Processing Report for Letter Section Meeting 17th April 2018 Incorporating the Cancelled

Annual General Meeting Report

General

Because there was not an AGM for the letter section committee this year. This report incorporates an annual report.

2017 was a year of mixed emotions and events. The year started with a member losing his appeal against dismissal and two members who made supporting statements for the appeal being investigated under the conduct code. The CWU objected to this and after a series of gate meetings and an extraordinary members meeting gained the full support of our members. It was this support that influenced the decision from local managers that there was no case to answer.

In a macabre way this put the branch in good stead with the members for the Four Pillars campaign. A lot of hard work campaigning the members for support in the four pillars in the mail centre and delivery offices was rewarded with the results of the ballots which led to the new agreement.

Since privatisation, Royal Mail have neglected resourcing issues throughout the business to the extent that both mail centres and delivery offices have been failing the USO on a regular basis and there has been a high percentage of casual and variable cost hours being put into resourcing the operation.

Part of the new agreement addresses this and moving forward we have entered negotiations with management around a processing revision activity. There will be a terms of reference (TOR) displayed on the union board shortly which will identify the main objective of the revision. This will be to resource the processing function with actual duty hours to 85 to 90% of a yet to be agreed model working week and the introduction of the first stages of the shorter working week. Substitute Area Processing Representative Luke Smith will be withdrawn to work alongside me for the foreseeable future.

Because this is a huge exercise and will take several months to complete and because the processing function is operating with a high percentage of variable cost hours and vacant and lapsed actual working duty (AWD) hours, we have entered negotiations to introduce some additional temporary full time and part time duties into the operation to firm up the resourcing. These temporary positions will be introduced under the same agreement as the current temporary duties.

The CWU are committed to negotiating a robust duty structure which will increase AWD hours by converting the current temporary hours into substantive hours,

stop diverting work out and considerably reduce the variable cost hours currently being used by the operation.

Staff from other functions and other units looking to work in the processing function will only be considered when the exercise is completed and only then if it is identified that the new duty structure will have more duties than the processing staff in post. All allocations throughout the exercise will be processed on a seniority basis under the MTFS agreement.

Parcel Sort Machine

The installation of the parcel sort machines throughout the country was put on hold after the installation of the Chelmsford, Hemel Hempstead and Greenford mail centres had theirs fitted. This was because it has been identified at the Swindon mail centre trial the machines are not performing as expected. The reasons for this is the bar coding is not as advanced as anticipated, York’s are not emptying into the machine properly leaving parcels in the York’s for rejection, certain size and shape parcels cannot manoeuvre through the machine to be processed, creating rejects for manual sortation.

There is still no confirmation about, if, the current parcel sort machine project will continue.

Traffic Transformation

The business will be changing the way they record traffic coming into the mail centre. Currently we are using the mist system where traffic is recorded at WLA points throughout the building. They are changing to a PDA manual recording at the primary sort point only. The business has invested in a computer programme which apparently will use this input and create a more realistic recording of traffic from the primary right through to the delivery offices. That said, both systems will run together for about a year whilst data is collated to confirm accuracy and assumptions before changing to the PDA system.

There has been 106 members of staff across all four shifts trained on the manual recording with the PDA’s. We have been informed that all staff will have to undergo training on this during the trial period because it will be a core skill requirement similar to the parcel bar code scanners.

Processing Week Start Change

At the start of the new financial year the processing function start of the week changed from what was a Sunday to Saturday to a Monday to Sunday.

The reason for this is the processing function needs to fall in line with the PSP system which is Monday to Sunday, all the other functions within the MC and the other mail centres in the region are all on Monday to Sunday weeks.

Staff who hold processing scheduled attendances on a Sunday will be written to by the book room to explain how the change will affect them. SA length and start and finish times will not be affected only the week numbers.

Staff who have booked annual leave based on a Sunday to Saturday week will have their leave and SA’s honoured for the year should their holiday arrangements be affected by the change. You will need to speak to the book room as soon as you identify there is a problem.

