Action Mesothelioma Day 7^th July 2023

Introduction 

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost always caused by exposure to Asbestos and mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural Mesothelioma).  More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year in the UK.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to cure Mesothelioma, although treatment can help control the symptoms.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma tend to develop gradually over time and they typically do not appear until many years after exposure to Asbestos.  Symptoms of Mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and extreme tiredness, persistent cough and high temperature, weight loss and swollen fingertips. Anyone with any persistent or worrying symptoms should see a GP without delay and tell them about any possible past exposure to Asbestos.

Although Asbestos has been completely banned for nearly 25 years, materials containing Asbestos are still found in many older buildings.

If a GP suspects Mesothelioma, they’ll refer the patient to a hospital specialist for some tests, biopsies, x-rays and a scans. These tests can help diagnose Mesothelioma and show how far it’s spread.

Treatment is usually focused on controlling the symptoms and prolonging life for as long as possible – palliative or supportive care such as chemotherapy, the main treatment for Mesothelioma and radiotherapy. Surgery and immunotherapy are also used.

Unfortunately, the outlook for Mesothelioma tends to be poor. This is because it does not usually cause any obvious symptoms until late on and can progress quite quickly once it reaches this stage.

There are currently around 2,500 deaths from Mesothelioma each year in the UK and many more worldwide.

Due to the risks to health following inhalation exposure to Asbestos the importation of blue and brown Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1985. This ban was extended to include white Asbestos in 1999.

Worldwide at least 38,000 people die every year from Asbestos-related Mesothelioma and Asbestos-related lung cancer and Asbestosis push the death numbers far higher.  These deaths cause so much heartbreak and suffering. They leave huge holes in families; ones that can never be filled. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, therefore it is so important for people to know where Asbestos can be found, so these deaths can be prevented.

Action Mesothelioma Day on 7^th July 2023brings together patients, carers, families and local dignitaries in Britain for services of remembrance and hope, commemorating the thousands of lives lost to Mesothelioma. The day is organised by Mesothelioma UK.

Mesothelioma UK are members of the UK Mesothelioma Alliance.  The alliance is continuing to run the successful’ Go Blue for Meso’ Campaign this year and are asking you to get involved by lighting up your home or contacting a prominent landmark in your local area to light up blue on Friday 7 July.  By doing so, you’ll be helping to put a spotlight on a disease that deserves more attention.  You can see more details, a map of places that have already agreed to Go Blue For Meso and a template letter on the dedicated Action Meso Go Blue For Meso website here.

Asbestos related Cancer Deaths – Statistics 
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the number of Asbestos related Cancer deaths have continued to increase over recent years which reflect occupational exposures that occurred many years ago because there is a long time lag between exposure in most cases and the onset of the disease.  The HSE expects deaths from Mesothelioma to continue to rise for the next four to five years.  Asbestos was used very extensively all the way up to 1999 when it was finally banned in the UK so we have quite a stock of buildings with Asbestos-containing materials in them.  As well as people working in construction and related industries, Mesothelioma has claimed the lives of women who inhaled Asbestos dust as they washed their husband’s work clothes.

The tragic legacy of Asbestos means that someone dies every five hours in the UK and the World Health Organisation reports that Asbestos-related lung cancer, Asbestosis and Mesothelioma, the three diseases caused by occupational Asbestos exposures results in well over 100,000 deaths a year worldwide.

At present no effective treatment or cure exists

Those affected are workers from a wide range of industries and occupations. In the past construction workers, railway workers, ship yard workers, MOD workers, telecommunication engineering workers were exposed in large numbers.  People who have lived near Asbestos factories in the past and families of workers who have unintentionally brought the deadly dust home on their work clothes and overalls have been affected.

With 100,000 tonnes of Asbestos containing materials still in buildings built before 2000, those tradesmen e.g., buildings maintenance workers, plumbers, electricians, joiners, gas fitters, heating and ventilation engineers, IT and telecommunications workers and others – working on and maintaining the buildings or carrying out alterations or installations etc., are the ones at risk today if safety precautions are not followed.

There is no safe threshold of exposure to Asbestos fibres, meaning that inhalation of small quantities, even over a short period, can lead to Mesothelioma decades after exposure. Mesothelioma normally has a latency period of around 30–40 years.

Mesothelioma 
Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer, caused almost exclusively through the inhalation and retention of Asbestos fibres.  The condition mostly affects those individuals who worked within roles that involved the use of Asbestos.  However, it has also been known to affect individuals who spent many years employed within an Asbestos-contaminated environment. (See attached Guide to Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer).

