Men’s Health Champions Training Course – Organised by the ‘Men’s Health Forum’ – 27 & 29 June 2023:

Introduction:

As a follow up from the recent Men’s Health Week, the Men’s Health Forum (MHF) have contacted the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department to notify us of their next ‘Men’s Health Champion’ training course which will be run over 2 x two-hour sessions on 27 and 29 June. The cost is £149.00.

Men’s Health Champions are empathetic, good listeners, willing to talk about health and other difficult issues and to be supportive without being directive. You don’t need to be a health expert.

What is a Men’s Health Champion?

Men’s Health Champions are not health professionals but members of the public (men and women) who care about men’s health and want to help improve it.

Almost anyone can train to be a Men’s Health Champion. Champions are often members of a group, club, workplace, union, company or other organisation who watch out for their colleagues. It can be very fulfilling to see people turn their health round.

Men’s Health Champions can be particularly important for overcoming potential isolation.

What is the training?

• Men’s Health Forum training currently consists of 2 x two-hour sessions online.
• Delivered by experienced Men’s Health Forum associate trainers using Zoom.
• For group bookings, MHF can also provide the training via Microsoft Teams.

What does it offer?

• Health Champions are a tried and tested way to improve health in a community and can break down the barriers that often exist in health care provision.
• The training was developed by Men’s Health Forum’s Peter Baker and Jim Pollard.

Who is the course for?

• Anyone – man or woman – who individually wants to empower men to engage with their health.

What are the outcomes?

Attendees will learn:

• The basics of men’s health;
• The role of a Men’s Health Champion;
• How to work with men to change health behaviours;
• How to signpost them for more information and expert advice.

Attendees will also have fun and get a copy of the Men’s Health Champions manual, as well as the latest Men’s Health Forum ‘Man Manual’, full of further information.

Can anyone be a Men’s Health Champion? 

Pretty much anyone can be a Men’s Health Champion. They are empathetic, good listeners, willing to talk about health and other difficult issues and to be supportive without being directive. You don’t need to be a health expert.

Do Men’s Health Champions make a difference for men?

The research suggests they can make a real difference. For men, they can be particularly useful: their more informal, man-to-man approach can provide an invaluable stepping stone between the men in their community and traditional, more formal health services.

Payment

This can be made by credit card or Invoiced Purchase Order.

To Book a Course

Go to this link: https://shop.menshealthforum.org.uk/collections/training-for-men/products/health-champions-training

Further Information:

Men’s Health Forum
7-14 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YR
Tel: 0330 097 0654
Email: shop@menshealthforum.org.uk

Men’s Health Forum Charity Registration Number: 1087375 (England & Wales).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB159 Men’s Health Champions Training Course – Organised by the ‘Men’s Health Forum’ – 27 & 29 June 2023

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RMG/CWU Joint Communication on Provisional Indicative Modelling of Delivery Offices Start and Finish Times within the Timeframe of the Negotiators Agreement

Branches will be aware as part of releasing the RM/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Negotiators Agreement, both parties have agreed to share the indicative modelling for Delivery Office start and finish times before CWU members participate in the forthcoming ballot.

In producing the indicative modelling outputs, it is recognised that changes to start and finish times are of concern to members in all functions, particularly in Delivery, accordingly we have jointly committed Royal Mail to seek to minimise change in start and finish times whilst still achieving the necessary improvements in the cost and environmental impact due to reducing the reliance on air transport.

In conjunction with the CWU Communications department we have jointly produced a webpage enabling access to the following information which can be accessed via a separate hyperlink.

National Agreement – Proposed Start and Finish Times

These indicative modelling outputs replace and supersede what has previously been published by Royal Mail which has been shared on their workplace site.  The hyperlink will provide the opportunity for members and Reps to click onto the information, type in their specific unit and access the information which will show:

• The provisional and indicative start and finish times based on an up to 1630 last letter and up to a maximum of 60 minutes later
• The provisional and indicative start and finish times based on an up to 1630 last letter and up to a maximum of 90 minutes later

In addition to the providing the link, we would also recommend members and Reps should read the joint statement we have agreed, as it provides vital context.

