BIRMINGHAM BIN WORKERS MARCH AND RALLY – SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

The CWU has been a strong supporter of the Birmingham Bin Workers since the commencement of their long-running strike following disgraceful attacks on their pay, terms and conditions by Birmingham City Council.

We have made donations to their strike fund and have used our communications channels to raise awareness of the dispute. Please see a recent interview with representatives of the Bin Workers which can be viewed here https://youtu.be/Izg-awA6Oic?si=w1ep7XoTgjAybDVJ

The purpose of this LTB is to organise a strong CWU turnout this Saturday at a march and rally that has been planned by Unite, in support of the strike. We call on as many branches and representatives as possible, particularly those in the CWU Midland Region, to attend the event in CWU colours and demonstrate that the trade union movement is united behind their dispute.

The details are as follows:

09:30am start
Saturday 20 September
Unite the Union
30 Jennens Road
Birmingham
B7 4EH.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

25LTB200 – BIRMINGHAM BIN WORKERS MARCH AND RALLY – SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

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Blue Cross Survey Request – For Members on Delivery (Royal Mail and Parcelforce)

Branches and members may recall the details set out in previous LTBs concerning the ongoing work of Royal Mail (supported by the RM/CWU National Joint Dog Awareness Working Group) with the Blue Cross charity in continuing to raise awareness of the steps owners can take to keep delivery workers safe.

These LTBs advised that this work had resulted in the Blue Cross offering a free hour-long Zoom webinar to members of the public to raise awareness of the simple steps dog owners can take to keep all postal workers safe when delivering to their properties.

Alongside this, LTB 127/25 Royal Mail Group/CWU National Dog Awareness Week (DAW) further reported that the Blue Cross had launched a survey, in June this year, to better understand postal workers’ attitudes and beliefs around dogs when out on delivery.  Accordingly, this LTB is to remind Branches, Safety Representatives and members alike of this survey and attached is an introduction to the survey as well as how individual members can participate.

Whilst the CWU continues to work with Royal Mail and other organisations in seeking to reduce dog attacks and incidents, the fact remains that dog attacks have slightly increased from March 2024 to March of this year, reflecting that this continues to be a major safety hazard and concern for all our members who work on Deliveries, Collections and in Parcelforce.

Members are therefore encouraged to support and participate in this Blue Cross survey which can be accessed via a PDA or the QR Code.  The survey will close at the end of this month.

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

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 199/25 – Blue Cross Survey Request – For Members on Delivery (Royal Mail and Parcelforce)

Blue Cross Postal Workers Survey

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IMPORTANT: ANTI-RACISM RALLY- SATURDAY 13^th SEPTEMBER, CENTRAL LONDON

Branches should note that the next Anti-Racism rally organised by Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) is taking place on Saturday 13^th September in Central London.

Branches will be aware that the CWU are strong supporters of the anti-racism movement and are affiliated to Stand Up to Racism. The demonstration is also being supported by the TUC.

Stand Up to Racism are organising coaches from all over the UK and we would encourage anyone interested in attending to check their website.

The TUC block meeting point is the Southern corner of Russell Square & Southampton Row (nearest station is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line) assembling from 11:30am. Try to travel in a group if possible and remain safe at all times. SUTR have advised people to avoid Waterloo and Blackfriars stations. When leaving the demo we recommend dispersing Whitehall via the north side, and not to hang around in central London.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward                                                                

General Secretary                  

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 198/25 – ANTI-RACISM RALLY – SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER – CENTRAL LONDON

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Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2025 

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning, which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to Lifelong Learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Brighton over two days on the 5^th and 6^th November 2025.

I am now inviting applications for the 2025 Annual Ken McKenzie award for Lifelong Learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

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

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

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

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 17^th OCTOBER 2025.

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

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 197/25 – Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2025

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Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event – 5^th & 6^th November 2025

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that this year’s Union Learning Representative’s (ULR) Networking Event will take place on Wednesday 5^th and Thursday 6^th November 2025 at the:

Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
Kings Road
Brighton BN1 2GS GB 

Branches will be aware that ULR legislation provides for networking with other ULRs and organisations that deliver education and training opportunities to our members and representatives.

The event will start with registration on 5^th November between 12.30 and 13.30 and will conclude at 13.30 on 6^thNovember.  Please note that lunch will NOT be provided on either day.

A final agenda will be issued in due course but will include:

• Keynote speakers 
• Practical activities and workshops to support learning in the workplace
• And a celebration of your collective achievements!

