Important update from Carl Maden on sick and attendance Procedures https://www.facebook.com/ThecommunicationsUnion/videos/551213972482964/

Learning Resources from the CWU

Branches and their Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) may find the information and educational resources outlined below useful for representatives and members to access during the ongoing COVID 19 restrictions. 

The Equality, Education & Development Department are determined to continue to support our ULR networks and collectively share best practice and support with learning and development opportunities in line with trade union values. 

It is well understood that education and the process of learning can assist in improving mental health problems during times of crisis or high stress. It can provide focus and positivity when many other social interaction options are restricted. 

Whilst there are many online learning resources available the following list includes links endorsed by some of our ULRs as well as those that are accessible through our in-house learning platform CWU Left-Click. 

CWU Left-Click has recently been upgraded and additional work continues to upgrade the navigation and look and feel of the site. Feedback so far has been positive and we are encouraging existing users and those yet to sign up to pay a visit. It is a straightforward process requiring only an e-mail address and membership number to set up an account. Once logged on, any course signed up for can be accessed from the “My Courses” section. Your Branch ULR can assist if necessary. 

Learning Resources available:

Coping with Covid-19

The CWU has created a new course space on Left-Click which pulls together a range of resources aimed at helping representatives, members and their families cope with the pressure of the current Covid-19 pandemic. 

Coping with Covid-19

Home Schooling Support

The CWU Scottish Regional Learning Committee and North West Regional Learning Committee have both pulled together a number of resources to assist with home schooling. 

They are applicable across the UK 

https://education.cwu.org/news/home-schooling-support/ 

Creative Courses

A new range of 5 different creative courses have been added to CWU Left-Click. These all feature free-to-download software, meaning that representatives and members can improve their creative skills free of charge. 

https://education.cwu.org/news/new-creative-courses-on-left-click/ 

English, Maths & ICT

Sigma has funding to run free English, Maths and ICT courses in London and the East Midlands. It is hoped that the West Midlands will follow soon. These courses can be delivered completely remotely during lockdown. https://youtu.be/OeIxqTPV4Zg 

Vocational Qualifications

The Skills Network deliver courses across England and Scotland but (in common with other providers) they have been experiencing problems maintaining full coverage since devolution of English Further Education funding to local authorities. If members express interest but their area is not currently covered, they will be offered two complimentary CPD courses while The Skills Network seeks to negotiate funding. 

https://cwu.theskillsnetwork.com/ 

Learning on your phone

Through their partnership with the TUC Unionlearn – Wranx are increasing their offer during lockdown. They provide online bite-sized training that can be accessed on any mobile device. Highly recommended 

https://unionlearn.ulp.wranx.com/ 

2020 CWU Photo & Poetry Competition

Many people have been recording their experiences of the current situation on their cameras or through song and poetry. 

The Equality, Education & Development Department has decided to make this the theme of our competition this year to acknowledge and applaud the work our members are doing to keep the country running. In order to maximise opportunities for people to participate we have also opened it out to include photography and poetry. Please participate and encourage all members to do likewise. 

https://www.cwu.org/news/2020-cwu-photo-poetry-competition/ 

We are keen to amass as many resources as possible to help our representatives and members through this difficult time and will be publicising further information through our webpages, social media channels and ULR networks. We would be grateful when circulating any links to online courses that you also add the survey link below. 

It enables us to gain feedback and also generates learning outcomes for our Union Learning Fund project in what will be a very difficult year. 

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DZMFZ37?fbclid=IwAR3FQW_MrmsA2FUHdiqQ4TsVjbYT0sD VVOYr2KTgCzbWeZnVGyDu2TRvJg4 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department at equality&education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

20LTB 209 – Learning Resources

Guidance on Assistance Available to Members and their Dependants during the COVID-19 Crisis

Branches will be aware of the recent announcements from the Government in relation to various assistance measures that have been put in place to assist individuals and their families during the current COVID-19 crisis.

The DGS(P) Department are aware that Branches may be receiving enquiries from members regarding the aforementioned measures and accordingly approached the CWU Research Department to request that they provide an outline of the various processes and aid that may be available to members and their dependants during what may be for many extremely worrying times. A copy of the report produced by the CWU Research Department is attached.

