LGV PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS’ RECRUITMENT 

Branches and representatives will be aware that the Joint Statement covering the deployment of the Network Window on 17^th June 2024 included a National Network Review. This activity identified gaps in resourcing across a number of the Vehicle Operating Centres (VOC’s).

Discussions have taken place with the business to review vacancy numbers at each VOC and to reconfirm the Nationally agreed Resourcing Principles will be followed, including reconfirming DCPC is not a barrier to progression.

Whilst the current position of the business is not to agree Joint Statements with the CWU, the numbers and locations have been jointly agreed with the business and this activity is intended to recruit 284 drivers across 30 VOCs nationally. Selection for all vacancies will be in line with the Nationally agreed process, although some positions may be filled by current surplus or supernumerary employees, holding the necessary licence.

The vacancies available in 4 sites Exeter, Newcastle, Scotland, and Wolverhampton are a mixture of FT/PT.  The recruitment for the Midlands hub is already at assessment stage, this is due to the large number of new drivers required. This unit will remain under review and further opportunities may become available.

Below are the number of recruitment opportunities per site:VOCRecruitmentVOCRecruitmentBELFAST VOC10NOTTINGHAM VOC8CARLISLE VOC5NOTTINGHAM MINI VOC3CHORLEY VOC7NWDC VOC30COVENTRY VOC5PETERBOROUGH VOC4CROYDON VOC4PRDC VOC17DONCASTER MINI VOC1PRESTON VOC10ESSEX VOC12ROBOROUGH VOC2EXETER VOC10SCOTLAND VOC10GATWICK VOC4SEDC VOC10GREENFORD VOC6SOUTHAMPTON VOC7HWDC VOC5SWDC VOC3MIDLANDS SH VOC41SWINDON VOC4NEDC VOC8WOKING VOC7NHCDC VOC13WOLVERHAMPTON VOC7NORWICH VOC4YDC VOC20

The recruitment activity provides our members holding an LGV C+E Licence with a real opportunity to progress to a Professional Driver Role. The department has pursued training opportunities to fill any shortfall in candidates, however the business has confirmed that they have no budget for driver training available in this financial year, which will mean that external recruitment will take place, where there are insufficient internal candidates.

 Applications are open to all Royal Mail Group employees who hold a valid LGV C+E licence. Members are advised to ensure that applications are submitted on the Royal Mail Success Factors website by the closing date. A copy of the Success Factors Process is attached to assist, please apply via this process as the business cannot pick up internal candidates via the external applications process.

Applications will not be considered after the closing date. Therefore, any difficulties in registering on the Success Factors platform should be notified to the department immediately and definitely prior to the closing date, in order that they can be brought to the attention of the business.

We would therefore ask Branches and representatives to make every effort to ensure that members are made aware of this LTB and that it is given the widest publicity possible, in order that any interested parties are afforded the opportunity to submit applications before the closing date.

The applications process opens today, Tuesday 23^rd July 2024 with a closing date of the 8^th August 2024, due to this being a peak period for annual leave.  Where interested candidates  have missed the closing date of the 8^th August, due to annual leave  a further opportunity will be facilitated to submit an application of interest via:  driveracademy@royalmail.com, the closing date for this will be the 15^th August 2025.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting this LTB number.260/24.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

Accessing SuccessFactors as a non RMG or PFS Network Account Holder

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ROYAL MAIL: THE COLLECTIVE PLAN – LUMP SUM BOOSTER AND ADVANCED VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS (AVCs)

Further to LTB 248/24 dated 16^th July.  On the evening of 17^thJuly we held a CWU Live Event specifically on The Collective Plan to provide an overview of the new scheme and answer some key questions raised.  If Branches, Reps or members were unable to watch the Live Event, the recording can be accessed via: www.youtube.com/live/zlVy4EPITCo

1% Lump Sum Booster (Matched by Royal Mail)

The Collective Plan contribution rates are 13.6% employer and 6% employee and the Plan provides both:

• A wage in retirement
• A guaranteed Lump Sum payment upon retirement.

Members can also choose to enhance the Lump Sum payment by opting for the booster which essentially means that Royal Mail will pay an extra 1% to match your 1%.

