CWU Retired Members Conference 2023 – Online Registration

Further to LTB 202/23 Branches would wish to know that the online registration is open to register their delegates and observers to the Retired Members Conference taking place at CWU Headquarters, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX on Thursday 26^th October 2023.

The link to access the webpage is as follows or this can be copied into the search browser:

https://conference.cwu.org

Registration for the conference will close on Friday 6^th October 2023.

Branches only with Retired members sections are entitled to send delegates to this conference.

The entitlement for each Branch is attached for your information.   Branches need to have a delegate at the conference to be able to move a motion.

Please note that once a delegate has been registered using the online registration an agenda, when prepared, will be sent via the branch office to the individual(s).  The agenda will also be published on the website nearer the date.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB214 – CWU Retired Members Conference 2023 – Online Registration

Retired Count and Section 2023

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RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Agreement – Appendix 1 – Seasonal Variation

Further to LTB 191/23 (Letter To Branches) issued on the 18^th July, which advised Branches and Representatives in terms of moving forward the commitments contained in the Business Transformation, Recovery and Growth Agreement in relation to Appendix 1, Seasonal Variation, and the very challenging timelines linked to this aspect of the agreement.

For the ongoing information and attention of Branches, Representatives, and members alike, please find attached the following: –

Annex 1 – National Seasonal Variation FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) Document Version 2 

This is an updated version of the FAQ document attached to LTB 191/23, which includes a number of new FAQs based on initial feedback with the new Questions & Answers listed from 41 onwards.

Annex 2 – National Seasonal Variation WTLL Briefing Go Live Update

This is a further WTLL briefing to be issued and which confirms the ‘high season’ (under Seasonal Variation) will start on Monday 4^th Septemberand run until Sunday 17^th December, returning to the normal attendance patterns on Monday 18^th December 2023.

Again, and in setting out the above, it is clear that there remains a number of wider questions from members in terms of Seasonal Variation. Therefore, we believe that the attached FAQ will assist in answering any of these outstanding questions and further offer clarification on what Seasonal Variation is, and what it is not. It is also important to further remind ourselves that Seasonal Variation is far removed from Royal Mail’s Annualised Hours and Total Flexibility plans, which were a key aspect of the National dispute.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 532, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mick Kavanagh
Acting CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 213/23 – Business Recovery Transformation And Growth Agreement Appendix 1 – Seasonal Variation

Annex 1 – National Seasonal Variation FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) Do…

Annex 2 – National Seasonal Variation WTLL Briefing Go Live Update

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 51 – August 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 51 – ‘Editorial: “All Maxed Out”:

Editor Paul Atkin centres his editorial on the failures and contradictions of PM Rishi Sunak and the Tory government – backing off from Net Zero commitments.  In response to being asked about the climate crisis last year, Rishi Sunak said that his young daughters were always asking, “what are you doing about the environment Daddy?” Paul says that an honest answer might be, “Nothing that affects the profitability of the oil companies darling” and Paul adds that Rishi Sunak has declared himself “the motorists friend” by;

• Opposing 20 mph speed limits and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
• Opposing ULEZ.
• Rushing through 100 new permits for oil and gas fields in the North Sea.
• Cutting the UK carbon price under the EU level.
• Complicity and culpability at every level – boosting fossil fuels.
• The Sunak family business (infosys) doing deals with BP and direct personal benefit.

Read the full editorial in Edition 51 attached.

TUC Fringe Meeting Announced by GJA: “The case for a National Climate Service: reorganising the state for the climate emergency, people and public ownership.”

Sunday 10 September. 6:30 – 7:45

Chair:

Tahir Latif Greener Jobs Alliance

Speakers:

John Maloney PCS,

Stephen Smellie UNISON

Suzanne Jeffery CACCTU

The impacts of climate breakdown are intensifying: more than ever, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is needed. But this government’s failure to address the crisis have left ordinary people facing soaring energy bills, and crucial infrastructure like public transport failing, while energy giants pocket obscene profits. A transformation is needed. A National Climate and Biodiversity Service could deliver on decarbonisation and biodiversity targets at the pace and scale demanded by science. By providing coherence and coordination across government, including devolved, regional and local government, an NCS will organise, plan, train and deliver the huge number of jobs required for a rapid and far reaching transition that puts economic and social justice for workers and communities at its heart.

