NATIONAL BRIEFING – WEDNESDAY 11^TH MAY, 1 P.M. – TUC DEMO

Following on from CWU Conference, we will be holding a virtual National Briefing of all CWU Branches on Wednesday 11^th May at 1pm.

The purpose of this Briefing will be to share national plans for mobilising for the TUC Rally in London on 18^th Juneand to set up a programme of work across the whole union.

It is crucial that every Branch is represented on the call and we are also opening up this Briefing to all CWU Representatives.  On this basis, can Branches ensure the content of this LTB is shared with every single CWU Representative.

The details for joining the briefing are below:

https://cwu-org.zoom.us/j/87341938365?pwd=c3Y0dE5xLy9Ld3R4d2g1YkV3ZGxlQT09

Meeting ID: 873 4193 8365

Passcode: 769621

The New Deal for Workers campaign has been led by the CWU and on 18^thJune we must take to the streets in our thousands – CWU members, friends and families together.

I look forward to sharing more details with you at the briefing.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB205 NATIONAL BRIEFING – WEDNESDAY 11th MAY 1pm – TUC DEMO

View Online

CAPITA TVL: PAY – REFERRAL TO ACAS – JOINT STATEMENT

Further to LTB195/22 dated 27^thApril.  As previously reported, Capita TVL has agreed to refer the current impasse on pay for 1^st January 2022 to Acas.  We obviously support this position on the basis of exploring every opportunity to make progress, which is necessary to avoid a dispute.

Below is a Joint Statement in regards to the Acas referral:

Capita TVL & CWU Joint Statement – Pay 2022: Joint Referral to Acas for Collective Conciliation

Following our recent communication in respect of pay bargaining, we have unfortunately reached an impasse whereby the offer made by Capita TVL has been rejected by the CWU. Both parties remain committed to finding a mutually agreeable resolution. To this end, we have jointly agreed to approach Acas (who provide independent dispute resolution services) to invite them to assist us in collective conciliation.

Whilst we will be treating this with urgency, we are nonetheless in the hands of Acas in terms of timescales so we would ask you to be patient whilst both parties engage constructively in this external process.

We will of course communicate with you further in due course when progress is made.

Paul Johnston                                                             Andy Furey

Capita TVL Managing Director                             CWU Assistant Secretary

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB206 Capita TVL – Pay – Referral to Acas – Joint Statement

View Online

Vital update from DGSP Terry Pullinger on pay. Please share as widely as possible.

https://fb.watch/cOdPShadzU/

CWU 2023 Diary

We are now taking orders for CWU 2023 diaries.  Please find attached an electronic diary order form for your branch use.

We continue to offer branches personalised diaries which is inclusive of the diary price.  Branches can personalise an area on the front cover of the CWU pocket diary and also have the option to have a personalised page (printed on one side only) which will be inserted near the front of the pocket diary.

The CWU pocket diary is priced at £2.00 and the A5 desk diary is priced at £3.00.

We also continue to offer branches bulk discount on pocket diaries only on orders of 1,000 or more for £1.50 per diary.

Branches ordering unaltered diaries should return their completed order form by no later than Monday 23^rdSeptember.

Personalised branch diary orders only

Branch personalised diary orders must be returned by no later than Friday 20^th May. On receipt of your order form you will be emailed the appropriate template(s), please ensure to include your email address as this is where your template(s) will be sent together with further instructions.

Please complete your template(s) as soon as possible and note the return deadline is Friday 10^th June. Due to strict deadlines any orders or proofs received after the dates provided may not be processed.

If you would like to use your 2022 diary template(s) and there are no changes, please advise Marcia Murray.

Orders will be based on the following:

Minimum order to personalise front cover: 250 units

Minimum order to insert page: 500 units

Minimum order to personalise front cover and insert page: 500 units

All completed order forms and enquiries on this LTB should be sent to Marcia Murray by email to mmurray@cwu.org

The diaries will be dispatched w/c Monday 26^th September 2022.

