Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions Limited (PFSL) & CWU National Joint Communication – Your Pension Contact Details

Over the past number of weeks, both departments have received a steady but constant number of enquiries from Branches, Representatives, and members alike in terms of the current Pension contact details, which seemingly have been as a result of the Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions Limited (PFSL) & CWU National Joint Statement Covering Pay and Associated Issues – 2022/23 & 2023/24, which secured an increase in pension contributions to both the L&G (Legal & General) and NEST schemes.

To confirm, the Agreement on Pay and Associated Issues for members in RMPFSL resulted in an increase in pension contributions, moving the NEST scheme contribution from 3% to 4% and the L&G to a minimum 6% contribution for all. The agreement also included an extension and improvement in death in service provision.

This was raised with RMPFSL and it was agreed that a Joint Communication should be issued outlining the Pension schemes contact details to assist all employees in this regard.

Accordingly, please find attached the Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions Limited (PFSL) & CWU National Joint Communication – Your Pension Contact Details. In addition to confirming the direct Pension scheme contract details, the Joint Communication also includes the different contribution rates for both the L&G and NEST schemes, how members can increase contribution levels in the L&G scheme, and details on the Lump Sum Death in Service Benefit.

It is hoped that the attached Joint Communication is of direct use to members in RMPFSL and whilst the details set out is not pension advice, members are reminded that there are differences between the two schemes and their contribution levels, and therefore the benefits that individuals will receive at the point of retirement or accessing the schemes.

Any enquiries on this LTB should be sent to Nickie Jones njones@cwu.org and Kerry Hay khay@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch – Assistant Secretary  

Carl Maden – Assistant Secretary                                                                                  

LTB 246-23 RMPFS CWU National Joint Communication Your Pension Contact Details

RMPFSL CWU Joint Communication on Pensions September 2023 final

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BRT&G Agreement – Key Principles – Mail Centre Supernumeraries & Surpluses – Dispute Resolution Procedure

Further to LTB 227 circulated on 8^th September, Branches and Representatives will be aware that national negotiations have been ongoing aimed at achieving an agreement to cover the Key Principles in respect of supernumeraries and surpluses in Mail Centres.  These negotiations were designed to complement and ensure that the MTSF agreement and processes would apply in full and without exception.

Whilst it has often appeared in these talks there has been little between us, when it comes to finalising an agreement the words proposed by RMG fail to reflect what is said in the room and in essence, in the view or the CWU, RMG are attempting to circumnavigate the MTSF agreement and as a result the specific commitments contained in Para 3.1.3 of the BRT&G Agreement.

Though these talks have remained incredibly difficult progress was made, which enabled the Postal Executive to endorse the terms of an agreed set of Key Principles of 25^th September 2023.  Unfortunately, just a day later, a further amended draft was received from RMG that removed fundamental protections and materially worsened what was endorsed by the Postal Executive. Management’s revised words effectively amended the position that had been agreed, and as such are viewed as unacceptable by the Postal Executive.  We have therefore rejected RMG’s latest position.

To be clear, if accepted, the revised proposals from RMG would bind the CWU to a redeployment process that effectively replaces the terms of the MTSF Agreement and is most certainly not in the best interests of our members.    Additionally, there are obviously far wider implications to all other functions where surpluses arise if this unagreed process remains unchallenged.

Royal Mail are attempting to reset the responsibility for identifying redeployment opportunities from the company to the individual.   It follows that the ‘re-deployment pools’ management have established are specifically designed to place pressure on our members to “voluntarily” accept jobs that would otherwise be deemed as unreasonable due to the nature of the work and/or the attendance patterns.  This approach effectively means that without the necessary safeguards we were trying to establish, our members will be at risk of undue pressure to accept redeployment into unsuitable roles.  This could equally apply to members who are deemed surplus through the closure of Customer Service Points (CSP’s) in delivery units as well as those seen as surplus following any future revision activity.

It is simply incredible that management are attempting to designate our members as surplus when there is such a heavy and regular reliance upon Agency workers.  RMG’s priority should be to cease Agency workers and identify suitable jobs for any substantive employee without a role.

Further to the advice issued in LTB 227/23 and on the basis of Royal Mails’ commitment to MTSF Processes in section 3.1.3 of the BRT&G agreement, Members and Representatives are reminded of the following:

• No employee can be subject to compulsory redundancy.
• No employee can be forced to reduce their contracted hours or grade. Should any individual choose to do so then Buy Down compensation must apply.
• Under no circumstances should our members be compelled to apply for external jobs, if they wish to remain in Royal Mail employment.
• Under the terms of MTSF the responsibility for identifying reasonable alternative redeployment opportunities lies with the business. It is not the responsibility of the individual to search for alternative internal vacancies.
• Any redeployment offers must be progressed in line with MTSF processes and the onus is on management to make suitable job offers.