Gravity Rollers

We started a new trial on the nationally agreed gravity rollers for the processing of standard packets. We assumed management had followed the previous process of notifying the national joint working group for the introduction of new equipment of the trial to process a different stream of traffic and changing the previously agreed staffing arrangement. It turned out this was not the case and after reports from the shift reps and staff working in the area were reported back to the national working group, the trial was suspended until a proper TOR has been nationally agreed. The TOR’s have been drawn up and should be presented to the CWU Postal Executive Committee on Tuesday 17th April for endorsement. Some people may think this is trivial approach to the introduction of new equipment but I need to make you aware the joint national working group for the introduction of new equipment was formed because of the abuse on the introduction of new equipment and working practises by management and staff involved in the world class mail debacle, Royal Mail invested million of pounds into which has now been discarded and replaced with the CWU/Royal Mail nationally agreed continuous improvement scheme.

Spalding CSS work

We have now taken the Spalding CSS work into the mail centre on a permanent basis. Two additional duties were advertised and have been allocated on a seniority and MTFS basis.

2017 Christmas long term sick raffle

This year’s raffle for the long-term sick was a success raising over £1000 to be divided out amongst them. There were 52 prizes donated for the raffle by union reps, managers and members of staff. A big thanks to all the Reps who helped organise the event and sell raffle tickets and a big thank you to all of you who supported us by buying tickets and donating prizes.

WhatsApp Broadcast Group

We have set up a CWU Eastern No5 members WhatsApp Broadcast Group where we can forward CWU Communications onto members through WhatsApp. This has proven to be a good form of communication with a very positive response from the membership and has certainly helped forward information on national issues alongside websites and Facebook.

A Broadcast Group is where members receive WhatsApp messages from my phone, you will not be able to see who is in the group, you will not be able to message each other either. No phone numbers are shared.

If you want to be in this group, then you will need:

The WhatsApp App on your phone.

Save my number 07887985430 as Ernie Orviss.

Send me a message me with your name requesting to be put in the group.

I will forward you some of the previous messages and put you in the group, so you will receive all future messages.

EJ Orviss

Area Processing Representative

Area.processing@cwue5.org

Date 12th April 2018

Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2018 – List Of Events: “Unionised Workplaces Are Safety Workplaces”

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

In 2018 the theme for the day is “Unionised workplaces are safer workplaces” and will focus the huge difference that unions and union safety reps make in preventing deaths in the workplace. Unions are also celebrating 40 years of union health and safety representatives as part of the Safety Reps 40th Anniversary campaign “SafetyReps@40”.

The TUC has compiled a list of WMD events notified to TUC/HQ as follows. Reproduced below is a list of some of the events that are happening up and down the country. Some of these events will also feature a minute’s silence at noon, or a suitable time

Events

Workers Memorial Day events can be added and for an event to be displayed on the TUC list and special Website Page, details should be sent to:- healthandsafety@tuc.org.uk The TUC will update the list and Web Page as and when they hear about new events so please check back to keep an eye on what’s happening on Workers Memorial Day 2018! Unless another date in the list below is shown, all events are on Saturday 28th April.

London, Eastern and South East

Leyton – leafleting the Bakers Arms in Leyton at 11:00 about the death of Marian Nemit who lost his life on a shop refurbishment site at the Bakers Arms. At 13:15 there will be an event in Coronation Gardens in High Street Leyton, London E10 5NG, close to Leyton Tube Station. This will include a minute’s silence to remember all those killed by their work and wreath-laying at the war memorial in the park.

Waltham Forest – Annual event will be held at 13:00 at Coronation Gardens, Leyton, E10 5NG

Tower Hill London – There will be a rally with speeches commencing at 10:30 at the Building Worker Statue, Tower Hill, London, EC3. Organised by Unite construction sector but all welcome. Straight after the event at Tower Hill (around 12:45) there will be a silent vigil at Grenfell Tower – outside Notting Hill Methodist Church, 240 Lancaster Road, W11 4AH.