Contents GJA Newsletter 51:

• Editorial: Maxed out
• PCS slams PM
• TUC Fringe Meeting
• Rail jobs are green jobs – public transport fit for the climate emergency
• Moving journeys from planes to rail
• Birthday buses
• Better buses week
• Union Conference Round Up; UNITE, BFAWU.
• Campaigning for better climate education
• Step into your future week
• Forthcoming Climate Campaigning Events
• 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 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, explicitly drawing together SDGs No 12 – climate action, No 10 – reduced inequalities, No 8 – decent work and economic growth, and No 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 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (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.

Quote of the Month

I am a major investor here. If I see this country steering itself over a cliff

backing fossil fuel, I am going to start pulling out…I must invest where I know

I have proper leadership, not leadership that is on a clickbait cycle.

Andrew Forrest (Australian Mining Magnate)

 Much more in the GJA Newsletter No 51 attached.

The Skills for a Jobs Transition July 2023 Report Published – GJA Assessment

In addition to the GJA Newsletter, the Greener Jobs Alliance has published its assessment of a new report entitled “The Skills for a Job Transition”, published and issued in July under the banner ‘Future Energy Skills Programme’ and produced by a collection of organisations, led by Centrica (the British multinational, international, energy services and solutions company and parent company of British Gas) and GMB, and also including TUC, Unite, Unison and Prospect, as well as Rolls Royce and others. This report puts trade unions front and centre of the discussion, but the presence of Centrica, Rolls Royce and other employers will raise alarm bells with many, conjuring visions of ‘joint management/union statements’ that never quite seem to work out for workers. Read the GJA Assessment attached and read the full 55 page “The Skills for a Jobs Transition July 2023 Report” here:- https://www.centrica.com/media/6332/future-energy-skills-the-skills-for-a-jobs-transition-sml.pdf

Attachment: 

• GJA Newsletter No.51 for August 2023.
• The Skills for a Jobs Transition July 2023 Report – GJA Assessment.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 212/23 – Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 51 – August 2023

Att: GJA-Newsletter-51-August-2023

Att: GJA Reviewing ‘The Skills For A Jobs Transition Report’

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Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2023

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning, which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to Lifelong Learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Glasgow over two days on the 1^stand 2^nd November 2023.

I am now inviting applications for the 2023 Annual Ken McKenzie award for lifelong learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees via letter or email to my Department.

Nominations should include a précis of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and sent to:

Michelle Simpson, Equality, Education & Development, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email equality&education@cwu.org  

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 13^th OCTOBER 2023.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to me via the Equality, Education & Development at equality&education@cwu.org  

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 207/23 – Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2023

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Business Recovery, Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement – Paragraph 6.4 – Attendance

Branches will be aware, Royal Mail have announced the introduction of their new Attendance Procedure today.  Whilst the new standards are integral to this and have been agreed as part of the Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth (BRT&G) Agreement, the new procedure goes further and has been not agreed by the Union.

We have been engaging on this issue and a face to face meeting with Royal Mail senior managers has taken place today, where a frank exchange of views has been had.  The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to meet tomorrow with the aim of attempting to find a resolution to all outstanding issues.

We will give Branches a full report following the Postal Executive meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Any enquiries to this LTB please contact: The PTCS Department reference 312, email address: hmaughan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Carl Maden                                                           Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary                                           A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB203 Business Transformation Recovery and Growth Agreement Paragraph 6.4 Attendance

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ROYAL MAIL NATIONAL ALLOWANCE REVIEW 2023

 On the evening of 10^th August it became apparent the deck of slides attached at appendix 1 entitled ‘National allowance review 2023’ were in circulation in the field. The nine slides in question outline an unagreed procedure for “managers to review allowances paid to employees” and also provides the detail of the various allowances to be reviewed. Additionally, pay protection and ‘common misconceptions around MtSF’ also feature in the content.