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)

The Collective Plan allows for members to pay additional contributions via an AVC.  The application needs to be made via the People App prior to 13^th September in order to set up the new payment to begin after 7^th October(Any AVCs linked to the RMPP will cease).

Thousands of our members have already signed up to either the AVC and / or the Lump Sum Booster.  Members are reminded they can ask questions via the “Enquiries” section of the Royal Mail microsite – www.myroyalmail.com/collective-plan

Lastly, a set of comprehensive FAQs (running to 16 pages) which Reps and members will find very helpful is available via the following link:

www.myroyalmail.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/Collective%20Plan%20Transition%20FAQs.pdf

Further developments will be reported as we approach the launch date of 7^th October.

Yours sincerely

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                    

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

258.24 RM THE COLLECTIVE PLAN LUMP SUM BOOSTER AND ADVANCE VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS AVCs

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BRANCH ACCOUNTS – SAGE SYSTEM

The purpose of this LTB is to provide Branches with an interim update on where we are with regard to the above.

When the CWU suffered the cyber incident in March of this year we shut down all our systems until we could ascertain what systems were safe to bring back to operation and importantly what systems may not be or were not safe to restore.

Given the multitude of IT systems we operate with and given the nature of the attack we were the victim of, there was a long and detailed process of arriving back at a “business as usual” position.

This meant prioritising working environments and the systems that support them, to ensure engagement with Branches and members and to ensure that we remained compliant with a variety of regulatory requirements.

To ensure the future safety and integrity of our operations this has proved to be, by necessity, a very long and time-consuming process.

Obviously, as Branches will be aware, one of the systems we shut down was the SAGE system in use for Branches to input their own financial transactions. There were a number of technical reasons why we had to follow this course of action and for us subsequently to not bring it back online.

We then had to begin the process of identifying a new system, identifying how we could install the new system and develop training and instruction in its use.

We have worked with SAGE to go through the suite of accounting packages that they now offer and then to identify, separately, an installation partner, to transfer data, synchronise it with other finance products in use at CWU HQ, as well identify training needs.

We are now at the end of that process and following a meeting earlier this week we are aiming to be able to have this programme available during the month of October for Branches to start inputting 2024 branch financial transactions.

Whilst we now finalise this programme of works, we are considering asking Branches to start inputting 2024 financial transactions information into excel spreadsheets in readiness to be able to export this data into the new system when it goes live. This would give us a head start on capturing the information. We should finalise our position on this in the next week to 10 days and we will then contact branches again to set out what these arrangements look like.

In the meantime, we want to thank Branches for their patience in waiting for us to get to the position we have, we appreciate this has been a difficult position to be in but following discussion with 3^rd party suppliers we are optimistic we will shortly be able to restore normal operations a set out in this LTB.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB be addressed to the SDGS Department sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

24LTB257 – BRANCH ACCOUNTS SAGE SYSTEM

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ROYAL MAIL DEPLOYMENT OF LARGE PARCEL AUTO-DIVERT CONVEYORS 

IN MAIL CENTRES

Branches will be aware of the drive by Royal Mail to increase automation capability. In February 2022, Royal Mail introduced two Large Parcel Conveyors (LPC’S) into two Mail Centres: Gatwick MC and South Midlands MC. This deployment was the subject of an agreement with the CWU and covered by an agreed Joint Statement.

Royal Mail met with the department recently and has informed us of their intention to deploy a further 9 LPC’s into the MC’s highlighted below;

• Jubilee
• Tyneside
• Medway
• Birmingham
• Leeds
• Greenford
• HCN
• Chelmsford
• Bristol

The business has identified these sites due to volume and the LPC will be fitted with a Dimension Weigh Scanner to enable every item to have a scan to contribute to Revenue Protection activity.   Royal Mail have indicated that they are seeking to deploy the first 6 on the list prior to Peak in the Sept – Nov window and the remaining 3 are scheduled for the post Peak period in Jan-Feb 2025.   Installation at each site is expected to last 4-5 weeks from delivery to go live.

