TRADES UNION CONGRESS 2024: CWU DELEGATION REPORT

The 2023 Trades Union Congress took place from Sunday 9th September at the Brighton Conference Centre, Brighton.

All unions were entitled to submit two motions to the agenda.  The CWU National Executive Council agreed the following motions:-

MOTION 1 – NEW DEAL NEXT STEPS – SECTORIAL BARGAINING

Congress celebrates the decisive election of a Labour government. One of Labour’s flagship policies, the New Deal for Workers, is a comprehensive package that has been fought for by trade unions and our members.

Congress recognises that a Labour government implementing the New Deal for Workers is a crucial first step in reshaping the world of work.

However, restoring workers’ rights is only one part of transforming our economy in favour of working people. Trade unions must now work together like never before and ensure that sectoral collective bargaining accompanies the implementation of the New Deal for Workers so we can build back power in workplaces across the country.

Congress recognises that we have previously agreed to a review of how the TUC operates and to publish collective bargaining strategies for multiple sectors across the economy, however, this has not happened. We must seize the opportunity that the Labour government presents and use this era of change to focus on the root of our power- our collective strength.

Congress resolves:

• For the TUC to host a collective bargaining summit in the next six months, for trade unions to discuss strategies for setting common bargaining agendas in multiple sectors.
• Following this, for the TUC General Council to establish and agree a collective bargaining strategy for multiple sectors across the economy, to be published no later than six months after the summit. 
• For the TUC to urge the Labour government to expand upon their plans for introducing sectoral collective bargaining 

MOTION 2 – TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE

“Congress believes that the rapid proliferation of the use of new or advanced technologies in the workplace has left trade unions, and their members, on the back foot.

Surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are being rapidly expanded and used to exacerbate workplace inequalities, create pressure on staff and in some cases, create an unsafe work environment. Congress believes that if these technologies continue to be introduced in our workplaces without consultation and agreement, they will result in a degradation of pay, terms and conditions and infringe on our basic human rights.

Congress believes there is also a growing problem in the lack of knowledge and policy surrounding the development of technologies like AI and that the labour movement must improve our resources if we are to confront the inappropriate use of these technologies in the workplace.

Congress believes that the gap in workers’ rights in regards to technology must be addressed and an iron-clad legal right to consultation must be introduced.

Congress resolves:

• To work with the Labour Party and the Government to ensure that the legal right to consult trade unions on the introduction of new technologies is enshrined in law 
• To invest in a major research project which identifies the use of and the risks of technology, including tracking and AI, in workplaces across multiple sectors 
• Make the TUC campaign against the unscrupulous use of technology in the workplace a key initiative for 2024.”

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION 

2024 TRADES UNION CONGRESS – BRIGHTON

MINUTES OF THE TUC DELEGATION MEETING 

HELD IN THE KEATES AND SHELLEY ROOM, LEONARDO ROYAL BRIGHTON HOTEL (WATERFRONT), KINGS ROAD, BRIGHTON

ON SUNDAY 8^TH SEPTEMBER AT 11 A.M.

______________________________________________________________

PRESENT: Dave Ward, Martin Walsh, Karen Rose, Mick Kavanagh, Maria Exall, James Samuels, Tina Holmes, Rob Wotherspoon, Ali Moosa, Josh Barclay, Graham Colk, Fiona Curtis, Peter Francis, Adam Alarakhia, Scott Hartles, Sajid Shaikh, Lee Starr – Elliott, Steve Croke

IN ATTENDANCE: Chloe Koffman, Lionel Sampson, Janina Jackson, Chris Webb, Kate Hudson

The delegation meeting held a minute’s silence in memory of Andy Kerr former

Deputy General Secretary Telecoms

1       WELCOME – INTRODUCTIONS & APOLOGIES

The Chair welcomed all CWU Delegates to the meeting in particular those who were attending the TUC Congress for the first time and asked the delegation to introduce themselves to the meeting.

Apologies were received from Quincy Raymond – domestic, Tony Kearns would be arriving late on Sunday due to OUB.

2        GENERAL SECRETARY OVERVIEW 

The Senior Deputy General Secretary welcomed all delegates and talked about the new Labour government and informed delegates that there would probably be more media interest this year.

3        EXPLANATION OF TUC DOCUMENTS

Bill Taylor provided an explanation of the TUC pack provided at the meeting which included:

 General Council Report 2024

• Final Agenda 2024
• GPC Report and Consolidated Final Agenda 2024
• Congress Guide 2024

4.       CWU POLICY POSITION ON MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

The SDGS went through the CWU policy position on motions and amendments.

8^th September 2024
CWU Research

TUC Congress 2024 Final Agenda

Policy recommendations for the delegation meeting and suggestions for CWU interventions

Table 1: CWU motions to move, amended by CWU, and possible other interventions  ActionMotionTitle/descriptionMove22Takeover of Royal Mail 72New deal next steps – sectoral collective bargaining   Amended by CWU2Repeal anti-union laws 11Fixing our broken economy Possible other interventions09Miscarriage leave 19Climate change and workers’ health 23Public interest regulation 40Asda workers deserve better 44Suicide prevention and awareness 49Public services 62Training and skills 73End discrimination by algorithm: equality safeguards for AI 74AI and the banking industry 

Table 2: Policy recommendations for the delegation meetingMotionDetails of MotionUnionCWU Position

