Cyber incident update

Dear Members,

Following our previous communications, detailing the attack on our IT systems, we are now writing to give a more detailed update for you based on information we have available as of today.

We recognise the style and content of this email is not your typical communication on a workplace or trade union issue. This is because everything set out below is based on the advice of cyber and legal experts we have brought in to make sure our reaction to the cyber-attack is timely and professional.

The purpose of this letter is to make you aware of what has happened, what will happen next, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. This communication includes important information and advice that you should read carefully and action accordingly.

What has happened?

We can confirm The CWU has been the victim of a cyber security incident, which we believe may have affected your personal and confidential information stored electronically by the Union.

On Tuesday 19 March, we became aware that an illegal third party had gained unauthorised access to the Union’s IT systems.

We responded quickly and took immediate steps to stop the unauthorised access. We appointed specialist cyber security advisers to investigate what happened and what may have been affected. We are following best practice guidelines set out by the UK National Cyber Security Centre, and have appointed a Cyber Incident Response Level 2 Assured Service Provider to advise the Union through this process. We have notified the Police and the UK data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The incident has temporarily disrupted the Union’s IT systems. We are confident that this disruption will be resolved quickly and that there will be no long term interruption to the Union’s work and support to members. Please be assured there has been no interruption to the Union’s existing and ongoing legal case work support to members, which is managed on a different IT system that has not been disrupted. 

How member data and information may be affected

Our specialist advisers continue to investigate what has happened and we cannot yet confirm precisely what data and/or information held on our systems may have been affected. We currently cannot say when this process will be completed. Please be assured all parties are working hard to complete investigations as quickly as possible.

At this stage, we cannot confirm whether your individual personal information has been affected. However, whilst we do not have concrete evidence yet, it is possible that your data could have been impacted.

This means your personal data and/or information may have been accessed illegally by third parties who may seek to misuse it. As part of this, it is possible that those responsible will post samples of stolen data to the dark web (parts of the internet that are not accessible to typical internet users via normal web browsers). This has not yet happened. If this does happen, our specialist advisers will work quickly to investigate what information may be affected. Those responsible may also post samples of data to the deep web (another part of the internet that is also not easily accessible through typical internet search engines). If this happened, Union legal advisers would act quickly to have the information removed from that website, via legal means.

What information could be affected?

As a trade union, the CWU holds data and information on all members. This includes the fact that you are a member of trade union, names, addresses, email addresses, mobile phone numbers. For members that pay union fees by Direct Debit, we will hold bank information also (bank name, account number and sort code). At this stage we cannot rule out these information types having been accessed and we are therefore writing to inform you of this and advise on security steps to take.

What actions should you take?

Do not be unduly alarmed. There are a range of steps that you should take to reinforce your personal data security.

·       Be vigilant: Please watch for any suspicious or unexpected emails, phone calls or text messages you may receive. Cyber criminals can use ‘phishing’ techniques to send viruses to your electronic devices and illegally obtain access to your information. Take care if you receive unexpected emails with links or attachments. Always double check who the sender is before clicking on any links in emails you receive. Never give out your personal details over the phone unless you are sure who you are speaking to. If in doubt, hang up and Google the website of the organisation the caller claimed to represent. Use the contact details on that website to verify the caller’s identity – do not rely on a website address they give to you.

·       Check your bank: Although none of the information held by the Union would enable a third party to access your bank accounts, criminals can use such information to trick you into providing them with further details or access. Remember: check your bank, credit card, and store card statements regularly for any unusual payments that you do not recognize. If you see or suspect anything unusual, or are contacted by someone claiming to be from your bank or card issuer, you should contact your provider immediately using the authentic contact details on the provider’s website, or on your card or bank statements.

·       Use strong password security: Using strong and secure passwords is essential in your personal and professional lives. Always use strong passwords and change them as regularly as possible. Ensure your new passwords are at least eight characters in length. Use a varied range of random numbers, upper case letters, lower case letters and symbols, to ensure your password is secure. Do not re-use old passwords and do not use everyday familiar words that can be easily predicted. Use multi-factor authentication whenever it is available. Details of how to set this up will usually be found in the account/profile section of any online accounts you have.