We are also making it clear that the times that they are able to view are indicative, and we are confident of improving them through both the National and local joint working activities included within the agreement and in the statement above.

We have also produced a list of frequently asked questions which cover the main topics that have been raised with us by members and will be arranging and enacting a more detailed communications programme involving the Communications department.  In addition, further communication initiatives are planned to take place over the coming days regarding this issue.

It is important to stress that the business, ‘change we need’ and best & final offer was for delivery finish times to move to 1700 for everyone, due to the removal of flights which added in a 3-hour delay to the network as a result.  It is also important to stress that Royal Mail could serve contractual notice on those flights at any time.

What our members and Branches have helped us achieve through your support is that whilst the flights will be removed and the 3-hour network delay remains the same, we have ensured that Royal Mail fully commits to mitigate the impact of this change.  As such we have achieved the 1630 last letter time and confirmation that the majority of deliveries finish by 1530 and vast majority by 1600.

As such we were able to demonstrate to the business in the national talks that we believe a cap of a maximum change to start/finish times of 60 minutes can be achieved through the activities and work through the national and local joint working groups.  Whilst Royal Mail have an ability to reserve their position on the cap being 90 minutes, we are confident that the indicative modelling confirms the above as we have circa 64% of delivery walks finish by 1530 in the plan but we strongly believe that this position will improve further when we carry out the national and local activity within each mail Centre catchment area.

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

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch                                                                  Davie Robertson
CWU Assistant Secretary                                              CWU Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 23LTB156 – RMG-CWU Joint Communication – Start and Finish Times within the Timeframe of the Negotiators Agreement

Attachment 2: CWU Joint Communication on Modelling for Start and Finish Times_CWU June FW3

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BUSINESS RECOVERY, TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREMENT – REVISED BALLOT TIMETABLE

Further to previous updates, the Postal Executive has now agreed a document that clears all the issues relating to the suspension of the individual members’ ballot.

We have attached a written communication for CWU members and Representatives that contains important information on all these issues.

Given the progress made, the Postal Executive has now agreed a revised ballot timetable as follows:

• Ballot Papers dispatched Thursday 22^nd
• Ballot closes Tuesday 11^th

It is essential that all Branches now distribute the CWU members’ and Representatives’ communication (attached) to every workplace.

We can also advise Branches that a CWU National zoom briefing will be held next week on Tuesday 20^th June at 2 p.m. to provide a more detailed general update, prior to the ballot commencing.

Further information will be sent out in due course.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                      

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)  

23LTB152 BUSINESS RECOVERY TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREMENT REVISED BALLOT TIMETABLE

members communication 16.6.23

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National Hazards Conference 1 – 3 September 2023 – Theme ‘Organising For Safe and Healthy Working Environments’

For the special attention of all CWU Safety Reps, this is to inform you that the National Hazards Campaign’s annual, National Hazards Conference will be held this year at the Keele University venue and additionally there will be an online option with a streamed Conference with online workshops and fringe meetings.

The Hazards Conference has always been one of the biggest conferences for trade union safety reps and activists. It consists of a mixture of plenary sessions, meetings and a comprehensive workshop programme. Delegates have an opportunity to exchange experience and information with and learn from safety reps from other unions, sectors and jobs across the UK.

The feedback Hazards has received over the last two years has been encouraging and to this end the organisation has decided to continue the Hazards Conference as a ‘hybrid’ event this year, where delegates can attend in person or participate online.  Hazards want to encourage as many attendees and participants to join in and have an equal opportunity to attend and participate in the conference and therefore, Hazards are providing an opportunity for everyone to attend, either in person or online.

