RM/CWU National Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July 2023:

Introduction: 

Further to LTB No. 154/2023 dated 16 June 2023, 149/23 dated 12 June 2023 and two letters to all ASRs dated 29 June 2023, this is to remind all CWU Regions, Branches and Reps that the annual Royal Mail Group/CWU National Dog Awareness Week, our eleventh annual campaign, takes place next week, Monday 3 July to Sunday 9 July.

A further LTB will follow on Monday 3 Julywhen Royal Mail Group issue an embargoed press release and publish the 2022/23 dog attack statistics, postcode by postcode area, breaking down the number of attacks in each area to indicate the worst, highest risk areas of the country.

As the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department presses on with our re-launched ‘Bite-Back’ Campaign for better dog control laws, better police enforcement and tougher court penalties, meetings have recently been held with the UK Government’s DEFRA Ministry Officials, with the Scottish Government’s Head of Safer Communities and Justice Directorate and with Welsh Government Ministers, Assembly Members, Welsh MPs teams and Cardiff Councillors.

CWU Statement on Dog Awareness Week 2023 Launch – Key Objective and Messages To Dog Owners and CWU Postal Worker Members:

Launching the 2023 Royal Mail/Communication Workers Union National Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July), the CWU is calling upon UK dog owners to be more responsible and keep their animals under control when postal workers make deliveries.

The CWU is additionally calling on the Government to “toughen up the Dangerous Dogs Laws and the Police to toughen up enforcement to deal with irresponsible owners and to stop disposing of cases via Community Resolution Orders (CROs). Finally, we call on the Courts to hand down penalties that fit the crime when dog owners fail to control dogs that inflict atrocious injuries on postal workers who are mauled and savaged in too many cases. 

Dog attacks remain a major safety hazard and concern for postmen and women across the UK and the scale of the problem shouldn’t be underestimated – Over 30,000 postmen and women have been attacked by dogs in the last decade! Over 80% at the front door. 36 postal workers are attacked by dogs every week, 6 every day, 2000 to 3000 every year and 1000 postmen and women have had a finger bitten off or severely injured whilst delivering the mail through the letterbox in the last 5 years. Over the last 12 months the number of recorded dog attacks rose by 15%.  

We are again calling on customers who are dog owners to work with us and help stop this by putting their animals in a safe place before opening the door to the postman or postwoman and to fit a letterbox cage or outside mail box if their dog attacks the mail when it arrives through the front door.   

We remain very concerned about the continuing UK dog attack epidemic and national crisis we face. The number of people admitted to hospital for dog bites has tripled in the last 20 years and apart from the personal costs, pain, suffering, disablement and loss of life, it costs the NHS around £75 million a year. NHS data shows that more than 10,000 people a year need in-patient hospital treatment after a dog attack, many more attend A&E. Many of those victims are postal workers.

There have been over 60 recorded dog attack deaths in the UK since 2000 and 20 have already been mauled to death by dogs in the last three years. This is a big concern for postal workers who are in the front line – delivering to the nation’s 31,000,000 addresses every day. 

The unacceptably high prevalence, scale and volume of dog attacks plus the impact on victims, which can be life changing, is nothing less than a ‘national crisis.’

We have called on the UK Government and the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to discuss what more can be done to toughen up the Dog Control Laws and improve Police enforcement and court penalties – such is our concern in the CWU. 

The key objectives of Dog Awareness Week are primarily to remind the public to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent dog attacks on postal workers who are providing them with a great public service. 

The public need to be aware that if their dog attacks a postal worker, they will be prosecuted either by the Police, Local Authority or by Royal Mail via a private prosecution under the agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU.  

A Second Message To Our Postmen And Women Members Is: 

• Be vigilant, keep safe, take no risks and protect yourself at all times. 
• Don’t enter properties where dogs are running lose.
• Don’t put fingers through the letterbox.
• Don’t assume a dog won’t bite as any dog can be aggressive. 
• Don’t accept an owner’s word that their dog will not bite either.
• Report all dog attack incidents and near misses.

Dog Attacks – Shocking Statistics:

Dog attacks remain a major safety hazard and concern for postmen and postwomen across the UK and the scale of the problem shouldn’t be underestimated – read the statics that speak for themselves:

• 33,000 postmen and postwomen attacked by dogs in the last decade!
• 6 dog attacks on postal workers across the UK every day.
• 37 dog attacks on postal workers every week.
• 1,900 reported dog attacks on postal workers in 2021/22.
• 450 dog bites through the letterbox every year.
• 1,000 postmen and women have had a finger or part finger bitten off through the letterbox in the last 5 years.
• 80% of dog attacks on postal workers took place at the front door or on the garden path, driveway or yard.
• The UK dog population has surged by 3 million in the last 4 years according to the RSPCA.
• 10,000 people need hospital treatment following a dog attack according to the NHS.
• Alder Hay Hospital in Liverpool reported that the number of children admitted for dog attack injuries had surged by over 70%.
• £75 million a year is the cost of NHS hospital treatment for dog attack injuries.
• There have been 66 recorded dog attack deaths in the UK from 1981 to June 2023 with the average number of fatal attacks having risen from 1 ayear 1999-2008 up to 10 a year 2009-2023.