As we have broken down in negotiations, it is necessary to escalate this matter.  We have therefore written to Grant McPherson, Chief Operational Officer and Zareena Brown, Chief People Officer, seeking an urgent meeting with the aim of concluding an acceptable agreement on the Key Principles for surpluses.

Our members are facing a serious situation which has to be resolved through agreement.  All of the CWU efforts are concentrated on concluding a negotiated settlement but in advance of this we would ask you to engage directly with all members, both those who are surplus and those who have a role, to determine how best to put pressure on RMG to do the right thing.  In this regard, the Postal Executive will support all requests for ballots for strike action.

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

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey                                                                   Davie Robertson
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)          Assistant Secretary

23LTB245 BRT&G Agreement – Mail Centre Surpluses

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Business Recovery Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement – Royal Mail Fleet

Branches and members will be aware, Appendix 4 of the Business Recovery Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement relating to Fleet was rejected in the ballot.  We have been engaging with the Fleet senior managers to get into negotiations around reaching an agreement which will be acceptable to our Fleet members.

Attached to this LTB is a Joint Statement, which is a commitment to meet and attempt to reach an agreement for our members in Fleet. This is a positive development and we will keep members and branches informed of progress.

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

Yours sincerely

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary

23LTB243 – Business Recovery Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement – Royal Mail Fleet              

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BRT&G AGREEMENT – LORD FALCONER INDEPENDENT REVIEW

Further to LTB 226/13 dated 7^th September 2023, a further meeting was held on 21^st September 2023 with Lord Falconer and RMG.

As previously reported, both parties submitted 13 priority cases falling into the three particular categories of social media, picket–line and workplace.  Whilst Lord Falconer has undertaken an initial examination of the documentation from RMG and the CWU detailed counter-submission, it became evident some case papers were missing.  RMG has in recent days submitted these documents to the Review and this will enable Lord Falconer to focus on reaching his conclusions for 26 priority cases.

Accordingly, Lord Falconer is aiming to provide both RMG and CWU with individual outcomes in respect of the 26 priority cases within the next 2 weeks.  Both parties will then have time to consider the decisions ahead of the next meeting with Lord Falconer and RMG scheduled for 13^th October 2023.

Obviously this continues to be an unsettling time for those Reps and members who have submitted consent forms to be included in the Independent Review, so a letter outlining recent developments has today been sent to each individual.

Evidently there is now a momentum along with defined timelines for Lord Falconer to reach decisions on the first 26 cases.  These decisions will undoubtedly have an impact on how the remaining cases are then viewed and this will be subject to a further discussion at the next meeting with Lord Falconer and RMG on 13^th October.  Another update will be given following this.

Employment Tribunal Stays

Following last Friday’s meeting, we have agreed with RMG that Employment Tribunal hearings relating to cases included in the Independent Review will now be stayed until 31^st December 2023 (previously it was 31^st October).  Branches and Reps will have to ensure this information is relayed to the appropriate ET Chair, as well as informing Weightmans Solicitors of this agreement should further correspondence be exchanged.

On-line Meeting – Wednesday 4^th October, 6 pm

A “Zoom” call for all members and Reps who have submitted consent forms to be included in the Lord Falconer Independent Review will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday 4^th October.

Finally, please note that any questions you have should continue to be directed through the dedicated e-mail address – independent-review@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                  Andy Furey
General Secretary                   A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

23LTB242 UPDATE ON APPENDIX 7 BUSINESS RECOVERY TRANFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREEMENT

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Agenda Pad – CWU Retired Members Conference – 26^th October 2023

Further to LTB 241/23 being issued it came to our attention that some information had been missed off the agenda.  This has now been rectified and the link for the amended agenda is as follows:

https://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/RETIRED-AGENDA-OCTOBER-2023-MOTIONS-ONLY1.pdf

Hard copies of the agenda are in the process of being printed and they will be sent via the Branch address to those that have registered.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7256 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB244 – Agenda Pad – CWU Retired Members Conference – 26th October 2023

RETIRED AGENDA OCTOBER 2023 – MOTIONS ONLY

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ERRATA – Agenda Pad – CWU Retired Members Conference – 26^th October 2023

