PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION – SATURDAY 15^TH FEBRUARY

As branches will be aware, the CWU has joined other trade unions and millions of people in standing against ethnic cleansing and calling for a peaceful resolution to the war in Palestine. Trade unions and their members have a long history of standing side-by-side with oppressed people and of defending the right to protest against apartheid and genocide.

We therefore encourage all branches to ensure the CWU has a good turnout at the Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in London on Saturday the 15th of February. The march will leave from Whitehall at 12 noon. We encourage members to join the ‘trade union bloc’ of the march, where many of our members have been marching in recent months, which will assemble from 11:30amnear the Women of World War 2 memorial on Richmond Terrace.

You can find out more information about the national demonstrations organised by the PSC here. Please circulate this information to members and if you have any further questions, please contact dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

LTB 029-25 PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY

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RMPFS Engineering Grades – CWU Officials Elections

We are obliged to inform you that nominations are being sought for the following positions.

The term of office for all these positions is a period of 2 years in line with the CWU Recognition & Industrial Framework Agreement 2021.

A nomination form for all positions is attached to this LTB and are available on request from the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department.  All Candidates must have the nomination of their own branch which must be agreed at a branch meeting.  Completed nomination forms must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair (or accredited deputies) and the nominee.

The nomination form should then be returned to the Senior Deputy General Secretary, on the following email elections@cwu.org  by 26^thFebruary 2025 (14.00)

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 

 North: (1 Position)

South: (1 Position)

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

North                                        (2 Positions)

North West /Central                (3 Positions)

South East/South West          (3 Positions)AREASPCPOSTCODENORTH501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 

601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606,

301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306,

401, 402, 403, 404, 405 ,406AB, DD, G, HS, IV, KW, PA, PH, ZE, 

DG, EH, KA, KY, ML, TD, FK, BT, CA, BD, BB, LA, HD, HX, WF, LS, NE, DH, HG, HU, SR, DL, TS, YO, L, WA, WN, BL, PR, FY, BBNORTH WEST/CENTRAL507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512 ,525, 

607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612,

307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312,

407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412CW, DE, M, OL, SK, ST, DN, LN, S, 

CH, LL, SY, TF, CV, LE, NG, B, DY, WR, WS, WV, MK, NNSOUTH EAST/SOUTH WEST513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524 

613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624,

313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324

413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424CB, IP, NR, PE, AL, EN, HP, LU, SG, WD, CM, CO, E, IG, RM, SS, EC, N, W, WC, NW, HA, KT, TW, UB, SM, SW, BR, CR, DA, ME, SE, CF, HR, LD, NP, SA, BS, GL, OX, SN, GU, RG, SL, EX, PL, TA, TQ, TR, BA, BH, DT, PO, SO, SP, BN, CT, RH, TN

The timetable for the nominations is as follows:

Nominations open:   12^th February 2025

Nominations close:  26^th February 2025 (14.00)

Any ballots will be run in accordance with the CWU guidelines for Regional Engineering/Admin Representatives, which are attached for your information.  In the event that a ballot is required a timetable will be notified to branches in due course.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Bobby Weatherall, Acting Assistant Secretary, email: khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Bobby Weatherall

Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 028/25 – RMPFS Engineering Grades – CWU Officials Elections
Election Guidelines 2025
National Representative Nom Form
Regional Representative Nom Form

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CWU HQ APPOINTMENT – HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY ADVISOR 

We can advise Branches that CWU HQ have completed the process of recruitment to the position of Policy Advisor Health & Safety working to the Central Services Department. Mr Jamie McGovern has accepted the new position and will take up the role as from 26^thFebruary 2025.

We can also confirm that the new position will operate in line with the terms of the Policy Paper 2 – “Restructuring CWU’s Approach to our Health & Safety Work” endorsed at our Conference held in 2024.

Contact information, mobile phone and email address will be provided to Branches and Health & Safety Representatives in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary  

25LTB027 – CWU HQ APPOINTMENT HEALTH SAFETY POLICY ADVISOR (003)

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SPECIAL RESTRUCTURING CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE 2025 – ACCOMMODATION

Further to LTB 018/25 we advised Branches that we would provide a booking platform where Branches could secure accredited accommodation in Blackpool.    The link to access the booking platform is as follows:

Special Restructuring Conference and Special Rules Revision Conference 2025

The system will update automatically with any changes. If you do have any problems or need to speak with someone please contact bookings@meetblackpoolres.com or you can call on +44(0)1253 384459.  The offices are open Monday-Friday 0900am – 5.00pm.