The CWU is very concerned about the continuing dog attack epidemic. The number of people admitted to hospital for dog bites has tripled in the last 20 years and apart from the personal costs, pain, suffering and disablement caused by dog attacks, it costs the NHS and UK taxpayers over £75 million a year, treating more than 10,000 patients, including innocent postal worker victims.

19 people have been killed in dog attacks in the last 3 years so it’s a big concern for our postal worker members who go to the nation’s 31 million addresses every day.

Message To Government:

The unacceptably high prevalence, scale and volume of dog attacks plus the impact on victims, which can be life changing, is nothing less than a ‘national crisis’.  This is the message we are conveying to the Government and Devolved Administrations

The CWU has called upon UK dog owners to be more responsible and keep their animals under control and we have called on the Government to further toughen up the dangerous dogs laws and enforcement.

Representations are again being made to Government Ministers, the DEFRA Secretary of State George Eustice’s team in Westminster where three meetings have taken place in which we have called for more Government and Police action and a toughening up of the dog control laws and enforcement – such is the concern of the CWU.

The Scottish Government established a Government-led Dangerous Dogs Legislation Review Group which commenced work last year, meeting monthly. The Scottish Government appointed the CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer to the Group which is discussing in fine details all aspects of dog control law and enforcement with the aim of progressing the production of a report and recommendations to the Scottish First Minister and Scottish Government and a meeting is scheduled with the Scottish Government Minister Siobhian Brown MSP (Minister for Victims and Community Safety) during the parliament recess.

Finally, a meeting has also taken place with Welsh Government Ministers and Assembly Members to re-open discussions on Dog Control.

The Key Objectives Of Dog Awareness Week:

The Key Objectives of Dog Awareness Week are firstly and primarily to remind the public to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent dog attacks on postal workers who are providing them with a great public service and have been heroes, working through the pandemic as essential workers, delivering the mountain of goods to the public, ordered on-line during the high street lockdowns and a million test kits a day – also a reminder to all our postmen and women members to be vigilant, keep safe and take no risks – and don’t put your fingers through the letterbox!

The public need to be aware that if their dog attacks a postal worker, they will be prosecuted either by the Police, Local Authority or by Royal Mail via a private prosecution under the agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU.

A second message is to our to Postmen and Women CWU members and is:

• Be vigilant, keep safe, take no risks and protect yourself at all times.
• Don’t enter properties where dogs are running lose.
• Don’t put fingers through the letterbox.
• Don’t assume a dog won’t bite as any dog can be aggressive.
• Don’t accept an owner’s word that their dog will not bite either.
• Report all dog attack incidents and near misses.

New ‘Responsible Dog Ownership – How To Keep You, Your Dog and Visitors Safe’ – Dog Control Awareness Guide/Leaflet – Launched

The CWU, Royal Mail, Parcelforce and the National Police Chief’s Council will also be proudly launching our new joint ‘Responsible Dog Ownership – How To Keep You, Your Dog and Visitors Safe’ – Dog Control Awareness Guide/Leaflet during Dog Awareness Week.

An electronic copy is attached which can be downloaded and printed off for local campaigning and ‘door to door’ drop initiatives in high impact dog attack problem areas.

The Health, Safety and Environment Department are very pleased with this ‘Guide Leaflet’ having achieved endorsement from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC). This now needs to be as widely circulated as possible.

ASRs and Reps can drop these ‘Guide Leaflets’ into local schools, local authorities, community centres, clubs and associations, dog training schools, animal and dog charities etc.

Send the Guide Leaflet to local press, radio, community publications, newsletters, social media and websites etc. It’s aimed at dog owners and our customers, the UK public. The leaflets can be utilised in door to door drops, targeting high impact areas also.

Get the support of the local authority and local Police. You can drop copies into local Police stations and council offices. send them to your local MP and local councillors to raise awareness also.

If you need copies printed either organise it locally or contact the Health, Safety and Environment Department for a supply.

Message to all ASRs:

Your assistance in supporting, publicising, raising awareness and onward communicating the important campaign messages both externally with the public, customers and organisations plus importantly raising awareness amongst members is important and is very much appreciated. Please be proactive during Dog Awareness Week – this is a crucially important issue for us. We’ve seen a worrying increase in serious dog attacks involving serious injuries to members across the country.

Attachments:

• New ‘Responsible Dog Ownership – How To Keep You, Your Dog and Visitors Safe’ – Dog Control Awareness guide/leaflet
• RM/PFWW/CWU ‘External’ Dog Awareness Week poster.
• RM/PFWW/CWU ‘Internal’ Dog Awareness Week poster.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB169 RM CWU National Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July 2023

Dog Safety Guide Leaflet – CWU-NPCC-RM-PFWW

756642-20-RM-Dog-Awareness-Week-2023-Poster-A4-INT-ENG-v3

RM-CWU-2023-Dog-Awareness-Week-Poster -15% Increase (2)

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Quality of Service failures – Media Report

You will have no doubt seen the various reports this morning, covering quality of service failures across the UK.  The statistics are damning. They represent what our members are seeing and feeling every single day of the week.

The response by the employer – to blame industrial action and sick absence – is both lacking in integrity and honesty.

The CWU have issued a press response, and this is copied below for your information and onward circulation.

Royal Mail are a company in crisis.  A financial crisis.  A moral crisis.  A leadership crisis.

