Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains. Karl Marx.
Some of the press coverage on the ballot result to share
BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62219565.amp
Guardian https://amp.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/19/royal-mail-staff-vote-strike-pay-dispute-cwu
Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-mail-strike-pay-dispute-b2126694.html?amp
Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/07/19/royal-mail-staff-vote-launch-biggest-strike-summer/
DGSP Terry Pullinger on BBC Breakfast this morning
Facebook https://fb.watch/enmrbNNLUf/
Twitter https://twitter.com/cwunews/status/1549635119941619712?s=21&t=w1X0LdjIoITDriVHHVM_mg
Royal Mail response
Message from Ricky McAulay – CWU Announces Ballot Result
Today the CWU informed us of the result of their ballot, and we are disappointed the vote was in favour of strike action.
The business is at a crossroads. Now is not the right time for the uncertainty and damage that industrial action would bring. Now is the time to agree on a deal that includes the changes we need to set us up for tomorrow, not just today.
Operations Development Director Ricky McAulay has an important message for colleagues, following the result of the CWU’s ballot:
‘Today the CWU informed us of the result of their ballot, and we are disappointed the vote was in favour of strike action.
We offered a deal worth up to 5.5% for CWU grade colleagues, the biggest increase we have offered for many years, which the CWU rejected. We can only fund this offer by making the changes that will pay for it and ensure Royal Mail can grow and remain competitive in a fast-moving industry.
Despite nearly three months of talks, the CWU have not engaged in any meaningful discussion on the changes we need to make to adapt. Ensuring we can change, at pace, is the route to protecting well-paid, permanent, jobs long term and retain our place as the industry leader on pay and terms and conditions.
That is in the interest of Royal Mail and all its employees.
We have asked CWU for further talks, and are hopeful that continuing our talks on change will lead to an agreement that avoids detrimental industrial action.
Industrial action on this scale will be incredibly damaging for Royal Mail.
The business is at a crossroads. We are operating in a challenging business environment with high inflation, supply chain disruption and changing customer preferences. We have to change, and change now.
Now is not the right time for the uncertainty industrial action will bring. Now is the time to agree on a deal that includes the changes we need to set us up for tomorrow, not just today.
We remain committed to working with the CWU to grow this great business and ensure long term job security for us all.’
2022 Dispute Relating to CWU Pay Claim for CWU Represented Grades Employed by Royal Mail Group Consisting of Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Fleet
Please find attached a copy of the declaration of the result for the recent industrial action ballot of the above CWU members employed by Royal Mail Group.
The current legislation requires the union to provide all persons entitled to vote in the ballot and the relevant employers “as soon as is reasonably practicable” after holding of the ballot the following information:
Therefore the ballot result meets the required threshold.
Accordingly you must now take immediate steps to publicise the result to all relevant members, however it is essential that any communications regarding the result must as a minimum contain the information as detailed at items a) to f) inclusively above.
Branches are also reminded that only the National Executive Council has the authority to instruct members to take industrial action.
Further information regarding the next steps of the dispute will be circulated by the DGS (Postal) in due course.
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,Terry PullingerTony KearnsDave WardDeputy General Secretary Postal Senior Deputy General SecretaryGeneral Secretary
Re: Severe Heat Red Weather Warning – RMP&FS Workforce:
This is a further update to LTBs 311/22, 310/22, 308/22, 306/22, 305/22 226/22 and 213/22.
Over the weekend and earlier this morning discussions have taken place with the RMG Interim Global Safety Director and RMP&FS senior Directors and Managers regarding the impact of the Met Office Red Warning hot weather alert on the RMP&FS workforce and services provided by RMP&FS across Royal Mail Group.
Further to the communication issued yesterday, Sunday 17 July 2022, an additional communication Was issued earlier today with the following key points communicated to all RMP&FS workers:-
See attached:
RMG/RMPFS Managers Red Weather Warning Update Communication dated 17 July 2022 and additional communication dated 18 July 2022 – issued by Stuart Davies Director of Property & Facilities Solutions Ltd (PFSL) and Phil Graham RMG Interim Safety Director
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
22LTB312 Severe Heat Red Weather Warning RMPFS Workforce
RMPFS – Red Weather Warning Communication Update Communication(V2)
As you will be aware, we will be holding a press conference to announce the result of the strike ballot in Royal Mail Group at approx. 4pm today.
We will stream the result live on the CWU Facebook, YouTube and Twitter channels.
The session can be viewed by simply going to the national accounts above at 4pm or via the direct links below:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/326448956186549/videos/1411076889373293
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHvzZLQIcjY
Please get this information out to every member.
See you all at 4!
Re: Severe Heat Red Weather Warning – Distribution and Collections Drivers:
This is a further update to LTBs 310/22, 308/22, 306/22, 305/22 226/22 and 213/22.
This LTB should be read in conjunction with LTB 310/22 and the attachment to that LTB.
