Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 PAD Revision Activity

Branches and representatives are informed discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2026 PAD Revision activity.

Building on the processes developed in previous reviews, all aspects of the process will mirror previously agreed arrangements. Attached for information is a Joint Statement covering the details along with the agreed process for the deployment of this year’s review, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

As was agreed in 2025, the inclusion of container tracking data as part of the revision activity will remain, this will be reviewed as part of the joint working group activity prior to any data being shared with the sites.

As with the previous PAD Revision Activity, the process fully recognises the role of the CWU at all levels and all activity will be overseen by the Area Distribution Working Group.

A Joint online launch event will take place with Distribution Managers and Divisional/Area Representatives on Wednesday 29^th April 11:45-12:45.

Colleagues will note that the Stage 1 Data Gathering will commence on Thursday 30^th April 2026 and representatives are therefore requested to engage with management accordingly in relation to the activity and release arrangements. 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org  or jmansell@cwu.org  quoting reference LTB 120/26.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 120/26 – Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 PAD Revision Activity

Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 PAD Revision Activity

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International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026 

Remember the Dead. Fight for the Living — Addressing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Dear Colleagues,

On International Workers’ Memorial Day, 28 April 2026, workers and trade unions around the world will come together to remember those who have died, been injured, or made ill because of work — and to demand action to prevent further harm.

International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) commemorates those workers. We are calling upon CWU Branches, Regions, Safety Forums, Reps and members to please support your local IWMD events and come together to remember those who have lost their lives to work, been injured or disabled and to further renew our trade union commitment to fight for the safety and health of the living and make workplaces and working methods safer.

Psychosocial hazards—including work‑related stress, excessive workloads, long and unpredictable hours, job insecurity, bullying, harassment, workplace violence, and the misuse of technology and surveillance are among the leading causes of work‑related ill health worldwide.

The continued importance of International Workers’ Memorial Day is captured in this TUC timeline.

Workers Memorial Day: a timeline | TUC which details some of the events in British labour history where employer and government failures led to the preventable deaths of workers. It also includes dates which mark when trade unions won key legislative change to protect rights to safety at work.

List of IWMD Local Events

Workers’ Memorial Day – 2026 | Megaphone UK

The TUC and Scottish TUC have published the details of a list of many local events across England, Scotland, and Wales which are taking place from 24^th April right through to 2^nd May 2026, the above link has details of these events.

TUC Cymru have also organised a Wales’ National Workers’ Memorial Day event.

Here is the link to register for the event

TUC CYMRU – Workers Memorial Day 2026 Registration Form

TUC CYMRU – Workers’ Memorial Day 2026 event details:

Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: Unite Building, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9SD

Food and hot drinks will be available from 10:00, with the ceremony beginning at 10:30. Smart, dark clothing is requested.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) WMD Event

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) normally mark International Workers’ Memorial Day with a wreath laying ceremony at the IWMD Commemorative Tree in the grounds of the Parliament Buildings Stormont Estate, Stormont Ct, Belfast BT4 3LP. For further event details email: info@ictuni.net 

Many more events will take place on International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026 which may not be officially listed. We therefore advise that enquiries should be made with local Trades Councils and other Trade Unions, Local Authorities, Hazards, and other campaign organisations for details of local IWMD events that Branches and Reps may further wish to support.

CWU 2026 International Workers’ Memorial Day Poster

A CWU Workplace poster is attached to this LTB, which draws attention to this year’s theme of: Addressing Psychosocial Hazards at Work. Also attached is a statement from Dave Ward, General Secretary, for International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026.

‘Light up Purple’ CWU campaign for IWMD

The ‘Light Up Purple’ campaign continues to grow in the name of the CWU since 2022. We invite and encourage any CWU members or IWMD activists to continue to ask for local landmarks, buildings, bridges, town halls to ‘light up for IWMD’ to remember the estimated 2.7 million workers who die globally each year because of occupational accidents or work-related diseases.