Southampton – Assemble from 11.30 at the ‘UNISON’ Bench on the corner of East Park off East Park Terrace overlooked by the Jurys Inn Hotel. Proceedings will start at 12 noon with a few speeches and a minute’s silence.

Milton Keynes – To be held on Sunday 29th April. Assemble in car park on Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, opposite MK Gallery. Short march at 11:30 to the MK Rose, Campbell Park for speeches and the laying of wreaths at the IWMD memorial pillar. All welcome.

Rochester – A Workers Memorial Day Service will be held at 11:45 on Monday 30th April at Rochester Castle Gardens, Rochester , Medway. A short service will be followed by tea, coffee and cake at the Corn Exchange.

Chelmsford – Assemble in 12:00 at Central Park, Chelmsford, at the Memorial Tree, close to the lake and viaduct, where a short memorial event will take place. There will also be a health & safety exhibition in Chelmsford Library’s Remembrance Square from 23rd – 28th April.

Colchester – The annual commemoration will commence at 14:00 at the International Workers Memorial Tree in Lower Castle Park Colchester followed by refreshments at the Victoria Inn, 10 North Station Road, Colchester CO1 1RB.

Portsmouth – Assemble: 11:45 for Noon start at the Workers Memorial Monument Victoria Park, Anglesea Road, Portsmouth PO1 2BG.

Eastborne – There will be a street stall in Eastbourne Town Centre- at Bankers’ Corner in Terminus Road from 10:00 to 12:00. All welcome.

Midlands

Birmingham – 12.30 in the grounds of St Philips Cathedral, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB.

Northampton – Starts 11.00am next to the steelworker statue in Corby town centre or in the Corby Cube if the weather is bad. There will be speakers and the presentation of a cheque to the Mesothelioma Research Fund.

Solihull – Friday 27 April at 12.30 in Brueton Gardens (opp Barley Mow Pub).

Coventry – There will be a commemoration at 12 noon in Bayley Lane , Coventry City Centre, CV1 5RN.

Leicester – Begins at 12 noon at the Town Hall Square with a minute’s silence and a roll call to commemorate those workers who have lost their lives. Followed by a short public meeting.

Telford – The annual commemoration will be held at 11:00 at the Wellington Peace Garden (Outside Wellington Civic and Leisure centre), Tan Bank, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 1LX.

Wolverhampton – Meet at 12.30 at the Workers’ Memorial Day Tree, Cenotaph, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TS. There will be a range of speakers.

Sandwell – This event will take place on Friday 27 April 10:00-10:30 outside Sandwell Council House Chamber in Oldbury.

Northern

Hartlepool – Hartlepool Trades Union council are holding a remembrance Service 12.30pm, Refectory Area, Cleveland College of Art & Design, 1 Church Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7DS (free car parking accessed from Lynn Street). A range of speakers followed by wreath/flower laying. Before that there will be a Health & Safety Seminar at Room 108, in the College, to run between 09.00 to 12noon (buffet breakfast provided from 08.30) For more details or to register email ejeffries73@gmail.com by 20th April.

Stranley Crook County Durham – County Durham Trades Council will be holding their annual Workers Memorial Day service at St Thomas Chruch, Stanley Crook, County Durham at 19:00.

Sunderland – There will be a Workers Memorial Day on Friday 27th April 2018 11.30 for a 12 noon start at Workers Memorial Garden at Sunderland Civic Centre.

Ashington, Northumberland – Wreath Laying Ceremony with speakers and a piper at 12:30 at the North Seaton Cemetery Memorial Garden. Beforehand there is also a Public Meeting at 11:00 at The Elephant, Newbiggin Road, Ashington where there will be a number of speakers.

Gateshead – Meet at 12noon for a memorial service at 12.15 at the Rose Garden, Saltwell Park, Gateshead.

Northwest

Chorley – There will be a memorial service on Friday 27th April at the Unite WMD tree planted in Astley Park. Meet at the Park Gates, Park Road, Chorley. All welcome, please bring your banners.