·       Monitor your credit report: It is important to check your credit report regularly, to identify any unexpected activity.

·       Follow expert guidance: Guidance is available online which details how you can ensure cyber security in your day-to-day activities. Read this useful resource on cyber security and data breaches from the UK National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/data-breaches.

Next steps

It is extremely regrettable that the Union has become victim to illegal cyber activity. We take the security of our members’ data and information extremely seriously and we understand this incident may cause concern.

Be assured that our specialist advisers are working as quickly as possible to investigate what has happened and to fully resolve this situation. Please be aware that investigations like this are complex and can take time to complete. Thank you for your patience as all parties work around the clock to manage this situation and ensure minimum disruption to members.

We will update you if and when we have significant new information to provide.

If you have any questions right now, please contact us here https://www.cwu.org/cwu-it-questions/

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward, General Secretary 

Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary 

UPDATE FOR CWU MEMBERS: CWU IT ISSUES

We are writing to make you aware that the CWU has been the victim of an attack on several of our IT systems. This has severely impacted our IT infrastructure.

We immediately engaged the services of an expert cyber security firm and they have been on site at CWU HQ since 9am on Thursday the 21st of March. 

A level of CWU members’ data is held within the IT systems that were targeted. At this point, we do not know if a breach of this personal data has occurred. In the meantime, we would urge members to be aware of any ‘phishing’ emails (which are emails with suspicious links or attachments) that they may receive. 

The cyber security firm is working on a digital forensic analysis of our systems to determine if a breach has occurred and, if so, to what extent. They will also assess what the next steps are and establish timelines to get the union’s IT infrastructure running at full capacity. 

The cyber security team will remain on site for the coming days, and we will provide live updates on this issue as we get them here.

Tony Kearns 
Senior Deputy General Secretary

Dave Ward 
General Secretary

CWU IT ISSUES

Further updates on our ongoing investigation into the attack on the CWU IT infrastructure will be shared on this page. https://www.cwu.org/cwu-it-issues/

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If you have any questions, please contact us here

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 58 – March 2024

Introduction & History – The GJA:

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 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.

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/

TUC green rep courses:

The TUC has announced a series of new ‘free’ to attend “green rep training courses for 2024 as follows:

All union reps and officers are welcome, new or experienced, and whether in any Union role. All trade unionists can benefit from understanding what the TU movement can do to protect and empower Union members during the climate crisis.

• Stockport College Online 5, 12,19 Feb ‘24
• City of Bristol College In-person 11,18, 25 Jun ‘24
• Newcastle College In-person 11,18, 25 Jun ‘24

Link to the TUC ‘Green Rep’ Courses:-https://www.tuc.org.uk/training/TUCcourses

Paul Atkin Editorial GJA Newsletter Issue 57 –  

Paul opens this issue’s editorial pointing out that despite February 2024 being the ninth consecutive month that set an all-time high temperature record, reports are emerging that Tory Government Ministers are seeking to exploit a “loophole” in the Climate Change Act to “carry over” reductions in carbon emissions resulting from ‘Covid lockdowns’ in order to relax targets for the next carbon budget and this exposes their detachment from reality. They miss the fundamental point that the 7% emissions decline during the pandemic is the number that’s needed every year to be on track for the level of carbon reductions that are needed to stave off catastrophe! Paul strongly points out that climate breakdown cannot be kicked down the road, or bargained with. It’s a reality that has to be grappled with; and dealt with NOW!

Read The Full Editorial & Newsletter Edition 58 Attached.