The Hazards Conference needs to recruit as many delegates as possible to maintain the viability of the event as Hazards have to commit to an outlay of £60,000 to deliver the Conference, as a non-profit making organisation so the CWU/HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department encourages CWU Safety Reps to attend. In support of the Hazards Campaign and Conference which the CWU is a part sponsor of, please can Regions and Branches support the Conference and Safety Reps give consideration to attending.

Full details of the Conference plenary sessions, workshops, fringe meetings, subjects etc., are contained in the attached booking form and the outline agenda is as follows:

Agenda:

Conference timings and registration

Friday 1^st September

1.00-19.30 Delegate registration

17.00 – 19.30 Evening meal

20.00-21.00 Opening Plenary – in person and online

21.00 – Networking

Saturday 2^nd September

7.30-9.00 – Registration for later arrivals/non-residential delegates

7.00-8.45 Breakfast

9.00-10.30 – 1st Meeting: Westminster Theatre

10.30-11.00 Break

11.00 – 12.30 – 2nd Meeting: Westminster Theatre

12.30 – 14.00 – lunch

14.00 – 15.30 – Workshop 1 – in person and online

15.30 – 16.00 – Break

16.00 – 17.30 – Workshop 2 – in person and online

17.45-18.45 Fringe meetings – in person and online

19.00-20.30 Dinner

21.00-22.00 Quiz

22.00 – Networking

Sunday 3^rd September

7.30-9.15 – Breakfast

Clear rooms – bring cases to secure room in registration area

10.00-12.00 – Closing plenary – in person and online –

12.30-13.30 – Packed Lunch – eat with us or take away and depart

Some of the Subject Matter Covered in the Workshops:

• Safety Reps Functions and Workplace Inspections
• Mental health awareness
• Employers duties, Risk Assessment and hierarchy of controls
• Violence faced by workers
• Sex and gender sensitive health and safety
• Using public procurement to influence safety
• Resources and creative action for safety reps
• Environmental issues
• Campaign to remove asbestos from the workplace
• What can we do about extreme temperatures while we work

Booking Form for 2023 Conference:

• Copy Attached
• The link to download a copy of the Booking Form is:  https://gmhazards.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Booking-Form-The-34th-National-Hazards-Conference-2023.pdf
• Alternatively people can apply online using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/579031919057

Sponsorship Form:
If you or your organisation would like to sponsor this year’s event please go to:
https://gmhazards.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sponsorship-of-Hazards-Conference-2023-.pdf

The CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department will again be sponsoring the Hazards Conference.

For More Information or any questions about the Conference:

Contact: Janet Newsham
Email: hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk

or

Telephone: 07734317158

Post:

Hazards Campaign
Windrush Millennium Centre
70 Alexandra Road
Manchester
Greater ManchesterM16 7WD

Attachments:

• Hazards Conference Booking Form

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB153 National Hazards Conference 1 – 3 September 2023 – Theme ‘Organising For Safe and Healthy Working Environments’

Booking-Form-The-34th-National-Hazards-Conference-2023

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Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July 2023 – Don’t Put Your Fingers Through the Letterbox Warning – Posting Peg Saves Liverpool Postman’s Fingers as Mail is Attacked By a Dangerous Dog (See Poster Images) – Don’t Let It Happen To You!

1000 Postmen and Women have had a finger or part finger bitten off or severely injured in dog bites through the letterbox in the last 5 years across the UK. 

The key message to all delivery Postmen and Women CWU members this Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July 2023 is follow the ‘Golden Rule’ and ‘Never Put Your Fingers Through the Letterbox’.

Use a ‘Posting Peg’ whenever you can, especially where there’s a dog at the address. The ‘Posting Peg’ isn’t suitable or practical to use on every occasion due to the type of mail piece being delivered or with certain types of letterbox. However, whatever the circumstances, deliveries should never be made by pushing your fingers through the letterbox aperture so that they protrude through the other side, on the inside of the property and thereby provide a ‘sitting target’ for a dog waiting to pounce on the inside.

