RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Lord Falconer Review of Conduct Cases (Appendix 7)

Further to LTB 127/23 of 24^th May 2023 we can now confirm that seven batches of consent forms as listed below totaling 155 (111 dismissals), were sent in to RMG by close of play on Friday 26^th May 2023. The Company has acknowledged receipt of all.Batch 1 Total36 (12^thMay)Batch 5 Total23 (24^thMay)Batch 2 Total22 (16^thMay)Batch 6 Total18 (25^thMay)Batch 3 Total27 (18^thMay)Batch 7 Total10 (26^thMay)Batch 4 Total19 (22^ndMay)

We are now in receipt of the vast majority of consent forms that relate to members currently on suspension and these (30) have also been submitted.  For those Branches that have still to forward consent forms, this should be done as soon as possible, to the independent-review@cwu.org e-mail address.

Branches must also be aware there are cases where a conduct allegation/ charge has been made relating to the dispute but a decision is still outstanding and yet to be notified to the person concerned. It is vital that in such cases Branches, once the disciplined penalty has been advised, must submit consent forms to the e-mail address above so these cases can also be included in the review.

In closing we would like to thank Branches for their continued efforts in relation to the review and further updates will be provided in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                

Andy Furey

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 136-23 – RMG-CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Lord Falconer Review of Conduct Cases (Appendix 7)

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CWU 2024 Diary

We have extended the deadline for personalised diaries for a period of time.

We continue to offer branches personalised diaries at no extra cost.  Branches can personalise an area on the front cover of the CWU pocket diary and also have the option to have a personalised page (printed on one side only) which will be inserted near the front of the pocket diary.

The CWU pocket diary is priced at £2.00 and the A5 desk diary is priced at £4.00.

We continue to offer branches bulk discount on pocket diaries on orders of 1,000 or more for £1.50 per diary.

Personalised branch diary orders only

Branch personalised diary orders should be returned by no later than Wednesday 7^th June. On receipt of your order form you will be emailed the appropriate template(s), please ensure to include your email address as this is where your template(s) will be sent with further information.

Please complete your template(s) as soon as possible and note the return deadline is Wednesday 14^th June.

If you would like to use your 2023 diary template(s) and there are no changes, please advise Marcia Murray.

Orders will be based on the following:

Minimum order to personalise front cover: 250 units
Minimum order to insert page: 500 units
Minimum order to personalise front cover and insert page: 500 units

All completed order forms and enquiries on this LTB should be sent to Marcia Murray by email to mmurray@cwu.org

Branches ordering unaltered diaries should return their completed order form by no later than Friday 22^nd September.

Diaries will be dispatched from Monday 25^th September 2023.

Kind regards,

Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media

23LTB135 CWU 2024 Diary

CWU Diary order form

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National Distribution (Logistics) – Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement Business Asset Tracker (BAT)

Branches and Representatives are advised that Royal Mail Group have been using a Yard Management system at some sites since 2022. The C3 Yard is a Yard Management System built by C3, Canada. It is used by many leading organisations in the Grocery, Manufacturing, Retail, Parcel Post, Transportation and Logistics sectors and is classed as an industry leader in Yard Management software.

C3 Yard is an upgrade to the C3 Yard Smart solution currently used at NDC, Parcelforce Coventry Hubs and Parcelforce Chorley. The C3 Yard Smart system can be adapted to specific customer requirements. In 2022 Royal Mail made a commitment to invest in extending the support and purchase of the C3 Yard system at five locations, NDC, North West Hub, Midlands Hub and the Parcelforce Coventry Hubs and Chorley sites.

However, the business recently approached the department in relation to utilising a new operating system, the Business Asset Tracker (BAT), which would enable the use of frictionless gating (no visible gatehouse) at the Midlands Super Hub (MSH). The BAT system will capture information at the Vehicle Operating Centres (VOCs), which will allow the gates to open at the MSH when the vehicle visits the site. BAT will also digitise and standardise some of the current process used at the VOCs.

Discussions have therefore taken place with the business and Joint Statement has been concluded, and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy is attached for your information.

The Joint Statement provides details in respect of the BAT technology, functionality and interface systems and how these will interact with the Isotrak telemetry system that is used in National Distribution (Logistics).