Types of Asbestos 
There are three main types of Asbestos – blue, brown and white.  Blue is the most toxic but no type is safe.  Many are still ignorant of the dangers of Asbestos and the cancers it can cause.  At least three other types of Asbestos exist but were less commonly used. Fibres lay dormant in the lining of the lungs or abdomen and the slow growing cancer symptoms can appear 15 to 50 years after exposure has taken place.  As Asbestos was thought of as a ‘miracle fibre’ because of its strong resistance to heat, fire and chemicals, it was used in a variety of materials and products in the home and industries throughout the UK, such as building and electrical insulation and mixed with cement, until the importation was finally banned.

The Asbestos Ban 
In the UK, blue and brown Asbestos materials were banned outright in 1985 while the import, sale and second hand reuse of white Asbestos was outlawed in 1999 by the Tony Blair led Labour Government.

Asbestos related diseases
Embedded Asbestos fibres irritate the lung tissue around them, causing a number of diseases:

• Pleural disease
  Inflammation and irritation of the outer lining of the lung, the pleura. The pleura stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid. This thickening can restrict breathing.
• Asbestosis
  This is scarring of the lungs: the airways become so inflamed and scarred that oxygen is no longer able to pass from the lungs into the blood. The lungs become stiff and inelastic, making breathing progressively difficult.  Symptoms include tightness in the chest, dry cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually seen in former Asbestos miners, Asbestos manufacturing workers and insulation workers, and usually takes a decade or more to develop.

• Lung cancer
  Exposure to Asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they are also a smoker.
• Mesothelioma
  Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura. It typically grows quickly and spreads widely before symptoms appear, making its early diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. The average survival time after diagnosis is only 6-18 months. A very small exposure to Asbestos can be enough to trigger the cancer, however, only a small percentage of people exposed to Asbestos develop Mesothelioma. There may be a lag of 20 to 40 years after Asbestos exposure before Mesothelioma results.

Basic Advice 
Employers are legally bound to survey, identify and manage or remove Asbestos-containing materials in their buildings and those employing workers must find out if Asbestos-containing materials are present and plan the work to avoid disturbing these materials and exposing workers.  Workers should stop and ask if they are unsure or are suspicious that something may be Asbestos or if you think the work might need to be carried out by a licensed contractor.  They should follow the plan of work and work method statement and safe system of work making sure they have been properly trained and informed before they start.  Further detailed information and advice is available from the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department, Health and Safety Executive and Local Authority Environmental Health Departments.

Action Mesothelioma Day Events You Can Support and Attend:

The Health, Safety and Environment Department at CWU/HQ has received details of the following events being organized across the UK which Safety Reps and Branch Reps may wish to attend:

• Birmingham
• Canterbury
• Cardiff
• Glasgow
• Liverpool
• London
• Loughborough
• Manchester
• Plymouth
• Portsmouth
• TUC Congress House, London – Special Event (see below)

The full details of this list are set out in the attachment to this LTB

TUC Congress House, London – Special Event

In line with the CWU supported, TUC and Trade Union-wide policy, we need a UK Government change of policy that will bring the UK into line with other EU countries, by eradicating Asbestos and managing its safe removal and disposal wherever it’s found. Join representatives from UK Trade Unions on the steps of TUC HQ Congress House, Great Russell Street London WC1B 3LS at 12 Noon on Action Mesothelioma Day, Friday 7 July 2023 for a short vigil and call for Government action. EU Governments have managed the removal of Asbestos from non-domestic buildings years ago but UK Governments have failed to act. 85% of UK schools and 90% of UK hospitals still contain Asbestos in the fabric of the buildings. Trade Unions call for a change of policy and a planned removal of Asbestos from all buildings.

In March 2022 the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee of MPs published their investigation report on Asbestos related deaths, illnesses and controls, and recommended that “A deadline now be set for the removal of Asbestos from non-domestic buildings, within 40 years with the Government and HSE to develop and publish a strategic plan to achieve this, focusing on removing the highest risk Asbestos first, and the early removal from the highest risk settings including schools.” The Select Committee comprised of 4 Labour MPs, 6 Conservative MPs and 1 Scottish Nationalist MP. HOWEVER, THE TORY GOVERNMENT REJECTED THE RECOMMENDATION in July 2022 stating that “The current risk of Asbestos exposure is very low where Asbestos can be managed safely in situ until planned refurbishment works.”

All Reps are welcome to join the TUC/HQ Vigil on Action Mesothelioma Day!

