CWU VIRTUAL SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE – 7^TH, 8^TH AND 9^TH NOVEMBER

The purpose of this LTB is to remind branches who have not already done so, to register for the Special conference and to also draw to your attention our latest podcast which can be found on the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/the-cwu/conference-2021?si=d1e6d471f9244a17b3979e35bbc69db6

The podcast sets the scene for the conference and my opening address, which will focus on the real choices that we face over the future of the CWU and our movement.

Finally, when registering for the event, we would ask branches to ensure that their delegations are balanced to cover the makeup of our industrial, political and equality work.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office – jdunn@cwu.org

Regards

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 465/21 – CWU Virtual Special General Conference – 7th, 8th and 9th November

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Election of National Representative Positions – 2021

• Postal Standing Orders Committee – Vacancies

Further to LTB 321/21 dated 4^thAugust 2021, at the close of the nomination period the following Postal Standing Orders Committee (Vacancies) positions remain vacant:

• 2 Positions – 1 of whom must be a Woman and 1 of whom must be Bame.

The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the National positions listed above.  Accordingly please find attached the relevant election regulations, appendices and nomination forms.

In accordance with the CWU policy of improving proportionality at all levels of the union branches will wish to note that Women and BAME quotas have now been included in the composition of the Standing Orders Committee positions.

Additionally branches are advised that the elections for the SOC in 2021 will be conducted using revised arrangements, a summary of which is set out below:

Nomination Process

In respect of seeking nominations branches will need to put in place a robust system and use all reasonable methods at their disposal to publish suitable notification throughout the branch area giving members the opportunity to submit their name for nomination to the position should they choose to do so.  Following this the branch would need to put in place arrangements to hold a branch to decide which candidate(s) will receive the branch nomination.

Where necessary this can be conducted via a suitable video conference platform such as Zoom or Skype, etc.

Dispatch and Return of Nomination Forms to CWU HQ

Nomination forms will be sent to branches electronically (attached to this LTB) and it will be our intention to set up a specific dedicated election email address where branches should return completed nomination forms to.  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. 

The revised system will avoid the necessity to return forms in the post system which of course may be subject to delay during the current Covid-19 crisis.

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.  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.  

Election Timetable 

The election timetable for the above will be as follows:

Nominations open:  3 November 2021

Nominations close:  17 November 2021 (14:00)

Despatch ballot papers from: 19 November 2021

Ballots closes:  3 December 2021 (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   

LTB 464/21

Regulations – SOC Vacancies 2021

Nomination Form SOC Vacancies 2021

Candidates Biograhical & Consent Form

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Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Anti-Racism Framework

Following the CWU anti-racism statement published in LTB 213/21 and ahead of the CWU Virtual Special General Conference, please find attached a CWU anti-racism framework booklet for branches attention.

The purpose of the framework is to reaffirm our objectives and goals and to provide a fresh and structured approach on how we aim to build on our existing anti-racism work as set out in the NEC Motion.

The framework focuses on 4 key areas for development:

1. Leadership and Representation
2. Working within our structures and empowering communities
3. Building awareness and changing attitudes through education
4. International Solidarity

We hope branches and members find this information useful and look forward to the session at the Virtual Special General Conference.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson 
Head of Equality, Education & Development

Dave Ward
General Secretary

21LTB 463 – Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Anti-Racism Framework

06617 CWU Anti-Racism Booklet -21LTB 463

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING THE DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARCEL SORTING MACHINES WITHIN THE MAIL CENTRE ESTATE/RDC ESTATE

Branches and representatives will be aware that a Terms of Reference was agreed in 2018 covering the deployment of 20 parcel sorting machines across 16 Mail Centres (LTB 355/18 refers). Subsequently in August 2021 Phase 2A of the deployment was progressed which involved the deployment of a further 4 PSM’s (LTB 359/21 refers).

Royal Mail are now ready to deploy a further roll out of parcel sorting machines with another supplier, Solystic, across the Mail Centre estate, which will be known as Phase 2b.

Discussions have therefore taken place in relation to a Joint Statement to support the activity. A copy of the Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, is attached for information.

In summary there are 9 machines which are in the process of being built and deployed across 8 identified units, based on local planning and engagement between the project team, the Mail Centre teams and the CWU within the parameters set out in the attached document and the 2018 Agreement.

These new machines are smaller in size and scope to the existing PSM’s and there are some structural and operational differences between the two machines, which will require slightly different ways of working to ensure the safe and effective running of the machines is maintained.