Kind regards,

Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media

22LTB201 CWU 2023 DIARY

2023 Diary Order Form

View Online

POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22 – STRIKE OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED

I’m pleased to report support for today’s strike action was overwhelming, with Crown Offices and Supply Chain depots across the country closed, along with solid backing from Admin members.  Picket lines were out in full force to make a stand against the Post Office’s outrageous pay freeze position.

I would like to thank our members, along with Branches, Regional Secretaries, Postal Executive members and Post Office Reps for supporting the strike today.  Following the unprecedented support for strike action amongst our members, Post Office should now listen to the voice of the members who have made it clear they will not be disrespected in this way.

We received numerous photos via Branches, Reps and members, many of which have been shared on social media, including the Union’s facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/TheCommunicationsUnion

There was significant press and media interest in the strike and I was also interviewed live on the BBC news channel – https://vimeo.com/705664598

This interview followed an earlier BBC web story:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61300417

Tellingly, the BBC article confirmed “The Post Office declined to comment.” specifically on the reasons for the dispute – this is because they don’t have any cogent arguments.  There is absolutely no justification for a pay freeze for our members for 2021 (or for that matter an insulting 2% offer for 2022) and Post Office knows it.  Clearly Nick Read, CEO, has a lack of emotional intelligence and is out of touch with the pressures our members are facing in respect of the cost of living crisis.  The CEO needs to take responsibility and authorise his team to get round the bargaining table with realistic mandate, meaning a fair pay offer for our members.

A selection of further press articles can be accessed via the following links:

Sky News https://news.sky.com/story/post-office-workers-strike-over-degrading-pay-offer-after-2021-wage-freeze-12604536

Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/more-100-post-offices-closed-26856647

i https://inews.co.uk/news/post-office-strike-closures-full-list-branches-closed-todays-walkout-when-it-ends-1607670

Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10777173/Post-Office-workers-stage-national-strike-action-today-pay.html

Manchester Evening News https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/post-office-workers-set-strike-23847697

Belfast Live https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/post-office-workers-stage-national-23846281

GB News https://www.gbnews.uk/news/post-office-workers-stage-national-strike-action-today-over-pay/285537

Evening Standard https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/post-office-workers-national-strike-pay-dispute-communication-workers-union-b997548.html

A CWU web article was also published: https://www.cwu.org/news/determined-members-morale-is-sky-high-after-todays-post-office-strike/

Should Post Office continue to ignore the needs of our Key Worker members and in the absence of meaningful pay talks to resolve this dispute, the Postal Executive will consider dates for further action.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB204 Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22 – Strike Overwhelmingly Supported

View Online

Menopause – Motion 97 – Postal Conference 2022

Branches will be aware Motion 97, reproduced below, was submitted to Postal Conference and carried.

97 Menopause and Perimenopause, still a “taboo” subject, with very little information being given to people until they are diagnosed. Often this is too little too late. Menopause is not just a female issue, it is an organisation issue. Conference instructs the Postal Executive to enter negotiations with Royal Mail to set a policy around menopause. The policy would be to introduce an educational menopause training programme for all managers, health & wellbeing ambassadors would be a point of contact for both workers and managers who need advice, or initially someone to talk to. They would also work with HR, CWU H&S department and/or Occupational Health to:

• Run workshops to raise awareness amongst managers and workers.
• Inform staff, through steps such as posters, that the employer will support workers having difficulties because of their symptoms.
• Check that health and safety risk assessments are suitable regarding the perimenopause and menopause.
• Set up a support network for staff.
• Signpost workers and managers for more information, especially highlighting ACAS information around absence managements.

North West No. 1

Whilst asking conference to support the motion, I spoke about some of the work which had already been done by the department on the issue of Menopause.  We were involved in the ‘Let’s Talk about Menopause” which was meant to have been delivered in February/March 2022.  However, it became apparent most branches within the conference were not aware of the document.