Remember that not all dogs ‘kick up a racket’ and bark loudly, giving warning signs that they are there. Dogs are intelligent animals and on many occasions when postmen and women have had fingers bitten off, the dog sat in complete silence, obviously not wanting to frighten away their ‘prey or ‘target’. Then as soon as the postman or postwoman’s fingers came though the letterbox the dog launched a ferocious attack biting into or clean through the fingers or hand.

In a recent case in Liverpool a postman did the right thing by using a posting peg and as he did so a dog inside attacked and bit clean through the tough hard plastic posting peg (see attached poster photo).

On this occasion the trusty posting peg certainly saved the hand and fingers of a CWU member postman from a dangerous dog.

The posting peg therefore can, and does, prevent serious injury, saving postmen and postwomen from being bitten by a dangerous dog whilst delivering mail through an unguarded letter box.

If there’s a problem with a particular delivery point’s letterbox in relation to getting the mail through the aperture due to brushes, draft excluders, flaps, security hoods etc., then rather than chance getting bitten, take the mail back and report it to the manager. Take no risks! Always adopt a ‘Safety First’ and ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach when it comes to defending yourself against dog hazards!

Dog bites cause extensive pain and suffering to victims.  Hospital treatment is required, sometimes involving extensive surgery, stiches, skin grafts, blood tests, amputations, precautionary Tetanus injections and courses of antibiotics to deal with a number of dangerous infections such as Rabies, Sepsis and Pasteurella. Apart from physical injury, some suffer mental ill-health caused by the terrifying experience and the depressive aftermath of the experience, including extensive treatment sometimes for life changing injuries.

Because this is a broken posting peg and not a finger bitten off, it demonstrates how robust this simple, cheap, easy to use dog control measures can be when used properly. In this case in Liverpool, this posting peg has saved a postman’s fingers, saved Royal Mail money and saved the dog owner a potential criminal prosecution and conviction plus a civil action and paying out personal injury compensation to the dog bite victim. Even the smallest of injuries have to be treated appropriately as there have been a number of cases in which dog bite victims didn’t seek medical treatment and they subsequently died of blood poisoning and bacteriological infection in a matter of days after being bitten. It’s therefore imperative that dog attack victims never delay in getting immediate medical attention from the NHS.

All postal delivery staff are encouraged to carry a posting peg with them and use the simple item when delivering mail where appropriate. You never know what is behind that letter box!

It can lead to the attached!

Attachment:

Poster – Posting Peg Bitten by Dangerous Dog Highlights Dangers to Postal Delivery Workers So Don’t Put Your Fingers Through the Letterbox!

[Acknowledgment: Photos and story – Jamie McGovern ASR, Mark Evans D/ASR CWU Greater Mersey Amal Branch]

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB154 Dog Awareness Week 3 – 9 July 2023 – Posting Peg Saves Liverpool Postman’s Fingers

Posting Peg Bitten by Dangerous Dog Poster For Dog Awareness Week

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• REVISED BALLOT TIMETABLE

We want to start this update by thanking members and representatives for your support during what has been the most challenging period in the history of Royal Mail Group.

After reaching agreement with the employer, it became apparent that the local working environment would remain challenging without an immediate and visible shift in approach from the company at all levels. 

On this basis we postponed the members vote on the national agreement to enable us to enter further discussions, covering:

– The crucial need to restore quality of service and USO compliance in every local office.

– To achieve the above the need for Royal Mail to work with the CWU and commence the process of reviewing failed revisions. 

 

– The need for all delivery offices to have sight of their proposed start and finish times prior to the ballot.

 

Additionally, as previously explained, we have continued to explore the opportunity for an additional lump sum payment. 

We are pleased to confirm progress has been made in all of theseareas. 