The following 8 Mail Centres will receive a Phase 2b parcel sorting machine (in planned deployment order). The precise deployment dates to each site will be kept under review as the rollout progresses and will be confirmed at local site planning and engagement meetings and via the CWU National Joint Working Group for Parcels Automation.

1. North West Midlands Mail Centre (x 2 machines)

2. London Central Mail Centre

3. Cardiff Mail Centre

4. Southampton Mail Centre

5. Croydon Mail Centre

6. N Ireland Mail Centre

7. Romford Mail Centre

8. Edinburgh Mail Centre

The 2018 TOR covering the deployment of the PSM’s into the operation, which covers training, rotations, selection processes and staffing levels remains unchanged and is attached in the Joint Statement.

This PSM however, has a lower throughput and will require one less operator at the induct area to run the machine, which means the following staffing levels will be required:

5 x Induct operators (the other machines have 6)

2 x York Tippers

2 x Porters

I x Eject/Reject

The CWU will continue to be fully involved in the deployment activity and monitoring in line with the 2018 agreement.

The Phase 2b deployment will take the number of PSM’s across the Mail Centre Network to 33. This is not an end state number and work continues on the future PSM deployment strategy and time line. The expectation remains that the final deployment plan will see Parcel Automation introduced at all current Mail Centre sites.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 732.01

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 461-21

JS Phase 2B PSM Deployment 29.10.21

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Residential / Online Education & Training Programme 2022

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that the NEC has endorsed a programme of courses for 2022.

Residential Programme
Arrangements have been made for our residential training programme to be delivered at The Elstead Hotel, 12-14 Knyveton Road, Bournemouth BH1 3QP.
Representative’s accommodation costs on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis will be met centrally.

Branches are responsible for student travel and any other appropriate expenses.
National Residential Programme – Venue: The Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QP
National Residential Programme – Venue: The Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QPDateCourseCut-off Date for applicationsJan 19^th – 21^stPublic Speaking28^th NovJan 24^th – 28^thOccupational Health & Safety week 15^th DecJan 31^st – 4^th FebEmployment Law  week 112^th DecFeb 7^th – 11^thEqual Rights Part 119^th DecFeb 14^th – 18^thEssential Skills Part 119^th DecFeb 21^st – 25^thPostal Agreements & Procedures19^th DecFeb 28^th – 4^th MarIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 19^th JanMar 7^th – 11^thAdvanced Skills 216^th JanMar 14^th – 18^thOccupational Health week 223^rd JanMar 21^st – 25^thEmployment Law  week 230^th JanMar 29^th – 31^stChairing Meetings6^th FebApr 4^th – 8^thEssential Skills Part 213^th FebApr 12^th – 14^thWomen’s Leadership20^th FebApr 19^th – 21^stNeurodiversity27^th FebApr 18^th – 22^ndIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 227^th FebApr 25^th – 29^thNo course, CWU ConferenceMay 4^th – 6^thMental Health Awareness13^th MarMay 9^th – 13^thBranch Secretaries (new course)20^th MarMay 16^th – 20^thEssential Skills Part 127^th MarMay 17^th – 19^thBAME Leadership Part 127^th  MarMay 17^th – 19^thInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)27^th MarMay 23^rd – 27^thOccupational Health & Safety week 33^rd AprJune 6^th – 10^thEmployment Law week 315^th AprJune 6^th – 10^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 115^th AprJune 13^th – 17^thUnion Learning Reps Part 122^nd AprJune 27^th – 1^st JulyEqual Rights Part 26^th MaySept 5^th – 9^thPostal Agreements & Procedures16^th JulSept 13^th – 15^thPublic Speaking23^rd JulSept 19^th – 23^rdAdvanced Skills Part 129^th JulSept 27^th – 29^thBAME Leadership Part 26^th AugOct 3^rd – 7^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 113^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 220^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thEssential Skills Part 220^th AugOct 17^th – 21^stPostal Agreements & Procedures27^th AugOct 24^th – 28^thOccupational Health & Safety week  43^rd SepOct 31^st – 4^th NovEmployment Law week 410^th SepNov 7^th – 11^thAdvanced Skills Part 217^th SepNov 15^th – 17^thMental Health Awareness24th SepNov 21^st – 25^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 21st OctNov 28^th – 30^thWomen’s Leadership8^th Oct

Online Programme
Given that this method of delivery during the pandemic has been extremely well received, we have arranged to offer a smaller programme of online education enabling students to access courses using this method.