Contents GJA Newsletter 58:

• Editorial: there are no “loopholes” in the laws of physics
• Climate bloc on Gaza demo and climate impact of the war
• FOE, Client Earth and Good Law Project take government to court on climate targets
• Major growth of clean energy limited 2023 global emissions rise
• The sorry state of Just Transition in the UK
• ITUC Definition of a Just Transition
• ITUC Resources for International Workers Memorial Day
• GJA AGM 2024
• A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency
• Unions For a Just Transition
• Campaign for Better Transport Budget Demands
• NEW RULES: Fares Freeze, Building energy standards, Parking requirements cuts
• Future Homes – Higher Standards Needed
• Costs of Gas
• GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS: Labour, UCU, GMB
• Subsidised Transport Works
• Fare Free London campaign launched
• EVENTS: London Environment and the Mayoral election meeting, CACCTU Conference
• Green Bites

Green Bites:

• 50% – Of the reduction in carbon emissions needed by 2030 that could be met by energy efficiency measures cutting demand. That means doubling the current rate of 2% a year to 4% with stronger building codes, energy retrofit initiatives, LED lighting, more efficient water heaters, more efficient building designs to use less steel and concrete in construction, scale up the adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other electric appliances that use far less energy than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts; e.g. EVs are two to four times more efficient than combustion engine cars and heat pumps are up to five times more efficient than oil and gas boilers.
• 27GW – The Amount of wave power required for UK to get to 100% renewable energy generation, while reaching this would save £100 billion and cut 20% more from UK carbon emissions than the current government plan.
• 20% – Increase in bus journeys across the country since the introduction of the £2 fare cap. This is due to be withdrawn in November. The campaign for better buses could use your support to keep it here.
• 800GW – The amount of power that could be produced by all of the renewable energy projects currently in the pipeline for approval and held up by the current capacity of the grid. This is 12 times the current UK consumption of 75GW and 6 times the 150GW projected as needed by 2050.
• 45% – Proportion of new single and double decker buses bought in the UK in 2023 that were zero emission (1,100 in total).

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 think 2023/24 is the year in which fossil fuel companies have woken up to the very real threat that their businesses now face. Already, electric vehicles are taking 1.5m barrels of oil off the road every day. That’s enough for oil companies to start noticing problems and you are beginning to see some scale back production forecasts. As a result, some are trying to foster a backlash against the [net-zero] transition. I think some of them are beginning to get very worried about what their future looks like.’

Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy in the Sunday Telegraph.

Much more in the GJA Newsletter No 58 March 2024 attached.

 Attachment: 

• GJA Newsletter No.58 for March 2024.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

24LTB111 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 58 – March 2024

GJA-Newsletter-58-March-2024

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Royal Mail and CWU Joint Communication – GeoRoute Delivery Revisions Q4 2023/2024 and Q1 2024/2025 (Including Units Involved in Delivery 2.0)

Branches and Representatives will recall that in the Royal Mail/CWU Joint Communication Covering Section 2.5 Improving Quality of Service, as set out in LTB 017/24 (Letter To Branches) issued on 15^th January, there is a further commitment that a small number of units are to go through a full GeoRoute Structural Revision or Indoor Methods trial activity during Q4 and that both parties are going to meet to review the proposed plan and approach for this activity.

Whilst LTB 081/24 issued on 27^th February set out the Royal Mail and CWU Joint Communication Regarding Delivery 2.0 Trials (the Indoor Methods trial), the discussions with Royal Mail in terms of GeoRoute revisions activity have been prolonged, difficult and subject to unnecessary delay due to Royal Mail’s internal governance process, which has delayed the conclusion of an agreed set of words regarding GeoRoute revision activity for some three plus weeks.

However, we are now able to report that a Joint Communication has finally been reached in terms of GeoRoute revisions activity, in line with the commitment set out in Section 2.5 Improving Quality of Service, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

Although the Joint Communication and linked FAQs are self-explanatory, the following key points should be highlighted:

• Both parties recognise successful revision deployment is best achieved through collaborative working at all levels, including local level. The Joint Communication emphasises collaboration, engagement, incorporating feedback, safety, and ongoing review to optimise GeoRoute revision planning and execution.
• Both parties see this as an opportunity to review and refresh GeoRoute planning alongside wider revision activity and aim to gather feedback from the listed units to refine the approach for future deployments.
• Both parties will jointly review the Royal Mail Sub Task activities and supporting documentation during the revision process to incorporate feedback and improvements both in terms of current activity and going forward. The Royal Mail Sub Task activities and supporting documentation will be used and viewed as a guide only by both parties.
• Local CWU Representatives will be fully involved in the revision activity, with agreed release arrangements, and alongside the Units Lead COM. Area Delivery Representatives and Operational Process Leaders will provide support and review progress.
• Both parties confirm safety remains a key priority and therefore revision deployment is subject to all the required H&S requirements being met. Any planned changes to the current SAC1 and other required H&S processes will need to be confirmed with the CWU Health, Safety, and Environment Department.
• Additionally, Area Safety Reps, alongside Royal Mail SHE Advisors will play a key role in supporting revision safety activity.
• Ongoing joint reviews of all GeoRoute revision activities will be conducted by a National JWG to refine the approach going forward and this will be done at pace and in advance of the further GeoRoute planning activity beyond July 2024, with such further planned activity being subject to further discussions between Royal Mail and the CWU.

Additionally, the Joint Communication sets out key parts of the GeoRoute revision process to be jointly undertaken. It also confirms the Menu of Duty Options where units choose to review attendance arrangements, as well as the level of details to be issued locally alongside new proposed delivery routes and a process for constructing duties.

The Joint Communication and linked FAQs further confirm an escalation process, if issues cannot be resolved locally. They also affirm that further support materials and limited targeted training will be further developed and that joint Deployment Reviews are going to take place four weeks after each local revision has been deployed. Finally, it ensures that where necessary a unit’s WIPWH (Weighted Items Per Work Hour) local optimised level will be revised and based on the GeoRoute hours and the reduced IWT (Indoor Workload Tool) level.

In setting out the above, we again need to advise that Royal Mail has pressed on with aspects of GeoRoute planning activity in most of the listed units despite the delays they have caused in the conclusion of this Joint Communication. So once again, we find ourselves playing catch up. However, and given this, the Department has been liaising with Divisional Reps and relevant ADRs to offer interim assistance as necessary for the past number of weeks.

Although the whole process of securing this Joint Communication has been problematic and unsatisfactory, we have continued to remain engaged in order to ensure that such GeoRoute revision activity covering a total 45 Delivery units remains subject to national oversight and safeguards, and that any final position reached with Royal Mail was underpinned by genuine and meaningful joint engagement for the union at all levels.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 555, email address: JRODRIGUES@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely, 

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 110.24 JC GeoRoute Delivery Revisions Q4 23_24 Q1 24_25 (Including Units Involved in Delivery 2.0)

RM CWU Joint Communications – GeoRoute Delivery Revisions Including Units involved in Delivery 2.0 Final

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Election of:     Parcelforce Worldwide Substitute Regional Organiser – & Regional Chairs

Further to LTB 085/24 dated 28^th February 2024 at the close of nominations on the 14^thMarch 2024,  the following have been received.

SOUTH CENTRAL WALES & SOUTH WEST REGION

Substitute Regional OrganiserGary CooperSouth East No 5(Ballot Required)Darryl MorrellBournemouth & Dorset Amal Paul PhillipsGwent Amal 

REGIONAL CHAIR

Central RegionRazor TuckerBirmingham & District Amal*Elected

Northern Region No Nomination Received 

 The timetable for the ballot is as follows:-

Ballot Papers despatched :        27^th March 2024

Ballot Closes:                            17^th April 2024

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

LTB 109/24

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CWU RESTRUCTURING – NEC RULE CHANGES SUBMITTED TO THE RULES REVISION CONFERENCE 2024

Further to LTB 093/24 circulated on 8 March 2024 that contained the policy papers as agreed by the NEC, Branches and Regions will be aware that in order to enact these policies the appropriate rule changes now have to be submitted to the Rules Revision Conference.

Please find attached respective rule changes that the NEC have agreed to submit to the Rules Conference.  In addition, the NEC agreed a further rule change (also attached) relating to a previous NEC policy to oppose all forms of sexual harassment.