The report includes advice regarding the self-employment income scheme, mortgage and council tax holidays, renting arrangements and childcare. Also highlighted are the current gaps that exist in Government provision at this time.

In addition, the report contains information relating to the Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the current rules that apply to this arrangement (updated as of 14^th April 2020). Branches should note that dialogue is continuing with the business to assess the potential of CWU members (who are on reduced or no pay) qualifying for payment under this scheme. It is hoped that colleagues will find this information useful if they have family members or dependants who have been furloughed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Further updates on this issue will be provided in due course.

I trust the attached information will aid Branches and Representatives in assisting our members and families at this difficult time. It should however be noted that the information attached to this LTB is for guidance only as qualification for any form of assistance is dependent on an individual(s) personal circumstances.

The Department will endeavour to provide colleagues with further guidance on assistance that may be available during the current crisis.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Representatives, at all levels of this union, for the amazing job they are doing, and please stay safe.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)    

20LTB207 Guidance on Assistance Available to Members and their Dependants during the Covid-19 Crisis

LTB 207.20 ATTACHMENT 1

CWU PROPOSAL, COVID-19 ESCALATING ISSUES & RESOLVING OUR DISPUTE

CWU Proposal & COVID-19 Escalating Issues

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Branches will be aware that the CWU sent an open letter to the business on 30^th March outlining a progressive strategy and a statement of proposals that would have ensured that the company was acting in line with its ‘key worker’ status and that the threat of the virus to our members was minimised as much as possible.

The statement was designed to get ahead of the game and the inevitable consequences arising from the escalation of the Coronavirus. Unfortunately it would seem that Rico Back, CEO, took offence at the content of the union’s policy and decided to disengage from further dialogue.  However, on 7^thApril Rico Back reengaged with the CWU on a call that had originally been arranged with Sally Ashford, Chief HR Officer, and Achim Dunnwald, Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer. During the call it was agreed that going forward regular, constructive dialogue would take place between myself and Sally Ashford to seek to deal with and resolve a number of outstanding issues causing major concerns for our members.

Whilst the aforementioned statement has certainly helped to build pressure on the business in terms of PPE provision, the CWU are well aware that social distancing problems still exist in many locations. Clearly the size and location of some units is a factor in this and we believe the proposals contained in our statement would have helped reduce such cases.

We are also aware that there are still a number of outstanding big ticket issues that have to be resolved, including the prioritisation of mail and saving lives, and matters that have been highlighted in feedback the Postal Executive has received from Branches and Divisions. Matters such as lack of flexibility around annual leave, measures for those over 65 years of age and HR policies needed to address full pay for those who are taking care of dependants.

In light of this I have written to Sally Ashford (attached) with the request that the business reconsider our proposal of 30^th March and commence dialogue with the union to mitigate the escalation of issues during the COVID-19 crisis and find mutual interest solutions.  In addition to this, Carl Maden, Acting Assistant Secretary, continues to work tirelessly to resolve issues relating to sick pay and annual leave.

As I have previously stated, this is an extremely difficult time for our members and Royal Mail Group must be held to task.  Whilst talks will be difficult, the escalation process will at least provide another avenue to challenge the company.

Resolving our Dispute

Although the current Coronavirus pandemic and management’s failure to respond to CWU proposed solutions has naturally taken centre stage recently, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the fact that we are still in dispute nationally. Since the result of the national ballot(s) on 17^th March 2020, it is worth recognising that the business has continued to make reference to their desire to resolve the issues that remain in dispute.

Equally there is an outstanding pay rise to be concluded that was due on 1^st April 2020. Branches will recall that during our ballots and prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the company unilaterally made an offer of a 6% pay rise over three years directly to the frontline which was unacceptable and rejected by us with a reminder to the business that the 2020 pay settlement is separate from our “honouring the Four Pillars” dispute (as reported in LTB 92/20).  RMG’s actions were undoubtedly aimed at confusing the issues in dispute, potentially paving the way for another legal challenge and encouraging members to not support the ballot.

Against that backdrop I have now written to Achim Dunnwald (attached) with the offer of commencing dialogue on the issues in dispute and matters of reward.  Branches will note that I have asked the business to provide its views on how the current crisis may impact upon its business plan and the timescales contained therein.