S = Support

O = Oppose Section 1 – Protecting the right to strike and winning a new deal01 End of the hostile environment towards workersCongress calls on the recently elected UK government to realise its manifesto pledges in respect of workers’ rights to bring a swift end to the hostile environment that workers have experienced for the past few decades.Educational Institute of Scotland

Amend Unite

Amend USDAW

Amend PCSS02 Repeal anti-union lawsCongress recommits to the TUC’s longstanding policy for the repeal of all anti-union laws and for positive legal rights for trade unions.Fire Brigades Union

Amend CWU

Amend ASLEFS03 Repeal Section 127 Criminal Justice Public Order Act 1994Congress commits the General Council to campaign to also repeal Section 127 of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act 1994 which restricts prison officer grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from taking any form of industrial action.POAS04 Ban upfront fees charged to performers by casting directoriesCalls for casting directory fees to be borne by producers, not workersEquityS  05 Migrant workers’ rightsCalls for collective bargaining and full employment rights to be made available to migrant workers.ASLEF

Amend ProspectS06 Fair pay for freelancesCalls for fair pay and collective bargaining rights for freelancesNational Union of Journalists

Amend Prospect

Amend Artists Union EnglandS07 Deliver freedom of association and prevent another P&O Ferries scandalCalls to ensure another P&O Ferries scandal can never happen again and seafarers can avail of the same protections as their shore-based counterparts.Nautilus International

Amend RMTS08 Informational picketingtrade unions rely on informational picketing, a form of public demonstration done for the purpose of educating the public to raise awareness about workplace issue

The motion calls for a campaign to lift unnecessary restrictions on trade unions engaging in informational picketingAssociation of Flight AttendantsS09 Miscarriage leaveThose who have had the tragic experience of a miscarriage before 24 weeks, have no right to bereavement leave and are ineligible for maternity or paternity leave.

The motion calls for a campaign for the introduction of a day one right to paid miscarriage leave for anyone (irrespective of employment status) who has experienced a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy, coupled with the provision of specialist support that recognises the extremely traumatic experience of miscarriage for all those involved.NASUWT

Amend USDAW

Amend Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Amend FDAS10 ChildcareCalls for stronger rights and protections at work, including a right to flexible working and family friendly working arrangements that support women with childcare responsibilities to return and remain in the workplace.TUC Women’s ConferenceSSection 2 – Building a fairer economy11 Fixing our broken economyDemands a wealth tax on the richest 1 per cent and other measures such as an automatic right to trade union recognition where most workers want it.Unite the Union

Amend CWUS12 Labour’s economic strategyCalls for the new Labour Government to deliver a significant real-terms increase in public spending and investment, both as an immediate necessity and as part of a longer-term economic strategy for sustainable growth.National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport WorkersS13 Fair taxCongress calls upon the TUC to make the case for a more progressive taxation system, including:

·       Equalising capital gains tax in line with income tax

·       Closing Inheritance Tax loopholes

·       Applying national insurance to investment income

·       Closing private equity tax loopholesAccordS 14 A workers’ transition for the North SeaThe motion notes that over 30,000 off-shore North Sea oil and gas jobs, plus seven to eight times that number in the supply chain, are under threat.

States that congress does not believe that we can abandon fossil fuels until we know how we will replace them.

Demands that no ban on new licenses for drilling is introduced, before a fully funded Workers’ Plan guaranteeing commensurate jobs for all North Sea workers, is agreedUniteO.15 Industrial strategy is national securityCongress commits to:

i)               an industrial strategy policy that maximises our domestic energy strengths for national security, with all assets and options part of the solution: nuclear, renewables and oil and gas production

ii)              ii. backing the build of Sizewell C, and supporting Small Modular ReactorsGMB

Amend Unite

Amend Nautilus International?.16 Union recognition agreement promiseCalls for a commitment from Labour to ensure that any company that receives funding from Labour’s National Wealth Fund to incentivise companies to offer good jobs, that these companies must have a union recognition agreement that supports collective bargaining, with an independent trade union who is affiliated to the TUC.AegisS17 Climate emergency – the next stepsCongress calls on the UK government to address the climate emergency as it would any other, with a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic climate breakdownUNISON

Amend UCU

Amend FDAS18 Climate changeStates that we need a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown.

Calls for negotiated transition plans that guarantee protection for all workers in all sectors of the economyPublic and Commercial Services UnionSupport motion

Oppose amendment

Amend GMB19 Climate change and workers’ healthCongress welcomes the idea of organising a Heat Strike as joint days of action between workers, trade unions and climate justice groups using the youth climate strikes model. The Heat Strike is not legal union strike but can take many forms by workers and citizens including direct actions, protests, workplace lunchtime walkouts, awareness raising, lobbying of politicians or community actions.Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union

Amend FBUS20 Relations with EuropeCongress believes that the negative consequences of the UK’s mismanaged exit from the European Union are increasingly impossible to ignore.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for: a. rapid progress on reducing trade barriers ongoing dynamic alignment of social protections and regulations streamlined processes for essential cross-border movement of workers and equipment renegotiation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement as an overall goal.Educational Institute of Scotland

Amend Musicians’ UnionS21 UK Steel and a carbon border adjustment mechanismCongress recognises that domestic steel will be more necessary than ever for building the low-carbon, sustainable economy of the future.