It will be our intention to arrange a National Zoom Briefing for Branch and Regional Secretaries next week to discuss the policy papers, proposed rule changes and clarify any questions arising from these.

During the briefing we will explain in more detail the proposed Branch Rebate change and the associated financial issues arising from this. The details for the briefing will be sent out before the end of the week.

Finally, we will bring forward, in due course, a presentation and paper on a new Recruitment and Organising strategy.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office jdunn@cwu.org/ Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Office sdgs@cwu.org .

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                                              

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

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APPENDIX A

After current rule 2.1.4 insert new rule 2.1.5 to be worded as follows: 

“To actively oppose all forms of sexual harassment” 

Delete current Rule 7.1.1 and replace with:

There shall be 8 Regional Committees established. Regional Committee areas, and the allocation of Branches to them, shall be determined by General Conference. Where the NEC and the Branches concerned agree, changes may be made without reference to General Conference. Where agreement cannot be reached a report shall be made to General Conference.   The CWU Regional Structure will be subject to review by the NEC.

Add at the end of current rule 7.1.6.1 the following:

In the North West/Northern Ireland Region there shall be an additional position of Regional Assistant Secretary Northern Ireland.

Delete current rule 7.1.8 and replace with:

8. Election Procedures

The elections for the Regional Committee Officer positions and the Regional Executive Committee positions will be elected by Branches within the Regions on a one union basis.

The election for the Regional Secretary will be on an individual member ballot of all members in the Region. The election period will be for two years. The successful candidate shall be the person who receives the highest number of votes cast.

The election for the Regional Assistant Secretary Northern Ireland will be on an individual member ballot of all members in Northern Ireland. The successful candidate shall be the person who receives the highest number of votes cast.

Elections for the Regional Chair, Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary and all Executive Committee positions will be conducted at the Regional AGM.   The Regional Secretary will be the returning officer for these elections.  All Branches shall be eligible to vote and will be allocated to vote in accordance with their membership size at the time of the elections.   The successful candidate(s) will be the individual(s) who receive the highest number of votes cast.

Delete Rule 8.1.3 and replace with:

3. The NEC shall comprise 24 members:

a. President and Vice President, but their inclusion shall not increase the numbers from their originating Constituencies.

b. 10 lay members elected biennially by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Chair of the Postal Constituency. All of whom shall automatically be members of the Postal Industrial Executive.  At least 2 lay members must be women.   At least 1 lay member must be BAME.

c. 7 lay members elected biennially by and from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Chair of the TFS Constituency. All of whom shall automatically be members of the Telecoms and Financial Services Industrial Executive.  At least 2 lay members must be women.  At least 1 lay member must be BAME.

d. 2 lay Young Workers members elected biennially who must be 29 or under at the time of the election. 1 of whom will be elected by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be elected by and from the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency.

e. 1 lay Retired Member elected biennially by all members of the retired sector.

The Retired Members NEC representative shall not be entitled to vote on issues that are Financial, Rule, Constitutional or issues that could be considered to have an industrial context except where they apply only to Retired Members.

f. 4 lay Equality members elected biennially by all members of union, except the Retired Members for each of the following equality strands

Women

LGBT+

BAME

Disability

To delete current rule 8.5 and replace with:

5. Postal Executive (PE)

1. The PE shall be responsible for occupational and conditions of service issues for all Postal and related employers where the Union is recognised and shall ensure appropriate business co-ordinating committees exist below national level in all Royal Mail and other postal businesses. Such organisation shall only be altered by decision of a Conference or ballot of the relevant membership.

2. Members of the PE shall deputise for the Assistant Secretaries Postal in their absence/unavailability in dealing with the employer within their remit.

3.a)     The PE shall consist of 14 lay members elected biennially by and taken from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Postal Constituency Chair, 10 shall be the NEC Postal Constituency Representatives, 4 shall be elected by and from the Postal Constituency

b) The DGS(P) and the Assistant Secretaries who deal with postal issues, but without voting rights.