Branches are of course entitled to make their own accommodation arrangements if that is what they would like to do.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB 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 026/25 – Special Restructuring Conference and Special Rules Revision Conference – Accommodation

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Workplace Adjustments and Health Passport

Branches will recall LTB 352/24 Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Workplace Adjustments and Health Passportadvising that members can complete applications for Workplace Adjustments via the My People App. The app will then alert their manager that an application has been made in this way.  This approach is quicker and more beneficial to individuals if they have this access.  The online application removes a lot of the barriers of approaching their manager. The manager is then duty bound to address this application and can no longer simply ‘say no’.

It has however been brought to the attention of the Department that the process remains confusing and some members have not been able to navigate their way through Apps on their mobile or PDA.  This is disappointing as the new process was introduced to help all members apply for reasonable adjustments to be made that avoided the often-difficult conversation with their manager, including successive managers passing through any such positions.  The process also includes carers, disabled and non-disabled members who have not met the definition of a disability who nonetheless still require assistance for other reasons and will therefore aid and direct managers to implement reasonable adjustments rather than having to leave the business through Ill-Health.

Members who do not have online access will be able to complete a physical copy that can be used to make the same application. This will be assisted by your Line Manager.

For clarity, the online process for Branches and members to follow is;

1. Access the My People App and click on the My Personal Detailswhere you will be directed to a further screen.
2. Members should then select the This is Me
3. Members will then be prompted to complete their memorable phrase before being able to continue with their application.

For ease of access, please find attached a screen shot of the process which is also contained in the Passport Guide Word Document that Branches may wish to file for future reference.

Please bring this LTB to the attention of our representatives and members, and any queries relating to this agreement should be forwarded to the PTCS Department , email address khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.org

Bobby Weatherall

Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 025/24

Att_

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CWU NATIONAL WELFARE FUND

Please find below the branch breakdown of CWU National Welfare Fund donations that were made in 2024.BRANCHREASONAMOUNTNorth/North West LondonIllness£1,000.00Greater Mersey AmalIllness£750.00Edinburgh, Dundee and bordersIllness£1,000.00Northern Ireland TelecomsDomestic£500.00South Yorkshire and District AmalHardship£250.00Newcastle AmalBereavement£1,000.00Newcastle AmalIllness£750.00Newcastle AmalDomestic£1000.00LeicestershireDomestic£500.00Edinburgh, Dundee and BordersDomestic£1000.00Glasgow and District AmalDomestic£1000.00Western CountiesIllness£1000.00Newcastle AmalDomestic£1000.00Glasgow and District AmalDomestic£1000.00Greater Mersey AmalBereavement£1000.00Leicestershire AmalDomestic£500.00Plymouth and East Cornwall AmalIllness£1000.00Kent Invicta AmalHardship£1000.00Leicestershire AmalIllness£700.00Plymouth and East Cornwall AmalHardship£1000.00South Yorkshire and District AmalDomestic£750.00Southdowns, Weald and RotherIllness£400.00South Central PostalDomestic£1000.00Newcastle AmalIllness£750.00South Yorkshire and District AmalDomestic£500.00Central Counties and Thames Valley AmalIllness£250.00Romford AmalDomestic£1000.00Northern Ireland WestHardship£1000.00Bournemouth and Dorset AmalIllness£1000.00Croydon and Sutton AmalHardship£500.00Greater Mersey AmalDomestic/Hardship£1000.00South Midlands PostalHardship£1000.00Edinburgh, Dundee and BordersHardship£800.00Scotland No.5Domestic£750.00South WalesDomestic£1000.00Greater Mersey AmalDomestic£1000.00Greater Mersey AmalDomestic£750.00South Central PostalDomestic£1000.00Birmingham District AmalHardship£1000.00North/North West LondonHardship£1000.00East London PostalHardship£1000.00South Midlands PostalHardship£400.00Southdowns Weald and RotherBereavement£1000.00Northern Ireland WestHardship£500.00TOTAL£36,300

Any enquiries regarding this LTB 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 024/25 – CWU National Welfare Fund

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CWU International Women’s Day Networking Event – 11th March 2025

The Equality, Education and Development department are pleased to announce a Women’s Networking Event, which has been sponsored by the Northwest Region and coincides with International Women’s Day 2025.The event will be taking place on Tuesday 11th March 2025 from 10:30am – 3:30pm, at the Liverpool Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT.