In the meantime, we would ask that Branches confirm their delegation details and accessibility requirements no later than 17^th October 2025by emailing equality&education@cwu.org

Please note that Branches are responsible for delegates’ travel and authorised expenditure for this event.  

Release

This event should attract paid release for accredited ULRs working for employers where the CWU is recognised.  The event is specifically designed to meet the aims of ULR legislation and the ACAS Code of Practice applies.

Accommodation: 

It is important that Branches book their places early at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront, as they will be holding a number of rooms at a special rate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Booking arrangements:

Preferential CWU rates for the nights of Tuesday 4^th and Wednesday 5^th November are as follows,

Tuesday 4^th November

Rooms are charged @ £110.00 including VAT single occupancy (£15 supplement for double occupancy) inclusive of full English breakfast.

Wednesday 5^th November

Rooms are charged @ £105.00 including VAT single occupancy (£15 supplement for double occupancy) inclusive of full English breakfast.

Reservations can be made here: Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront | UK | Leonardo Hotels

Delegates are required to enter the date of stay, adjust the number of guests where applicable and add promo code: LHCWUC041125 to access the dedicated event rate. (Please note that all rooms are subject to payment on booking and are non-refundable.)

Rooms will be held at this rate until 6^th October, after which time they will be released and the preferential rate will not be available.

Parking & Transportation:

The hotel is a 15 minute walk from Brighton Station. If you are driving, The Lanes car park is situated underneath the hotel. Spaces cannot be reserved but if you present your car park ticket at your check-out time you will receive a discounted rate. Detailed information regarding location and parking can be found at Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront | UK | Leonardo Hotels

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department by email to equality&education@cwu.org

#CWULearn25 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 196/25 – Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event – 5th & 6th November 2025

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World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Wednesday 10^th September

Dear Colleagues,

Suicide is a major public health challenge with more than 720,000 deaths each year globally.

Suicide

A death by suicide occurs globally once every 43 seconds. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. Latest statistics | Papyrus

The CWU is continually striving to be a ‘suicide safer’ organisation. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. The theme through 2024 to 2026 remains ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with an associated call to action of ‘Start the Conversation’.

In recognising the above triennial theme, the CWU is in its second year of ’30 for 30’ training, whereby at least 30 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) will be trained in 30 daysfor World Suicide prevention month.

As Part of our Mental Health Strategy Programme, continued training of accredited Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) remains a priority, to ensure that conversations can take place at any given time in workplaces where we have representation. Since 2020 a cohort of CWU mental health first aid instructors have been frequently training CWU members/representatives in Mental Health First Aid on the 2-day MHFA England training course. At the time of this LTB Publication, 641 people have been trained in the 2-day MHFA England course by the CWU.

CWU newly trained MHFAiders are also now encouraged to pursue the Royal Society Of Public Health Qualification RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid · MHFA England,

Discussions between branches and regions are now encouraged to explore if the 2026 programme of CWU MHFA training is something you may wish to consider. The current CWU MHFA England training includes a session on crisis training for suicide first aid, exploring suicide language and warning signs for suicide.

For this year, the life-saving importance of helplines like HOPELINE247 have been shared in a new CWU Young Workers Health and Safety Pocket Guide under the heading ‘Let’s talk Mental Health’ with other signposting services also available via the following link:

Young people – Shining a Light on Suicide

It remains hugely important that as an active Trade Union we understand the important factors affecting mental ill health by being ready to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions.
• Provide immediate Mental Health First Aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis.
• Listen non-judgmentally and hold supportive conversations.
• Signpost people to professional help.

One of the organisations that the CWU has worked with in partnership recently is Storm Skills Training, Storm being an acronym for Suicide Training on Risk Management. They are a not for-profit social enterprise, and they have produced a resource pack for World Suicide Prevention Day which can be accessed via the link below. This resource offers practical, person-centred language tips to support safer conversations around suicide and self-harm – using words that are respectful, sensitive, and stigma-reducing, along with further resource links to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) who have taken responsibility for setting the continued triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 Resources – Changing the Narrative on Suicide

We are also aware that talking can also be impactful.  One of the key messages during CWU MHFA training is the importance of self-care for anyone supporting a vulnerable individual.

The CWU has taken part in the consultation on British Standard BS 30480 Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide.  The aim of our participation is to hopefully help shape a robust, inclusive framework that works for all.

British Standards Institution – Project

Please remember talking about feelings doesn’t have to be scary. Please remember there is always hope, clicking on the following link can take you to your nearest support service.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact-

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org.