Additionally, in recognition of the sterling work that our members have performed and their continued commitment during this crisis, I have asked for an above inflation pay rise on all aspects of pay to be implemented from 1^st April 2020, as well as a one-off payment to recognise the key worker status of our members. It should be noted however that crucially these are separate to the outstanding issues and Shorter Working Week relating to the 2019 pay award.

Colleagues will no doubt recognise that the approach suggested in my letter, including the request to provide an extension to our ballot, will provide the best foundation at this moment in time to progress dispute resolution talks.

In closing I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Representatives, at all levels of this union, for the amazing job they are doing, and please stay safe.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)             

20LTB206 CWU Proposal, COVID-19 Escalating Issues and Resolving our Dispute

LTB 206.20 ATTACHMENT 1

LTB 206.20 ATTACHMENT 2

Pensions Issues – Correspondence

Branches will be aware of the concern amongst our members in respect of the provision of pensions and members’ benefits during this uncertain time.

Evidently huge pressure is being placed on the administration of pension schemes due to the continued Covid-19 crisis and our members are rightly seeking reassurances on a number of pension issues.  The pensions industry itself has made it clear that both trustees and companies should work with the scheme administrators to ensure that critical processes continue to be delivered throughout the current pandemic.

Despite this and even during such a unique time there are still unfortunately also various scams taking place and as a result it is important to ensure that members are made aware of these and are not rushed into making hasty financial decisions that they may later regret.  I have therefore taken the step of writing to Jon Millidge (Chief Risk & Governance Officer, RMG) to obtain the necessary guarantees that processes are in place to pay members’ benefits, process retirement benefits and bereavement cases, agree changes in operating procedures and other associated matters (a copy of the letter is attached).  Jon replied advising me that the matters raised fell under the remit of the RMPP and as such I was contacted by Richard Law-Deeks (RMPP, Chief Executive Officer).  Richard has confirmed the following:

• The RMPP have put a note on their website (copy attached) which they’re reviewing and will be updating on a weekly basis.
• There is a recorded message on their helpline when members call in.  This is being reviewed and updated regularly.
• They will be writing to members shortly as part of the pension’s newsletter including a Covid-19 update.
• The Trustee Executive and the Pension Service Centre are keeping a careful eye on transfers out, have introduced additional controls and staff have been briefed on scams.

It has been agreed that a note for our members will be drafted in relation to the RMPP.

Branches should also note that the CWU Pensions Working Group have been notified of the actions taken so far by the RMPP and if deemed necessary a meeting involving the CWU’s Pensions Working Group and Richard Law-Deeks will be arranged.

Branches will also be kept fully updated on further developments as and when they occur.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)              

20LTB205 Pensions issues – Correspondence

Attachment 1 to LTB 205-20 – Jon Millidge letter

Attachment 2 to LTB 205-20 – RMPP and COVID19

Covid-19 Response from Postal Administrations and Trade Unions around the World

The Postal Department has been working with Bill Taylor, Head of Research to compile documentation that outlines the approach that has been taken by other Postal Administrations and Trade Unions from around the World in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Branches will be aware that the Postal Executive has already endorsed a forward-looking strategy that was designed to put us ahead of the game and that this has been relayed to both the business and our members.

The attached research paper provides an accurate position on what is happening in other countries in terms of the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), social distancing measures, the services that are considered to be a priority, the frequency of delivery, the Post Office Network and the delivery of essential items to the public.

This wide-ranging document featured in a conference call with UNI on Tuesday 7^th April 2020 and has been confirmed as still being an accurate reflection of what is happening in other Postal Administrations.  It is however the intention of the Postal Department to continue to work with the Research Department to ensure that this paper remains “live” throughout the current crisis with the text being updated regularly as further developments occur and additional information is provided from other countries.

I am convinced that this comprehensive analysis will undoubtedly prove to be a useful aid to Branches as we continue to develop our policy going forward and use comparisons of what is happening elsewhere.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)               

20LTB204 Covid-19 Response from Postal Administrations and Trade Unions around the World

Attachment to 20LTB204 Coronavirus international postal response 3 April 2020

RMSS/Relay – Creation of a Discrete Network For Covid 19 Drive Through NHS Testing Stations

Royal Mail Specialist Services/Relay contacted the union on Thursday 9th April 2020 and informed us that the business were in advanced discussions with the Government on the provision of a discrete network for the collection of Covid 19 Test kits from Drive Through NHS Testing Stations and onward delivery to designated Testing Laboratories. We understood that the expectation from Government was that the service would commence on the 15th April 2020 and that discussions would continue over the Easter weekend to ensure that arrangements were in place to meet that deadline.

