CWUHA – THE ANDY KERR PROJECT 

This year is CWU Humanitarian Aid’s 30^thAnniversary and they have contacted headquarters to advise that they are running a special project in honour of one of the greatest ambassadors for CWU HA Andy Kerr, our former Deputy General Secretary who as you know sadly passed away last year.

Andy helped secure thousands of pounds in funding for the charity as well as the loan of BT vehicles and release for BT/Openreach members to take part in CWUHA Convoys to Eastern Europe. He also secured funding for projects with our partners Medical Aid Delivered-Aid in Moldova. Andy had also shown his commitment by taking part in a convoy to Moldova – a place that was close to his heart.

Therefore, it is very fitting that CWUHA have agreed that their 30th Anniversary Project in Moldova will be dedicated to the memory of Andy.

Working with their partners Medical Aid Delivered-Aid, CWUHA are helping to refurbish a children’s surgery ward in a hospital in Chisinau, Moldova, that cares for children with serious health issues.

The charity is looking to raise £40k to help fund the purchase of new furniture for the ward, new electrical equipment and to provide an indoor play area that will be dedicated to Andy’s memory.

If your branch would like to donate towards this project you can either please send a cheque made payable to ‘CWUHA’ to Carl Webb, CWU Office, 75 Garstang Road, Preston, PR1 1LD, or make BACs payment to the account below:

CWU Humanitarian Aid
Unity Bank
S/C: 60-83-01
Acc No: 20031169

A JustGiving link has also been set up for personal donations: www.justgiving.com/campaign/andykerrprojectcwuha

If you would like more information or would like to raise funds for this project, please contact Julia Upton via Julia.upton1@btinternet.com

Your support will mean a great deal and is a fitting tribute to the work that Andy had undertaken.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

25LTB062 CWUHA – THE ANDY KERR PROJECT

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Tonight at 5pm we are LIVE with a Royal Mail Delivery Members special with national officer Tony Bouch.

We will talk the state of workplaces across the UK, USO trials and crucially take your questions live.

Please tune in https://www.youtube.com/live/4M7atHSf1MI?si=C2jA14nX21_s–Md

Royal Mail – The Collective Plan : Election of Member Nominated Directors

Further to LTB 053/25 – Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan – Member Nominated Director (MND) Election, the Head of Executive & Scheme Secretary of The Collective Plan  has advised me that following the ballot for the 3 Member Nominated Directors (MNDs) the following have been elected to the roles.

• Alan Tate
• Brendon Allen
• Kevin Carey

We do not have details of the actual number of votes cast or the number of votes received by each candidate as this has not been provided.

Naturally, congratulations go to the successful candidates and commiserations to the other candidates. It was pleasing to see such good interest in these important roles.

The newly elected MNDs will have a crucial role going forward in respect of the Collective Plan which is obviously in it’s infancy.

Any queries in relation to this LTB should be directed to Samantha Nicholas at snicholas@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary 

LTB 060/25 – Royal Mail – The Collective Plan – Election of Member Nominated Directors

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Branch Information – Area and Local Workplace Reps Database

 The Postal Department is seeking to update our Representatives database.

Lynn Browne, Senior Postal Organiser, has created a proforma which she will be sending to Branches with the request that the document is populated with the names and contact details of all Area Representatives (all functions) and Local Representatives.

It would also be appreciated if Branches could list the workplaces within their Branch area as well as those workplaces without Representatives.

Completed proformas should be returned to lbrowne@cwu.org by 17^thApril 2025.

Going forward this will be a yearly housekeeping requirement for Branches to complete to ensure our records remain up to date.

Any enquiries should be referred to the DGSP department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh                                                             

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 59/25 Branch Information – Area and Local Workplace Reps Database

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THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2025 NATIONAL MAIL CENTRE REALIGNMENT REVISIONS 

Branches and Representatives are informed that discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2025 National Mail Centre Realignment Revision activity 2025.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing resistance of the business to agree to Joint Statements we have not been able to secure the normal signed Joint Statement covering this activity. However, in line with the approach we have taken on other issues affected by this policy, we do have a letter from the business confirming the dates and the commitments to follow the established Nationally Agreed processes for this activity.

This approach has been endorsed by the Postal Executive and attached for the information of Branches and Representatives is the correspondence from Simon Aris, Operations Programme Director – Processing, confirming Royal Mail’s commitment to the established, agreed revision processes along with the detailed processes at Annexes A – F.

As in previous years realignment activity will seek to ensure proper alignment of resource to workload and workplan compliance while creating attractive duty patterns for our members. Additionally, the business has indicated the following projects, all of which are subject to ongoing discussions will also be included or may influence the 2025 realignment activity:

• USO Reform workplan requirements including any changes to the CSS operations, most notably at the weekend. These elements will be influenced by the ongoing USO Pilot activity and will be dependent on any final agreement to deploy the USO Optimised model.
• MPU consolidation. Current CSS activity will run concurrently with realignment activity and where CSS consolidation is agreed this should be included in workload and will be included in Realignment discussions.
• The progression of the Single Large Parcel Network activity, defined in Section 5 of the BRT&G agreement which may entail workload migrating between the PFW and RM Networks in financial year 25/26. Proposals include large items (Format 4+) migrating to PFW through direct injection or sortation from the Outward Mail Centre’s.  The movement of smaller PFW traffic to RM and the maximising of synergies between RM and PFW Collection operation.  
• Branches and Representatives will note as part of the ongoing discussions with EP Group and the business, there is an enhanced focus on the reduction of agency use across the operation. Against this backdrop a key priority in the realignment activity is the reduction in agency use and the creation of robust and fully resourced duty sets.   