BAT will be deployed to all VOCs commencing with a pilot at the following four sites:

• Atherstone
• EMA
• NDC
• Birmingham

The training materials will be jointly reviewed and updated where required and the outstanding VOCs will be trained with an anticipated deployment completion date of August 2023.

The Joint Statement reaffirms existing commitments contained in National agreements in regard to the use of data and the full involvement of the CWU in the initiative.

The activity will be overseen by the National Network Working Group and jointly monitored, with monthly reviews at National level.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 231.10.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 134/23 – Business Asset Tracker (BAT) – 30.05.23

Att: Final JS Business Asset Tracker (BAT) National Dist – 30.05.23

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 48 – May 2023:

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 and 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 48 – ‘Editorial: “El Nino is Coming!”:

Editor Paul Atkin opens by making reference to the successful, peaceful and positive ‘Extinction Rebellion’s’ ‘Big One’ mobilisation for climate justice which took place in April outside the Houses of Parliament when an estimated 60,000 plus people came out for the climate protest.  There’s reference to the world now on ‘El Nino watch’ and unprecedented heat waves already hitting South Asia, Spain and Africa with more extreme weather events expected this summer and for the next three or four years – not forgetting that the highest temperature yet recorded in the UK was last year! Paul calls for more big events like the April event with more visible Union presence. He adds that two thirds of the population want more action on climate breakdown and the need to show this on the streets and at the polls to turf the climate change deniers out and in the resistance to the cost of living crisis brought on by increasingly unaffordable polluting fossil fuels!

Contents GJA Newsletter 48: 

• Editorial: El Nino is Coming. We need Two, Three, Many Big Ones!
• Public Transport fit for the Climate Emergency
• Hydrogen Powered Vehicles?
• May is National Walking Month
• Better Transport Week
• Planning system changes needed
• Air Quality Strategy consultation a sham
• MUMS for lungs petition
• Get a Heatwave plan for your Workplace
• Climate in every Course. Lessons from Manchester Met
• We Make Tomorrow conference
• The Whitehaven Coal Mine
• Green Bites

What is a just transition?

A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers.

A rapid increase in the speed and scale of actions required to reduce the risks of climate change will create new economic opportunities.

Whilst a just transition is mainly based on environmental considerations, it is also shaped by other structural changes affecting labour markets, such as globalisation, labour-saving technologies and the shift to services.

A just transition is an integral part of many of the global commitments adopted by countries. The Paris Agreement acknowledges “the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities” and highlights the importance of workers in responding to climate change.

Furthermore, the just transition concept links to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, explicitly drawing together SDGs 12 – climate action, 10 – reduced inequalities, 8 – decent work and economic growth, and 7 – affordable and clean energy.

Many countries have recognised the challenge that this transformation entails and are taking measures to protect those that are most vulnerable and affected by the changes, including across the EBRD regions.

• The European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism is integral to the EU’s Green Deal, targeted at ensuring “a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, leaving no one behind” and aims to mobilise at least €150 billion over the period 2021-2027;
• The Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration signed by 50 countries at COP24, which states that: “a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition”;
• Climate Action for Jobs Initiative, co-led by the International Labour Organisation, Spain and Peru, with 46 countries committing to develop “national plans for a just transition and create decent green jobs”.
• The UNFCCC Gender Action plan, whereby parties to the UNFCCC have recognized the importance of involving women and men equally in the development and implementation of national climate policies that are gender-responsive.

GJA Newsletter Snippets:

• Dramatic growth in EV sales

The International Energy Agency reports that more than 10 million electric cars were sold worldwide in 2022 and sales are expected to grow by another 35% this year to reach 14 million. The EV market share has risen from around 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022 and is set to increase further to 18% this year on latest projections.

• Better Transport Week 12 – 18 June

Running from 12 to 18 June and inspired by our 50th Anniversary, Better Transport Week will highlight positive, innovative work being done across the transport sector, promote the wide range of benefits of public transport, shared mobility, walking and cycling, and encourage more people to travel sustainably.

• Mums for Lungs Children’s Clean Air Petition

The GJA is asking for people to sign the Children’s Clean Air Petition (with Clean Air Bayswater) asking Party Leaders to clean up our air. Sign on behalf of yourselves and your children and share with family, friends and colleagues the MLC and GJA ask. Website: https://www.mumsforlungs.org/Email: schools@mumsforlungs.org

Sign the petition here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJxGREMlbUiFky2as4v4TbVSCOYWUZaEv4RVoCr5umkZYfaA/viewform

Much more in the GJA Newsletter No 48 attached.