Calls for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism that supports the decarbonisation of domestic steel production, whilst protecting the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.CommunityS22 Takeover of Royal MailSupports postal workers in securing comprehensive protections in the takeover of Royal Mail, including protections against job losses and in their calls for a new ownership and governance model.CWU

Amend ASLEFMove23 Public interest regulationCongress calls on the TUC General Council to lobby for a new, more sophisticated approach to economic regulation that ensures commercial and cost considerations are balanced by explicit responsibility, oversight and provision for vital public priorities.ProspectS24 Protect arts workers’ freedom of expressionCalls to lobby the government and the Arts Council to work with trade unions to produce guidance which affirms artists’ freedom of expression and makes clear that attempts to censor artists represent a risk to organisations and their public funding.Equity

Amend Artists’ Union EnglandS25 Funding cuts and impact on jobsMusicians’ livelihoods are on the line with data showing that, on average, they make £20,000 a year.

Conference calls on the General Council to lobby the government to prioritise funding of the arts as part of their plan for economic growth.Musicians’ UnionS26 A manifesto for artistsCalls for a restoration and increase of public funding of the arts, as well as the exploration of new avenues for funding artists, including start-up grants for cooperatives.Artists’ Union EnglandS27 Restoring trust in the mediaCongress instructs the General Council to support the NUJ’s News Recovery Plan.National Union of JournalistsS 28 Labour government and a progressive transport agendaCongress agrees the General Council will work with affiliates to campaign to ensure the delivery of a progressive transport agendaNational Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Amend Nautilus InternationalS29 Railfreight renationalisationCongress calls on the General Council to lobby the UK government for the expansion of publicly owned railfreight services eventually resulting in a fully renationalised railfreight sector.ASLEFS30 Turning the tide on merchant navy decline and support maritime employmentCongress implores the UK government to protect our domestic shipping industry, to create good jobs and training and grow the UK flag by exploring implementing cabotage laws, including favourable public procurement policies for shipowners employing UK crew and operating UK registered vessels.Nautilus InternationalS31 National food strategyCalls for a comprehensive food strategy White Paper, a statutory right to accessible, affordable and nutritious food, and universal free school meals for all primary children.British Dietetic Association

Amend Educational Institute of Scotland

Amend Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Amend FBUS32 The future of football and the need for player engagementCongress supports the continued work of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to ensure that players and their unions are properly and formally represented in decisions regarding the future of the game.Professional Footballers’ AssociationS33 Universal creditCongress calls on the Labour government to positively promote properly funded social security and employment reform as an integral part of a functioning modern society.Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Amend PCSS34 A fair personal independence paymentCalls on the government and the DWP establish a new fairer system personal independence payment claims.TUC Disabled Workers ConferenceS35 Access to housing for public sector professionalsCalls for improved access to affordable, secure rented housing for public sector professionals, alongside legislation to secure rent control and improve tenant rights.Society of RadiographersS36 Housing that works for allCalls for unions to work with government in training a new generation of skilled construction workers, and

ii. work with employers in the private sector to improve the employment model, ensuring those workers have a secure future.National House Building Council Staff AssociationSSection 3 – Building a stronger, more diverse movement37 Challenging the politics of hateCalls for TUC and affiliates to challenge the politics of hate by raising awareness of Reform’s policies for the workplace and society and scrutinise and hold to account Reform’s elected representatives.UNISON

Amend NEU

Amend NASUWTS38 Misogyny in musicConference calls on the TUC to lobby government to implement the recommendations from the Women and Equalities Committee Misogyny in Music report in fullMusicians’ UnionS39 Fighting the far-right narrative, hate crimes and hate speech to defend LGBT+ rightsConference also calls on the TUC to challenge all forms of anti-trans narratives and hate speechTUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender+ ConferenceS40 ASDA workers deserve betterSince TDR Capital and the Issa Brothers bought ASDA in the largest debt-leveraged buyout ever of a UK company, over eight million hours have been stripped from the shop floor – making ASDA workers’ jobs harder.

ASDA’s balance sheet is now loaded with over £6bn of debt. Prior to TDR’s private equity ownership there was no debt.

Congress commits to urging the Labour government to protect jobs, consumers and food security from high risk indebted business models by improving corporate governance standard and giving workers voices on company boards and fulfilling its commitment to close private equity’s ‘carried interest’ tax loophole.GMBS41 Closing the gender pay gapGovernment has a stated ambition of permanently closing the gender pay gap. But a clear action plan is needed to achieve this in public services.Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Amend Royal College of PodiatryS42 Addressing the ethnicity pay gapClosing the ethnicity pay gap is fundamental to achieving equality for Black workers.

Conference calls on the TUC Race Relations Committee to: i. encourage the incorporation of ethnicity, pay gap reporting as a standard practice in corporate disclosures ii. call for legislation to make ethnicity pay gap reporting mandatoryTUC Black Workers ConferenceS43 Tackling sexual harassment in the workplaceCongress agrees to work with the BFAWU on a campaign to bring into legislation a new requirement for reporting cases of sexual harassment and violence similar to reporting accidents in the workplace (RIDDOR) and to lobby the incoming government to create and resource a new, cross-cooperation panel to overview sexual harassment in the workplace between TUC, EHRC and HSEBakers Food and Allied Workers UnionS44 Suicide prevention and awarenessCongress believes that unions have a critical role to play in advocating for effective strategies and support systems that address suicide prevention and awareness in the workplace.NASUWT