The appointment of a new CEO is now a matter of urgency.  As important as the timing of the appointment is making sure the individual who is given the responsibility of saving this great company is somebody that wants to work with the workforce and the CWU.

Our members are currently voting on an agreement which contains significant levels of change. We understand change is necessary.  However, Royal Mail must respond by appointing a CEO who wants to deliver that change together by taking the workforce with them.

Unless they employ somebody who is willing to recognise that the workforce is Royal Mail’s greatest asset, then the company will not survive.  Restoring quality Q of service cannot be done on the cheap.  Royal Mail must invest to grow.

Now is a moment for Royal Mail’s leadership to show humility and a complete change of tact – and our members want to see and feel that immediately.

The union will now be taking the issues of quality of service and the USO back to the government and the BEIS Select Committee.  As part of this we will also be exposing OFCOM’s ongoing unwillingness to hear the views of frontline workers on what is really happening to the postal service.

PRESS STATEMENT 

“Responding to the latest reports into mail delays a CWU spokesperson said “There has not been a day of strike action for almost 7 months now. For Royal Mail to still be using this is a reason for quality failures is frankly embarrassing.

In addition, the company points to high sick absence, once again without any self-reflection. The treatment of frontline workers has been appalling and has led to record amounts of postal workers leaving the industry and a crisis of morale. The culture of imposition and fear sees workplaces across the UK stripped to the bone and incapable of fulfilling anywhere near the service the public deserve.

Royal Mail is at a crossroads. It is a company without leadership or direction. The appointment of a new CEO is the most crucial in Royal Mail’s history. It must be someone with a completely different vision. They must also be willing to work with the union and end the failed command and control culture – or the company will not survive.”

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary       

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)  

23LTB168 Quality of Service failures Media Report

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Dear Colleagues,

You will have no doubt seen the various reports this morning, covering quality of service failures across the UK. The statistics are damning. They represent what our members are seeing and feeling every single day of the week.

The response by the employer – to blame industrial action and sick absence – is both lacking in integrity and honesty.

The CWU have issued a press response, and this is copied below for your information and onward circulation.

Royal Mail are a company in crisis. A financial crisis. A moral crisis. A leadership crisis.

The appointment of a new CEO is now a matter of urgency. As important as the timing of the appointment is making sure the individual who is given the responsibility of saving this great company is somebody that wants to work with the workforce and the CWU.

Our members are currently voting on an agreement which contains significant levels of change. We understand change is necessary. However, Royal Mail must respond by appointing a CEO who wants to deliver that change together by taking the workforce with them.

Unless they employ somebody who is willing to recognise that the workforce is Royal Mail’s greatest asset, then the company will not survive. Restoring quality 6of service cannot be done on the cheap. Royal Mail must invest to grow.

Now is a moment for Royal Mail’s leadership to show humility and a complete change of tact – and our members want to see and feel that immediately.

The union will now be taking the issues of quality of service and the USO back to the government and the BEIS Select Committee. As part of this we will also be exposing OFCOM’s ongoing unwillingness to hear the views of frontline workers on what is really happening to the postal service.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

PRESS STATEMENT

“Responding to the latest reports into mail delays a CWU spokesperson said “There has not been a day of strike action for almost 7 months now. For Royal Mail to still be using this is a reason for quality failures is frankly embarrassing.

In addition, the company points to high sick absence, once again without any self reflection. The treatment of frontline workers has been appalling and has led to record amounts of postal workers leaving the industry and a crisis of morale. The culture of imposition and fear sees workplaces across the UK stripped to the bone and incapable of fulfilling anywhere near the service the public deserve.

Royal Mail is at a crossroads. It is a company without leadership or direction. The appointment of a new CEO is the most crucial in Royal Mail’s history. It must be someone with a completely different vision. They must also be willing to work with the union and end the failed command and control culture – or the company will not survive.”

MAIL CENTRE REVISION PIR ACTIVITY

Branches and representatives will be aware that PIR activity should have commenced in Mail Centres in line with the Para 9, Section 2.5 of the negotiators agreement, the relevant Joint Statement as communicated in LTB 152/23 is attached for your ease of reference (Annex A).

The department have however been receiving communications from the field that the commitments in respect of activity relating to supernumeraries are not being adhered to. In particular, this relates to members being briefed on a business ‘redeployment pool programme’ and suggestion that this has been agreed by the CWU.

For absolute clarity, the department have not agreed to the business’ redeployment pool programme and we have made representation in the strongest terms on a number of occasions that we would not support or endorse the business’ proposed approach in this regard. We wrote to the business on 26^th May 2023 and subsequently met at the highest level on 30^th May 2023 and as such the business can be under no illusion that the CWU would support their proposed redeployment programme. In addition, Para 9 of the attached Joint Statement is clear that discussions in respect of outstanding issues relating to supernumeraries and surplus employees would take place at the end of the PIR and review process:

“At the conclusion of this process, the national parties will meet to review progress, resolve any outstanding issues and agree next steps.”

We would therefore advise that where the business is not adhering to above commitment, as contained in Para 9 of the Section 2.5 Joint Statement, the IR Framework is utilised with immediate effect and disagreement is registered. 