4. The Chair of the PE shall be elected biennially by and taken from members of the Postal Constituency by a simple majority of those members entitled to vote.

5. Any member of the Postal Constituency shall be eligible for nomination to the position of Chair.

6. The position of Chair shall not increase the number of biennially elected members.

 To delete current rule 8.6 and replace with: 

6. Telecoms and Financial Services Executive (T&FSE)

1.          The T&FSE shall be responsible for:

a)    Occupational and conditions of service issues for all   telecommunications, information technology financial services and related employers where the Union is recognised.

2.          a)   The T&FSE shall consist of 15 lay members elected biennially by and
taken from members of the Telecoms and Financial Services

Constituency 7 of whom shall be the TFS NEC members

b)    The DGS (T&FS) and the Assistant Secretaries who deal with

Telecoms and Financial Services issues, but without voting rights.

3.     The Chair of the T&FSE shall be elected biennially by and taken from members of the T&FS Constituency by a simple majority of those members entitled to vote.

4.     Any member of the T&FS Constituency shall be eligible for nomination to the Chair.

5.     The position of Chair shall not increase the number of biennially elected TFSE members.

6.     The T&FSE shall be empowered to establish sub-committees, as it considers necessary for the efficient conduct of its business.

7.     The structure and the procedural rules of these other sub-committees shall be contained in regulations, which shall be published to Branches.

Delete current Rule 8.12.1 and replace with:

The CWU Young Workers Committee shall consist of 2 members of the NEC who shall be the nationally elected Young Workers members of the NEC and 2 lay members elected biennially from each of the CWU regions, with 1 being from the TFS Constituency and 1 from the Postal Constituency and two lay members elected by and from the UTAW Branch.

All candidates shall be aged 29 or under at the time of election.

Delete current Rule 9.6.3.a in its entirety and renumber the remainder of rule 9.6 accordingly.

Delete current Rule 9.6.3.b in its entirety and renumber the remainder of rule 9.6 accordingly.Amend Rule 9.6.4 to be worded as follows:

There shall be the following Industrial Officers:

a)    4 Assistant Secretaries elected every five years by the Postal Constituency

b)   The Assistant Secretaries to the T&FS IndustryDelete current rule 10.1 and replace with: 

1.General

1. There shall be a biennial Conference of the Union held at a date determined by the NEC every two years to debate and determine matters of policy.

The normal length of the Biennial Conference shall be 5 days comprising of 2 days General / Rules Conference and an Equality day and 2 days allocated to the Postal and TFS Industrial Conferences.

2. The General Conference is the supreme authority of the Union on matters of

common policy whilst it is in session. The main role of the NEC is to carry out

the instructions of the General Conference. To this end the supreme authority is

vested in the NEC between General Conferences. Decisions taken and policies

determined by the NEC are ultimately subject to ratification by General

Conference.

3. The procedures for promoting policy in the TUC, and the wider labour movement,

and associated delegations will be the responsibility of the NEC.

4. There shall also be the following Conferences held each year:

a) Retired Members

b) Young Workers

Add new Rule 10.5 to be worded as follows:

Special Reports

The NEC shall be entitled to submit a Special Report before the Conference covering major strategic issues. The Report will be open to motions to amend from Branches and Regions and any other relevant bodies entitled to submit motions to amend.

Add new Rule 10.8.8 to be worded as follows:

The T&FSE will be entitled to submit a Special Report covering major strategic issues that will be open to motions to amend submitted from the relevant bodies entitled to submit motions to amend

Add new Rule to follow Rule 10.10 to be worded as follows:

Special Reports

The Postal Executive will be entitled to submit a Special Report covering major strategic issues. The Report will be open to motions to amend from Branches and Business Co-ordinating Committees.