LTB 195/25 – WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2025 pdf

Attachment – Lived-Experience-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026

Attachment – Workplace-Suicide-Prevention-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026-1

Attachment – Suicide-Beareavement-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026

Attachment – YW health and safety pocket guide – v2

Attachment – CWU MHFAider workplace poster

Attachment – CWU HUB OF HOPE 

Attachment – Workplace poster 

Attachment – QR code SAMARITANS

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Pay Directive

We have received a number of enquiries concerning the eligibility criteria for the pay award and arrears.

Please see attached the pay directive which will apply for CWU represented grades in Royal Mail core operations, including Delivery, Processing, Collections, Professional Drivers, Administration, Fleet, Engineering, Royal Mail Specialist Services, MDEC, Mail Screeners, International and Divisional Reps.

A separate pay directive will apply for CWU represented grades within financial operations, HR Services, Customer Experience, Stamps and Collectables and Parcelforce Worldwide.

As in previous years those who were in post when the pay agreement was reached on 29^th June 2025 will be eligible for the pay increase and arrears.  The pay rise and arrears will not apply to those who left employment prior to 29^th June 2025.

The pay increase and arrears will be paid to weekly paid staff on 26^thSeptember 2025 and to monthly paid staff at the end of September

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

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 194/25 – Pay Directive

LTB 194/25 – Attachment 1

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SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS

All branches will be aware of the decision taken at the special conference on the 28th June 2025 to remove from the CWU rule book the position of the Senior Deputy General Secretary.  A revised rule book was agreed by the NEC at its meeting on Wednesday the 13^th August 2025 and as such the role now ceases to exist.

Many will be aware that Tony Kearns had already signalled his intention to leave the CWU. Following discussion, we can now inform branches that Tonys last day at the CWU will be the 30th November 2025. The period between now and then will be utilised to affect a handover of the responsibilities associated with the current role and assist in finalising some Headquarter restructuring projects. 

I am sure all branches and representatives will recognise the excellent and unprecedented contribution that Tony has made in representing the Union and our members for 46 years.  His detailed knowledge of the organisation and how it operates, alongside his wider understanding of the trade union movement, is unsurpassed in the history of the CWU.

On a personal level, I want to thank Tony for all the assistance and advice he has given me for the last 10 years in my role as General Secretary and as a trusted comrade. 

We will ensure at a future date that we mark Tony’s contribution to the CWU in a way that reflects his lifetime commitment to the union movement.  In the meantime, I am sure all branches would wish to pass on their messages of thanks and on behalf of the whole union we offer our best wishes to Tony and his family for the future.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary         

LTB 193/25 – SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS                                      

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CWU REGIONAL STRUCTURE – ELECTION OF 5 REGIONAL OFFICIALS

Further to LTB 172/25 dated 14^thAugust 2025 at the close of nominations at 14.00 on the 4^thSeptember the following had been received:EASTERN & MIDLANDSBallot RequiredMark HarperNottingham & District AmalPaul MoffatEssex & Central CountiesLONDON & SOUTH EASTBallot RequiredEdward BaldwinKent InvictaWinston RichardsGreater London CombinedNORTH EAST & NORTH WESTBallot RequiredMark HugallNewcastle AmalTrish VollansWest YorkshireCarl WebbNorth Lancs & CumbriaNORTHERN IRELAND & SCOTLAND     Craig AndersonScotland No 1*ELECTEDSOUTH WEST & WALES & MARCHES     Kevin BeazerBristol & District Amal*ELECTED

Branches should note that the timetable for these branch ballots is as follows:-

Branch ballot papers despatched:            10^th September 2025

Ballots Close:                                                    24^th September 2025 (14.00)

Branches should note that the branch ballot papers should be returned to the following email address: branchballots@cwu.org  any ballot papers not sent to this email address or received after the closing time and date will not be included in the count.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to David Wilshire, Senior Policy Advisor – email dwilshire@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

D Ward

General Secretary

LTB 192/25 – CWU REGIONAL STRUCTURE – ELECTION OF 5 REGIONAL OFFICIALS

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Terms of Reference for the Trial and Deployment of AGV’s

 The department has been in discussions with the business concerning the building and deployment of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV’s) within the Midlands Super Hub (MSH) to aid with the X-Dock operation.