Following a number of enquiries from ASRs and Branches regarding Collections
and Distributions Drivers, the issue was subject to further discussions this morning with Royal Mail Directors and from there a further additional message has now been issued to
All managers from the Operations Director Ricky McAulay and Safety Director Phil
Graham (see copy attached).
Further to the previous message to all Managers regarding the Met Office’s red weather warning, in place for Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July, the additional message issued today to Managers confirms that the guidance issued applies to all staff – and includes all collections and distribution drivers (including drivers of 7.5 tonne trucks).
Managers should check the Met Office website and recall all colleagues including drivers to the office if the temperature reaches 35 degrees C or above.
Drivers should return to their base as soon as possible, and be given further guidance based on the Severe Weather Risk Assessment which should be undertaken in consultation with CWU ASRs and WSRs.
Managers have been told to work with the affected workforce and CWU Safety Reps in periods of high temperatures and allow staff to make personal judgements throughout the day.
All workers should be advised to cover up, drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, apply sunscreen – and return to the office if at any time they feel unwell due to the heat and intense sunlight.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
LTB 311-22 – Severe Heat Met Office Red Weather Warning For 18 and 19 July 2022
Red weather warning – collections and distribution drivers including 7.5.._
Re: Severe Heat – Met Office Red Weather Warning For 18 and 19 July 2022 – Royal Mail Group Message To All Managers/PiCs from Ricky McAulay RM Operations Development Director and Phil Graham RMG Interim Safety Director:
This LTB reiterates the e-mail sent directly to all CWU ASRs yesterday morning, Sunday 16 July 2022.
I would firstly refer all Branches to the contents of LTBs 308/22, 306/22, 305/22 226/22 and 213/22.
Consultation discussions have been taking place with Royal Mail Group on Friday, Saturday and Sunday regarding the current heat wave red warning issued by the UK Met Office and the implications for the Royal Mail Group workforce as a whole, both indoor and outdoor but for the outdoor workforce in particular who will be most affected.
A communication was issued yesterday by Royal Mail Group Directors on the imminent Met Office “Red Weather Warning” and the need for the implementation of the ‘Severe Weather Risk Assessment’ (SWRA) process in all Offices on a daily basis.
A copy of the Royal Mail Group communication is attached for your urgent and priority attention. (Note: Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail Property and Facilities Solutions have issued their own badged versions of the communication).
The communication sets out the businesses’ approach to dealing with the Red Warning heat wave situation and gives a clear national steer to managers /PiCs with full CWU ASR/WSR involvement locally.
When temperatures reach the Met Office ‘Red level Warning’ temperature limit of 35C or 95F, all outdoor work will stop at that point and everyone must be back at the Office.
When ‘Amber level Warnings’ are in place, a SWRA local risk assessment is to be carried out and decisions on delivery and collection adjustments as necessary decided upon locally.
As an example, a lot of Delivery Offices will be going out 2 hours earlier and finishing at mid-day. Other examples of possible adjustments are; reducing weight, reducing delivery spans and cutting off, reducing/limiting walking distances, using vans with mico-loops, shortening delivery walks/rounds etc, etc – to be decided on locally in consultation with CWU Reps through the SWRA process.
Some areas are affected by the Red Warning more than others and the Red Warning does not apply to many parts of the UK. The Manager/PiC needs to check the Met Office Website which indicates the geographic area where the Red Warning is in place. The Website also gives hourly temperature forecasts and up to date information on any changing warnings levels and affected areas. An hour by hour forecast is given and temperatures get worse as the day goes on, in later afternoon in most cases.
Personal Judgement and if Unwell due to the Heat, Return To The Office
The communication instructs Managers to make sure they work with their staff and CWU Safety Reps in periods of high temperatures and to allow staff to make personal judgements throughout the day and return to the office if at any time they feel unwell due to the heat and intense sunlight.
“Severe Weather Risk Assessment” (SWRA)
The SWRA is to be completed daily with ASR/WSR involvement. Managers must carry out a Severe Weather Risk Assessment (SWRA) in consultation with the CWU ASR/WSR to assess the controls required for the conditions the workforce are experiencing that day and where the heat, temperature and the periods of sun exposure have increased
significantly as at present, take appropriate action to mitigate any risks.
Vulnerable Workers and Pregnant Workers
Vulnerable workers with underlying health issues and pregnant workers are to be individually risk assessed to ensure their health and wellbeing is protected.
“Stay Safe in the Sun”
For outdoor delivery and collection workers/CWU members, it is vitally important to remember that working outdoors in hot sunny weather poses health risks such as sunlight/UV ray exposure, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Managers have been reminded to convey the key “Stay Safe in the Sun” messages and guidance to the workforce.
CWU ASR/WSR involvement and consultation
Full CWU ASR/WSR involvement and consultation is part of the SWRA process. The Manager must consult the CWU ASR/WSR on the assessment and controls as set out in the assessment process and take account of the ASR/WSR input. The red weather warning communication re-emphasises the CWU ASR/WSR involvement.
ASR/WSR ACTION:
unwell due to the heat and intense sunlight.