Branches would wish to know that the agenda for the CWU Retired Members Conference which is being held at CWU Headquarters on Thursday 26^thOctober 2023 has now been published on the website and can be accessed by opening the attachment or pasting the link into your browser:

Retired Members Agenda Pad 2023

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7256 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB241-Agenda-Pad-CWU-Retired-Members-Conference-26th-October-2023

RETIRED AGENDA OCTOBER 2023 – MOTIONS ONLY

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Agenda Pad – CWU Retired Members Conference – 27^th October 2023

Branches would wish to know that the agenda for the CWU Retired Members Conference which is being held at CWU Headquarters on Thursday 27^thOctober 2023 has now been published on the website and can be accessed by opening the attachment or pasting the link into your browser:

Click to access RETIRED-AGENDA-OCTOBER-2023.pdf

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7256 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB241 – Agenda Pad – CWU Retired Members Conference – 27th October 2023

RETIRED AGENDA OCTOBER 2023 – MOTIONS ONLY

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CAPITA TVL: BRISTOL & DARWEN PAY AGREEMENT 1^ST APRIL 2023

Further to LTB 196/23 dated 21^st July in relation to the pay agreement for Capita TVL Field members.  Branches are advised we have now completed all negotiations with Capita TVL and have concluded a pay agreement for our members working in Bristol and Darwen.  This agreement has been endorsed by the Postal Executive and the key features are as follows:

Employees Earning the Real Living Wage (RLW)

Capita Group is a Real Living Wage employer and as such applied the Living Wage Foundation’s recommendation for the RLW of £10.90 per hour from 1st April 2023.  This increased hourly pay rates by 8.24% (from £10.07 to £10.90).  In addition, these members will now receive:

• Compounded on the RLW increase is a further 2% pay increase on 1^st April’s pay rates, applicable from 1st October 2023, resulting in a new hourly pay rate of £11.12, providing for a total pay increase of 10.43% (£10.07 to £11.12).

Members Earning Above the RLW

• Every member earning above the RLW will receive a £1,450 (pro-rata for part-timers)fully consolidated and pensionable pay increase backdated to 1st April 2023.

Membership Ballot

We will now be conducting a consultative ballot of our TVL Bristol and Darwen members and assuming a positive outcome, the pay increases, along with arrears of pay where appropriate will be made with October salaries.  The ballot papers will be despatched today and the ballot closes on Monday 9^th October.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Attachment 1: 23LTB240 Capita TVL – Bristol & Darwen Pay Agreement 2023

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NATIONAL BRANCH BRIEFING – CWU FUTURE / RESTRUCTURING – 29^THSEPTEMBER 2023

As reported in LTB 236/23 a National Branch Briefing for all CWU Branches will take place on 29^th September 2023.

The briefing, as explained in LTB 236/23, is the start of a consultative process with branches in relation to the CWU’s future and the need for restructuring.  The main focus of this briefing will be to give the General Secretary and Senior Deputy General Secretary the opportunity to set out to Branches the background against which there is a need to restructure the CWU for the future and to set out how the NEC intend to move forward on these matters.

Since the publication of the above LTB we have been asked to provide clarification on who should be in attendance and we can confirm that this should be on the basis of 3 delegates per Branch, Senior Field Officials and Senior IR Representatives.

A final agenda will be circulated nearer the date.

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,Dave Ward

General Secretary

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 239/23

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TRANSITIONAL ATTENDANCE REVIEW MEETINGS

 Branches and members will be aware as part of the changes to the Attendance Agreement in the Business Recovery, Transformation & Growth (BRT&G) Agreement, from 1^st August 2023, attendance reviews will be discussed at the return to work (RTW) meeting and the manager will decide whether the absence will be counted towards the attendance review.

We have been discussing with Royal Mail how we deal with absences which occurred prior to 1^st August 2023.  Any member who has an attendance review meeting which includes any absence prior to 1^st August, will be invited to a transitional attendance review meeting.  This is necessary as not all absences during the last 12 months will have been validated i.e. counted or not counted towards the Attendance Standards. Therefore, an attendance review notification could include these non validated absences.

The process to be used will be the same process prior to the transition.  Members will be sent a letter, inviting them to a transitional attendance review meeting to discuss these absences. For clarity, you will be entitled to CWU Representation at these meetings.  Line Managers have been informed of the above process.

Following the meeting, your line manager should confirm in writing whether these absences will count towards the Attendance Standards.

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

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary

LTB 238/23

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