needed in our society.

We congratulate both Pauline and Maria on their elections and wish them well for the year ahead.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at jdunn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary      

22LTB436 MARIA EXALL PAULINE ROURKE                                       

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