You can also get involved in Action Mesothelioma Day by:

• Downloading information for awareness raising from the Mesothelioma(UK) Website https://www.Mesothelioma.uk.com/
• Downloading and distributing IOSH NTTL free resources, to raise awareness https://iosh.com/about-iosh/our-influence/policy-positions/iosh-Asbestos-policy-position/
• Getting involved by lighting up your home or contacting a prominent landmark in your local area to light up blue on this day https://actionmeso.org/goblue/

House of Commons Early Day Motion:

See attached House of Commons, Asbestos-related lung cancer EDM (Early Day Motion) no 1223 submitted by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP and so far signed by 21 MPs.

Motion to Scottish Parliament:

See attached Motion to the Scottish Parliament on “Action Mesothelioma Day 2023” Submitted by: Marie McNair, Clydebank and Milngavie SMP and endorsed by 30 cross-party SMPs. The Motion recognises and endorses ‘Action Mesothelioma Day’, congratulates campaigners and notes the need for further research.

Many thanks for your continued support – CWU supporting campaigns to beat occupational cancer.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB165 Action Mesothelioma Day 7th July 2023

Action Mesothelioma Day Events 2023

Asbestos-related lung cancer EDM (Early Day Motion) 1223 – 25 May 2023

Mesothelioma_A_Guide_To_This_Asbestos_Cancer

Motion to the Scottish Parliament – Action Mesothelioma Day 2023

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ONLINE JOIN REPLACEMENT

As part of the wider digital transformation project of union infrastructure, the ‘old’ online join form (OLJ) has been replaced with https://join.cwu.org. This has happened ahead of schedule as the old online join form had failed and new members trying to join online were unable to.

Unfortunately, due to the age of the membership system there is very limited integration between Integra and this new online join form. The new membership system is expected to be installed by September 2023 and will plug seamlessly into the new membership form. Therefore, for an interim period, there is likely to be a slight delay between members joining and them being added to the Integra system while the CWU Membership Department add new members to the database.

There are three key things to note that will be different in this interim phase:

1)     Membership numbers will still be given to members upon receipt of the confirmation email from the Membership Team, but not immediately on application.

2)     After user testing and an internal workshop with CWU staff and branches, it was decided to remove the death benefit nominee step from the online join experience. We found this deterred some applicants from completing the form, and thus joining the union. Paper forms can still be sent to members, and a digital solution will be provided for members and branches when the new membership system is live.

3)     Paper forms for Organisers and Reps can still be found here and there will be a link in the footer of new online join shortly.

We appreciate colleagues support with this out-of-schedule change, but we all understand the importance of ensuring that new members are able to join the union as a matter of priority.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB164

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Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist In Line With The RMG/CWU Joint Statement – June 2023: Section 2.5 Improving Quality Of Service & USO Compliance

Following on from LTB (Letter To Branches) 152/23, issued on the 16^th of June and which included the agreed Joint Statement on Section 2.5 – Improving Quality Of Service & USO Complianceof the RMG & CWU Business Recovery, Transformation And Growth Negotiators Agreement.

Branches and Representatives will recall that in paragraph 4, headed ‘Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist’ it confirmed that a joint checklist (Delivery and Mail Centre’s specific) had been developed for local managers and CWU Reps to assess in this undertaking and that the checklist should be used to develop an understanding of the local root causes impacting Quality of Services, USO and the actions required to restore on target performance.

Therefore, please find attached to this LTB the agreed Joint Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist to be used by local parties in line with the wider commitments of the Joint Statement on Section 2.5.

In setting out the checklist, the following approach should now be adopted in all Delivery units: –

• At the next available weekly resourcing meeting both parties will complete a joint review using the delivery checklist to assess the unit’s current USO, quality standards and reported performance levels against deployed change and undertake the necessary review and actions. 

• It is essential that sufficient release time is set aside for both the COM/s and CWU Rep to jointly complete this exercise. Where a unit has no CWU representative, the appropriate Area Representative will complete this exercise with the COM/s. 

• Units will have a maximum of two weeks to complete this exercise and all returns must be completed online no later than 7^th July 2023. Online completion instructions will follow shortly, but please use the checklist attached to start the local assessment. 

• In terms of the process, both the COM/s and CWU Rep will be able to individually provide a ‘Yes/No’ response to indicate whether the unit in their opinion is compliant with the standards set out in the checklist. If either party believes that the unit is not compliant with the standards the agreed action/s to achieve compliance will be agreed as a priority and these should be captured within the checklist ‘actions’. 