Attachments:
Regards and Best Wishes.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
LTB 310-22 – Severe Heat Met Office Red Weather Warning For 18 and 19 July 2022
Message from Ricky McAulay and Phil Graham – red weather warning 16 July.._
Communication Workers Union
Dave Joyce National Health & Safety Officer
150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX
Tel: 020 8971 7365/7308 E-Mail: djoyce@cwu.org
17 July 2022
IMPORTANT
To All ASRs – Special Attention
Dear Colleagues,
RE: Severe Heat – Met Office Red Weather Warning 18-19 July 2022 – Royal Mail Group Message To All
Managers/PiCs from Ricky McAulay RM Operations Development Director and Phil Graham RMG Interim
Safety Director:
I would firstly refer you all to the contents of LTBs 308/22, 306/22, 305/22 226/22 and 213/22.
Consultation discussions have been taking place with Royal Mail Group on Friday, Saturday and Sunday regarding the
current heat wave red warning from the UK Met Office and the implications for the Royal Mail Group workforce as a
whole indoor and outdoor but for the outdoor workforce in particular who will be most affected.
A communication has now been issued by Royal Mail Group Directors on the imminent Met Office “Red Weather
Warning” and implementation of the ‘Severe Weather Risk Assessment’ (SWRA) process. A copy of the communication
is attached for your urgent and priority attention.
This communication sets out the businesses’ approach to dealing with the Red Warning heat wave situation and gives
a clear national steer to managers /PiCs with full the CWU ASR/WSR involvement locally.
When temperatures reach the Met Office ‘Red level Warning’ temperature limit of 35C or 95F, all outdoor work will
stop at that point and everyone must be back at the Office.
When ‘Amber level Warnings’ are in place, the SWRA local risk assessment is to be made and decisions on delivery
adjustments decided upon locally.
As an example, a lot of Delivery Offices will be going out 2 hours earlier and finishing at mid-day. Other example
possible adjustments are; reducing weight, reducing delivery spans and cutting off, reducing/limiting walking
distances, using vans with mico-loops, shortening delivery walks/rounds etc, etc – to be decided on locally in
consultation with CWU Reps.
Some areas are effected more than others and the Manager/PiC needs to check the Met Office Website which
indicates the geographic area where the Red Warning is in place. The Website also gives hourly temperature
situations and up to date information on any changing warnings levels, temperature and affected areas. An
hour by hour forecast is given as temperatures get worse as the day goes on, in later afternoon.
Personal Judgement and if Unwell due to the Heat Return To The Office
The communication instructs Managers to make sure they work with their staff and CWU Safety Reps in periods
of high temperatures and to allow staff to make personal judgements throughout the day and return to the
office if at any time they feel unwell due to the heat and intense sunlight.
“Severe Weather Risk Assessment” (SWRA)
The SWRA is to be completed daily with ASR/WSR involvement. Managers must carry out a Severe Risk
Assessment (SWRA) in consultation with the CWU ASR to assess the controls required for the conditions the
workforce are experiencing and where the heat, temperature and the periods of sun exposure have increased
significantly as at present, take appropriate action to mitigate any risks.
Vulnerable Workers and Pregnant Workers
Vulnerable workers with underlying health issues and pregnant workers are to be individually risk assessed to
ensure their health and wellbeing is protected.
“Stay Safe in the Sun”
For outdoor delivery and collection CWU members it is vitally important to remember that working outdoors in
hot sunny weather poses health risks such as sunlight/UV ray exposure, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Managers have been reminded to convey the key “Stay Safe in the Sun” messages and guidance to the
workforce.
CWU ASR/WSR involvement and consultation
Full CWU ASR/WSR involvement and consultation is part of the SWRA process. The Manager must consult the
CWU ASR/WSR on the assessment and controls as set out in the assessment process and take account of the
ASR/WSR input. The red weather warning communication re-emphasises the CWU ASR/WSR involvement.
ASR/WSR ACTION:
Ø Ensure all Units carry out daily Severe Weather Risk Assessments during the heatwave in
consultation with the ASR/WSR and that appropriate fit for purpose risk control actions are
taken.
Ø Any non-compliance by Unit managers should be progressed by the ASR via the nationally
agreed Health and Safety Disputes/Escalations process as set out in RMG SHE Standard 5.1.
Ø Convey the ‘Sun Safety’ messages to members repeatedly – Cover Up/Keep the dangerous
sun off your skin. Use Sunscreen/sunblock on any exposed skin and avoid sunburn which can
lead to skin cancer. Take extra breaks in the shade. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
to stay hydrated. Sunburn and Dehydration are dangerous.
Attachments:
Ø Message from Ricky McAulay and Phil Graham – red weather warning 16.07.22
Ø RMG SHE Huddle FY22 022 ‘Sun Safety
Note: Parcelforce and RMP&FS versions of the communication are also being issued to reinforce the message
and they will be circulated in due course.
Regards and Best Wishes.
Yours sincerely
DJ
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 