Therefore, please find attached to this Letter to Branches (LTB) a copy of the “Let’s Talk – Menopause”.

I would draw specific attention to the following contained within the document.

• The commitment to support members who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and to support members who may be supporting someone through the menopause.
• The importance of members being able to access the right support to help minimise menopausal symptoms and enable them to fulfil their daily work.
• A duty of care for Royal Mail as an employer to create flexible options and make reasonable adjustments.
• Encouraging members to inform your manager at the earliest opportunity and keep them informed by providing updates or having regular ‘check in’ meetings, to ensure you get the best support.
• The setting up of a support network of Meno-Mates. Meno-mates are going to be volunteers who work within the business. They will be supported by lead Meno-mates who will promote the role and facilitate networking between Meno-mates across all business areas. Royal Mail are currently looking for volunteers We encourage Reps and Members to apply to be Meno-mates.
• Support is available in the form of First Class Support, Occupational Health, Signposting to GP’s and Uniform.  Occupational Health (OH) Support is available as an Attendance Support Referral, Counselling referral or Physiotherapy Referral.
• Further support for within your unit is available in the form of flexible working, sick absence and attendance support.

I want to place on record my thanks to the North West No 1 Branch for putting the motion into Conference which enabled us to have the debate on this extremely important topic.

Some statistics about the menopause: –

• 44% of women, trans and non-binary people have said it affects their work
• 14% have said they have reduced their hours and 10% have given up work due to the menopause.
• Going through the menopause massively affects Mental Wellbeing with 70% of women, trans and non-binary people saying they experience anxiety and depression.
• Many do not want to talk about it, despite it being completely natural.

The CWU want to be part of breaking the taboo of Menopause and I hope this document starts the journey, providing support to CWU Branches, Reps and Members.

We will be continuing our discussions within the businesses we represent and look to ensure our members experiencing Menopause symptoms will get the best support available, to either support them whilst they are at work or enable them to return to work as soon as they are able.

Please give this LTB the widest possible circulation to ensure reps and members know the support which should be available for them.

Any enquiries on this LTB should be sent to the PTCS department, telephone number 020 8971 7455, via email khay@cwu.org quoting reference number 420 or writing into the department.

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden
CWU Assistant Secretary

Postal Technical & Central Services Department (PTCS)

Attachment 1: 22LTB203 Menopause – Motion 97 – Postal Conference 2022

Attachment 2: Attachment to 22LTB203 – Menopause Factsheet v14

View Online

Election of National Delegations 2022

• TUC Congress: 11^th – 14^thSeptember, Brighton
• Labour Party Conference: 25^th– 28^th September, Liverpool

The NEC has agreed the 2022 election arrangements for the National delegations listed above. Accordingly please find attached the Election Regulations, Nomination Forms and Candidates Consent and Biographical Detail Form for these elections.

Labour Party Conference – 2022

Please note that for the 2022 Conference the Labour Party have advised that to be eligible to be a delegate at this particular conference, nominees/applicants will need to have 6 months continuous membership as at 17^th June 2022.

Accordingly, all nominees who joined the Labour Party after 17^th December 2021 will not be eligible to be a delegate at the 2022 conference.

Additionally would branches please note that all nominees/candidates for the Labour Party delegation mustcomplete sections B, C, D, E, F and H of the attached Labour Party Annual Conference delegate application form, and this must be attached to the candidate consent form which must be returned to CWU HQ by the closing date for CWU nominations.  

Dispatch and Return of Nomination Forms to CWU HQ

Nomination forms will be sent to branches electronically (attached to this LTB).  Branches are required to return all completed nomination forms by email to branchballots@cwu.org.  The details of this will be included on the nomination form.

Nomination Forms will need to be returned by the advertised closing date to be included in the list of candidates.  