• The completed online checklists will then be shared with the relevant OPL and Area Delivery Reps and where a unit is non-compliant they will seek to understand and support the action plans being worked up. The checklist information will be made available to the RODs and Divisional Reps for their respective units. 

• Where at unit level a joint action plan has not been completed this will be discussed at Area/Divisional level strategic involvement meetings to seek to assist the unit to complete the action plan as required. 

• If despite all efforts, the action plan is not completed the matter will be referred via the RODs/Divisional Reps to National parties

Also, please find attached as supporting documentation the following: –

• Royal Mail & CWU Nationally Agreed Guidelines Covering Annual Leave and Weekly Resourcing, issues in LTB 515/19, which includes the Annual Plan / 12 Weeks Ahead / 2 Weeks Ahead / 1 Week Ahead – Agenda Template.

• Royal Mail/CWU Joint Statement Covering Annual Leave Planning (April 2022 to March 2023), issued in LTB 387/21, which sets out some revised wording on Annual Leave Planning.

• An ‘example copy’ of the Calendarisation Work-Aid and ‘guidelines/information tab’ also issued along with LTB 387/21.

• ODM 04/22 covering the National Joint Statement For The Deployment/Rollout of Resource Calculator, issued on 27^th January 2022.

Finally, attached is the RMG/CWU Joint Statement – June 2023 on Section 2.5 – Improving Quality Of Service & USO Compliance.

The supporting documentation attached are the current agreed versions between Royal Mail and the CWU.

However, it is also recognised that these documents do need to be revised and refreshed going forward, in particular, to allow for recent changes and developments including the use of WIPWH (Weighted Items Per Work Hours. This remains an outstanding item which we aim to conclude with Royal Mail going forward.

Finally, it is acknowledged that this LTB contains a large number of attachments, however, it is important that all relevant and necessary documentation linked to the checklist are set out here for ease of reference of Branches and Reps whilst carrying out this vital activity.

Whilst undertaking this exercise it is important to also draw to Representatives attention to section 7 of the National Joint Statement. “For the purpose of complete clarity Royal Mail confirm that the Industrial Relations Framework is fully restored. The local parties must utilise this at all times as a necessary tool to deploy revisions/change and to rebuild working relationships, always striving to reach agreement at a local level.”

 Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 580, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

 Mark Baulch                                                                                              

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 163-23 Quality Of Service Resourcing Checklist Final

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BUSINESS RECOVERY, TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREEMENT – CWU MEMBERS BALLOT – VOTE YES

Dear Members,

A YEAR IN DISPUTE. MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS. THREE STRIKE BALLOTS. 18 DAYS OF STRIKE ACTION. THE MOST BITTER PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY. NOW IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

This was the dispute that was always coming following privatisation and a huge shift in the way the world communicates. It is to your credit that we have staved off the attacks for so long. It is also to your credit that we have come out of the other side of this dispute – we are still here.

Context is everything. This wasn’t a normal dispute. Royal Mail Group built a war chest to take us on. They employed a group of union bashing senior managers and they had the backing of a right-wing government and media. They threw everything at destroying the union and delivering a compliant workforce – they failed.

But we do not come out of this with everything we would have wanted – this is always the case in disputes of this magnitude. The Postal Executive recommends you vote yes on the basis that it represents the best agreement we could have reached given the unprecedented set of circumstances. It also represents the best chance of bringing Royal Mail Group out of a financial crisis, delivering necessary change by agreement, and protecting jobs.

The financial crisis was one created by reckless decision making at the highest level of Royal Mail Group. Whilst we can never forget this, we must also be responsible. We are not prepared to walk away from an agreement and put your jobs at risk.

We have reversed their original proposals. They wanted imposed change which would have destroyed the company. We have delivered agreed change which will save it.

This has been delivered by your support, your loyalty, and your solidarity.

It is time to settle the dispute and for Royal Mail Group and the CWU to work together to recover, transform and grow the business. The truth is a no vote in this ballot would be seen as the green light for Royal Mail Group to continue with the culture of imposition. The only way the company has a future is by working with the CWU and the workforce. The only way we can influence the future is through this national agreement.

We recommend you VOTE YES – above all else make an informed decision and USE YOUR VOTE.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

UTAW-CWU Response to the Government’s white paper on AI Regulation

We direct colleagues attention to the attached PDF, which has been submitted today by the UTAW national branch in response to the Government’s policy paper titled “A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation”.