The original design (Palm Tree) has a large footprint and since 2022 the business has designed an alternative configuration (Sword) which can be utilised at sites with less available floor space. The operation of the mech is the same in both configurations and requires staffing levels, at full capacity of 18, (14 on the mech and 4 porters).

While the business is anticipating an efficiency through the introduction of the LPC’s it is not anticipated that this will result in a headcount reduction at any site, other than a potential small reduction at Medway, subject to confirmation.

The department had sought to agree a revised Terms of Reference (TOR) or Joint Statement (JS) to support this deployment activity, given the length of time since the initial deployment and the changes to configuration.  This would have been the normal process at any time prior to the dispute and should have been of no concern to the business given that we have previously agreed deployment of the LPC’s.  However, in line with their current Royal Mail policy the business has stated that they will not agree a TOR/JS with the CWU.

Given this, we have attached for the assistance of Representatives at the in-scope sites the original Terms of Reference which we encourage you to utilise in discussions with management on the deployment arrangements.    If there are any issues in this regard, we would ask that Representatives contact the department for assistance.

In the view of the CWU the current Royal Mail stance with regard to Joint Statements is ridiculous and counterproductive in relation to the progression of activity and inconsistent with the commitments to restoring joint working and Industrial Relations contained in Section 2.4 of the Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth (BRT&G) Agreement.   The matter is being pursued at the highest level with the company.

Also attached for the information of Representatives are the slides Royal Mail presented to the department on the deployment. It should be noted that the CWU have not agreed to the notional throughput figures included in the slide presentation.  In addition,  Royal Mail have shared the WTLL briefing issued this afternoon in the 9 plants, which is also attached for your information.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting LTB No. 252/24.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 252.24 – ROYAL MAIL DEPLOYMENT OF LARGE PARCEL AUTO-DIVERT CONVEYORS IN MAIL CENTRES

212 – TOR Deployment Large Parcel Auto Divert Conveyors In Mail Centres SMMC Gatwick – 22.04.22

MCLPC project overview v1c 03072024 Union view

WTLL_Large Parcel Conveyorsv1.10

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Election of:     

• Royal Mail Division Chair – Scotland (Vacancy)

Further to LTB 237/24 dated 3^rd July 2024, at the close of nominations today, the following have been received.RM Divisional Chair – Scotland*Ballot RequiredOwain BeaumontScotland No 2 Brian DonaghyGlasgow & District Amal 

Ballot papers will be emailed to branches under the following timetable:-

Ballot Papers Despatched:     23 July 2024

Ballot Close:                                 6 August 2024

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 256.24 – Royal Mail Division Chair Nominations – Scotland Division

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CWU – CYBER INCIDENT

Further to previous LTBs regarding the above we are writing to inform Branches of correspondence received from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

When such incidents take place, we are required, by law, to inform the ICO of the incident, subsequently the ICO can and in our case have, asked a series of detailed questions around the incident. Following this process we have now received a letter from the ICO that states as follows.

“Based on the information you have provided we have decided that regulatory action is not required in this case” 

 adding further that

“We now consider this matter closed”

Branches may be aware that the ICO does have the power to instigate its own inquiry, produce public reports on these inquiries and in certain cases levy fines if they consider it appropriate.

Against that background the above position set out by the ICO is welcome news and we share it here in order to update Branches on this development.

Any enquiries should be forwarded to sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

24LTB255 CYBER INCIDENT

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POST OFFICE – BODY WORN CAMERAS:  REVISED NATIONAL AGREEMENT

Branches and Post Office members are advised that a revised National Agreement has been reached with Post Office and endorsed by our Postal Executive with regards to Body Worn Cameras for our Supply Chain Crew Members.  The Agreement is attached and the Joint Statement below has been agreed:

DEPLOYMENT, USE AND OPERATION OF BODY WORN CAMERAS

We are working hard to improve health, safety and wellbeing within Supply Chain and as part of this, we are determined to reduce the risk of criminal attacks.

In February 2019, following a 12-month trial, we rolled out Cameras (Body Worn Cameras) on high-risk routes.

We are now replacing the existing Cameras (BWCs) currently in use on high-risk routes with an upgraded version. The wearing of Cameras will adjust dynamically based on changes in risk levels – whether they increase or decrease and will be a mandatory requirement.