Manchester – 12:00 to 13.00 in Albert Square, Manchester. The theme is “Unions make work safer”. There will be music, a play, trade union and family speakers. In addition there will be an exhibition at the People’s History Museum and more events during the week.

Salford – Wreath-laying at the Workers Memorial stone and plaque situated on the lawn area between the Civic Centre main entrance and Unity House at 12.15 on Friday 27th April. Staff and Councillors wishing to remember those who have lost their lives through their work are welcome to attend the event.

Liverpool – Assemble at 11:30am at the Hod Carrier Memorial, Hunter Street (opposite the rear of Jack Jones House). Speeches from 11:45am, followed by wreath laying.

Liverpool – 11:00 (assemble 10:45) on the South Piazza of Georges Dock Building Pier Head L31DD (corner of Mann Island and the Strand) for commemoration and wreath-laying with speeches from 11:30 at St Nicholas Church off Chapel Street.

Preston – 12:00-13.00 at Flag Market, Preston Town Centre. Speeches followed by banner march behind piper to lay wreaths at the Peace Garden on Friargate and hotpot at Black Horse.

Wigan – 12 noon (assemble at 11:45) at Memorial Tree (adjacent Bridgeman Terrace gates) for minutes silence speeches and laying of wreaths. Guests invited for refreshments at Frederick’s Café Pavilion afterwards.

Scotland

Edinburgh – The annual commemoration will take place at the workers memorial tree and plaque in West Princes Street Gardens, (EH2 2HG) commencing at 12.30.

Bonnybridge – A memorial event will be held by Midlothian TUC, with the support of Midlothian Council at the Michael McGahey Memorial in George V Park, Bonnyrigg EH19 2AD starting at 12.30.

Kilmarnock – Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock (KA3 1XB) starting at 11.00, assembling at the Dowar House from 10.45.

Alexandria – The commemoration will take place at 14.00 in Christie Park, Middleton Street, Alexandria G83 0BF.

Glasgow – The event to mark the day will take place at 12 noon at the memorial adjacent to the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.

Dundee – Meet at 12 noon at the memorial tree situated adjacent to Discovery Quay (DD1 4XA).

Falkirk – The Municipal Buildings in West Bridge Street (FK1 5RS) is the venue for the commemoration organised by Falkirk TUC, commencing at 12 noon.

Aberdeen – Please gather at the Persley Walled Garden, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen at 12.30 for the event at 13:00.

Bathgate (West Lothian) – The commemoration will take place at 12.30 at the memorial at Bathgate Sports Centre, Torpichen Road, Bathgate, (EH48 4LA). A light lunch will be served afterwards.

Hamilton (South Lanarkshire) – Will take place at the workers memorial situated at Almada Street/Beckford Street adjacent to the Council Headquarters (ML3 0AA) at 11.30.

Coatbridge – The annual commemoration will take place at the gates of Summerlee Industrial Museum at 12 noon.

Kirkcaldy – The annual event in Fife will take place in Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy KY2 5PH at 11.00am.

Inverness – The first annual commemoration at the workers memorial in Inverness will take place at the memorial at Friars Shot/Huntly Street, IV3 8LF meeting at 12.45 for 13:00.

Irvine – 18.30 at the Memorial Garden, Kilwinning Road, Irvine. Meet from 18.15 at Wee Annie’s Shop in Kilwinning Road Irvine.

Wales

Aberavon – an event will take place at noon at the Memorial Garden, Sandfields Road, Aberavon.

Yorkshire and Humberside

Doncaster – Please meet at 11:30 at Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Civic offices, Doncaster.

Cleethorpes – starts at 15:00 at the Workers Memorial and tree in the Pier Gardens Alexandra Road Cleethorpes. Service Conducted By Rev Paul Hunter.

Grimsby – Starts at 13:00 at The Workers Memorial and Tree in the Grounds of the War Memorial Nunn’s Corner Grimsby. Service conducted By the Revd Canon Andrew Dodd.

Immingham – Starts at 10:00 at the Workers Memorial and tree in the Grounds of the War Memorial Pelham Road Immingham. Service Conducted By the Misters of The Immingham Churches.