Dispatch and Return of Voting Papers

The respective constituency based voting papers will be sent by email direct to branches at the email address which we hold on file.  Branches should return the completed voting papers by email to the advertised CWU election email address branchballots@cwu.org.  Notification will be sent to branches confirming receipt of the voting paper, however it will the responsibility of the branch to ensure that voting papers are returned to the correct email address.

To be included in the ballot voting papers will need to have been returned by the advertised closing date and time.  

Branch Voting Recommendations

Clearly we are in unique and challenging times and whilst branches would normally arrange mandating meetings to decide which candidates to vote for in the respective elections we do not believe that this is either practical or necessary during the current crisis.  Therefore, on this occasion this decision can be made by the Branch Committee and the decision subsequently notified to members of their branch accordingly.

The timetable for the election is:

Nominations open:                       3 May 2022

Nominations close:                       17 May 2002 (14:00)

Despatch ballot papers:               24 May 2022

Ballot closes:                                  7 June 2022 (14:00)

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

22LTB202

Election Regulations TUC & Labour Party Congress 2022

TUC Nomination Forms 2022

TUC Candidate Biographical Detail & Consent Form

LP Nomination Forms 2022

Labour Party Affiliate Delegate Application Form

LP Candidates Biographical Detail and Consent Form

View Online

POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22 – STRIKE TUESDAY 3^RDMAY

Further to LTB 196/22 dated 27^thApril.

Emergency Motion E4 – Post Office Pay Dispute was carried unanimously this morning at the Postal Annual Conference.  A good debate took place, with strong support from across the Union for our members due to Post Office’s insulting pay freeze position.

Many Branches are already reporting plans to support our members on picket lines on the strike day – Tuesday 3^rd May.  Our Senior Post Office Reps have the full details of the locations of all picket lines; therefore please contact the relevant Rep for further information.  Additionally, Branches are urged to garner support on the day from MPs and local politicians, councillors, etc as well as the press and media (using the model press release attached to LTB 196 if required).

It should also be noted that Unite have sent out a positive communication to their members re-enforcing the policy that managers should not take on the work of CWU grades if requested to do so by senior management.

A further home mailing was sent to members yesterday, which is attached for your information and following the carrying of the Emergency Motion, a web article has been posted:

We stand as one, united with our Post Office members

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 22LTB200 Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22 – Strike Tuesday 3rd May

Attachment 2: Attachment to 22LTB200 – Home Mailing POL bulletin

View Online

Hi All,

The Comms department has a host of conference related content and thought it would be good to have it all in one post for you. Obviously there is a lot of other material on our social media channels.

Find daily web reports here https://www.cwu.org/news-and-activity/news/

Videos….

Day 1 https://fb.watch/cHNNeG2Ca1/

Equality Day https://fb.watch/cHNOW2ug1j/

Terry Pullinger after Royal Mail Pay motion https://fb.watch/cHNPT-rTLg/

Dave Ward, Andy Kerr and Karen Rose after BT Group pay motion https://fb.watch/cHNRFFmnRM/

Carl Maden on the right to face to face appeals in Royal Mail Group https://fb.watch/cHNTZwXTWa/

Andy Furey on the Post Office strike https://fb.watch/cHNVON4w3N/

Podcast with Dave Ward to round up the whole conference https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/zCKHTvh7TG4zduxd7

Enjoy!

Policy Simplification

As reported at the recent Policy Forum, Royal Mail have undertaken with our involvement a review of all their policies with a view to reducing the 178 policies to 35 and they have today launched the initial six of these policies.

Royal Mail’s communication on this launch is attached to this LTB.

The Department has scrutinised these simplified versions and are satisfied they do not cut across any of our agreements. We have also made suggested changes, many of which have been incorporated into the simplified version.

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB please contact: The PTCS Department reference 420, email address: khay@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary

LTB 199/22

Att: RM Comms.28.04.22

View Online