Amend Artists’ Union EnglandS45 Inclusivity in maternity servicesThe RCM wants to encourage people from a range of backgrounds and neurominorities into the profession. This is vital as midwives help mothers and families from a range of 35 backgrounds and neurotypes. They deserve to be cared for by people who understand the challenges they face.Royal College of MidwivesS46 Mental illness in prisonsCongress instructs the general council to campaign for properly funded health interventions in our communities that deal with mental health issues and divert people away from prison and for those individuals to get the treatment they deserve from health care professionals.POAS47 Promoting opportunities for young people with neurodiversity challengesCalls for TUC to actively encourage employers to create and promote opportunities specifically tailored for young people with neurodiversity challenges.Aegis

Amend Association of Educational PsychologistsSSection 4 – Winning a better future for working people48 Standing up for care workersCalls on the General Council to:

i.               support the development of a Fair Pay Agreement in adult social care

ii.              campaign for a credible workforce strategy and an end to the exploitation of migrant workers

iii.             work with other organisations in the sector demanding change and the development of a National Care Service.UNISON

Amend GMBS49 Public servicesCongress notes the findings of the report by Dr Mark Williams which confirms that civil service wages were 5 per cent above average in the 1970s and 1980s but are now 10 per cent below average

Congress agrees to campaign for: i. radical improvements to collective bargaining structures and coverage across the economy, particularly in the public sector.Public and Commercial Services Union

Amend Educational Institute of ScotlandS50 Public service rejuvenationCongress calls on the TUC to work with the new government to pursue an ambitious partnership agenda for public services rejuvenation and pay recovery.Chartered Society of PhysiotherapyS51 A new deal for public sector workersIf the public sector is to be a career of choice, then any new deal must include:

i.               pay reform that delivers competitive pay

ii.              a flexible working offer that can help attract and retain talent

iii.             greater flexibility to work between sectors

iv.            a public sector wide strategy to celebrate the value of public serviceSociety of Radiographers

Amend Royal College of PodiatryS52 Fair pay and terms and conditions for NHS staff on bank contractsBank contracts are effectively zero-hours contracts. Extensive use of bank staff is not a sustainable and efficient way of managing staff shortages in the NHS in the medium and long term.Royal College of Midwives

Amend UNISONS53 Fair pay for NHS staffCongress recognises that the NHS is currently facing a crisis, with shortages of staff, including dietitians, impacting the quality of care and resulting in a workforce that feels undervalued and overstretched. Fair pay for NHS staff is crucial to address these challenges, ensure safe staffing levels, and provide high-quality patient care.British Dietetic AssociationS54 Wellbeing in the workplaceTUC to support:

i.               asking workplaces to delve deep into the support given to staff and to understand what is and is not working

ii.              seeking the views of staff on what support they believe is required to keep them well and at work

iii.             developing strategies for workplace reps to deal with burnout.Royal College of Podiatry

Amend Royal College of Podiatry

Amend Royal College of MidwivesS55 NHS BuildingsIn the NHS for too long staff have had to put up with buildings that are not safe.

We call on the TUC to work with affiliated unions to ensure that a proper programme of investment is started to ensure that our hospitals, clinics, and GP practices are fit for purposeRoyal College of Podiatry

Amend Royal College of MidwivesS56 Early diagnosis and intervention for osteoporosisCalls on TUC to lobby Westminster and devolved governments to develop an appropriately sized workforce, with the necessary specialist DEXA skills and equipment to meet current and future demand around prevention and early Osteoporosis diagnosis.Society of RadiographersS57 Freedom to speak up: protections for NHS whistleblowing70 per cent of hospital doctors believe it is not possible to raise patient safety concerns without detriment to their careers.

Congress calls on General Council to campaign for: i. an independent whistleblowing agency

ii. a new criminal offence of causing detriment to those who make protected disclosuresHospital Consultants and Specialists AssociationS58 Ethical governmentCongress recognises that if standards are to be raised, then they must be enforced by robust, politically impartial regulators. Congress calls on the general council to lobby the new government for: i. reform of the ministerial code to separate the regulation of conduct of ministers from elements which relate to the conduct of government businessFDAS59 Invest in our fire and rescue serviceCongress demands from the Westminster government: i. long-term, sustained investment in the fire and rescue service ii. national standards of fire and rescue service emergency response.Fire Brigades UnionS60 Prisons are full but so is probationCongress calls on the government to provide an emergency financial package for the Probation service to include sufficient funding to allow the immediate reopening of pay negotiations to try and make an impact on the operational decline by treating staff with the dignity and respect that they deserve.NapoS61 Time to bring an end to unpaid overtime in CafcassThis TUC instructs the General Council to establish dialogue with the new minister for family justice to initiate a review into excessive work levels in Cafcass and find a solution to this perennial problem.Napo62 Training and skillsWorking people must be given the best chances of succeeding in the workplaces of the future and to do that, the Labour government must deliver a whole new skills frameworkUnion of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Amend UNISONS63 Collaborating to winCongress calls on all education unions to work collaboratively to organise unorganised support staff, to make all support staff voices heard across the bargaining table and launch a joint campaign of collective action to bring their conditions of service in line with teachers.National Education UnionS64 Education is the engine of national renewalCongress resolves to lobby the government for meaningful investment in all forms of post-16 education – whether in colleges, universities, community settings or prisons – for developing the skills and opportunities needed to make the ambition of national renewal a realityUniversity College UnionS65 An inclusive education systemCongress calls for an education system that: i. prioritises and enables inclusion for all ii. promotes anti-racism iii. provides early assessment, intervention and prevention iv. ensures timely access to specialists like Educational Psychologists in all settings.Association of Educational PsychologistsS66 No excuse for abuseIn public pronouncements made in the media and in the House of Commons, families were encouraged to complain about schools rather than work with them.  Congress instructs the General Council to campaign for the protection of school staff from abuse, alongside campaigns to protect other public sector workers.National Association of Head TeachersS67 Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of school staffCongress asserts that all workers should be protected from unsustainable expectations, foreseeable health and safety risks, and from violence and aggression in the workplace.Educational Institute of Scotland