We were informed that while the full operational details had not been established, the service would be based on the collection and delivery of lockable Tote Boxes and would not involve our members directly handling test materials. The business committed to share the full details of the proposed operation once they were finalised and that immediate discussions would be progressed with the CWU Health & Safety Department, to ensure that all relevant safety documentation and Safe System of Works were concluded to ensure the safety of our members.

Despite a number of requests for an update since last week other than verbal updates no further detail on the operational arrangements had been presented by the business, although it was confirmed yesterday afternoon that the Health & Safety compliance documents and SSOW are now agreed and in place.

Unfortunately, we were also made aware yesterday afternoon that management had been briefing details to our Relay members that had not been shared with the union Nationally, which led to some confusion. We contacted the business seeking an urgent update and after close of business yesterday evening finally received an update in relation to the operational aspects of the initiative. We have been informed that some elements of the detail with regard to full deployment are still being worked through but the current status is as follows:

• The contract commenced on Wednesday 15th April 2020 with a trial at 8 NHS Testing Stations, rising to 18 and then 26 Stations over the coming days. It is anticipated that the final number of Testing Stations may reach 48.
• Items will be collected in lockable Tote Boxes, containing a maximum of 50 test kits in each box. Members will not need to handle the test kits.
• Collections will take place between 17.00 and 18.00, 7 days a week and boxes will be conveyed to one of four Test Laboratories based in Antrim, Glasgow, Manchester and Milton Keynes to arrive by 08.00. It is anticipated that at full capacity the number of tests performed at each site will range between 200 and 1000 per day, so our members will collect between 4 and 20 items. Empty boxes will be repatriated from the Laboratories.
• SSOW have been concluded to ensure the safe hand over of items, maintaining social distancing at the Testing Stations and Laboratories at all times during the collection and delivery of the Tote Boxes. For the information of Branches the SSOW and SAC 1 documents are attached to this LTB.

While we understand that the business has had to move at pace to secure this contract and that detailed solutions have taken time to develop, it is regrettable that information share from the business in respect of the operational aspects associated to what is an extremely important initiative has been poor.

Discussions are continuing and further updates will be issued as the contract develops. Branches are assured that the safety of our members remains the absolute priority.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 014.14

Or

Ray Ellis, National Health and Safety Officer, email rellis@cwu.org quoting reference E 1/20

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson – Assistant Secretary

Ray Ellis – National Health and Safety Officer (Acting)

20LTB203

Coronavirus Collections from testing hubs SAC1 (SHEI 5.3) final. – 16.04.20

COVID 19 Test Kit SSOW Relay collection from Test Centres (150420 Final Daft) – 16.04.20

Royal Mail Group COVID-19 Risk Assessment

The Health and Safety department has been liaising directly with the RMG Global Director Compliance & Sustainability on the subject of RMG business-wide assessments of risks associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. The CWU strongly supports the development of a RMG wide risk assessment process together with specific risk assessments based on business and function.  We requested confirmation that the business is developing risk assessments on this basis and confirmation of the RMG leads on this activity for each business/function, and that appropriate consultation would take place with the CWU in line with health and safety legislation.

Shaun Davis RMG Global Director Compliance & Sustainability response is outlined below:

As you will be aware, employers have a legal duty to risk assess their undertaking, responding to changes in risk profile and emerging issues.  Sometimes circumstances occur that require an immediate response and I am sure you will understand that the global coronavirus pandemic is one of those occasions.  I am sure you will also appreciate that due the fast-moving nature of this unprecedented situation, we are continually risk assessing to ensure our response remains appropriate – it is therefore the case that our risk assessments remain live documents.

With regard to your question about the functional coronavirus risk assessments, I can also confirm that these have been undertaken.  It is normal practice for large, diverse organisations to undertake risk assessments at multiple levels to ensure that essential detail is not lost and that employees are adequately protected from harm.  With this in mind, we also intend to feed the functional risk assessments (and controls) into unit level coronavirus risk assessments – these site specific assessments will assist in capturing local variations and ensuring the adequacy of site-specific controls.