To delete current rule 11.6.1 and replace with:

1. From 1 September 2024 each Branch shall receive monthly 23% of its Branch membership income received by CWU HQs General Fund excluding Retired Members. Each Branch shall be responsible for its own funds for meeting the following expenses;a. All Conference expenses including subsistence, travel and loss of pay;
   b. Regional and Industrial based Committee expenses including travel and subsistence;
   c. Travel and subsistence for all education courses;
   d. Travel and subsistence for national briefings;
   e. Visits to HQ requested by the Branch

Delete current rule 11.6.2 and replace with:

From 1 September 2024 each Branch shall receive a rebate for its Retired Members Section of 23% of all income received by CWU HQ from the contribution of the Branch Retired Members. Such rebates shall only be paid to the Branch on formation of a Retired Members Section.

LTB 108/24 – CWU RESTRUCTURING NEC RULE CHANGES SUBMITTED TO THE RULES REVISION CONFERENCE 2024

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FURTHER DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARCEL SORTING MACHINES WITHIN THE MAIL CENTRE ESTATE/RDC ESTATE

Branches and representatives will be aware that a Terms of Reference was agreed in 2018 covering the deployment of 20 Parcel Sorting Machines (PSM) across 16 Mail Centres (LTB 355/18 refers). Subsequently, in August 2021 Phase 2A of the deployment was progressed, which involved the deployment of a further 4 PSMs (LTB 359/21 refers), followed by Phase 2B in November 2021 that deployed a further 9 Solystic PSMs (LTB 461/21 refers).

Royal Mail are now ready to deploy a further roll out of 3 PSMs with the supplier, Solystic, within the Mail Centre estate, which will be known as Phase 2D and Royal Mail have confirmed that the deployment activity will be progressed in line with the agreed Terms of Reference, which is attached for ease of reference. In addition, also attached are the WTLL documents the business have prepared.

The precise deployment dates to each site will be kept under review as the rollout progresses, however this being said, the business hope to deploy all 3 machines by the end of October this year. The following 3 Mail Centres will receive a Phase 2D Parcel Sorting Machine (in planned deployment order):

1. Leeds Mail Centre
2. Plymouth Mail Centre
3. Exeter Mail Centre

In the 3 plants affected above, the interim arrangements to allow the builds and the impacts of this build will have to be factored into the Realignment activity.

The 2018 TOR covering the deployment of the PSMs into the operation, which covers training, rotations, selection processes and staffing levels remains unchanged and is attached in the Joint Statement. However, this PSM has a lower throughput and will require one less operator at the induct area to run the machine, which means the following staffing levels will be required:

• 5 x Induct Operators (the other machines have 6)
• 2 x York Tippers
• 2 x Porters
• I x Eject/Reject

The CWU will continue to be fully involved in the deployment activity and monitoring in line with the 2018 agreement.

The Phase 2D deployment will take the number of PSMs across the Mail Centre Network to 36. Royal Mail have not indicated that this is an end state number and further deployment activity may take place in the future, given that the previous commitment was to introduce Automation at all current Mail Centre sites.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: shayman@cwu.org quoting reference: 732.01.

or

Bobby Weatherall, Acting Assistant Secretary email: khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.orgquoting reference 520.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

Bobby Weatherall
Acting Assistant Secretary

107-24 – PSM Deployment Phase 2D – 14.03.24

137 – FINAL – TOR FOR THE DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME FOR PSM WITHIN THE MAIL CENTRE

PSM WTLL initial briefing Exeter

PSM WTLL initial briefing Leeds

PSM WTLL initial briefing Plymouth

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PUBLICATION OF NEC POLICY PAPERS FOR THE SPECIAL CWU RESTRUCTURING CONFERENCE – 21^ST APRIL 2024

All Branches will be aware that LTB 015/24 confirmed the NEC had agreed the following guiding principles for the CWU restructuring programme:

1. An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the National Executive.
2. An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the Postal Executive.
3. An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the Telecoms and Financial Services Executive.
4. An overall reduction in the cost and number of CWU Regions.
5. A material reduction in the current rate of Branch rebate.
6. A restructuring of our approach to Health, Safety and the Environment.
7. A restructuring of our approach to Legal Services and involvement in Unionline.