Branches and Representatives should be aware this presentation has not been shared with the Union and neither have we been asked for our input into the process.

As a result, I sent the correspondence attached at appendix 2 to the Chief People Officer on Friday 11^th August to express concern about the manner in which this initiative had come to light and asked why the Union had not been approached, given the joint commitment to improving employee and industrial relations in the Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth agreement.

In the past once a review of allowances has been completed a number of overpayment cases have been identified by RM with this in turn resulting in numerous instances of members being told to repay money.

To be clear the overpayments recovery process is covered by the national joint statement and nationally agreed process for an overpayment discussion attached at appendices 3 and 4. This is the procedure that should be adopted when supporting members who receive correspondence relating to alleged overpayments and was originally circulated via LTB 360/15 in June 2015

I have requested an urgent meeting to discuss the national allowance review and hope the Company will see the merit of maintaining the previous joint approach in respect of this activity.

Further developments will be reported in due course.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 210/23- ROYAL MAIL NATIONAL ALLOWANCE REVIEW 2023
Appendix 1 – National Allowance Review Guidance 2023
Appendix 2 – Letter to ZB re national allowance
Appendix 3 – Joint Statement
Appendix 4 – Final Process

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CAPITA TVL: FIELD MEMBERS ENDORSE 2023 PAY AGREEMENT

Further to LTB 196/23 dated 21^st July, I am pleased to advise Branches that our Capita TVL Field members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the 2023 pay agreement.

The ballot result is as follows:

YES VOTES 76 72%NO VOTES2928%  

TURNOUT79%

I have notified Paul Johnston, Capita TVL Partnership Director, of the ballot result and he has confirmed that the £650 one-off lump sum payment (in lieu of a pay rise from 1^st April – 31^stAugust) will be made with August salaries and the pay increase will commence from 1^st September.

My thanks go to our Reps and Field members for their patience and support whilst the negotiations have taken place to reach the 2023 Field pay agreement.  The next pay review date is 1^st April 2024.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 209/23 – Capita TVL – Field Members Endorse 2023 Pay Agreement

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RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Agreement: Seasonal Variation (Exceptions Process)

Further to LTB 191/23 (Letter To Branches) issued on the 18^th July, which updated Branches and Representatives in terms of moving forward the commitments contained in the Business Transformation, Recovery and Growth Agreement in relation to Appendix 1, Seasonal Variation, and the very challenging timelines linked to this aspect of the agreement.

Since this LTB was issued and despite the subsequent ODM 16/23 (Outdoor Department Memo), issued on the 24^th July, we have continued to receive reports that there remains confusion and uncertainty amongst Branches and members on the Exception Process for Seasonal Variation.

As such, please find attached the Royal Mail & CWU Joint Guidance on the Exception Process for Seasonal Variation, which confirms that this process is directly linked to the national rollout in September. Members will still be able to apply for Flexible Working/Family Friendly arrangements and where they have a Seasonal Variation exception request rejected following the outlined appeal, this can be challenged via the Individual Grievance Procedure.

It should also be noted that this process is for Seasonal Variation only and is separate from the further required Exception Process linked to the outlined changes to start and finishing times, under the Network Window section of the BTR&G Agreement due in 2024.

In issuing this LTB on the Exception Process, it is also important to further remind Branches, Representatives, and members alike that where individuals wish to submit an Exception Process request, they should not delay in doing so and should submit that request as a matter of priority, (noting that members currently on sick or other leave will have 5 working days from the date they return to work to submit such a request).