Quote of the Month:

“A lot of people see climate politics as a marathon. But it’s more that we need to sprint because we started too slow.”
(Julia Epp, Scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact)

 Attachment:

• GJA Newsletter No.48 for May 2023.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 133/23 – Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 48 – May 2023

Att: GJA-Newsletter-48-May-2023

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 011 – HGV Driving Safety – Tail-Lift Down/Open Position Drive Off:

Introduction, Background and Description:  

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY23 011 following a number of vehicle ‘drive-offs’ being reported in various locations.  Amongst them, an incident occurred in which a Royal Mail HGV driver failed to follow the Safe System of Work and Operating Instruction by driving off from a loading dock without closing the vehicle’s Tail-Lift Platform. This could have caused a serious incident in the yard and had the driver taken the vehicle out onto the public highway with the tail-lift platform still in the open and down position this would have created a serious risk of collision damage injury and death.

The Health and Safety Executive reports that every year, there are over 5000 accidents involving transport in the workplace/yards. About 50 of these result in people being killed. The two main causes of injury are people falling off vehicles, or being struck or crushed by moving vehicles.

Impact/Injuries: 

By good fortune the driver was alerted to the situation and stopped. Consequently, there were no injuries and a ‘near-miss’ was recorded.

Key Messages, Learning Points and Drivers and PiC/Managers Actions: 

Drivers – 

• Always follow the process for loading bay management identified in yard safety rules (e.g. follow traffic light system, return keys to loading bay supervisor etc.).
• DO NOT drive away until it is certain that loading activity has been completed.
• Ensure that vehicles are secured with doors closed and tail lifts are raised and stowed before moving.
• Many Royal Mail vehicles do have an immobiliser that prevents the vehicle starting if the tail lift is deployed. Drivers should check this is working and report any faults via a PMT1 ‘Defect Report’ to ensure it receives attention by the RM Fleet Workshop.
• Do not use the Tail-Lift without adequate safety and operator training.
• Improper use of the Tail-Lift will put the driver/operator and other people at great risk of bodily injury and death.
• If in doubt don’t operate a Tail-Lift. – Speak to your Advanced Driver Coach or CWU Rep if you are unsure.

Managers/PiCs – 

• When performing First Class Safety Conversations in yards, observe employees working safely around MGV & HGVs. Have conversations regarding good and bad practice.
• Make sure employees are annually briefed on the yard rules, the yard safety awareness video, Loading & Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7.pdf (royalmailgroup.com).

CWU ASR/WSR Action:

• WSRs/ASRs please ensure that this Safety Flash is communicated and brought to the attention of all appropriate members/drivers and that actions above are deployed by PiCs/Managers.
• ASRs to concentrate attention to this matter during Workplace Safety Inspections and where necessary ensure a review of the SSoW deployment and monitoring.

Attachments: 

• Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 011 – HGV Driving Safety – Tail-Lift Down/Open Position Drive Off:
• Loading & Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 132/23 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY23 011 – HGV Driving Safety – Tail-Lift Down Open Position Drive Off

Att: SHE Flash FY23 011 – Taillift Down Driveoff

Att: Loading Unloading Large Vehicles (Royal Mail Operations) SSOW v1.7

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World Environment Day 2023 – Theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages Environmental issues awareness raising and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by the United Nations and governments around the world. Participants of WED include non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, businesses, employers, trade unions, communities, individuals, various organisations, campaigners and celebrities, and together they raise awareness of environmental issues.  This represents the primary United Nations outreach day supporting the environment.

The theme for World Environment Day on 5 June 2023 will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. The 2023 World Environment Day campaign calls for global solutions to combat plastic pollution. Every year there is a new main focus for WED. This year the focus is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, and the press and media are already gearing up for this by reporting on events and efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Why is this year’s theme important?‘Plastic Pollution’ is regularly in the news due to its terrible consequences on the environment and human and animal health, laid bare by documentaries such as ‘Blue Planet’.  Heavy use of plastic increases the pollution in the environment.

The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 20 million tonnes ends up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet. Not only that, what is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain hazardous additives, which may pose a threat to our health.