Amend NEUS68 EPs supporting school attendanceCongress calls on the government to develop best practice, in collaboration with educational psychologists and other specialists in this field, to support all children and young people to access education.Association of Educational PsychologistsS69 Health and safety in school buildingsCalls on the TUC to work with the government to create a national strategy for the planned removal of all asbestos containing materials, and to develop a strategy for the replacement of school buildings that are past their design life.CommunityS70 Prison educationCongress calls on the General Council to pressure the new Labour government to:

i. return prison education to the public sector

ii. develop a decolonised curriculum that speaks to and engages with the majority of prisoners

iii. undertake a comprehensive review of the management of the prison education system etc. etc.University College UnionS71 Attacks on the Teachers’ Pension SchemeCongress condemns attempts by the United Learning Trust (ULT) to encourage staff to leave the defined benefit Teachers’ Pension Scheme.National Association of Head Teachers

Amend NASUWT

Amend UCUS  72 New deal next steps – sectoral collective bargainingCongress resolves: i. for the TUC to host a collective bargaining summit in the next six months, for trade unions to discuss strategies for setting common bargaining agendas in multiple sectors etc. etc.CWU

Amend RMTMove73 End discrimination by algorithm: equality safeguards for AICongress calls for a Bill which regulates employers’ use of AI in the workplace.UniteS74 AI and the banking industryAI driven job displacement is predicted to be higher in financial services than in any other sector.  Congress calls for a major programme of reskilling and retraining for employees in the sector to equip them for the new roles that will evolve in the financial and broader services sectors.AccordS75 AI and the artsInstructs the TUC to lobby for: i. legislation to protect artists’ and creative workers’ intellectual property rights ii. the protection of artists’ rights in particular regarding AI and its development iii. the ethical usage of AI, with consent and appropriate remuneration of original creators for their content iv. prohibition of the use of AI in workplaces without explicit collective agreement etc. etc.Artists’ Union EnglandS76 Young workers, artificial intelligence (AI) and automationCongress calls on the TUC Young Workers Forum to:  target support for young workers to ensure their employment is protected in the short and long term in sectors that are at high risk of automation. Work with employers and government to provide opportunities for upskilling, retraining and redeployment. Launch a campaign on the impacts of AI on young workers etc. etc.TUC Young Workers ConferenceS77 PalestineCongress reaffirms support for Palestinian rights and calls on the government to: i. immediately recognise the State of Palestine ii. end the arms trade with Israel iii. demand a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages and Palestinian political prisoners etc. etc.National Education Union

Amend UNISON

Amend UniteS78 Trades Councils Conference venueCongress notes the decision of the TUC to hold all future Trades Councils Conferences in London.  Higher costs are likely to prevent councils attending the conference on cost grounds. Congress therefore urges the TUC to revert to holding the conference at different venues around the countryTUC Trades Councils ConferenceS

The following interventions were agreed and notified to the TUC.PROPOSITIONTITLESPEAKER   Composite 01End of the hostile environment towards workers and unionsRob WotherspoonComposite 03Miscarriage leaveTina HolmesComposite 04Building a fairer economyKaren RoseComposite 05Industrial strategy, national security and a workers’ transitionTony Kearns19Climate change and workers’ healthJosh Barclay22 Takeover of Royal MailMartin Walsh to Move23Public interest regulationGraham ColkComposite 08National food strategyTina Holmes33Universal creditLee Starr-Elliott34A fair personal independence paymentLee Starr-ElliottComposite 09Housing that works for allScott HartlesComposite 10Challenging the politics of hateAdam Alarakhia40Asda workers deserve betterScott Hartles44Suicide prevention and awarenessSteve Croke47Promoting opportunities for young people with neurodiversity challengesAdam Alarakhia62Training and skillsKate Hudson72New deal next steps – sectorial collective bargainingDave Ward – MoveComposite 16Artificial Intelligence: regulation, equality, skills, training, and the artsFiona Curtis77PalestineSajid Shaikh

6        ELECTIONS

• GS nominated for General Council
• Maria Exall nominated for General Council (LGBT Section I)
• Kate Hudson nominated for Section D (Women from Unions with fewer than 200,000 members

The recommended candidates were agreed.

7        FRINGE MEETINGS AND RECEPTIONS 

The delegation was advised of a number of fringe meetings involving, or of special interest to the CWU.

8        DELEGATION SEATING ARRANGEMENTS 

The Chair confirmed that the Congress seating plan in the Congress Guide. CWU would be situated in Block A, Rows A & B, seats 1 -12.

9        CWU COMMUNICATIONS

Media Contacts

The Chair asked delegates to consult Chris Webb, Head of Comms prior to interacting with the media.

10       ABSENCES DURING CONGRESS 

The Chair asked the delegation to confirm to Mick Kavanagh if they would be absent during Congress, or if they were required to leave Congress early.