We are also aware that the business has issued a ‘PIR Template’ spreadsheet for joint sign off in respect of the PIR activity (Annex B). For the avoidance of doubt, this document was shared with the department after it had already been released managerially in the field and was not subject to agreement. Once again, the department have not agreed or input into this document. While the department did not initially have any issues with the document it has been brought to our attention that some representatives are uncomfortable with the wording of the document and data contained, or omitted. Again, representation has been made to the business in this regard and we are awaiting a response. Our advice would be that representatives should refrain from signing this document until further notice.

We can advise that the department have concluded the attached Guidelines and Quality and Resourcing Checklists (Annexes C, D & E) to support the PIR activity, which have been endorsed by the Postal Executive and these should be utilised. It had been our intention to communicate the documents yesterday but due to the above issues we had advised the business that we did not believe that they would be well received in the field. However, on reflection we believe that they may be of assistance to you.

In the view of the department, the actions of the company are an act of bad faith in regard to the negotiations around the Section 2.5 Joint Statement and are frankly outrageous.  

As stated above, the IR Framework applies in full and where there are disagreements related to any of the PIR activity these should be registered as a matter of urgency. 

Further representations are being made at the highest level to resolve this issue and the department will consider all options available should these prove unsuccessful. 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 733.02.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 167/23 Mail Centre Revision PIR Activity – 29.06.23

Annex A RMG-CWU-JOINT-STATEMENT-SECTION 2.5-JUNE-2023

Annex B Copy of 2022-23 Realignment PIR v1_0 TEMPLATE

Annex C Revised Guidance Document for Mail Centre Resourcing Meetings – Final 23-06-23

Annex D Revised Quality Checklist Processing – Final 23-06-23

Annex E Revised Resourcing Checklist Processing – Final 23-06-23

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Royal Mail’s Customer Service Points (CSPs) – Further Reduction In Opening Times

Branches, Representatives and members will be aware that as far back as May 2021, Royal Mail has been engaged in an ongoing review of Customer Service Points (CSPs) opening times and in late 2022 Royal Mail announced a full-scale rationalisation programme, based on the possible closure of some 40 to 60 percent of CSPs, linked to the further activity of Automatic Redelivery, with these developments being reported via a series of LTBs (Letters To Branches) and ODMs (Outdoor Department Memos).

However, in February of 2023 and as outlined in LTB 036/23, Royal Mail pulled back from these plans and confirmed in a letter to the union that:

‘Having completed the first stage of the review this week and considered a range of options, we have decided to maintain the current estate of Customer Service Points as we seek to further improve our first-time delivery rates.’

Whilst this confirmation from Royal Mail at the time was welcomed and significant, given their previous position on CSPs, the union rightly remained very cautious, as the company further advised that: ‘As footfall continues to decrease, it is important that we continue to improve the efficient running of our Customer Service Points. The next stage of this review will focus on ensuring that opening hours match demand, and ways of working. It is clear that as footfall continues to reduce, we will need to change ways of working in our Customer Service Points. This may require changes to staffing levels, and more flexibility from employees in terms of roles and responsibilities.’

In May this year, Royal Mail then moved forward with the national rollout of Automatic Redelivery, despite the CWU’s wider concerns in terms of this initiative, which without question, has had a further and direct impact on customer footfall at CSPs.

Subsequently and during this period, the CWU has been engaged in both correspondence and discussions with Royal Mail on what this means in terms of their ongoing review of CSPs, and some two weeks ago Royal Mail outlined its further opening time reduction plans which they claimed needed to be retained in ‘Commercial Confidence’. The revised opening times outlined by Royal Mail are attached as Appendix 1 but in summary, CSPs will have a maximum opening time of 4-hours (8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 6 pm weekday) with most units only being open for 2-hours (8 am to 10 amweekday); 4-hours Saturday, and with all CSPs being closed on Sunday.

In direct response to the revised times set out by Royal Mail, the union has outlined its immediate concern and dismay, as that outlined is the worst possible outcome short of Royal Mail’s initial plans to close near on half of current CSPs. Equally, and during this period, we have continued to press Royal Mail on the need to review these opening time plans to reflect local circumstances and in particular, footfall of customers using CSPs to access other services beyond that of collecting undelivered items.

Additionally, and notwithstanding our overall opposition to the revised CSPs we have further sought to use the past two weeks to secure genuine wording to address what will be clear concerns and anxiety from many members that work in CSPs due to caring, family, medical, or other personal considerations that impact their ability to undertake other roles and tasks within deliveries (including those covered under the Equality Act).

Sadly, we have been unable to reach a mutually agreeable position against these points and as such, we now understand that Royal Mail will press on with their CSP plans.

Given this, we are issuing this initial LTB to confirm to Representatives and members that whilst this is now a difficult position we find ourselves in, the following does apply in the case of any member directly impacted by these further changes to CSP opening times: –

To confirm, any process undertaken by Royal Mail will need to be based on a supportive approach and in line with the commitment of no ‘compulsory redundancies’ (and, with the exception of VR compensation terms capped at 9 months), the full terms of the existing MTSF Agreement as set out within sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.3 of the RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Negotiators’ Agreement.