The good news is that the world has the science and solutions to tackle the problem –and a lot is already happening. What is needed most now is a surge of public and political pressure to scale up and speed actions from governments, companies and other stakeholders to solve this crisis. This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day – raising awareness of the plastic pollution threat and mobilising action from every corner of the world.

The scourge of plastic pollution is a visible threat that impacts every community. World Environment Day 2023 aims to highlight the issue and to challenge countries, companies and businesses to use the material more sustainably and not add to plastic pollution. It will also showcase how some countries, businesses and individuals are learning to use the material more sustainably – offering hope that one day, plastic pollution will be history.

Plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on health, the economy and the environment cannot be ignored. Urgent action is required. At the same time, we need true, effective and robust solutions. The full commitment of nations and companies is needed to reduce the production and consumption of single-use plastic, which can and must be replaced with durable and sustainable alternatives.

World Environment Day is an environmental awareness day, run by the United Nations. It is sometimes also unofficially called Eco Day or Environment Day. The aim of the Day is to raise awareness of the environment and specific environmental issues.

World Environment Day (WED) was established in 1972 but first held in 1974, which shows that concern about the environment goes back several decades at least. 143 countries support and take part in World Environment Day, and the day focuses on environmental concerns ranging from pollution to global warming and sustainable food production to protection of wildlife.

The world is facing a plastic crisis, the status quo is not an option. Plastic pollution is a serious issue of global concern. Due to the uncontrolled use of plastic, its disposal has become a huge problem in major cities and towns alike.

World Environment Day can be supported and celebrated in many ways, activities such as clear up campaigns are popular and will be prominent this year, also concerts, conventions and parades, tree planting, and lectures. Promotional materials for the day tend to be created using natural environmental colours.

Disadvantages of plastic are:

• Plastic takes tons of years to decompose. …
• Producing plastic is cheap, however, it is done using a variety of toxic chemicals and colours.
• The recycling process for plastic can be very expensive.
• Heavy use of plastic increases the pollution in the environment.

Society for The Environment (SocEnv) – UK Professional Body Free Webinar:

The Society for The Environment have organised a ‘Free Webinar’ on World Environment Day 5 June, 1pm to share what is being done in practice to prevent and address plastic pollution.  Two Chartered Environmentalists working in resource management and registered as CEnvs via the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), will be providing their insights on this World Environment Day webinar:-

• Helene Roberts CEnv FIMMM – CEO at Robinson PLC
• Iain Ferguson CEnv FIMMM – Environmental consultant

Find out more and book your free place here:- https://socenv.org.uk/world-environment-day-2023/

The SocEnv Website also covers articles and information on the true value of this year’s WED theme and how you can get involved.

UN – In Focus: World Environment Day, 5 June –  Get Involved – Get Solutions – Access Practical Guides:

• Solutions to plastic pollution – Tips on how to be part of the global movement to limit waste and push for a transition to a circular economy
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/practical-guide
  • Government,
  • Cities & Towns, Business & Finance,
  • People & Communities.
• Event and Activities – Browse the Map and Get Ideas
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/register-activity
  • Numerous actions are being taken by governments, cities, finance, businesses, NGOs, academia, civil society and individuals.
  • Browse the map to find out more about actions being taken near you.
  • World Environment Day on 5 June 2023 will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign
• Inspire Change Through Social Media – Spread the word to friends, family and colleagues – Get Involved, Go Social!
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/take-action-social

• Acknowledge and promote those who are creating real solutions to plastic pollution.
• Call out and challenge politicians, municipalities, companies, and civil society groups to join the movement to overcome plastic pollution.

How can the world beat plastic pollution? UNEP Video: 

A systems change is needed to address the cause of plastic pollution. It combines reducing the most problematic and unnecessary plastic uses with three market shifts – Reuse, Recycle, and Reorient and Diversify – and actions to deal with the plastic pollution legacy.

Watch the video here:-  https://www.unep.org/resources/turning-off-tap-end-plastic-pollution-create-circular-economy

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – Quiz: How much do you know about plastic pollution?