A few of the many landmarks, buildings, bridges that will be lighting up purple on the 28^{th of} April 2026 are listed via the link below, which also includes an updated link to the latest ‘Light up Purple’ Sway webpages: CWU LIGHT UP PURPLE CAMPAIGN 2026 | Megaphone UK

If you are interested in more information on the Global IWMD events campaigns and further guides and news items, you can visit the 28April.org website which contains details of the hugely valuable work undertaken by Hazards magazine and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

28 April | Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact:

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org

LTB 119/26 IWMD 

Att: 08650 – Workers Memorial Day 2026 – A3

Att: Dave Ward CWU statement words for IWMD 2026

Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 National Network (Linehaul) Review

Branches and representatives are informed discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2026 Network (Linehaul) Review activity.

Building on the processes developed in previous reviews, all aspects of the process will mirror previously agreed arrangements. Attached for information is a Joint Statement covering the details along with the agreed process for the deployment of this year’s review, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.

As with the previous Network Review Joint Statements, the process fully recognises the role of the CWU at all levels and all activity will be overseen by the Network Working Group.

A Joint online launch event will take place with National Network Managers and Divisional/Area Representatives on Wednesday 29^thApril 10:30-11:30.

Colleagues will note that the Stage 1 Data Gathering will commence on Thursday 30^th April 2026 and representatives are therefore requested to engage with management accordingly in relation to the activity and release arrangements. 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org  or jmansell@cwu.org  quoting reference LTB 118/26.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 118/26 – Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 National Network -Linehaul- Review

Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2026 National Network (Linehaul) Review

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Postal Agenda Pad – Tuesday 12th – Thursday 14th May 2026

No. 117/26

21^st April 2026 

TO:    ALL BRANCH SECRETARIES 

REGIONAL SECRETARIES 

DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

SUB DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 

FLEET TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVES 

RM ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVES 

RMPFS REPRESENTATIVES

RMPFS CLEANER REPRESENTATIVES 

REGIONAL PARCEL ORGANISERS

Dear Colleagues,

CWU POSTAL AGENDA PAD – TUESDAY 12^TH – THURSDAY 14^THMAY 2026

Branches would wish to know that the agenda for the CWU Postal Agenda Pad which is being held in the Solent Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth from Tuesday 12^th – Thursday 14^th May 2026 has now been published on the website and can be accessed by opening the attachment or pasting the link into your browser:

Click to access POSTAL-AGENDA-2026-WC.pdf

Hard copies for your delegation can be collected on Saturday 9^th May 2026 when collecting   your credentials.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7237 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 117/26

POSTAL AGENDA 2026 WC

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ROYAL MAIL: WINDING UP THE RMDCP SCHEME – TRANSFER OF MEMBER ASSETS TO LEGAL AND GENERAL MASTERTRUST IN JULY 2026 – WEBINAR 

Further to LTB 087/26 dated 25th March 2026.  

Branches and Representatives are reminded that our members in the Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan (RMDCP) have now received a communication from the Trustee advising that the scheme is winding up with all savings/assets invested moving to the Legal & General Mastertrust from July 2026. 

All reports received indicate that the first Webinar on this matter which took place on 14th April was well received and informative.  Therefore, Representatives are encouraged, where possible, to join the next session on Thursday 23rd April at 14:00-15:00.  You can register for this event via the following link: 

 Upcoming changes to the Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan 

 Also, attached to this LTB is a set of slides entitled “Understanding the changes to Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan (RMDCP)” which provide a detailed explanation of what is happening to the RMDCP, why it’s happening and when.  For further key information, please visit: 

 www.legalandgeneral.com/rmdcp 

 If you have any queries in relation to this LTB, please contact Samantha Nicholas at snicholas@cwu.org  or Heidi Maughan at hmaughan@cwu.org 

 Yours sincerely,  

 Andy Furey  

Assistant Secretary  

LTB 115/26

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CWU TELECOM AND FINANCIAL SERVICES AGENDA PAD – TUESDAY 12^TH – THURSDAY 14^THMAY 2026

Branches would wish to know that the agenda for the CWU Telecoms and Financial Services Agenda Pad which is being held in the Tregonwell Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth from Tuesday 12^th – Thursday 14^th May 2026 has now been published on the website and can be accessed by opening the attachment or pasting the link into your browser:

Click to access TFS-AGENDA-2026-WITH-COVERS.pdf

Hard copies for your delegation can be collected on Saturday 9^th May 2026 when collecting   your credentials.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7237 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 116/26

Att: TFS-AGENDA-2026 

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CWU AND ROYAL MAIL AGREEMENT – MEMBERS COMMUNICATION 

We have attached to this LTB a copy of our first members communication which is being issued today direct to member email addresses.