1. We have agreed a joint statement on section 2.5. A copy can be viewed here https://www.cwu.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RMG-CWU-JOINT-STATEMENT-%E2%80%93-JUNE-2023.pdf

 

The statement confirms the full restoration of the Industrial Relations Framework, a commitment to restore quality of serviceand USO compliance in every office and crucially – our reps are back at the negotiating table. To support the roll out of the joint statement an online event will be held at 0800 on Wednesday 21stJune for every CWU representative and operational manager in the UK. We will also hold a CWU National Briefing next week. Further details on this will be shared in due course. 

2. We have clarified further the position on later starts and finishes with the employer.

This includes details on how we will work together to further mitigate the impact of these plans locally and nationally. This position and an online form to find out proposals for your office can be found here https://www.cwu.org/national-agreement-proposed-start-and-finish-times/

Please take the time to read the joint statement on later starts prior to checking your office proposals https://www.cwu.org/later-starts-joint-statement/

3. We have secured an additional lump sum payment of at least £900 which will be paid upon ratification of the agreement. This is in addition to the already agreed £500 lump sum and any back pay you will be due from the 6% pay award from April 2023. 

Details of the payment and the background to it can be found here https://www.cwu.org/pensions-statement

On the basis of the above the Postal Executive have now agreed for the members ballot on the Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement to go ahead. The revised timetable is as follows:

Ballot Papers dispatched Thursday 22nd June.

Ballot closes Tuesday 11th July.

We will now undertake an extensive engagement plan in the lead up to the ballot including live events, podcasts, videos, and written communications. 

Yours sincerely, 

Dave Ward

General Secretary

Andy Furey

Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Further to LTB 145/23, Men’s Health Week 12 – 18 June 2023, the ‘Men’s Health Forum’ (MHF) have this week launched two new mini-manuals which can be purchased singularly or in bulk from MHF. However, the charity is making them available as ‘Free’ downloads for this week only.

Between the 12^th and 18th June, the world acknowledges ‘Men’s Health Week’.  This annual event is organised by the Men’s Health Forum and aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to gain the courage to tackle their issues.

The Men’s Health Forum (MHF) is a charity supporting men’s health in the UK and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department has worked closely with the charity for a number of years supporting their campaigns.

The two new mini-manuals are:

• WANNA BET ‘Gambling and Men’s Health

and

• PORN FREE ‘Pornography and Men’s Health

MHF state that – Men spend a lot of time on their tech and what we’re doing isn’t always healthy. For Men’s Health Week, Men’s Health Forum are launching new manuals that tackle two men’s health issues that have been fuelled by the availability of 24/7 internet everywhere. No nagging, no moralising, just the hard facts. Both are available as FREE PDFs for the duration of ‘Men’s Health Week’ and in hard copy in the MHF shop as single copies or in bulk.

Links to Free Download PDFs: 

• WANNA BET ‘Gambling and Men’s Health Link:- https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/wanna-bet

and

• PORN FREE ‘Pornography and Men’s Health Link:- https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/porn-free

Man Manuals

The MHF’s range of award-winning manuals can be purchased in bulk or individually via the MHF website with American Express, Visa, MasterCard or PayPal. All manuals are produced to exacting standards of content and design. You can find purchase order details hereon the website or if you have any other questions, please email shop@menshealthforum.org.uk or call 0330 097 0654.

MHF Contact Details:

Men’s Health Forum
7-14 Great Dover Street
London, SE1 4YR
Contact
0330 097 0654
Website: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/

MHF Online Information

The MHF Website is visited by over 1.4 million people a year for news and information about men’s health.

Home and News: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/

Info For Men: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/male-health?utm_source=MHF

Professional Info: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/professionals?utm_source=MHF

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB151 Men’s Health Week 12 – 18 June – Men’s Health Forum Launch Two New Manuals – ‘Free’ Download Versions Available This Week Only

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 49 – June 2023 and Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report Parts A, B & C:

Introduction:

The Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC. The GJA was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy. The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national Government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

GJA ‘Free’ Courses:

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps with details published in the newsletter.