We are also deploying cameras on the remaining routes and although use will not be mandatory CWU and Post Office encourage crews to wear them as we believe these cameras can play a valuable role in crime prevention, acting as a visual deterrent, and helping to identify, apprehend and prosecute offenders.

Colleagues will be supplied with suitable clips/attachments as part of the uniform to enable the fastening and wearing of the cameras which will be worn on duty.

All Colleagues will receive full training, so they are completely clear on how to charge the cameras, wear them and navigate through the on-screen menus.

As part of this rollout the National Agreement for the Deployment, Use and Operation of Body Worn Camera’s has been updated. Please do check out the agreement (attached with this communication).

We will regularly review the success of the use of Camera’s, and we welcome your feedback. If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, please contact your line manager or CWU representative.

Russell Hancock                                                                        Andy Furey

Post Office Supply Chain Director                                        CWU Assistant Secretary

Since the original Agreement there have been no problems reported with the equipment or its use and the deployment of BWC’s has been successful.

It is important to note that the BWCs act as a deterrent to criminals and help to safeguard the wellbeing of crew members by reducing the risk of criminal robberies and attacks.  Our Crew Members have full control of the BWC and are able to use their initiative in deciding when to use the record function.  Also, the agreement is clear that footage/data from the BWC will not be used for disciplinary purposes.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 24LTB254 – Post Office – Body Worn Cameras – Revised National Agreement

Attachment 2: Attachment to 24LTB254 – BWC Code of Practice

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NEC ELECTION TIMETABLE 2024

Following the policies and rule amendments agreed at the Special Restructuring Conference and Rules Revision Conference in Bournemouth on 21 and 22 April 2024, as well as the NEC approval of the revised rule book circulated to Branches in LTB 173/24, at a meeting on 17 July 2024 the NEC agreed the timetable below for the NEC elections this year.

Nominations Open:                         19 September 2024

Nominations Close:                         10 October 2024 (14:00)

Accept Nomination:                        15 October 2024 (14:00)

(TFSE NEC/IE positions only)

Despatch ballot material:              30 October 2024  

Close of ballot:                                 20 November 2024 (first post)

Results:                                              21 November 2024

As you will see this timetable is scheduled for later in the year than would normally be the case. The NEC have also agreed the term of office as being from December 2024 until April 2026, after which the NEC and Industrial Executive elections will then revert to the biennial election cycle.

Branches will be aware that for economic and administrative reasons it is the policy of the union to conduct any National Officer elections to run concurrently with the timetable for the NEC/IE elections.

National Officer positions

Discussions are continuing to take place between the General Secretary, myself, Deputy General Secretary (Postal) and Deputy General Secretary (T&FS) to review the final list of Officers positions that will need to be advertised and elected. The aim is to conclude these discussions and report the conclusions to a Special NEC meeting on 5 September 2024 and to conduct the elections at the same time as the NEC/IE elections.

The purpose of this LTB is purely to give Branches the formal information of when the NEC election will take place.  This will allow for advanced planning and will help in assisting Branches to prepare for the election. All other aspects of the processes outlined above that will lead to that election including those Officers positions to be elected, will be forwarded to Branches in the coming weeks.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB or the election timetable should be addressed to the SDGS Department sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

24LTB253 – NEC Election Timetable

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Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

Please find attached the July Workplace Bulletin.

We will be sending you out a limited print run (approx. 10 per cent of branch membership) of this Edition, which should reach you by the end of this week for distribution to your reps to take into workplaces.

You also have the link to print immediate copies and/or to print off more copies.

It is crucial that branches are distributing the monthly bulletin in every workplace. The purpose is to ensure members are receiving written content from the union directly into their workplaces, so your role in that process is integral.

Thank you for your support and please contact us with your feedback on the Bulletin.

Click to access 08130-your-voice-RMG-issue-6-July-2up.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Chris Webb
Head of Communications

24LTB251 Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

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National Hazards Conference 30 Aug – 1 Sept 2024 – Reminder

Further to LTB  194/24, on the above, this is a reminder to all CWU Health and Safety Reps not already registered for the National Hazards Conference at the end of August, of which the CWU is a long-standing part sponsor.  The long-standing event which brings together Health and Safety Reps from across the Trade Union movement from all UK Unions it’s a really useful and very interesting few days for health and safety reps. There are plenty of informative, information filled sessions, plus a great opportunity to network, and the atmosphere is unparalled.