This is the first in a series of communications and others will follow in a way that focuses on specific areas of the agreement.

You will see that prior to the ballot taking place there will be a range of different written and digital communications to our members.

We will also be providing our representatives with briefs to convey the key messages to our members in workplace meetings.

We would ask that Branches ensure that copies of the members communication are also distributed in the workplace.

Further information will follow in due course on the ballot timetable.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                  

Dave Ward

General Secretary   

Tony Bouch

Assistant Secretary                    

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary                    

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary               

LTB 114/25 – CWU AND ROYAL MAIL AGREEMENT – MEMBERS COMMUNICATION

Att: Royal Mail agreement all member communication April 2026

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Eurest (Ex Quadrant) Pay Settlement 2026 – Ballot Result

Further to the contents of LTB 085/26 the department has now received confirmation of the result of the ballot on acceptance of the Eurest Pay Settlement 2026.

Ballot Papers Dispatched:                                           120

Ballot Papers Returned:                                               59       (49%)

Votes to accept:                                                           57       (97%)

Votes to reject:                                                            2         (3%)

On the basis of the above, the Pay Settlement for Eurest members has been endorsed. The department has communicated the result to Eurest and arrangements are being made to ensure that the pay uplifts will be applied to April’s salaries due for payment on 1^st May 2026

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org  or jmansell@cwu.org  quoting reference LTB 113/26.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 113/26 – Eurest (Ex Quadrant) Pay Settlement 2026 – Ballot Result

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CWU AND ROYAL MAIL GROUP AGREEMENT

We are pleased to announce that CWU and RMG have reached an agreement for the national deployment of USO Reform and how we move forward the equalisation of new entrants’ pay, terms and conditions.

This agreement also confirms Pay 2026 and relaunches the Rebuilding Royal Mail Part 1 & 2 agreements – that will now be delivered in full with the confirmed ongoing involvement and support of the UK Government.

The agreement (full copy attached) has been unanimously endorsed by the CWU’s Postal Executive and the key points are set out below.

USO Reform

• It has been agreed to set aside the ODM and in acknowledging the lessons learnt from the pilot sites and feedback from our members – a new delivery model (2026), based on the union’s heavier and light delivery model will now be rolled out nationally.
• The new delivery model introduces 3.5k new walks, 10k walks being switched to heavy and light and 6k part time to full time uplifts to support the 4 into 3 structure.
• The agreement reaffirms the importance of job security for our members and there will be no compulsory redundancies from USO Reform and MTSF will apply to support all employees through change.
• The agreement includes comprehensive and very robust processes and safeguards that have been put in place at local level for pre-deployment and post-deployment reviews.
• The new processes are specifically designed to support local employees, representatives and managers being able to have a greater say and influence over how USO Reform will be deployed – with the ability to utilise their local knowledge and experience within the overall parameters set. This includes local representatives and employees having a major influence over how to fix any issues that may arise.
• The need to have in place a fully resourced office prior to deployment and to ensure that manageable workload, quality of service and USO coverage is being achieved has been prioritised. This will be supported with strict reviews at various stages and no surplus can be confirmed until this criteria is being met on a regular basis.
• The company has agreed that critical to the successful deployment of USO Reform is the need to deliver a quality of service improvement plan that delivers on the promise to put postal workers and customers back at the heart of everything we do. The union and the Select Committee (confirmed in writing) will continue to hold Royal Mail to account on these crucial issues.
• The company has also agreed that critical to the successful deployment of USO Reform will be the reset of Employee and Industrial Relations. A plan for this reset will be published in the next two weeks.
• The agreement sets out the benefits for employees of the new model which will increase the number of Saturdays off for full time and part time employees as well as the opportunity for earlier finishes on a Saturday, subject to local factors and current duty patterns.
• A new delivery site incentive scheme will also be introduced for each office in conjunction with the roll out of USO Reform.
• To move forward the commitment to introduce new ways of working, a pilot will be agreed as part of the roll out of USO Reform and we will encourage offices to participate in this pilot and come forward with ideas that can be of benefit to employees and the company going forward.
• There is a comprehensive full deployment agreement which covers all aspects of how USO Reform will be deployed and you will find this at Appendix A of the attached agreement. The full agreement will be explained and you will see how it provides comprehensive safeguards and protections for our members.