In closing, can Branches and Reps please ensure this LTB is given the widest possible circulation with members, noting that Royal Mail is currently undertaking an internal audit of their managers to confirm that all employees in deliveries have received the National Seasonal Variation WTLL Briefing, which in addition to other points, also sets out the Exception Process and its linked timelines.

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 208/23 – Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Agreement – Seasonal Variation – (Exceptions Process)

Royal Mail & CWU Joint Guidance on the Exception Process for Seasonal Variation

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Mail Centre Supernumerary/Surplus Issues Update

Further to the contents of LTB 167/23 on Mail Centre Revision PIR Activity issued on the 29^th June 2023 and the updates given at the National Briefing in Leeds on the 25^th July 2023, Branches will be aware of the continuing widespread concern and uncertainty resulting from Royal Mails unacceptable approach to managing surplus situations and the adoption of an unagreed Redeployment Process.

As discussed at the National briefing the CWU believe that the approach adopted by the company represents a breach of the agreed MTSF processes and indeed the reaffirmed commitments in the Business Recovery Transformation and Growth (BRT&G) agreement to adhere to the MTSF agreement.

Of particular concern has been the unagreed methodology for identifying surplus employees, the proposed creation of Redeployment Pools, including the removal of employees from the workplace, the engagement of a third party company to manage redeployment or outplacement, the non-adherence to MTSF compensation terms and the treatment of part time employees with regard to the options available to them.

While this is not a Mail Centre specific issue, as it does affect members in other functions, we are well aware of the pressure the actions of the business have placed on our members in Mail Centres.  Given this, resolution of these issues was one of two priority matters pursued during two days of high level talks this week.  During those talks focus was placed on the areas where the Union believe that Royal Mail is in fundamental breach of the BRT&G, MTSF and Section 2.5 Joint statement.

Some progress was made in those discussions and a further high level meeting has been arranged for Monday, 7^th August 2023 with a view to resolving the outstanding issues.  A further update will be provided following that session and we remain committed to ensuring that the terms of our National agreements and commitments in relation to managing surpluses hold the field and that our members are treated with respect and are afforded the protections that those agreements provide.

Until such time as a resolution is achieved, Branches and Representatives should continue to refer matters to the IR Framework, where they believe that the terms of MTSF or the Section 2.5 Joint Statement have been breached

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 205/23 Mail Centre Supernumerary/Surplus Issues Update 04.08.23

CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 26^th October 2023

The CWU Retired Members Conference will be held on Thursday 26^th October 2023 at CWU Head Office, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1RX.

a) Delegates 

Only Branches with Retired members Sections are entitled to send Delegates.

Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:Number of Retired  MembersDelegate

entitlement1-2491250-4992500 and above3

Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries shall attend the Retired Members conference with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Retired Members Regional Committee but not to vote. Funding for Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries to attend Retired Members Conference shall be from the General Fund.

In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, dietary requirements etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Friday 13^thOctober 2023.

b) Motions

Each Branch is entitled to submit onemotion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the attached template. Confirmation of receipt of motion will be sent to branches within 72 hours. Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256   Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting the Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

Branches, Regions and the Committee are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

Each Retired Members Regional Committee is entitled to submit one Motion to the Retired Members Conference.

The Retired Members Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the Conference, standing in their name.

Motion forms must be returned by NOONTuesday 12^th September 2023.   Anything received after this date will not be accepted.   All sections of the form must be completed.

If Motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted to the above email address.

As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.

Branches will be aware that the Retired Members’ Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.

The 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.

c) Election of Delegates to General Conference

As you will know, the Retired Members’ Conference will select two delegates to represent the Retired Members to attend General Conference 2024.

The Standing Orders for the Retired Members’ Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates will be conducted during Conference itself.

Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination, and must have the nomination of their own branch and/or the Retired Members’ Committee, to be eligible.

The exception to this are members of the Retired Members’ Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Retired Members’  Committee and/or any Regional Committee.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB202 – CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 26th October 2023

RM Guidance 23

RM Motion 23

RM Nomination Form 23

Copy of Retired Count and Section July 2023

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