The GJA now offer three ‘on-line’ courses as follows:

1. Climate Change Awareness

This short introductory course is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of the issues around climate change.  The course is divided into 4 modules.  The modules contain background information, short videos, graphs and illustrations.

• Module 1: Climate Change Explained
• Module 2: International Responses
• Module 3: Trade Union Responses
• Module 4: Getting Involved

At the end of each section, there are references and links to additional materials if you want to go further. There are no formal tests and you can work through the materials at your own pace but there are optional quizzes to check your understanding at the end of modules 1, 2 and 3.

2. A Trade Union Guide to Just Transition

Social justice must be at the heart of the development of a net-zero carbon economy. The course covers:

• The meaning and history of the term just transition
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

It is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of why just transition should be central to climate change policy.

3. Air Quality – a trade union issue

The following issues will be explored in this free online course. It is made up of 3 modules,

• Module 1: The Causes and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
• Module 2: The Law and Government Policy
• Module 3:  Trade Union Responses and Campaigns

Link to GJA on-line Courses:https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/courses/

GJA Founder Graham Petersen:

The founder GJA Secretary and Newsletter editor was Graham Petersen who is well known to the CWU and has a long standing working relationship with the Union. He is a former TUC tutor and course designer who created safety reps training courses and the successful TUC Occupational Health & Safety Diploma Course. He was the head of the Trade Union Studies Centre at South Thames College before retirement from the post and has been a visitor and guest speaker at CWU events and meetings. After 30 editions, Graham stood down at the GJA AGM and handed over to Paul Atkin as newsletter editor and Tahir Latif as GJA Secretary. Graham remains a GJA Steering Group member and is now working part time for the Wales TUC having recently written a publication for them ‘Greener workplaces for a just transition – a Wales TUC toolkit for trade unionists’ which was circulated by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department.

Paul Atkin Editorial GJA Newsletter Issue 49 – ‘Editorial: “Justly Stop Oil!”:

Editor Paul Atkin Opens by making reference to the decision by the Labour Party to stop all new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea as being the right one which he adds will be popular. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – which was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change), has stated again and again that new oil and gas exploration is incompatible with sustaining a climate we can survive in. Paul states that there is no wriggle room on this and the consequence of a failure to take decisive action now is already coming back to bite us very hard. With 2030, just seven years away, the risk is that without drastic action, 2 billion people could be having to try to live in areas with an average ambient temperature of 29C which includes half the population of India. At 30C in the UK it is illegal to transport cattle. (The TUC policy is to call for the introduction of an upper limit on workplace temperature so that employers would be forced to act when the temperature inside reaches 24°C. It would mean that staff could be sent home and their employers prosecuted if temperatures at work hit 30°C or 27°C for those engaged in physically demanding work). Paul concludes that “Just Transition” bodies should be established through local authorities to set the framework for both practical measures like insulation, investment, public education and mobilisation that has to go with it, so this is a social as well as material transformation.

Contents GJA Newsletter 49:

• Editorial: Justly Stop Oil!
• How Just Transition can work
• Climate Justice in the North Sea
• Support Offshore Workers Strike Action
• Labour’s Green Prosperity Plan?
• Momentum Comment
• Just Transition and Collective Bargaining
• UCU Conference Motion: training for jobs to tackle the climate emergency
• Students taking climate action into their own hands
• First ever NEU Green Reps training
• More time off work for flight-free holidays
• Its Bike Week every week in Amsterdam
• Clean Air Day 15 June
• Making tomorrow: building a workers’ response to the climate crisis

What is a just transition?

A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers.

A rapid increase in the speed and scale of actions required to reduce the risks of climate change will create new economic opportunities.

Whilst a just transition is mainly based on environmental considerations, it is also shaped by other structural changes affecting labour markets, such as globalisation, labour-saving technologies and the shift to services.