The document covers the ability to utilise inventive duty patterns, to assist the ability to achieve revision outcomes, which better match the aspirations of our members. 

A Joint launch event took place for Plant Managers and Divisional/Area Representatives today online and a further session will be arranged as necessary to update Branches and Representatives as discussions progress.

Attached for the information of Branches is the letter received from Simon Aris confirming the commitment from Royal Mail to the agreed Realignment Process and Annexes, a copy of the Process Documents and a copy of the slides used during the launch call. As in previous years the department believes that the agreed process supported by all relevant national agreements including the IR Framework and MTSF will enable Representatives to achieve the best possible outcome in the realignment activity.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 058/25. 

Yours sincerely, 

Davie Robertson 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 058/25 – THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2025 NATIONAL MAIL CENTRE REALIGNMENT REVISIONS

Attachment: Letter to Davie Robertson From Simon Aris – MC Realignment 2025

Attachment: 2025 RESOURCE REALIGNMENT PROCESS IN MAIL CENTRES

Attachment: Realignment Slides_2025 (004)

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NEW: Martin Walsh explains the delay in Royal Mail Group pay settlement and sets out how the union will tackle the next few weeks. It is vital all members watch this broadcast.

We have made it clear to Royal Mail there will be no agreement to moving beyond the 37 USO trial units unless there is a full agreement on pay and all issues relating to section 5 of our agreement with EP Group.

You can also watch the update here via the following links:

Facebook https://youtu.be/N3c8uf0DVHU?si=9p8L9yINM5wmZIHC

YouTube https://youtu.be/N3c8uf0DVHU?si=9p8L9yINM5wmZIHC

X https://x.com/cwunews/status/1904531816209330582?s=46

Pay 2025 and Section 5 of the EP Agreement

In December 2024 the CWU reached a groundbreaking agreement with EP which listed legal guarantees and several other commitments, including pay 2025 and resolving outstanding issues.

The agreement was dependent on EP becoming either the Controlling Shareholder or the Sole Shareholder.

The takeover has yet to clear the final regulatory process linked to Romania. This is due to recent Government elections in Romania which has delayed the clearance.

The delays in completing the takeover have clearly left the CWU facing the dilemma that the current Royal Mail Board is on its way out and does not want to negotiate an agreement resolving pay and the outstanding issues.

Whilst EP are not the owners there are legal processes in place that prevent them from authorising changes ahead of the takeover. As such the outcome is that we are not yet in a position where we can commence negotiations over the following:

• Pay
• Equalising New Entrants’ pay, terms and conditions over an agreed-upon period, with the first step taking place within three months of the transaction being completed.
• A new resourcing process.
• Review of scheduled attendance and overtime rates.
• Reduction in agency staff.
• Improvement in sick pay.
• Improvement in VR terms.
• A new incentive scheme.
• Pilots on new ways of working.

We understand that our members deserve an above inflation pay rise. However, the unprecedented set of circumstances means that until the takeover has been completed any details on pay and the section 5 commitments would be a breach of the takeover panel rules as EP are not yet the owners.

We have called a policy forum for our field officials and Branches on 21^st and 22^nd May and we anticipate we will have a settlement on all the above if the transaction has been completed by that date.

It is important to confirm that any pay deal and all points listed above will be subject to an individual member ballot and likewise any pay agreement will be backdated to the beginning of April 2025.

We will keep Branches updated on exactly when we will be allowed to commence negotiations on the EP agreement, including pay.

Given the importance of this LTB I am asking all divisions and Branches to ensure the content is given the widest possible exposure to members.

Any enquiries should be referred to the DGS(P) department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                          

LTB 057/25 Pay 2025 and Section 5 of the EP Agreement

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CWU STATEMENT ON LABOUR’S BENEFIT CUTS

Branches should note that on the 19th of March, the NEC agreed to a motion condemning the decision of the Labour Government to restrict disability and sickness benefits. The NEC also agreed to release a statement from the CWU on the matter. Please see the statement below from the General Secretary.

“The Government’s decision to restrict access to disability benefits and slash the welfare budget is cruel, immoral and once again targets the most vulnerable in society.  

This alongside the winter fuel allowance cuts, and the betrayal of the WASPI women shows this Government lacks the courage and vision needed to challenge the gross inequalities and problems that exist in the UK. 

The utter failure to table a policy platform that asks the richest in society and those who use the UK as a playground for their billionaire tax dodging ventures to carry a greater burden, shows they have chosen to support elitism over the needs of the working class.  