Royal Mail will shortly be looking to review and collate data on overall indoor arrangements which is designed to give them an overall view, unit by unit, of all indoor tasks undertaken as part of indoor support duties arrangements covering, CSP, COM Support, Special Delivery Locker, Response Services/Business Replies, Key Lobby, etc. Local Reps should request sight of this submission made by the relevant COM and challenge highlighted discrepancies, using the IR Framework as necessary and unilaterally.

Royal Mail will shortly be seeking to hold 1-2-1 meetings with all employees on indoor duties and in particular with employees that may be impacted under their CSPs revised opening times. Members are strongly advised to seek direct CWU representation for such 1-2-1s. CWU representation where requested should not be refused.

For any members who under the process become surplus, the full terms of the MTSF agreement will apply including the need for local management to fully engage with the CWU including where there is an unresolved surplus staffing situation. Any failure on the part of local management to apply the direct terms of MTSF should be raised directly at Divisional level and in line with the IR Framework.

In the case of employees with caring, family, medical, or other personal considerations that are displaced, (including those covered under the Equality Act), these individuals’ factors will need to be fully accounted for, and should be directly and equally covered by the commitment of no ‘compulsory redundancies’. In the event that there are attempts to exclude such members from the job security agreement, these again should be raised via the IR Framework.  

Additionally, where Branches and Reps require further or particular advice in terms of members with caring, family, medical, or other personal considerations, (including those covered under the Equality Act), they should not delay in contacting the Equality, Education & Development Department by emailequality&education@cwu.org

Please find attached Appendix 2 – CWU Flexible Working Summary factsheet, which has been shared by the Equality, Education & Development Department.

To be clear, the CWU would have much preferred to be in a position whereby we could offer a joint approach to what would under any circumstances be a difficult and challenging matter. But given the position of Royal Mail during the past two weeks, this has not been possible. However, any group or individual members impacted as a result of this further review of CSPs arrangements are covered by our collective agreements as outlined above, in addition, to wider employment protection in the case of members covered under the Equality Act.

From the CWU perspective, we are not in denial in terms of the ongoing changes in CSPs’ footfall, but we fundamentally disagree with the approach taken by Royal Mail and the sheer level and scale of the plans now earmarked, which they have made clear are not subject to any form of negotiation or local level considerations.

In addition, we also believe that the CSP issue should be progressed in line and consistent with section 2.3 of the RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Negotiators’ Agreement, “Achieving Growth” and part of expanding the role of postal workers along with exploring commercial services.

The CWU has consistently and will continue to challenge Royal Mail over their ongoing position of simply wanting to reduce CSP opening hours and reduce this service for customers. The union holds the view that instead of seeking to reduce CSPs access for customers, this should be seen as a real opportunity to grow and expand further commercial and service offerings, helping to both generate innovation along with income for the company.

The union is also further concerned that the continued attempts by Royal Mail to reduce CSPs arrangements and opening hours will further erode the company’s ability to support those members who require adjusted duty arrangements and those covered under the Equality Act.

For a company that continues with the narrative about the need to innovate and grow new customer services, it has remained backward thinking on the value of Customer Services Points and has continued to pursue a narrative that any hours used in this area is a wasted cost and a drain on the company’s finances, showing a clear lack of real vision and understanding on current revenue streams already linked to CSPs.

Whilst we will keep Branches and Representatives advised of developments, any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 532, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 166-23 CSPs – Further Reduction In Opening Times Final (290623)

Appendix 1 _CSPs June 23

Appendix 2 CWU Flexible Working Summary

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Action Mesothelioma Day 7^th July 2023

Introduction 

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost always caused by exposure to Asbestos and mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural Mesothelioma).  More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year in the UK.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to cure Mesothelioma, although treatment can help control the symptoms.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma tend to develop gradually over time and they typically do not appear until many years after exposure to Asbestos.  Symptoms of Mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and extreme tiredness, persistent cough and high temperature, weight loss and swollen fingertips. Anyone with any persistent or worrying symptoms should see a GP without delay and tell them about any possible past exposure to Asbestos.

Although Asbestos has been completely banned for nearly 25 years, materials containing Asbestos are still found in many older buildings.

If a GP suspects Mesothelioma, they’ll refer the patient to a hospital specialist for some tests, biopsies, x-rays and a scans. These tests can help diagnose Mesothelioma and show how far it’s spread.

Treatment is usually focused on controlling the symptoms and prolonging life for as long as possible – palliative or supportive care such as chemotherapy, the main treatment for Mesothelioma and radiotherapy. Surgery and immunotherapy are also used.

Unfortunately, the outlook for Mesothelioma tends to be poor. This is because it does not usually cause any obvious symptoms until late on and can progress quite quickly once it reaches this stage.

There are currently around 2,500 deaths from Mesothelioma each year in the UK and many more worldwide.

Due to the risks to health following inhalation exposure to Asbestos the importation of blue and brown Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1985. This ban was extended to include white Asbestos in 1999.

Worldwide at least 38,000 people die every year from Asbestos-related Mesothelioma and Asbestos-related lung cancer and Asbestosis push the death numbers far higher.  These deaths cause so much heartbreak and suffering. They leave huge holes in families; ones that can never be filled. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, therefore it is so important for people to know where Asbestos can be found, so these deaths can be prevented.

Action Mesothelioma Day on 7^th July 2023brings together patients, carers, families and local dignitaries in Britain for services of remembrance and hope, commemorating the thousands of lives lost to Mesothelioma. The day is organised by Mesothelioma UK.