Take the UNEP Quiz to test your knowledge on plastic pollution. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, held on 5 June, is solutions to plastic pollution and finding ways to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Take the Test and Test your knowledge here:- https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/quiz-how-much-do-you-know-about-plastic-pollution-crisis

UNEP ‘Beat The Plastic Pollution Guide’:

This guide provides some helpful tips on how we can all be part of the global movement to solve the plastic pollution crisis – governments, cities, towns, companies can act and commit and set new norms and standards. Governments can catalyze change on a global, regional and local scale. While solutions must engage every sector, governments and local authorities need to drive change, introduce laws to reduce the production of harmful and unnecessary plastics, incentivise sustainable business practices and invest in better waste management infrastructure. Design out waste by eliminating and substituting unnecessary and hazardous plastic production and packaging, containers, etc., especially single-use plastic. Investors can play a key role in mobilizing finance and setting standards for businesses and industries to move away from harmful plastic production toward circular economies on plastics. Individual and community actions underpin the systemic change required to transition to a less plastic-dependent economy. NGOs, faith organizations and community groups are a powerful source of change in the world. We can all use our voice and choices to drive change.  Read the Report Attached.

UNEP Report Publication – ‘Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy’: 

This report examines the economic and business models needed to address the impacts of the plastics economy. The report proposes a systems change to address the causes of plastic pollution, combining reducing problematic and unnecessary plastic use with a market transformation towards circularity in plastics. This can be achieved by accelerating three key shifts – reuse, recycle, and reorient and diversify – and actions to deal with the legacy of plastic pollution. Reuse refers to the transformation of the ‘throwaway economy’ to a ‘reuse society’ where reusing plastic products makes more economic sense than throwing them away. The report highlights the importance of accelerating the recycling market for plastic recycling by ensuring that recycling becomes a more profitable venture. Reorient and diversify refers to shifting the market towards sustainable plastic alternatives, which will require a shift in consumer demand, regulatory frameworks and costs. The report highlights that these solutions are available now and that a systems change, underpinned by the necessary regulatory instruments, will result in a range of economic benefits and reduce damage to human health, the environment and the climate.  Read the Report Attached.

Links and Good Websites:

World Environment Day Global: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/

UN Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/

Society for the Environment: https://socenv.org.uk/theme-announced-world-environment-day-2023/

Attachments:

• UN Press Release
• UNEP ‘Beat The Plastic Pollution Guide’
• UNEP Report Publication – ‘Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy’

Plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on health, the economy and the environment cannot be ignored. Urgent action is required by Countries, Governments, Companies and Employers, Organisations and Individuals. Companies like Royal Mail need to move away from investing in ‘Plastic Production’ like the Plastic York Container Sleeves they are investing in and manufacturing for their fleet of 750,000 York Containers plus renewals and replacements and then there’s the waste!

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB131 World Environment Day 2023 – Theme Beat Plastic Pollution

UN Press Release – UN roadmap outlines solutions to cut global plastic docx

UNEP – Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide 2023 – World Env.Day

UN Report ‘Turning off the Tap’ How The World Can End Plastic Pollution …

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PARCELFORCE – NEW UNIFORM ROLL OUT

Branches and Representatives are informed that Parcelforce have advised the department that further to discussions and wearer trials, the new Parcelforce uniform will be available to order from 9am on 30^thMay 2023 for all Field, Hub and Processing Centre operatives. The portal will close on 30^th June 2023, with new uniforms delivered to Parcelforce work locations throughout August 2023.

The new uniform is different to the one currently used and there is male and female fit on all main items. The fabrics are breathable and lighter weight. A flexible layering system has been introduced so people can dress according to the weather outside and their own body temperatures. The outerwear fabrics are showerproof / waterproof to provide better protection when the weather is poor.

The Parcelforce Worldwide logo features clearly to identify the distinct brand. The colour red has been chosen to reflect the growing synergies between Parcelforce and Royal Mail.

All Hub and Field operatives are required to wear the new uniform and management will be providing briefs on the ordering process via WTLL sessions.

The business are asking that employees send back their old uniforms so they can be recycled into a new material that can be used in a multitude of ways.

The department would ask that this LTB is given publicity on notice boards at all Parcelforce locations.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 005.01.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 130/23 Parcelforce New Uniform Roll Out 25.05.23

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CWU CONFERENCE 1^{ST –} 5^THOCTOBER 2023 – CANCELLATION

Colleagues will recall the decision taken by the NEC at its meeting on the 17^th January 2023 that postponed the conference due to take place in April 2023 until the above date. This was communicated to Branches in LTB 016/23 dated 17^th January 2023.