A just transition is an integral part of many of the global commitments adopted by countries. The Paris Agreement acknowledges “the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities” and highlights the importance of workers in responding to climate change.

Furthermore, the just transition concept links to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, explicitly drawing together SDGs 12 – climate action, 10 – reduced inequalities, 8 – decent work and economic growth, and 7 – affordable and clean energy.

Many countries have recognised the challenge that this transformation entails and are taking measures to protect those that are most vulnerable and affected by the changes, including across the EBRD regions.

• The European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism is integral to the EU’s Green Deal, targeted at ensuring “a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, leaving no one behind” and aims to mobilise at least €150 billion over the period 2021-2027;
• The Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration signed by 50 countries at COP24, which states that: “a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition”;
• Climate Action for Jobs Initiative, co-led by the International Labour Organisation, Spain and Peru, with 46 countries committing to develop “national plans for a just transition and create decent green jobs”.
• The UNFCCC Gender Action plan, whereby parties to the UNFCCC have recognized the importance of involving women and men equally in the development and implementation of national climate policies that are gender-responsive.

Quote of the Month/Headline of the Month:

“Heavy rains in Canada offer relief from wildfires but could lead to flooding.”

The Guardian

Much more in the GJA Newsletter No 49 attached.

GJA Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Parts A, B & C

Also attached this month is GJA’s brief guide to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Synthesis Report. The IPPC was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change. The IPCC report finds that there is a more than 50% chance that the global temperature rise will reach or surpass 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) before 2040 across studied scenarios, and under a high-emissions pathway, specifically, the world may hit this threshold even sooner. It adds that more than three billion people live in areas that are “highly vulnerable” to climate change — people living in these regions were “15 times more likely to die from floods, droughts and storms than those living in regions with very low vulnerability”. The IPCC’s assessment warns we’re running out of time to keep to 1.5°, but we have all the tools we need to get on track for net zero in time. The IPCC’s recent reports have been dubbed a ‘code red for humanity’ and an ‘atlas of human suffering’. See the GJA brief guides to parts A, B & C of the latest IPCC report attached.

Attachments:

• GJA Newsletter No.49 for June
• GJA Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part A
• GJA Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part B
• GJA Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part C

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB150 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 49 – June 2023 and Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report Parts A, B & C

GJA-Newsletter-49-June-2023

GJA – A brief guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part A

GJA – A Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part B

GJC – A Brief Guide to the IPCC Synthesis Report, Part C

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Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – House of Commons EDM (Early Day Motion) 1159:

With 3,000 dog attacks on postal workers every year, this remains a primary safety concern for the Union and daily danger for our members. The CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department continues to fight for justice for victim members, supporting victims, working with Safety Reps and Branches and pressing the Police to prosecute irresponsible owners.

The Union continues to campaign for further law changes and strengthening of the dog control laws, tougher sentencing by the courts and better enforcement by the UK’s 45 Police forces.

Meetings are scheduled with ministers and politicians in Westminster, the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament in the coming weeks to push on with our campaigning.

Postmen and women deliver the universal service obligation, to circa 31 million addresses across the UK, and as we approach ‘National Joint Dog Awareness Week’ 3 – 9 July we will be working with Royal Mail and other organisations to raise the profile of the campaign week, raise the profile of the growing menace and national crisis of dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership and call on dog owners and customers not to forget that during the summer months postmen and women will be in the community carrying out their jobs and should be able to do so without fear of being attacked by a dog.