Equalisation of new entrants’ pay, terms and conditions

• The agreement acknowledges the need to refresh our approach to equalisation and confirms a first step and a process that will lead to the next step and the plan to achieving equalisation following the next formal review which will take place no later than January 2027.
• The first step ends the practice of Royal Mail recruiting full time staff on 40 hours per week and commits the company to only employ new full-time staff on 37-hour contracts.
• The first step also reduces the pay differential for new entrants by increasing their pay rise by 1.75% over the 3% for employees on the old contracts.
• The first step also provides additional measures that are designed to support retention of employees.

Pay 2026

• Branches will be aware that we had already agreed a 3-year pay deal with a reopener clause should inflation be above 3% or below 2%.  This reopener clause was also due to take into account the financial position of the business at the appropriate time.  Therefore, rather than delay a pay rise we have agreed a 3% pay increase to be introduced quickly and backdated to the 1^st April and if the actual average CPI for January, February and March 2026 is above 3%, the difference will be considered for payment following successful deployment of USO Reform.

Relaunch of the Rebuilding Royal Mail Part 1 & 2 Agreements

Royal Mail have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering in full all aspects of these agreements and crucially the UK Government has agreed to monitor and support progress going forward.  This reflects the assurance the new owners gave to employees and the UK Government at the time of the takeover.

Ongoing Government Involvement and Select Committee Scrutiny

Branches will be aware that because of the support of our members and the influence of the union, the Government intervened through its tripartite meetings and separately the all party Parliamentary Select Committee has scrutinised Royal Mail’s quality of service failures.  We can all take encouragement from the fact that the ongoing involvement of the Government has been confirmed and the Chair of the Select Committee has also confirmed, in writing, that they will continue to scrutinise the need for Royal Mail to significantly improve quality of service going forward. We will explain the importance of this at today’s National Briefing and in our subsequent engagement with reps and members.  As a result you will see that the agreement confirms that we will now launch a joint campaign with the company to achieve a fairer regulatory environment and address the exploitative labour models that our competitors utilise to undercut Royal Mail.

We are confident that if this agreement is confirmed it will pave the way for serious discussions with the Government on why it is in national interest for these issues to be properly addressed.

Next Steps

We all know that for a number of years there has been major problems with customer service failures and a managerial ethos that was installed by the previous board and that has never really changed, the combination of which has led to continuing chaos in the majority of our delivery offices.  The Postal Executive is firmly of the view that the best opportunity to significantly improve quality of service and finally change the managerial ethos is by supporting this agreement and move forward with the continuing scrutiny and involvement of the Select Committee and Government.

It is now imperative that all Branches, Representatives and members have the opportunity and time to fully consider this agreement properly –  not only on the basis of how we have moved the company significantly on all the key issues – but also in its wider context around why USO Reform is necessary and why we must shift our focus to changing the role of Ofcom and create a level playing field with our competitors.

Delivering change will always be difficult but we are clearly in a stronger position to support our members under the terms of this agreement.

Finally, we will ensure full engagement with all of our representatives and members on these issues prior to a membership ballot and the approach and timetable for this will be issued in due course.  This commences today with a National Briefing on Wednesday 15^th April followed by Local Reps Briefings and direct written communications with our members and at the appropriate point, a CWU Live show.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Postal Department, Hayley Ford on hford@cwu.org and General Secretary’s Department, Dawn Lynch on dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh                                                             

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Dave Ward

General Secretary    

Tony Bouch    

Assistant Secretary                           

Davie Robertson      

Assistant Secretary                 

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary                   

LTB 112.26 CWU AND ROYAL MAIL GROUP AGREEMENT

LTB 112.26 ATT Final Agreement USO Deployment and New Entrants 13th April 2026 v3

LTB 112.26 APP A USO Deployment Agreement FINALv1

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