Mesothelioma UK are members of the UK Mesothelioma Alliance.  The alliance is continuing to run the successful’ Go Blue for Meso’ Campaign this year and are asking you to get involved by lighting up your home or contacting a prominent landmark in your local area to light up blue on Friday 7 July.  By doing so, you’ll be helping to put a spotlight on a disease that deserves more attention.  You can see more details, a map of places that have already agreed to Go Blue For Meso and a template letter on the dedicated Action Meso Go Blue For Meso website here.

Asbestos related Cancer Deaths – Statistics 
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the number of Asbestos related Cancer deaths have continued to increase over recent years which reflect occupational exposures that occurred many years ago because there is a long time lag between exposure in most cases and the onset of the disease.  The HSE expects deaths from Mesothelioma to continue to rise for the next four to five years.  Asbestos was used very extensively all the way up to 1999 when it was finally banned in the UK so we have quite a stock of buildings with Asbestos-containing materials in them.  As well as people working in construction and related industries, Mesothelioma has claimed the lives of women who inhaled Asbestos dust as they washed their husband’s work clothes.

The tragic legacy of Asbestos means that someone dies every five hours in the UK and the World Health Organisation reports that Asbestos-related lung cancer, Asbestosis and Mesothelioma, the three diseases caused by occupational Asbestos exposures results in well over 100,000 deaths a year worldwide.

At present no effective treatment or cure exists

Those affected are workers from a wide range of industries and occupations. In the past construction workers, railway workers, ship yard workers, MOD workers, telecommunication engineering workers were exposed in large numbers.  People who have lived near Asbestos factories in the past and families of workers who have unintentionally brought the deadly dust home on their work clothes and overalls have been affected.

With 100,000 tonnes of Asbestos containing materials still in buildings built before 2000, those tradesmen e.g., buildings maintenance workers, plumbers, electricians, joiners, gas fitters, heating and ventilation engineers, IT and telecommunications workers and others – working on and maintaining the buildings or carrying out alterations or installations etc., are the ones at risk today if safety precautions are not followed.

There is no safe threshold of exposure to Asbestos fibres, meaning that inhalation of small quantities, even over a short period, can lead to Mesothelioma decades after exposure. Mesothelioma normally has a latency period of around 30–40 years.

Mesothelioma 
Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer, caused almost exclusively through the inhalation and retention of Asbestos fibres.  The condition mostly affects those individuals who worked within roles that involved the use of Asbestos.  However, it has also been known to affect individuals who spent many years employed within an Asbestos-contaminated environment. (See attached Guide to Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer).

Types of Asbestos 
There are three main types of Asbestos – blue, brown and white.  Blue is the most toxic but no type is safe.  Many are still ignorant of the dangers of Asbestos and the cancers it can cause.  At least three other types of Asbestos exist but were less commonly used. Fibres lay dormant in the lining of the lungs or abdomen and the slow growing cancer symptoms can appear 15 to 50 years after exposure has taken place.  As Asbestos was thought of as a ‘miracle fibre’ because of its strong resistance to heat, fire and chemicals, it was used in a variety of materials and products in the home and industries throughout the UK, such as building and electrical insulation and mixed with cement, until the importation was finally banned.

The Asbestos Ban 
In the UK, blue and brown Asbestos materials were banned outright in 1985 while the import, sale and second hand reuse of white Asbestos was outlawed in 1999 by the Tony Blair led Labour Government.

Asbestos related diseases
Embedded Asbestos fibres irritate the lung tissue around them, causing a number of diseases:

• Pleural disease
  Inflammation and irritation of the outer lining of the lung, the pleura. The pleura stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid. This thickening can restrict breathing.
• Asbestosis
  This is scarring of the lungs: the airways become so inflamed and scarred that oxygen is no longer able to pass from the lungs into the blood. The lungs become stiff and inelastic, making breathing progressively difficult.  Symptoms include tightness in the chest, dry cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually seen in former Asbestos miners, Asbestos manufacturing workers and insulation workers, and usually takes a decade or more to develop.

• Lung cancer
  Exposure to Asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they are also a smoker.
• Mesothelioma
  Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura. It typically grows quickly and spreads widely before symptoms appear, making its early diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. The average survival time after diagnosis is only 6-18 months. A very small exposure to Asbestos can be enough to trigger the cancer, however, only a small percentage of people exposed to Asbestos develop Mesothelioma. There may be a lag of 20 to 40 years after Asbestos exposure before Mesothelioma results.

Basic Advice 
Employers are legally bound to survey, identify and manage or remove Asbestos-containing materials in their buildings and those employing workers must find out if Asbestos-containing materials are present and plan the work to avoid disturbing these materials and exposing workers.  Workers should stop and ask if they are unsure or are suspicious that something may be Asbestos or if you think the work might need to be carried out by a licensed contractor.  They should follow the plan of work and work method statement and safe system of work making sure they have been properly trained and informed before they start.  Further detailed information and advice is available from the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department, Health and Safety Executive and Local Authority Environmental Health Departments.