The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Progress” the event will provide CWU women with an opportunity to connect with other female activists and Senior Women Officials from across

the union. It will also be an opportunity for some of our female members to engage in a union environment for the first time.

The day will include interactive and informative sessions, group discussions and learning opportunities for future progression. A full agenda will be shared in due course.

Please note if delegates do need to stay due to travel Branches are required to book and pay for accommodation.

Hotel suggestions and links to the websites are below:

Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre – City Centre Hotel: Holiday Inn Liverpool – City Centre

Premier Inn, Lime Street – Liverpool City Centre (Lime Street) Hotel | Premier Inn

To reserve your place or for any further information please email: equality&education@cwu.org

We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 023/25 – CWU International Women’s Day Networking Event – 11th March 2025

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International Women’s Day Networking Event – 11th March 2025

The Equality, Education and Development department are pleased to announce a Women’s Networking Event, which has been sponsored by the Northwest Region and coincides with International Women’s Day 2025.The event will be taking place on Tuesday 11th March 2025 from 10:30am – 3:30pm, at the Liverpool Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT.

The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Progress” the event will provide CWU women with an opportunity to connect with other female activists and Senior Women Officials from across

the union. It will also be an opportunity for some of our female members to engage in a union environment for the first time.

The day will include interactive and informative sessions, group discussions and learning opportunities for future progression. A full agenda will be shared in due course.

Please note if delegates do need to stay due to travel Branches are required to book and pay for accommodation.

Hotel suggestions and links to the websites are below:

Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre – City Centre Hotel: Holiday Inn Liverpool – City Centre

Premier Inn, Lime Street – Liverpool City Centre (Lime Street) Hotel | Premier Inn

To reserve your place or for any further information please email: equality&education@cwu.org

We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 023/25 – CWU International Women’s Day Networking Event – 11th March 2025

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USO Pilots Communication

Please see attached a communication titled Universal Service Obligation Update.

We would ask all Branches to ensure that this communication is shared with every workplace within their Branch.  The CWU have not agreed to USO reform.  Instead, we have agreed to pilot in 37 sites Royal Mail’s preferred USO change which is called the Optimised Delivery Model.

The success criteria for these 37 pilot sites are clear.

1. They must achieve Ofcom’s quality of service targets.
2. They must provide fair manageable and achievable workload.
3. They must provide a solution for fatigue.
4. It must improve attendance patterns including working fewer Saturdays.
5. It must improve confidence, trust and morale in the workplace.
6. It must also provide a platform for sustainable growth.

The agreement we reached with EP in December 2024 also states that any final agreement with the CWU on USO reform is conditional on progress and implementation within agreed timelines of the issues set out in section 5.

Section 5 commits EP and Royal Mail to agree the following:

Equalising new entrants pay, terms and conditions over an agreed timeline with a first step within 3 months of the transaction.

• A pay rise.
• A review of scheduled attendance and overtime rates.
• Improving sick pay arrangements.
• A review of voluntary redundancy terms.
• A new performance incentive scheme.
• New improved ways of working.

USO change will see the biggest change in deliveries within 50 years, it is essential that we pilot it to see its impact and potential benefits before we decide whether or not to support this model going forward.

For now, the CWU’s focus is on supporting the 37 pilot sites to ensure that each of the pilot units adhere to the overarching objectives, including fewer Saturdays, achieving Ofcom’s quality of service targets and delivering fair and manageable workload.

There is a desire for communications on this subject and therefore please ensure this LTB and the attached document are distributed to members in the workplace.