We have purposely matched dates of these with the residential programme to allow potential to pilot a “hybrid” approach where students can “stream” in to a live classroom situation.Online course schedule  – Provider to be advised on applicationDateCourseCut-off Date for applicationsFeb 7^th – 11^thEqual Rights Part 119^th DecFeb 14^th – 18^thEssential Skills Part 119^th DecFeb 21^st – 25^thPostal Agreements & Procedures19^th DecFeb 28^th – 4^th MarIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 19^th JanMar 29^th– 31^stChairing Meetings6th FebApr 4^th – 8^thEssential Part 213^th FebApr 12^th – 14^thWomen’s Leadership20^th FebApr 18^th – 22^ndIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 227^th FebMay 16^th – 20^thEssential Skills Part 127^th MarMay 17^th – 19^thInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)27^th MarJune 6^th – 10^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 115^th AprJune 13^th – 17^thUnion Learning Reps Part 122^nd AprJune 27^th – 1^st JulyEqual Rights Part 26^th MaySept 5^th – 9^thPostal Agreements & Procedures16^th JulOct 3^rd – 7^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 113^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thEssential Skills Part 220^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 220^th AugOct 17^th – 21^stPostal Agreements & Procedure27^th AugNov 15^th – 17^thMental Health Awareness24^th SepNov 21^st  – 25^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 21^st OctNov 28^th – 30^thWomen’s Leadership8^th Oct

IT, Infrastructure and learning differences
Having tested online delivery of samples on both accredited and unaccredited courses, it is crucial that the student is set up appropriately and in good time before the training commences.

The learner must preferably have access to a good PC or laptop. Tablets can be used but have some limitation in our experience. Attending training courses using a mobile phone will not be allowed.

There must be a stable internet connection from the learning is taking place.

Colleges will also be in contact before the course to advise of any additional requirements.

We would appreciate Branches / ULRs assistance in ensuring any applicants are prepared in line with the above points. If any representative encounters difficulties getting set up with IT equipment in preparation for course attendance, please advise their Branch Secretary, Union Learning Rep or the Equality, Education & Development Dept. as soon as possible.

Additionally, upon application; please ensure that we are aware in good time of any adjustments that may need to be arranged such as issues relating to dyslexia or sight / hearing differences. 

CWU Regional / Local Programme
Branches are aware that historically we also supplement our residential and online programmes by “on demand” courses where local CWU Branches / Regions can request courses be delivered locally.

Branches can request courses to be delivered using this model by emailing courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Student numbers
Successive funding cuts continue to be a factor in our discussions with our various providers. It is therefore necessary to be clear at the outset that minimum student numbers will need to be strictly adhered to. There will be an expectation that 14 students will be confirmed as attending local courses at least 6 weeks in
advance of the course to allow it to run.

Interim Application Process
Due to unforeseen circumstances the OLS course application process is not in use at present. Branch Secretaries should email applications to courseadmin@cwu.org containing the following:

 Name of Officer/Representative
 Membership number
 Email
 Name of course
 Date of course

Where applications are being made for both residential and online versions of the same course, Branch Secretaries should indicate the preference order by stating:

Choice A and Choice B

As previously, all applicants MUST be registered on the OLS as a Role holder or applications will not be able to be processed.

We hope to restore the OLS application process as soon as possible and will keep Branches informed accordingly.

Release & Notice
Paid release should normally apply where the union is recognised and/or in line with any existing agreements.

Please forward any enquiries relating to this LTB to courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

21LTB 462 – Residential Online Education & Training Programme 2022

Election of National Representative Positions – 2021

• Members Auditors

The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the National Representative positions listed above.  Accordingly please find attached the regulations and nomination form for this election.

Branches will wish to note that the term of office for these positions is for a 2-year period commencing 1^st January 2022.

The timetable for the elections is as follows:

Nominations open:  2 November 2021      

Nominations close:  16 November 2021 (14:00)

Dispatch ballot papers:  23 November 2021

Ballot closes:  7 December 2021 (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

LTB 460/21

Regulations 2021

Nomination Forms

Consent & Biographical Details Form

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OPENREACH LTD. – Fibre Network Delivery (FND) Career Pathway Update

Letter to Branches 697/2019 set out the basis of an agreement relating to the career pathway within FND.  The National Team (NT) has been in detailed discussions with the company on a revised and enhanced approach to that career pathway.  These are additions to the existing process that will see more of our members move to the Advanced Engineer paypoint and grade.  As well as improving the pathway for those carrying out repayments activities in the field, a new pathway has been developed which recognises the fibre build activities carried out by our members.  For repayments activities, a brand new web based training package and buddying checklist has been developed to support our members on that pathway.