Action Mesothelioma Day Events You Can Support and Attend:

The Health, Safety and Environment Department at CWU/HQ has received details of the following events being organized across the UK which Safety Reps and Branch Reps may wish to attend:

• Birmingham
• Canterbury
• Cardiff
• Glasgow
• Liverpool
• London
• Loughborough
• Manchester
• Plymouth
• Portsmouth
• TUC Congress House, London – Special Event (see below)

The full details of this list are set out in the attachment to this LTB

TUC Congress House, London – Special Event

In line with the CWU supported, TUC and Trade Union-wide policy, we need a UK Government change of policy that will bring the UK into line with other EU countries, by eradicating Asbestos and managing its safe removal and disposal wherever it’s found. Join representatives from UK Trade Unions on the steps of TUC HQ Congress House, Great Russell Street London WC1B 3LS at 12 Noon on Action Mesothelioma Day, Friday 7 July 2023 for a short vigil and call for Government action. EU Governments have managed the removal of Asbestos from non-domestic buildings years ago but UK Governments have failed to act. 85% of UK schools and 90% of UK hospitals still contain Asbestos in the fabric of the buildings. Trade Unions call for a change of policy and a planned removal of Asbestos from all buildings.

In March 2022 the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee of MPs published their investigation report on Asbestos related deaths, illnesses and controls, and recommended that “A deadline now be set for the removal of Asbestos from non-domestic buildings, within 40 years with the Government and HSE to develop and publish a strategic plan to achieve this, focusing on removing the highest risk Asbestos first, and the early removal from the highest risk settings including schools.” The Select Committee comprised of 4 Labour MPs, 6 Conservative MPs and 1 Scottish Nationalist MP. HOWEVER, THE TORY GOVERNMENT REJECTED THE RECOMMENDATION in July 2022 stating that “The current risk of Asbestos exposure is very low where Asbestos can be managed safely in situ until planned refurbishment works.”

All Reps are welcome to join the TUC/HQ Vigil on Action Mesothelioma Day!

You can also get involved in Action Mesothelioma Day by:

• Downloading information for awareness raising from the Mesothelioma(UK) Website https://www.Mesothelioma.uk.com/
• Downloading and distributing IOSH NTTL free resources, to raise awareness https://iosh.com/about-iosh/our-influence/policy-positions/iosh-Asbestos-policy-position/
• Getting involved by lighting up your home or contacting a prominent landmark in your local area to light up blue on this day https://actionmeso.org/goblue/

House of Commons Early Day Motion:

See attached House of Commons, Asbestos-related lung cancer EDM (Early Day Motion) no 1223 submitted by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP and so far signed by 21 MPs.

Motion to Scottish Parliament:

See attached Motion to the Scottish Parliament on “Action Mesothelioma Day 2023” Submitted by: Marie McNair, Clydebank and Milngavie SMP and endorsed by 30 cross-party SMPs. The Motion recognises and endorses ‘Action Mesothelioma Day’, congratulates campaigners and notes the need for further research.

Many thanks for your continued support – CWU supporting campaigns to beat occupational cancer.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB165 Action Mesothelioma Day 7th July 2023

Action Mesothelioma Day Events 2023

Asbestos-related lung cancer EDM (Early Day Motion) 1223 – 25 May 2023

Mesothelioma_A_Guide_To_This_Asbestos_Cancer

Motion to the Scottish Parliament – Action Mesothelioma Day 2023

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ONLINE JOIN REPLACEMENT

As part of the wider digital transformation project of union infrastructure, the ‘old’ online join form (OLJ) has been replaced with https://join.cwu.org. This has happened ahead of schedule as the old online join form had failed and new members trying to join online were unable to.

Unfortunately, due to the age of the membership system there is very limited integration between Integra and this new online join form. The new membership system is expected to be installed by September 2023 and will plug seamlessly into the new membership form. Therefore, for an interim period, there is likely to be a slight delay between members joining and them being added to the Integra system while the CWU Membership Department add new members to the database.

There are three key things to note that will be different in this interim phase:

1)     Membership numbers will still be given to members upon receipt of the confirmation email from the Membership Team, but not immediately on application.

2)     After user testing and an internal workshop with CWU staff and branches, it was decided to remove the death benefit nominee step from the online join experience. We found this deterred some applicants from completing the form, and thus joining the union. Paper forms can still be sent to members, and a digital solution will be provided for members and branches when the new membership system is live.

3)     Paper forms for Organisers and Reps can still be found here and there will be a link in the footer of new online join shortly.

We appreciate colleagues support with this out-of-schedule change, but we all understand the importance of ensuring that new members are able to join the union as a matter of priority.

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

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB164

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Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist In Line With The RMG/CWU Joint Statement – June 2023: Section 2.5 Improving Quality Of Service & USO Compliance

Following on from LTB (Letter To Branches) 152/23, issued on the 16^th of June and which included the agreed Joint Statement on Section 2.5 – Improving Quality Of Service & USO Complianceof the RMG & CWU Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Negotiators Agreement.

Branches and Representatives will recall that in paragraph 4, headed ‘Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist’ it confirmed that a joint checklist (Delivery and Mail Centre’s specific) had been developed for local managers and CWU Reps to assess in this undertaking and that the checklist should be used to develop an understanding of the local root causes impacting Quality of Services, USO and the actions required to restore on target performance.