11       ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1 p.m.

LTB 316/24 – TRADES UNION CONGRESS 2024- CWU DELEGATION REPORT 

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THE FUTURE OF ROYAL MAIL – CWU LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE MOTION

The purpose of this LTB is to provide Branches with an advanced copy of a motion that has been submitted to the Labour Party Conference regarding the future of Royal Mail.

The motion covers the interventions we are asking the Labour Government to make on the takeover bid, the USO and the need for them to move forward their Manifesto commitment to explore new business and governance models that give workers and customers a greater say over the future direction of the company.

You will see we have also attached the text of the motion set out in a workplace communication and we are asking all Branches to ensure this is distributed to our representatives and members in all workplaces.

We will be providing Branches with a further update on all these issues, including on what transpires after our next meeting with Daniel Kretinsky, which is scheduled to take place in the next couple of weeks.

Finally, please ensure that you use the terms of the motion to also engage our members on the need to vote yes in the forthcoming Political Fund ballot.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

24LTB314 CWU LP MOTION – ROYAL MAIL

Workplace briefing – THE FUTURE OF ROYAL MAIL CWU LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE MOTION

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ANDY KERR FUNERAL – BROADCAST DETAILS

We are aware many of you are planning to travel to Scotland to pay your respects in person and celebrate the life of Andy Kerr.  We have been completely overwhelmed by the messages of solidarity from across our movement for one of our own.

We know so many more of you cannot make the journey.  With this in mind we are sharing below the details of the online broadcast of Andy’s funeral, which will take place at midday on Wednesday 25th September.

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

Webcast Login PIN 808-6958

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                           

Karen Rose
Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)

24LTB317 ANDY KERR FUNERAL – BROADCAST DETAILS

CWU MOTIONS TO THIS YEAR’S LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE – WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

The purpose of this LTB is to provide Branches with advanced copies of the motions we have submitted to the forthcoming Labour Party Conference and to explain these in the context of the imminent Political Fund ballot.

Winter Fuel Allowance – Retired Members’ Letter

As part of this, you will also find attached a copy of a letter that has gone to all retired members setting out the position the Union is taking in opposing the Government’s decision to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance.  Please ensure this letter is also circulated to representatives and our members in the workplace.

Motion on the Economy and Winter Fuel Allowance

The first motion deals with the Labour Government’s current approach to the financial challenges facing the country and what they should be doing to ensure working class people and pensioners do not pay the price for the major problems created by the previous Government.  This motion also calls for a reversal of means testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

On this particular motion, given the wider interest from other trade unions and local constituency party members, this will ultimately form part of a bigger composite motion.  However, we are confident the final composite will include all the key points we are making. 

The Future of Royal Mail

The second motion calls for the Government to urgently intervene in the Royal Mail takeover bid, the USO and the need to facilitate a new ownership/business model to secure the future of the company.  A separate LTB and workplace communication will also be distributed to bring the attention of the terms of this motion to our postal members.

Political Fund Ballot
The issues outlined in this LTB and attached documentation further demonstrates why we must urge our members to Vote Yes in the forthcoming Political Fund ballot.

We simply cannot allow our employers and big business to be the only political voice on the fundamental issues that affect our members both in and outside of work.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

24LTB315 CWU MOTIONS TO THIS YEARS LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

08180 – CWU ACTION ON THE WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE – a4

LP Motion – An Economy for the Future CWU Labour Conference Motion 24 final

LP Motion – Critical UK Infrastructure- The Future of Royal Mail Labour Conference Motion 24 final

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NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 27^th –  29^thSEPTEMBER 2024, CARDIFF

The purpose of this LTB is to remind all branches about the upcoming  National Young Workers Education Event which will take place over the weekend of Friday 27th September through to Sunday 29^th September in Cardiff.

We have previously written to all branches to encourage you to send delegates along and we would like to take the opportunity to remind branches that this is an important part of the work of the National Young Workers Committee and a crucial mechanism for us to introduce new and young members into the life of the CWU.

The event has been restructured this year to ensure delegates are getting the most from their time away and that as a union we are fulfilling out role in educating our young members and putting them in a position to become dedicated reps and activists that our union needs going into the future.

More information on the arrangements and how to sign your members up can be found below.

Please note: the closing date for registrations is now Wednesday 25^thSeptember at 12noon

Venue

The venue for the event during the day will be held at The Holiday Inn, Castle Street, Cardiff.  Hotel accommodation has been arranged at the same venue which is within walking distance of Cardiff Station.

Event Format

This year’s event is has been slightly reformatted to encourage a more themed approach to topics and has an extended agenda to include a day to focus on industrial matters. This ‘industrial day’ is in essence a reworking of the Branch Young Worker Officers Forum’s which has previously been a stand-alone event.  The day will involve a series of industrial panels giving young members the chance to engage with officers who deal with workplace issues affecting them.

Arrival & Registration

We are asking participants to arrive in Cardiff in time to for their appropriate panel, however they are welcome to attend all panels if they which to hear what is going on in other parts of the Union.  Registration for the main event will take place on Saturday morning and the event will conclude at lunchtime on Sunday 29^th September.  A full agenda will be issued nearer the date.  A flyer with more information is attached for circulation to young members.

Costs and Accommodation

The arrangements for the cost of delegates will be in line with the process that has been used for many years and is reflective of current pricing. The cost for Branches to send a delegate will be £290 and will include two nights bed and breakfast accommodation (as well as buffet lunches on the Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Friday evening).  Please note there will be food and a social event on the Saturday eveningorganised by the Wales Region and their Young Workers.