Leeds – Friday 27th April on the steps of Leeds University Union building 12.30. There will be speeches, a one minute silence at 13:00 and then wreath-laying in St George’s field on the University campus by the workers memorial tree and bench.

Leeds – There will be an event on Friday 27 April, Leeds Art Gallery, the Headrow, Leeds, 11:45. It will include wreath laying and speakers.

Sheffield – Wreath laying ceremony and speeches outside Sheffield Town Hall, Pinstone Street 1230-1330. Will be opened by Lord Mayor with various speakers followed by a minute’s silence.

Rotherham – Sunday 29th April. Meet at 12 noon outside Rotherham Minster in town centre, with speeches and wreath laying.

Barnsley – Assemble at town hall steps by cenotaph at 12.15 for 12.30 memorial. Speakers include local MPs. Wreaths will be laid at WMD plaque in flower bed.

Bradford – Starts with a minutes silence at 12 noon in the Memorial Garden at the rear of City Hall. There will also be wreath laying and speakers. All welcome.

Halifax – There will be a workers’ memorial commemoration at 12:30 which will include the unveiling of a new permanent memorial outside the Central Library, Halifax. Banners and wreaths welcome. There will also be a programme of films in the library starting at 13:30.

Keighley – There will be an event in the Town Hall Square at 11:00.

South West

Bristol – There will be leafleting on the 26th April at commuter-time in the centre of Bristol to highlight the need to remove all asbestos in schools. 16.30-18:00 at the Fountains, opposite the Hippodrome, Bristol BS1 4UZ.

Gloucester – A short ceremony will be held between 11:00 and 12:00 on the 27th April at the Mariner’s church, Gloucester Docks, GL1 2EN.

Swindon – The local Trades Council will be leafleting in the Town Centre mid-morning and then be going up to the Mesothelioma Memorial Garden, Queens Park, Swindon for wreath laying at 13:00.

Yeovil – Workers’ Memorial Day will be observed at 18:00 at the plaque outside Unity Hall, 5 Central Rd, Yeovil BA20 1JL.

What you can do:

• Find out what is happening in your area on 28 April. You can make enquiries with other Unions and the trades council to see if there’s a local WMD event not listed above;

• If nothing is happening then get together with some of your colleagues and organise something. It can be a commemorative event or rally, a workplace meeting or just a small get-together;

• Organise a minute’s silence in your workplace on the day (because the 28th April is a Saturday, if your workplace is closed that day you may want to hold it on the Friday);

• Ask your local council, or any other public body, to fly official flags at half-mast on the day. Remember that the day is officially recognised by the government;

• Arrange an event such as planting a memorial tree in a public place, putting up a plaque, dedicating a sculpture, a piece of art, or a bench, to remember workers who have been killed at the workplace or in the community;

• If you are planning any events for the day, or you want to raise awareness about Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April, then it is important you consider how you can best use local media both before and on the Day.

• Ask local religious centres to include Workers’ Memorial Day in their worship on the day;

• Distribute purple ‘forget-me-not’ ribbons, the symbol of Workers Memorial Day;

• Let people know about anything that happened in your area on the day. Use hashtag #IWMD18.

Resources (Stickers, Badges, Posters, Ribbons):-

For resources on Workers Memorial Day including ribbons and car stickers please contact the Greater Manchester Hazards centre at: mail@gmhazards.org.uk Phone: 0161 636 7557

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB240 Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2018 – List Of Events Unionised Workplaces Are Safety Workplaces

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TUC – Celebrating 40 Years of Union Safety Reps:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

It’s 40 years since trade union health and safety reps had a legal right under the 1977 SRSC Regulations to improve health and safety in the workplace. Let us celebrate the difference this has made to workplaces up and down the country.

What are we celebrating?

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 is the primary piece of regulation covering union health and safety representatives and is, along with the parent act, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, one of the most important pieces of regulation for unions working in health and safety. It has also had a huge effect in saving lives and preventing injury and illness.