As both tech workers and trade unionists, we’ve a unique insight in to the developments of AI behind the marketing hype, and we’ve been putting together content regarding AI’s development and its effects on employees, their rights, and the future of work. The government approach proposed, predictably underplays the significant risks posed by AI in order to “foster innovation” – which as we know from previous Conservative governments is a thinly veiled codeword for handing the responsibility of regulation to a profit-driven market with no incentive to self-regulate.

As a union for tech workers, we want to make sure we’re not only part of the conversation, but at the forefront of ensuring that unions have powers to scrutinise AI in the workplace such as automated decision-making (for example, based on employee surveillance) and ensure that workers have access to the kind of transparency that removes the risks of avaricious employers taking advantage of low-regulation technology.

Yours sincerely,

John Chadfield

Branch Secretary, UTAW   

LTB 162.23

UTAW_Response_to_Government_White_Paper_on_AI_Regulation_FINAL

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Women’s Officer Toolkit

The Equality, Education and Development department are pleased to announce the publication of the revised Women’s Toolkit.

The new revised toolkit has been designed to help Women Officers understand their main duties and key areas of responsibility. It also contains useful information and guidance on meeting arrangements, training and education, including useful tips on how to get started and make the most out of the role.

A copy of the Women’s Toolkit, including a dyslexia friendly digital version can be found attached to this LTB. The department encourages all branches to use the dyslexia friendly digital version when sharing electronic copies.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org         

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

23LTB 161 – Women’s Officer Toolkit

Att 1 – 06936 – CWU Women’s Toolkit – dyslexia friendly (002)

Att 2 – 06936 – CWU Women’s Toolkit (002)

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP: BRT&G AGREEMENT PARAGRAPH 6.4 – JOINT WORKING GROUP

Branches and Representatives will recall the terms of paragraph 6.4 of the national Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth (BRT&G) Agreement and in particular the joint commitment in clauses 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to look at sick absence levels, the causes of sick absence, cost of sick absence, the migration from one agreement to another, welcome back meetings and attendance standards.

In an attempt to move the aforementioned joint commitments ahead and in order to take the initiative, at a recent meeting the Postal Executive endorsed a proposed ‘Terms of Reference’ for the JWG. This has been sent to Royal Mail for their consideration.

It is now important the ‘Terms of Reference’ are quickly agreed and a mutually convenient date is set for an initial meeting and a further series of JWG meetings. In advance of this we will be requesting comprehensive ‘sick absence’ data from RMG to ensure the terms of the agreement are delivered.

Branches and representatives will appreciate the JWG will involve a comprehensive period of activity and there is much to be discussed. The CWU JWG members led by Carl Maden, will undertake this work with a positive mind-set and we have impressed upon RMG the need to mirror this approach.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Any enquiries concerning the content of this LTB should be addressed to Carl Maden PTCS Department.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey                                                                            Carl Maden
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                  Assistant Secretary

LTB 160-23- B R T G AGREEMENT – PARAGRAPH 6.4 JWG

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National officials have recorded an important podcast on later finishes with National Officer Mark Baulch and Executive member Tony Bouch.

This should be a useful listen to both local representatives and members.

Please ensure it gets as wide a circulation as possible.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF CONDUCT CASES ARISING FROM THE DISPUTE

The purpose of this LTB is to provide an important update on the status of the Independent Review of Conduct Cases arising from the dispute.

On the basis that CWU suspended the ballot timetable, unfortunately Royal Mail responded by suspending their involvement in the Lord Falconer Independent Review.

However, we can now advise Branches that Royal Mail has written to the union confirming they are re-engaging in the Independent Review, in accordance with Appendix 7 of the proposed National agreement.

For the purpose of complete clarity, the letter from the Chief People’s Officer, reaffirms that employees/CWU members (whose cases arise from the dispute) dismissed on or after the 5^th April 2023, will be put back on pay from the point of their dismissal, subject to the ballot going live.

Branches should note that to date 200 consent forms have been submitted with receipt being acknowledged by Royal Mail Group.  Unfortunately, dismissals are still occurring and other penalties given.   Branches are advised that where this is the case this information should be provided through the dedicated independent-review@cwu.org email address, so that the previous suspension consent forms can be amended to include the penalty and the date it was issued.  These will then be submitted to RMG.

A full update on all aspects of the Independent Review will be provided at the CWU National zoom briefing being held on Tuesday 20^th June at 2 p.m.

Further information on all of the above will be sent out in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                    Andy Furey
General Secretary                                      Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)  

23LTB157 INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF CONDUCT CASES ARISING FROM THE DISPUTE

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