For more information and to secure a place for the weekend branches should complete the attached form and send to Angela Niven at conferences@cwu.orgas soon as possible so that we can assess the numbers of those attending for meals etc.

Branches must make payment for their delegate(s) attendance by sending a cheque made payable to “CWU” addressed to Angela Niven, SDGS Department at CWU HQ or by bank transfer to the General Fund Account No: 33019822 Sort Code 60-83-01 with ref “YWNEE”.

Any queries regarding this event should be addressed to the Young Workers Coordinator, Kerry Fleck, kfleck@cwu.org or 07704306418

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward 

General Secretary

LTB 313/24 – National Young Workers Event – 27th – 29th September 2024

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Seasonal Variation: Further Confirmation On Recording & Correction of Annual Leave in PSP
(RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Appendix 1)

Branches and Representatives will recall LTB 212/24 (Letter To Branches) issued on 17^thJune regarding the Confirmation Of Summer Low Period 2024 & The Recording of Annual Leave in PSP (RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Appendix 1).

This LTB advised that due to changes to the original Seasonal Variation dates to better support the introduction of Network Window in June, there are several weeks up to the end of this year in which the Human Resources PSP system (which records an individual’s annual leave) is not aligned with the new Seasonal Variation periods.

The LTB further confirmed that as before, where there has been an imbalance in booked and taken annual leave during the introduction of Seasonal Variation to that recorded in the PSP system, Royal Mail HR Services will run an exercise retrospectively to ensure the correct annual leave deductions are recorded for all individuals who take leave during the affected weeks.

As means of further clarification, please find attached a Royal Mail message which has today been communicated to all COMs, via their Sign Post to confirm the following: –

HR Pay Services will be completing the credit back to annual leave balances in January 2025. This credit will be visible to managers and OPGs in the PSP system and People App. This will show as “Annual Leave – Adjustment.” 

There is no impact on any employee booking any annual leave before crediting occurs.

To confirm, and as reported in LTB 212/24, local managers do not need to take any action in PSP, as the retrospective correction will be made centrally via HR Pay Services to ensure the correct annual leave deductions are made, to ensure no one will lose any leave balance.

Where there are any local level issues or questions in terms of the application of the above, these should be raised as a matter of priority by the relevant local CWU Reps and COMs to ADR/OPL level for resolution. Any errors in terms of the realignment of employees’ hours will be corrected and Royal Mail commits to do so.

Finally, and for further clarity, the next adjustment under Seasonal Variation this year will be:-

• For the 2024 Christmas period (High Period) which will run from Monday 18^thNovember (week 34) and will end on Sunday 22^nd December (week 38) – 5 weeks.
• Full-timers (including 35-hour contracts) will see a 24 minutes per day variation increase applied before their start time. Part-timers will see a 10 minutes variation before their start time.

Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB310-24 Seasonal Variation Further Confirmation On Recording & Correction of Annual Leave in PSP

Change of Seasons impact on AL within PSP Autumn 2024

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ELECTION OF: 

• CWU National Executive Council
• CWU Industrial Executives
• CWU Assistant Secretaries TFS (2 Positions)
• Assistant Secretary Postal Outdoor

Further to LTB 253/24 dated 17^th July 2024, which contained advanced notification of the timetable for the NEC and Industrial Executive elections.   The NEC met on 5 September 2024 and have now agreed the final list of CWU National Officers elections that will run concurrently with the NEC elections.

The NEC also approved the regulations for the above elections which are attached to this LTB for your information.  In addition to the regulations and due to the revised size and composition of the NEC, a supplementary document containing the election arrangements and guidance has also been produced to assist branches and candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Branches should be aware that the regulations for the above elections contain important information including the arrangements for the dispatch and return of nomination forms.   Branches are therefore advised to review the regulations in order to make themselves familiar with these changes.

For ease of reference the details of the National Representative positions to be elected in 2024 are set out below.

CWU NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL & INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVES 

1)     NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The NEC shall comprise 24 members:

a)    President and Vice President, but their inclusion shall not increase the numbers from their originating Constituencies.

b)    10 lay members elected biennially by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Chair of the Postal Constituency.    All of whom shall automatically be members of the Postal Industrial Executive. At least 2 lay members must be women. At least 1 lay member must be BAME.

c)     7 lay members elected biennially by and from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Chair of the TFS Constituency. All of whom shall automatically  be members of the Telecoms and Financial Services Industrial Executive. At least 2 lay members must be women. At least 1 lay member must be BAME.

d)    2 lay Young Workers members elected biennially who must be 29 or under at the time of the election. 1 of whom will be elected by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall  be elected by and from the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency.

e)     1 lay Retired Member elected biennially by all members of the retired

The Retired Members NEC representative shall not be entitled to vote on issues that are Financial, Rule, Constitutional or issues that could be considered to have an industrial context        except where they apply only to Retired Members.

f)     4 lay Equality members elected biennially by all members of union except the Retired Members for each of the following equality strands;

Women

LGBT+

BAME

Disability

Please note that the NEC members listed in categories d), e) and  f)  are members of the NEC only and are not automatically members of their respective Industrial Executives. 