It’s often forgotten that union health and safety representatives are volunteers doing the job because we want to actually make a difference in the workplace so let’s use the occasion to celebrate the massive difference we have made.

The 40th anniversary of the Safety Reps Regulations has been used to celebrate union health and safety reps and as previously notified to safety reps, the campaign was launched last October on National Inspection Day and runs through to finish on Workers Memorial Day on 28th April 2018.

Although much of the campaign has been grounded in celebrating the past successes of union safety reps, it will also focus on the future, making the case for union involvement in health and safety over the coming 40 years.

Union safety reps are the key to a safe and healthy workplace

Safety reps are the most effective tool that we have in ensuring good health and safety at work, because organised workplaces are safer workplaces. We now have around 100,000 trade union safety representatives and the work that they do:

• helps reduce injuries at work

• leads to reductions in the levels of ill health caused by work

• encourages greater reporting of injuries and near-misses

• makes workers more confident

• helps develop a more positive safety culture in the organisation

• saves the economy many millions of pounds.

We need Union Safety Reps and Strong Union Safety Organisation today as much as ever

At a time when health and safety is under attack by politicians who see good regulation as ‘red tape’, by employers who ride roughshod over the laws, and by a big fall in inspections and enforcement, we need trade unions and their safety reps more than ever before.

The only employers who fear safety reps are those who want to cut corners and take risks with workers’ lives. Good employers are already working with unions: they need the rest to start recognising the benefits that unions can bring. Government needs to stop attacking unions and instead do more to ensure that employers are consulting with unions so that everyone can have the benefits that unions bring.

Meet The Unions@40 Safety Rep Case studies as:- https://www.tuc.org.uk/meet-safety-reps-making-difference

Safety Reps @40 leaflet attached.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

18LTB239 TUC – Celebrating 40 Years of Union Safety Reps

SafetyReps@40 TUC Leaflet

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Important Information Regarding Changes to Access to SAGE Online – Branch Accounts

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ATTENDANCE AGREEMENT – UPDATE

Further to LTB 185/18 we have had further meetings and conference calls with Royal Mail.

The discussions to date have included the impact of the new Occupational Health Contract introduced by Royal Mail, decisions taken around the Equality Act within the Attendance Agreement, lack of proper justification given when managers are issuing Attendance Reviews, Contact Strategy not being adhered to and threats to / actual stoppage of pay.

During our meetings we have made progress and it is agreed we will jointly undertake the following:

Joint Visit to HR Service Centre – Sheffield

On Thursday 19th April we will visit HR Service Centre in Sheffield with Royal Mail.

The visit will encompass the following:-

• Gain a full understanding of the team structures within Sheffield.
• Understand the referral step process for Occupational Health Referrals including how referrals are received, what options are looked at prior to a decision being made about whether an Occupation Health meeting / consultation is permitted. If it is not permitted, who provides advice to the Manager and what advice is given?
• Meet with Members of OH Assist / first class support to discuss and understand the OH services, including services employees can access directly.

Training

An e-Learning product relating to the Equality Act is being designed and will be available with effect from May 2018. It is intended that this product will be made available to managers and union representatives once launched.

The Attendance Agreement

There will be a joint statement ensuring compliance to the reaffirming the terms and spirit of the Attendance Agreement.

Contact Strategy

The joint statement on the contact strategy will be updated and reissued to ensure that appropriate contact in line with the Agreement is maintained during periods of absence.

Training Review

We are currently reviewing a number of cases to establish where learning/training opportunities exist and can be provided.

Guidance for dealing with Attendance Reviews

Re-training and re-communication of the Attendance Review Meetings Guide will take place. If the manager decides to issue a formal notification they should ensure that the process set out in the Attendance Policy has been followed including providing rationale for their decision and any actions agreed.

We will keep you informed of progress via further Letters to Branches.

Any enquiries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference number 415 email:khawkins@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis

Assistant Secretary

18LTB232 Attendance Agreement – Update

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CWU Conference 2018 – Standing Order Reports

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