The revised approach will apply in FND from Monday 1 November 2021.  The attached letter and slides set out the detail of both new approaches and form an additional agreement to that contained in the LTB mentioned above, specifically the pay uplift mechanism.

As a result of the agreement, circa 160 team members will progress based on the existing pathway provisions and a further circa 300 will progress based on the revised approach.  Finally, it is expected that a further circa 250 team members will progress to the Advanced Engineer level in the next 4 months.  It is important the Branches assist any individuals who believe they meet the existing or new criteria and are not contacted by their line manager.

The CWU and company will review the introduction of the new approach in the next 6 months. We would therefore welcome feedback from Branches on its rollout from a local perspective.  The NT will continue to update Branches both directly and via the Regional Co-ordinators in the weeks and months ahead.

Also attached are the communications issued by the company today, managers at 2.00 p.m. and team members at 3.00 p.m.

Any enquiries from Branches regarding this LTB should be referred to my office in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Bowman

Assistant Secretary

LTB 457/21 – OPENREACH LTD. – Fibre Network Delivery (FND) Career Pathway Update

LTB 457 – ATTACHMENT 1

LTB 457 – ATTACHMENT 2

LTB 457 – ATTACHMENT 3

LTB 457 – ATTACHMENT 4

LTB 457 – ATTACHMENT 5

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The Post Office – Election of:

• 7 Post Office Area Representatives Crowns/Admin
• 2 Post Office Representatives for Supply Chain

Further to LTB 442/21 dated 13^thOctober 2021. At the close of nominations at 14.00 on the 28^thOctober 2021 the following had been received:

AREA REPRESENTATIVES CROWNS/ADMINSCOTLAND & NI  Carole BowmakerGlasgow & District Amal*Elected   NORTH WALES & NORTH WEST  Neil BarryNorth Lancs & Cumbria*Elected SOUTH WALES /SOUTH ENGLAND Chris RochePlymouth & East Cornwall*Elected   NORTH WEST LONDON  Garrie BondLondon Phoenix*Elected   NORTH EAST  Richard TitteringtonLeeds No 1 Amal*Elected ANGLIA & MIDLANDS  Tim PavelinEastern No 4*Elected   EASTERN & NORTH LONDON Clive TicknerNorth/North West London*Elected

SUPPLY CHAIN REPRESENTATIVESNORTH AREABALLOT REQUIREDDavid BowmakerGlasgow & District Amal Alan RobertstonGrampian & Shetland AmalSOUTH AREARobert Peter JonesEast London Postal*Elected

The timetable for the above ballot is as follows:

Ballot Papers Dispatched: Wednesday 3^rd November 2021

Ballot Close:  Wednesday 17^thNovember 2021

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

LTB 459/21

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CWU Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Standing Order Report

Please find attached the following:

• General Conference SOC Report Supplementary No.1

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 458/21 – CWU Virtual Special General Conference – Standing Orders Report.doc

Att: SVGC 2021 SOR No.1

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Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms (140db) To Postal Workers

This is a further short update following LTBs 422/2021 issued on 6 October 2021 and 435/2021 issued on 11 October 2021.

LTBs 422/2021 and 435/2021 reported that agreement had been reached with Royal Mail Group for the provision of Personal Attack Alarms for CWU members and that following discussions with Royal Mail Group and ‘Dimensions’ the company’s work-wear supplier, it had been agreed that the new Personal Attack Alarms (PAAs) would be made available on the Royal Mail Group website/uniform ordering portal, date to be confirmed, following which CWU members could pre-order the item.

I’m pleased to report further progress, and on Thursday 21 October, the Personal Attack Alarms went live on the Royal Mail uniform ordering portal for pre-orders of the alarms. To date Royal Mail has received 600 orders.

As previously reported, a first initial order for 5,000 alarms was placed with manufacturers and as a result of measuring the rate of orders so far, as well as to ensure Royal Mail maintains a continuous supply, a further order has been placed with the manufacturer for another 5,000 alarms.

Royal Mail expect delivery of the first batch in mid/late November with the second batch shortly thereafter (tbc).

See attached ‘screen shot’ of the Personal Attack Alarm (PAA) showing on the Royal Mail website/portal for your information.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 455/21 – Royal Mail Group – Provision of Personal Attack Alarms (140db) To Postal Workers

Att: Extract From Royal Mail Group Website/Uniform Ordering Portal

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