2)     CWU INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

Postal Executive (PE)

The PE shall consist of 14 lay members elected biennially by and taken from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Postal Constituency Chair, 10 shall be the NEC Postal    Constituency Representatives, 4 shall be elected by and from the Postal Constituency;

 3)     TELECOMS & FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSTITUENCY INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVE POSITIONS

The T&FSE shall consist of 15 lay members elected biennially by and taken from members of the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency.

The composition of the T&FS Executive is as follows:

a)    7 NEC members as set in Rule 8.1.3 (c) elected by and from all members in the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency

b) 1 member elected by and taken from members in Santander UK, Santander Global Technology

c) 1 member elected by and taken from members in Virgin Media O₂ (VMO₂)

d) 1 member elected by and taken from members in the Technology Sector (UTAW)

e) 1 member elected by and from all members in the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency and who must be aged 29 or under at the time of the election

f) 4 members elected by and taken from all other members in T&FS constituency.

CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARIES TELECOMS & FINANCIAL SERVICES – (2 POSITIONS)

In respect of the elections for two TFS Assistant Secretary positions to be elected in 2024, following discussions with the DGS TFS and after consultation with the TFSE, the NEC have agreed that in the  AS election process i.e. where AS are specifically elected to a position which primarily only deals with certain business units etc, is now not fit for purpose especially at a time when an extensive review is being conducted of AS positions in the TFS department.

Accordingly, it has been agreed that due to the nature of the workload and AS responsibilities within the T&FS department, and on the basis that employers are constantly undergoing change plus now having recognition in 28 companies (which will almost certainly continue to grow in number), it now makes sense to amend the previous election process for the T&FS Assistant Secretary (AS) positions.

Therefore, for the purposes of ongoing elections, each Assistant Secretary TFS position will simply be identified as having responsibility for recognised companies in the T&FS constituency.    Nominations for these positions will be called for on this basis.

In the event that there are only two candidates for these positions then they will be deemed to be elected to the AS positions. If there are more than two candidates nominated, then an election will be conducted and the two receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.

CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY POSTAL OUTDOOR

The above Postal Assistant Secretary is currently responsible for the following companies:

Royal Mail UK Delivery Staff, RMPFS and Royal Mail Collection Drivers

The responsibilities of all CWU Assistant Secretaries shall be to carry out and discharge under the direction of the GS such Union duties as they may be deemed required to perform.

The timetable for all of the above elections, as previously notified in LTB 253/24 is as follows:

Election Timetable:

Nominations Open:              19 September 2024

Nominations Close:              10 October 2024  (14:00)

Accept Nomination:             15 October 2024 (14:00)

(TFSE NEC/IE positions only)

Despatch ballot material:   30 October 2024  

Close of ballot:                       20 November 2024 (first post)

Result:                                      21 November 2024

*Please note that ballot papers will be sent to all eligible members who are included in the membership register maintained by the union as at 30 September 2024.  Therefore any changes of address, etc. will need to have been received at CWU HQ prior to this date.

Branches will also wish to note that the independent scrutineer appointed by the union to oversee the election arrangements is Civica Election Services.

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 the Election Regulations is therefore attached and I would be grateful if you could ensure that these 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 Election(s).

Further information regarding the nomination arrangements will be sent to branches in due course. 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 forms.

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 Dave Wilshire on 0208 971 7368, or email: dwilshire@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 309/24 – Election-of-NEC-IE-AS-TFS-2-Positions-and-AS-Postal-Outdoor

Att: NEC-Regulations-and-Candidates-Guidelines-2024

Att: NEC-and-IE-Election-Arrangements

Att: AS-Election-Regulations-and-Candidates-Guidelines

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POLITICAL FUND BALLOT- INFORMATION FOR REPS AND BRANCHES

All branches have been advised that the CWU’S Political Fund Ballot opens on 24^thSeptember and closes on the 15^th of October, with counting taking place on the 16^th of October.

The purpose of this LTB is to follow up on the Zoom briefing held with branches earlier this week, where we committed to sending out an advance copy of the mailing to all individual members, which details how the ballot works and how the political fund allows us to campaign, as well as recapping some of our political work from the past few years. This is attached.

We have also attached an advance copy of the leaflet that will be included in the ballot paper envelope. This leaflet sets out ten reasons why members should vote yes to retain our political fund.

It is essential that branches forward these materials to all representatives and that engagement takes place with our members before and during the ballot process.

It has never been more important for us to retain our political fund, given the challenges facing our members both in and outside the workplace.

A key point to make when engaging members is that, whatever their personal political views are, we cannot allow businesses and major institutions to be the only organisations to have a voice in politics. We must also make clear that our political fund is frequently used beyond the Labour Party and supports regional and local community initiatives, campaigns and projects.

Furthermore, we must make the point that members already have the individual right to opt in or out of the political fund and voting to continue having a political fund will not change this. Having to ballot to hold a political fund is part of a wide range of Tory anti-union laws that are designed to restrict the trade union movement from having any political voice.

Finally, we will be writing to our retired members and sending an LTB to branches setting out the union’s position on the Winter Fuel Allowance issue. The union has made clear, we do not support Labour’s decision, and we will be submitting a motion to the forthcoming Labour Party Conference which addresses this, as well as a motion on the future of Royal Mail.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary’s department jdunn@cwu.org.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                         

24LTB307 – POLITICAL FUND BALLOT – INFORMATION FOR REPS AND BRANCHES    

Politcal Fund Ballot home mailing

10 Reasons to Vote YES in the Political Fund Ballot

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