As requested, the names of the functional coronavirus risk assessment leads are as follows:

• Delivery – Freddie Warnock and Emma Tranter;
• Processing and Collections – Jayne Callaghan-Jarvis;
• Driving – Emma Tranter and Paul Simmons;
• National Distribution – Stuart Harrison;
• Loading and Unloading – Stuart Harrison;
• Non-Operational – Matt Chappell; and
• Parcelforce – Robert Kelly.

I fully agree that it is important that the CWU is consulted in line with the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations (1977).  I will therefore be covering these risk assessments in our discussions during the next national strategic involvement meeting via video conference   

I will also ask my team to provide the CWU with an update on the risk assessments during the next scheduled engagement meeting.  Again, this will be via conference call or video conference.  

Thank you for the support expressed for these essential risk assessments.  

Progress has been made in developing these risk assessments across RMG. The following Unit Risk Assessments – Controlling the Spread of Coronavirus have been developed:

• Air Hubs & Rail
• Collections
• Deliveries
• Distribution
• Vehicle Maintenance Workshops, Fleet Administration Centres and Vehicle Breakdown/Incident Services
• International
• PFW Hubs
• PFW/Relay Depots
• Processing (including loading/unloading, driving and collections where applicable)

All these Unit Risk Assessments are held in the RMG SHE Coronavirus Document Library.

The Health and Safety department will also be circulating these Unit Risk Assessments to all ASRs in Royal Mail Group separately.

The Coronavirus outbreak is a fast moving, unprecedented situation. The risk assessment will remain a live document and will be updated as required.

Any enquiries relating to this LTB should be directed to Ray Ellis (rellis@cwu.org).

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis
Acting National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

20LTB202 Royal Mail Group COVID-19 Risk Assessment

A great session with DGSP Terry Pullinger. Please share the link as widely as possible

RMG – Coronavirus Temporary Driving Controls

Dear Colleagues,

We have received several enquiries into CWU Nationally in relation to Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), and post training following an accident.

Attached to this LTB is what we have now received from Royal Mail following representations made from the Outdoor Department. The attached document entitled ‘RMG Coronavirus Temporary Driving Controls’ did not have agreement of the CWU, and we only became aware of its existence when it was brought to our attention by some representatives out in the field.

We have now had the opportunity to discuss this matter with the Royal Mail manager who is dealing with this issue, and whilst we had no initial input into this temporary process, we have now satisfied ourselves that under the present circumstance it’s the least that can be done to keep things in some kind of perspective.

The document deals with:

• Temporary controls for managers providing Operational cover for driving vans (Royal Mail up to 3.5T) 
• Temporary controls for OPGs moving onto driving duties (Royal Mail up to 3.5T) 
• Temporary controls for Agency Workers performing driving duties (Royal Mail up to 3,5T) 
• Temporary controls for drivers covering Parcelforce driving duties 
• Post-Collision Training

The link below is the link in the attached document, that shows pre-driving advice about the road worthiness of your vehicle and legal requirements prior to going onto the road.

https://vimeo.com/366233518/b31b766da0

While the above are all temporary measures to be used throughout the coronavirus pandemic period only, there will remain the necessity for proper on-the-road training for those who intend to stay driving. In regard the post collision training, you will note it is down to the judgement of the local manager to consider if it is safe for the driver to continue driving. You should further note that the current Road Traffic Accident Procedure (RTAP) continues to hold the field in determining blameworthiness, and where minor accidents should be treated as such, albeit, interventions should be discussed and determined locally. The RTAP has now also been inserted into the Temporary Driving Control document due to our request. Furthermore, all on-road training will resume once things are back to normal, and a note taken of those who will need to complete this.

Branches will note that the document includes references to a process for Drivers covering Parcelforce duties.  Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary has confirmed that his department has not been approached and that that no discussions have taken place with Parcelforce on the content of the document.    Urgent clarification is now being sought as Parcelforce have a separate, specific Road Traffic Accident procedure and different agreed arrangements for Post-Accident Training. Branches will be updated on these discussions accordingly.

Any enquires as to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, reference 300.02, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch                         

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 197/20

Attachment – RMG Coronavirus – Temporary Driving Controls