Therefore, please find attached to this LTB the agreed Joint Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist to be used by local parties in line with the wider commitments of the Joint Statement on Section 2.5.

In setting out the checklist, the following approach should now be adopted in all Delivery units: –

• At the next available weekly resourcing meeting both parties will complete a joint review using the delivery checklist to assess the unit’s current USO, quality standards and reported performance levels against deployed change and undertake the necessary review and actions. 

• It is essential that sufficient release time is set aside for both the COM/s and CWU Rep to jointly complete this exercise. Where a unit has no CWU representative, the appropriate Area Representative will complete this exercise with the COM/s. 

• Units will have a maximum of two weeks to complete this exercise and all returns must be completed online no later than 7^th July 2023. Online completion instructions will follow shortly, but please use the checklist attached to start the local assessment. 

• In terms of the process, both the COM/s and CWU Rep will be able to individually provide a ‘Yes/No’ response to indicate whether the unit in their opinion is compliant with the standards set out in the checklist. If either party believes that the unit is not compliant with the standards the agreed action/s to achieve compliance will be agreed as a priority and these should be captured within the checklist ‘actions’. 

• The completed online checklists will then be shared with the relevant OPL and Area Delivery Reps and where a unit is non-compliant they will seek to understand and support the action plans being worked up. The checklist information will be made available to the RODs and Divisional Reps for their respective units. 

• Where at unit level a joint action plan has not been completed this will be discussed at Area/Divisional level strategic involvement meetings to seek to assist the unit to complete the action plan as required. 

• If despite all efforts, the action plan is not completed the matter will be referred via the RODs/Divisional Reps to National parties

Also, please find attached as supporting documentation the following: –

• Royal Mail & CWU Nationally Agreed Guidelines Covering Annual Leave and Weekly Resourcing, issues in LTB 515/19, which includes the Annual Plan / 12 Weeks Ahead / 2 Weeks Ahead / 1 Week Ahead – Agenda Template.

• Royal Mail/CWU Joint Statement Covering Annual Leave Planning (April 2022 to March 2023), issued in LTB 387/21, which sets out some revised wording on Annual Leave Planning.

• An ‘example copy’ of the Calendarisation Work-Aid and ‘guidelines/information tab’ also issued along with LTB 387/21.

• ODM 04/22 covering the National Joint Statement For The Deployment/Rollout of Resource Calculator, issued on 27^th January 2022.

Finally, attached is the RMG/CWU Joint Statement – June 2023 on Section 2.5 – Improving Quality Of Service & USO Compliance.

The supporting documentation attached are the current agreed versions between Royal Mail and the CWU.

However, it is also recognised that these documents do need to be revised and refreshed going forward, in particular, to allow for recent changes and developments including the use of WIPWH (Weighted Items Per Work Hours. This remains an outstanding item which we aim to conclude with Royal Mail going forward.

Finally, it is acknowledged that this LTB contains a large number of attachments, however, it is important that all relevant and necessary documentation linked to the checklist are set out here for ease of reference of Branches and Reps whilst carrying out this vital activity.

Whilst undertaking this exercise it is important to also draw to Representatives attention to section 7 of the National Joint Statement. “For the purpose of complete clarity Royal Mail confirm that the Industrial Relations Framework is fully restored. The local parties must utilise this at all times as a necessary tool to deploy revisions/change and to rebuild working relationships, always striving to reach agreement at a local level.”

 Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 580, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

 Mark Baulch                                                                                              

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 163-23 Quality Of Service Resourcing Checklist Final

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BUSINESS RECOVERY, TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREEMENT – CWU MEMBERS BALLOT – VOTE YES

Dear Members,

A YEAR IN DISPUTE. MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS. THREE STRIKE BALLOTS. 18 DAYS OF STRIKE ACTION. THE MOST BITTER PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY. NOW IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

This was the dispute that was always coming following privatisation and a huge shift in the way the world communicates. It is to your credit that we have staved off the attacks for so long. It is also to your credit that we have come out of the other side of this dispute – we are still here.

Context is everything. This wasn’t a normal dispute. Royal Mail Group built a war chest to take us on. They employed a group of union bashing senior managers and they had the backing of a right-wing government and media. They threw everything at destroying the union and delivering a compliant workforce – they failed.

But we do not come out of this with everything we would have wanted – this is always the case in disputes of this magnitude. The Postal Executive recommends you vote yes on the basis that it represents the best agreement we could have reached given the unprecedented set of circumstances. It also represents the best chance of bringing Royal Mail Group out of a financial crisis, delivering necessary change by agreement, and protecting jobs.

The financial crisis was one created by reckless decision making at the highest level of Royal Mail Group. Whilst we can never forget this, we must also be responsible. We are not prepared to walk away from an agreement and put your jobs at risk.

We have reversed their original proposals. They wanted imposed change which would have destroyed the company. We have delivered agreed change which will save it.

This has been delivered by your support, your loyalty, and your solidarity.

It is time to settle the dispute and for Royal Mail Group and the CWU to work together to recover, transform and grow the business. The truth is a no vote in this ballot would be seen as the green light for Royal Mail Group to continue with the culture of imposition. The only way the company has a future is by working with the CWU and the workforce. The only way we can influence the future is through this national agreement.

We recommend you VOTE YES – above all else make an informed decision and USE YOUR VOTE.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)