It is becoming increasingly clear Labour will be a one term government if it continues down this path and it is heading straight into a democratic debate within our movement over the relationship between trade unions and the party we created. 

The CWU will be calling meetings with both other affiliated trade unions and the Government to campaign for this failed economic strategy and overall direction to be abandoned.

The New Deal for Workers campaign showed the power and influence of our movement when we unite and fight for change – we must do so again.”

As noted in the statement, the CWU will be pursuing further action, both with the Government and with other trade unions to pursue a change in direction from the Government. We will also be holding a political forum in the next few months, where branches will be able to discuss the CWU’s political strategy, our voting system and the threat of far-right politics in the UK- more information will be shared closer to the time.

If you have any questions, please contact dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours Sincerely,                          

Dave Ward                                                   

General Secretary 

LTB 056/25 – CWU STATEMENT ON LABOUR’S BENEFIT CUTS

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Post Office: Pay Agreement 2025

I am pleased to advise Branches we have reached an Agreement with Post Office regarding Pay 2025/26 – the pay date is 1^stApril 2025.  The key features of the no-strings Pay Agreement (Pay Offer letter attached), which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, are as follows:

• One year duration with the next Pay Review Date 1st April 2026
• No conditionality
• A minimum 3% pay increase (or £800 which is slightly above 3% for our lowest paid members, predominantly the PAs in Cash Centres) flowing through to all allowances, SA and overtime rates. Comparable increases also apply to London weighting.
• Annual leave entitlements improvedso that the maximum 30 days is obtained after two years’ service (previously five). This benefits c.30% of our members who have less than five years’ service
• Improved Employer Pension Contribution Rates – minimum of 9%. Removal of the two lowest Employer Contribution tiers, meaning the current 7% and 8% Employer Contribution tiers rise to 9% (which will become the new minimum).

This is the second year running we have concluded pay negotiations prior to the pay review date and our Senior Reps report that members will appreciate an early settlement.

Assuming ratification of the Pay Agreement via an individual members’ consultative ballot, the increase will be made with April salaries. The ballot papers will be dispatched later this week and the closing date is Thursday 10^thApril.

Branches are urged to bring this LTB to the attention of Post Office members.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 25LTB055 – Post Office – Pay Agreement 2025

Attachment 2:  Pay Offer Letter

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Royal Mail Group: Special National Briefing & Postal Policy Forum – Wednesday 21^st & Thursday 22^ndMay 2025

Branches are advised that we are making plans for a combination of a Special National Briefing and Postal Policy Forum to be held on the following dates – Wednesday 21^st and Thursday 22^nd May 2025 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester M1 4PH(in the International Suite).

The current thinking is as follows:

• The first day will be the Special National Briefing commencing at 09:30 until 17:30 and the purpose of this day will be to provide extensive updates on a range of key issues linked to the EP takeover, USO pilots, the plan to transform IR/ER in every workplace, and other important matters.
• The second day will focus on the Postal Policy Forum commencing at 09:30 until 17:00.

These are provisional plans as the situation is extremely fluid due to the delay linked to the Romanian Government.  The dilemma we are facing is the takeover transaction is taking longer than originally anticipated and potentially may not take place until late May, and this potentially could mean that an in-principle Agreement reached could be in breach of the takeover panel protocols as EP would not be the owners at that point.

All Branches will appreciate that the delay in the transaction has added more complexities to the way we had originally planned the Policy Forum. Our plan had been to produce an Agreement on all of the matters below and present this to Branches in advance.  If possible, we will still aim to present an in-principle Agreement linked to Section 5 of the Agreement.  In this regard, we are due to commence negotiations on pay and associated issues as follows from 31^st March:

• Pay
• The first step on equalisation of new entrants’ terms and the following stages
• Agreed steps to reduce agency
• Pathway to improve overtime/SA
• Improving sick pay first step
• Improved VR terms
• A proposed incentive scheme
• A pilot on new ways of working

Below is a list of Representatives invited to attend the two-day Event:

• Senior Field Officials:
  • Regional Secretaries
  • Divisional Representatives
  • Territorial Engineering Representatives
  • Parcelforce Regional Organisers
  • Fleet and Maintenance Service Territorial Representatives
  • RMPFS National Representatives (Cleaning and Engineering)
  • RMPFS Regional Cleaning and Engineering Representatives.
• Branches:
  • Branch Secretaries
  • All Royal Mail Area Representatives (Delivery, Processing, Distribution, including Network and Logistics, Health & Safety, Admin and Engineers)
  • Customer Experience Representatives
  • Two Unit Representatives, one of which must be a woman in line with our proportionality requirements.

Due to space constraints at the meeting venue, unfortunately we cannot accommodate visitors on this occasion.

Branches are expected to cover delegates’ travel and subsistence costs associated with attendance at the Event in line with previous instructions and advice issued.

Once we have greater clarity on these matters, further details will follow.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey        

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                   

Mick Kavanagh

Postal Executive Chair

LTB 054/25 – Special National Briefing Postal Policy Forum

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