It was recognised through discussions that specific operational challenges at the MSH necessitated an innovative solution to resolve the X-Docking situation which currently utilises hundreds of agency workers to pass York containers up and down the hall. The AGV is considered the optimum solution due to the size and layout of the operation, though previous AGV trials and deployments involving precured AGV’s have had mixed results. The business has designed and manufactured the AGV covered with the TOR in-house at a manufacturing site in what was previously Gloucester Mail Centre, with a design specification that aligns to the specific requirements of the operation.

The trial will be conducted in a live operational environment, within a specified testing area to enable effective evaluation and assessment on a sustained basis. Operator Involvement is essential, and feedback is sought jointly in respect of ergonomics, the performance characteristics, and interaction with the AGV system throughout the trial.

The business has confirmed the introduction of AGV’s will not impact employee earnings or permanently amend SAs, duties, or times of attendance (outside of any BAU realignment activity). Where a need for flexibility of attendance times or duty content is identified during the trail phase, this will be achieved on a voluntary basis in the first instance.

The aim of this trail is to determine if the AGVs can safely and reliably move a York through the X-Dock area, ensuring the Yorks are X-Docked to the correct vehicles.

• To gather robust data on ergonomics of the roles interfacing with the AGV system to ensure the on-going Health & Safety of the operators.
• To evaluate how the AGVs can best be used to enhance the operation.
• To start the trial in the X-Dock area and then expand across all shifts through discussions, once the AGV system has met the prescribed standards.

Any employees & WPCs, and Engineers who take part in the trial will be fully trained on the operation and skills required, they will be expected to operate the equipment within the standard operating procedures and Safe Systems of Work which will be reviewed jointly as more is learned about the system in a practical operation. Any resourcing decisions can be taken in the normal way via local discussion at joint weekly resourcing meetings, recognising the need for flexibility to support the trial learning.

Health and Safety is of paramount importance. Therefore, all responsibilities under relevant Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, will be followed and it is confirmed all relevant safety compliance documentation in relation to this activity will be fully developed by RM in consultation with the CWU Health and Safety SMEs.

To comply with the commitments above, for all RM Manufactured AGV trials and deployment:

1. There will be Go / No Go Gateways at each stage.
2. All the required Safe Systems of Work and Standard Operating Procedures will be in place prior to full deployment.3.
3. Each AGV will be tested and commissioned against a set test criterion before being released to the Midlands Hub.
4. Each AGV will be UKCA marked and compliant with ISO standard BS EN ISO 3691-4:2023.
5. There will be designated safe walkways and fire exit routes for people to follow and there will be safe crossing solutions in place where there is a need to cross the AGV lanes. All solutions will have full safety sign-off.
6. Each AGV will have a safety scanner fitted on the front and rear which will be active at all times. These scanners have a warning field and a safety field. If the scanners detect an obstacle or a person in the warning field, the AGV will slow down to a minimum speed until the safety field is triggered and at this point the AGV will stop. The obstacle will need to be removed before the AGV can resume its journey.
7. All AGVs will have two Emergency Stop Push buttons that are easily identified and located in a prominent position.
8. AGV’s will be programmed to stop should the fire alarm be activated. This is a function of the Fleet Manager.
9. The maximum speed the AGV can achieve is 3.2 metres/second.
10. There will be banks of chargers placed at pertinent points around the processing unit. The chargers will be wireless chargers, a very safe charging solution.
11. When not required, the AGV’s will either be on charge or parked up in a designated safe zone.
12. These systems and procedures will be reviewed and updated as necessary during the trial and be classified as fit for purpose once they have been evaluated by the appropriate Royal Mail and CWU safety experts.

We are still in discussions on an outstanding issue concerning the SSOW regarding the movement of York’s. The current process states that Yorks must be pushed, not pulled, however as part of this activity the Yorks will be stored in rows between metal barriers, which will mean an individual having to pull a York to move it onto the vehicle. We are aware the business are currently reviewing and trialing an automated system which hopefully should resolve this outstanding issue.

The business has indicated should the deployment be successful they would like to review if these could be deployed in other locations. We have not agreed with this position and have insisted that the attached TOR relates only to the Midland Hub trial. We have agreed we are open to a discussion on any future deployment of the AGV’s; however, we have reiterated our position concerning any future proposals in that it should not be used just to reduce headcount on site.

The trial should have no impact on current employees, with regard to headcount. There however may be duty impacts as the deployment will reduce or remove LLOP duties currently used to convey Yorks, therefore, some redeployment activity within the site may be required.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Katrina Quirke, Acting Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 190/25.

Yours sincerely,

Katrina Quirke
Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 190/25 – Terms of Reference for the Trial and Deployment of AGVs

Att: AGREED_AGV TOR 2025

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