The purpose of this LTB is to inform Branches that at their meeting yesterday the NEC, for the reasons explained below, unanimously took the decision to cancel the Conference due to be held on the 1^st – 5^th October 2023.

The rationale for the original decision was, for the large part, centred on where the dispute/ negotiations with Royal Mail were and the impact that dealing with those issues would have on the value or effectiveness of holding the conference in April.

Subsequent to the decision taken on the 17^th January we contacted the Standing Orders Committee (SOC) to determine what a timetable would look like for motions to General, Industrial and a Rules Section would be.  Their response was to state that closing date for motions to General Conference would have to be 22^nd June 2023, Rules 27^th July 2023 and Industrial 3^rd August 2023.

Branches will be aware that, as of this moment and for reasons explained elsewhere the dispute with Royal Mail has yet to go out to ballot and therefore has yet to be finalised. This presents us with a real difficulty when considering the timetable set by the SOC.

In addition to the above the NEC also had to consider the position of Postal Branches and of the major industrial issues being dealt with in the TFS constituency. The work required to move these issues forward must also be taken into account.

Consideration of these issues is particularly relevant given the longstanding structural matters that we need to address. This means there is a clear need to set out a detailed programme of engagement at all levels of the union in order to redesign, restructure and secure buy in for the changes we need to make to ensure we build a union fit for a continually fast moving industrial and political arena.

Rather than rush to a conference with a barely thought out plan we need to build confidence at all levels that what we do and what rule changes we propose as a result, have support throughout the union.

We simply do not have time to do that as a result of the timetable set out by the SOC.  In some ways the decision was a straightforward one, go ahead with the conference, yes or no. In reality it was a debate around how best we use our resources and time to the best advantage of our members.

It is for these reasons that the decision to cancel the October conference was taken.

In order that we set out to Branches how we intend to deal with the issues around restructuring the CWU to enable it to be fit for purpose for the future, the GS and SDGS will shortly arrange an online Branch Briefing to talk through our approach to this and how we will involve Branches in that process.

As a result of the decision made, the NEC also agreed that the next Conference will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from the 21^st April – 25^th April 2024. We have also contacted the conference centre in Blackpool to secure dates for the 2025 conference at that venue.

Branches should immediately contact hotels who they have made bookings with to discuss transferring deposits already paid to the April 2024 dates.

The NEC fully understands that none of this is ideal, however we have to deal with the reality that faces us, we are dealing with some extremely crucial industrial issues that require our complete and undivided attention. The long term sustainability of the CWU in part rests on the outcome of these matters and in part on how we have clear and agreed structural change.

Full details of the online briefing mentioned above will be sent to Branches shortly.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,Tony KearnsDave WardSenior Deputy General SecretaryGeneral Secretary

23LTB129

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Interview with GS and DGSP covering a range of vital issues. Please watch and share.

RMG – Unilateral Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips

Following correspondence from a number of Branches and Divisions, it became clear RMG had taken a decision to cease the use of paper pay-slips.  This was implemented on 26^th April without any consultation and will undoubtedly have an impact on those members who do not have access to online facilities.

Given that the national Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement mentions joint working on numerous occasions, it is obviously important the that company is held to account where a contrary approach has been adopted.

As a result, on 27^th April 2023 I wrote the letter attached at Appendix 1 to the Chief People Officer, raising our concern regarding the manner in which this change had been implemented and in particular to highlight concerns about the timing.  A response was received that is attached at Appendix 2. 

The contents of this are disappointing but not unexpected, given that 85% of the RMG workforce are already using the online ‘People App’.  Branches will recall that when the ability to access pay slips through the ‘People App’ was first introduced, the business stated that this would not be a mandatory requirement however this business decision now means the remaining 15% will be impacted by this diktat.

However, there will still be the ability to request a paper copy although this has been described as an absolute exception.  That said, the Union do not accept that this only applies to those with medical issues as there will also be members who have no access to the relevant digital information.

Further correspondence has been sent to the company making the above points as well as to ascertain what sort of alternative means will be made available.

Finally, it is important that those who have medical conditions or do not have either online or digital access, raise their cases locally with the appropriate manager and are given support by their Union Reps.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 128-23 – RMG – Unilateral Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips

Appendix 1 to LTB 128-23 – 27.04.23 – Letter to Zareena Brown – Arbitrary Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips – Lack of Engagement.docx

Appendix 2 to LTB 128-23 – AndyFurey190523

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