Further to this, LTB 040/24 published a document that was presented to the National Briefing on 30^thJanuary 2024.  This document set out very clearly both the areas where policy papers would be drawn up in relation to the guiding principles, whilst also sharing the initial thinking that would shape the content of each policy paper.

During the National Briefing the GS and SDGS presented each proposed policy area and talked through the likely content and the rationale for the subsequent policy papers.

Since then further work has been undertaken and as a result a series of policy papers were presented yesterday to the NEC and endorsed for publication to CWU Branches.

We would point out there are 3 additional papers from the original guiding principles, these are as follows:

• A proposal to change our conference arrangements.
• A proposal to change the structure of the National Young Workers Committee.
• A proposal that confirms the approach we will take to phase 2 of the restructuring programme.

There should be no surprises in the content of any of these policy papers.  They not only reflect the guiding principles previously agreed by the NEC, but also reflect most of the thinking shared with Branches at the National Briefing.  The exception to this is a new proposal on Branch rebates, which has been formulated following feedback from our Regions and Branches.

The policy papers presented to the Special Restructuring Conference in April, are attached.  These present clear choices for Branches on phase 1 of our programme.

Next Steps

There will be a wider report published to Branches next week which will also include the following:

• A financial report that will again set out the challenges facing the union and also the savings we expect to make from the changes we are proposing in phase 1.
• A paper setting out a new recruitment and organising strategy (this will be presented to the NEC next Wednesday).
• The actual rule changes that flow from the policy papers.
• A full explanation on the significant contribution CWU Headquarters are making to the Restructuring Programme.
• An update to Branches on other aspects of the unions work in preparation for phase 2.

Branches will have the opportunity to place motions against the policy papers and the SOC will publish an LTB explaining the approach to this next week.

Finally, we will be holding a session with Branch Secretaries in advance of the conference to go through in more detail the new Branch Rebate proposal.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General

LTB 093/24 – PUBLICATION OF NEC POLICY PAPERS FOR THE SPECIAL CWU RESTRUCTURING CONFERENCE 21ST APRIL 2024

CWU Restructuring Policy Documents

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UN Anti-Racism Day – Stop The Hate Demonstrations

Branches should note that the next UN Anti-Racism Day rallies organised by the TUC and Stand 
Up To Racism are taking place on Saturday 16th March 2024 in London and Glasgow, with the 
Cardiff rally the following day.

Please note that the meeting point for this Saturday will be different from previous years. 
We will be meeting from Midday onwards outside the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street,
London SW1P 4DF. The nearest underground stations are St. James Park and Victoria.

The CWU are committed to combating racism and fascism and our union has had fantastic support 
at past events. We hope we can again demonstrate our solidarity as part of a global day of antiracist protest. 

You can find out more information about the demonstrations here.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward 
General Secretary

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 106/24 – UN Anti-Racism Day – Stop The Hate Demonstrations

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POST OFFICE: UPDATED FLEXIBLE WORKING POLICY IN LINE WITH NEW LEGISLATION

Branches are advised that Post Office is updating its Flexible Working (FW) policy in line with new legislation coming in from 6^thApril 2024 in relation to making statutory FW requests.

Following discussions with Post Office management, the improvements below will be reflected in the “Flexible Working” policy (attached):

• Members have the right to make a statutory FW request from day 1 of employment, rather than after 26 weeks’ service
• Employers must make a final decision on a FW request (including appeal) within 2 months, rather than 3 months
• Members will be able to make 2 statutory FW requests in a 12 month period, rather than 1
• Members no longer have to explain how they think a FW request may affect their employer or explain how they would deal with the change
• Managers can’t automatically reject a request and must discuss this with the member via a formal meeting, which Post Office already had built as part of process.

It has been agreed the above changes will be introduced on Thursday 14^th Marchrather than waiting until 6th April.

Branches are urged to bring this LTB to the attention of our Post Office members.  If any issues are experienced with FW requests, members should contact their CWU Representative.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 105/24 – Post Office – Updated Flexible Working Policy in Line with New Legislation

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