The National Hazards Conference 2024

Theme:

The Climate Crisis and Workers’ Health and Safety – A Deadly Combination

Date and time:

The event lasts 2 days, Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:00 start to – Sun, 1 Sep 2024 13:00 finish

Location:

Keele University, Chancellors Building, Keele ST5 5BG

About this event:

This year’s conference includes sessions on:

• HASWA at 50 – what is the future?;
• Climate and Workers Health and Safety – the challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate;
• Making the case for Mentally healthy work – workers are being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work related stress, violence and bullying and we need to resist not be more resilient;
• Bad work injures and kills – collective pressure and safety reps save lives – but the majority of workers are not in trade union organised workplaces, how are we fighting for these workers?
• Plus various subject matter workshops, fringe meetings and networking events.
• And following on from last year we will be awarding certificates for great health and safety campaigns and calling out the bad employers on health and safety.

Options:

• You can join this year’s Hazards Conference in person at the University of Keele and/or online from Friday 30^thAugust to Sunday 1^st
• Online delegates will be able to watch livestreams of plenaries and meetings and participate in online workshops.
• All delegates will receive packs which include a conference badge and bag and lots of relevant information from trade unions and other organisations.

Ticket prices:

After booking your ticket (See Link below) delegates will be invoiced the relevant fee which are:

• £320 in person – residential, including accommodation
• £210 in person – non residential
• £210 online only

Please note if you are attending in person and are residential or non -residential complete the in-person form.

Please ignore the Eventbrite payment request, Hazards will invoice you. Hazards Conference is NOT free – whether in person or online. Unfortunately Hazards can’t change the Eventbrite wording.

Cancellation:

• If you have to cancel but can find someone else to take your place just let Hazards, the organisers, know.
• If you can’t find a substitute delegate: If you cancel before 9^th August 2024, Hazards will refund your fee less 10% for administration.
• If you cancel after 9^th August 2024, Hazards are unable to refund anything, as they will have had to pay for the conference facilities and resources, accommodation etc if you are residential and meals if you are attending in person, to Keele University – Hazards will send you any materials and papers

Conference Agenda timings and registration:

Friday 30^th Aug

• 00-19.30 Delegate registration
• 00 – 19.30 Evening meal
• 00-21.00 Opening Plenary: HASWA @50 – what is the future?
• 00 – 22.00 Networking in Sectors

Saturday 31^st Aug

• 30-9.00 Registration for later arrivals/non-residential delegates
• 00-8.45 Breakfast
• 00-10.30 1^st Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Climate and Workers’ Health and Safety – the challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate;
• 30-11.00 Break
• 00 – 12.30 Workshop 1 – in person and online – see options
• 30 – 14.00 lunch
• 00 – 15.30 2^nd Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Making the case for mentally healthy work – workers are being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work related stress, violence and bullying and we need to resist not be more resilient
• 30 – 16.00 Break
• 00 – 17.30 Workshop 2 – in person and online – see options
• 45-18.45 Fringe meetings – in person and online – see options
• 00-20.30 Dinner
• 00-22.00 Quiz
• 00 – Networking

Sunday 1^st Sept

• 30-9.15 Breakfast Clear rooms – bring cases to secure room in registration area
• 00-12.00 Closing plenary: Bad work injures and kills – collective pressure and safety reps save lives – but the majority of workers are not in trade unionised workplaces, how can we fight for these workers?
• 30-13.30 Packed Lunch – eat with us or take away and depart

 Note: All plenary sessions are in-person or online

 On-line Registration link: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hazards-conference-2024-registration-845819989357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attachment:

National Hazards Conference 2024 Registration Form and Flyer.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 

LTB 249-24 – National Hazards Conference 30 Aug – 1 Sept 2024 – Reminder

Attachment – National-Hazards-Conference-2024-Registration-Form (1)

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