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 22/25 – USO Pilots Communication

LTB 22/25 – Attachment 1 – Universal Service Obligation Update

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE ELECTION OF:

 CWU GENERAL SECRETARY AND CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY (POSTAL)

FORMAL NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE ELECTION OF:

 CWU GENERAL SECRETARY AND CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY (POSTAL) 

Dear Colleague,

ELECTION OF CWU NATIONAL OFFICERS – 2025

The NEC is required to determine and publish to branches the procedures and regulations for the election of any CWU National Officer positions that are subject to the 5-year election criteria.

Accordingly, please find below the proposed timetable and regulations for the above elections which are due to be held in February – April 2025.

• General Secretary

       The General Secretary is the chief negotiator and principle spokesperson for the union.

•  Assistant Secretary (Postal)

       The above position is currently responsible for dealing with the following Royal Mail Group businesses; Mail Centres, Area Distribution Units, Royal Mail International, Air Network,   Parcelforce Worldwide, Compass, Logistics, RMSS, WBCs, Royal Mail RDCs and VOCs.

The timetable for the National Officer elections is as follows:

Nominations Open:                                    12 February 2025

Nominations Close:                                      5 March 2025 (14:00)                            

Dispatch ballot material from:                19 March 2025  

Close of ballot:                                              9 April 2025 (first post)

Result:                                                          10 April 2025

The election regulations stipulate that a copy of the regulations for these elections must be distributed to all branches in advance of the nomination process.  A copy of these is therefore attached and I would be grateful if you could ensure that the election timetable and regulations are brought to the attention of the members of your branch.

The regulations will also be published on the CWU website and a copy will be issued to all candidates nominated to stand in the Elections.

Further information regarding the election, including the Nomination Forms will be sent to all relevant branches during w/c 3rd February 2025.  However, branches are reminded that in order for nominations for the above positions to be valid, then they will need to be submitted on the appropriate CWU HQ issued nomination form(s).

Elections Prize Draws 

Branches are reminded that in order to protect the integrity of these very important national elections and more importantly, ensure that the union is legally compliant with the relevant legislation covering such elections, that election prize draws should not be conducted under any circumstances unless written authorisation has been given by the Senior Deputy General Secretary.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Senior Deputy General Secretary Department, CWU HQ, for the attention of David Wilshire, telephone: 0208 971 7368, or email: dwilshire@cwu.org;

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

25LTB021 – ELECTION OF CWU NATIONAL OFFICERS – 2025

Election Regulations and Candidates Guidelines 2025

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USO Pilots Communication

Please see attached a communication titled Universal Service Obligation Update.

We would ask all Branches to ensure that this communication is shared with every workplace within their Branch.  The CWU have not agreed to USO reform.  Instead, we have agreed to pilot in 37 sites Royal Mail’s preferred USO change which is called the Optimised Delivery Model.

The success criteria for these 37 pilot sites are clear.

1. They must achieve Ofcom’s quality of service targets.
2. They must provide fair manageable and achievable workload.
3. They must provide a solution for fatigue.
4. It must improve attendance patterns including working fewer Saturdays.
5. It must improve confidence, trust and morale in the workplace.
6. It must also provide a platform for sustainable growth.

The agreement we reached with EP in December 2024 also states that any final agreement with the CWU on USO reform is conditional on progress and implementation within agreed timelines of the issues set out in section 5.

Section 5 commits EP and Royal Mail to agree the following:

Equalising new entrants pay, terms and conditions over an agreed timeline with a first step within 3 months of the transaction.

• A pay rise.
• A review of scheduled attendance and overtime rates.
• Improving sick pay arrangements.
• A review of voluntary redundancy terms.
• A new performance incentive scheme.
• New improved ways of working.

USO change will see the biggest change in deliveries within 50 years, it is essential that we pilot it to see its impact and potential benefits before we decide whether or not to support this model going forward.

For now, the CWU’s focus is on supporting the 37 pilot sites to ensure that each of the pilot units adhere to the overarching objectives, including fewer Saturdays, achieving Ofcom’s quality of service targets and delivering fair and manageable workload.

There is a desire for communications on this subject and therefore please ensure this LTB and the attached document are distributed to members in the workplace.

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 22/25 – USO Pilots Communication

LTB 22/25 – Attachment 1 – Universal Service Obligation Update