Supporting MPs in Westminster have tabled an Early Day Motion on Dog Attacks, number 1159. Early Day Motions (EDMs) are used to put on record the views of individual MPs or to draw attention to specific subject matter, events or campaigns. By attracting the signatures of other MPs, they can be used to demonstrate the level of parliamentary support for a particular cause or point of view. Its important therefore to get as many MPs to sign the EDM as possible.  This motion has been signed by 17 Members (as of 9 June 2023). It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Early Day Motion 1159 Text

“This House is concerned at the increasing number of dog attacks and is alarmed that 15 people have been killed as a result of a dog attacks since the start of 2022 and more have been seriously injured; notes that the cost to the NHS of dog bites has been calculated at £77 million per year; recognises that an approach based on breed specific legislation has failed and that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is woefully ineffective; looks forward to the publication of recommendations by the Government’s Responsible Dog Ownership Working Group and calls for this to take place before the summer recess; and further calls on the Government to introduce new legislation covering all aspects of the control of dangerous dogs that protects the public, promotes responsible dog ownership and improves animal welfare.” 

Signatures 17 (As of 9 June 2023)

The first 6 MPs who have signed to support the Motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it.

MP Signed to Support the EDM (as of 9 June 2023)

• Wayne David, Labour Caerphilly
• Rosie Duffield, Labour Canterbury
• Jonathan Edwards, Independent Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
• Christina Rees, Independent Neath
• Caroline Lucas, Green Party Brighton, Pavilion
• Sir Mike Penning, Conservative Hemel Hempstead
• Margaret Ferrier, Independent Rutherglen and Hamilton West
• Tony Lloyd, Labour Rochdale Signed on 17 May 2023
• Allan Dorans, Scottish National Party Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
• Rachael Maskell, Labour York Central
• Jim Shannon, Democratic Unionist Party Strangford
• Sir Greg Knight, Conservative East Yorkshire
• John McDonnell, Labour Hayes and Harlington
• Ian Mearns, Labour Gateshead Signed on
• Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour Streatham
• Olivia Blake, Labour Sheffield Hallam
• Sharon Hodgson, Labour Washington and Sunderland West

Action – Your Assistance Is Required

Would all Regions, Branches and Reps please contact local MPs and ask them to sign EDM1159.

Thanks for your support.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB149 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – House of Commons EDM (Early Day Motion) 1159

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National Organ Donation Laws – ‘Dáithí’s Law’ comes into effect in Northern Ireland:

Further to LTB 373/22 this is to report that as of 1 June 2023, the so called ‘Dáithí’s Law’ came into effect and all adults in Northern Ireland will now be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group. Northern Ireland is the last part of the UK to move over to an ‘opt out’ system.

The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation, known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ in honour of six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann, changes the way consent is granted and follows similar previous law changes in Wales, England and Scotland.

Ahead of the new law coming into effect, the government stated that more than 140 people are waiting for transplants across Northern Ireland. The opt-out system means that all adults in NI, unless in an excluded group which includes children under 18 years, those who lack capacity to understand the new law and those who are temporarily resident in NI, will be considered to be organ donors after death unless they chose to opt-out.

Everyone will still have a choice – people are free to opt-in, opt-out or amend their decision at any time – and families will continue to be consulted. The vast majority of people support organ donation in principle, but many people still haven’t got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families.

There has been an increased public awareness, discussion and support for organ donation during the law change process and it’s hoped that in time, this will lead to more people saying yes to donation and helping save more lives.

Last year in Northern Ireland, 96 patients received a life-saving transplant from a deceased donor, and NI had 59 donors who enabled 140 life-saving transplants across the UK. Sadly, 10-15 patients die each year in NI while awaiting a transplant.

Dáithí Mac Gabhann has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018 and his family have campaigned tirelessly in support of the law change. The 1^st June also marks five years since he was added to the list. During this time his family have worked tirelessly to campaign for a move towards the ‘opt-out’ law and to promote organ donation. They plan to continue to spread the message of Dáithí’s Law and continue to raise awareness of organ donation at any opportunity.

Here’s an update on the organ donor laws across the UK and crown dependencies:

England

On 20 May 2020, the law around organ donation in England was changed to allow more people’s lives to be saved. The law introduced a system commonly called ‘opt-out’ or ‘deemed consent’. All adults over 18 in England are now considered to have agreed to be an organ and tissue donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate and they have ‘opted out’ or are in one of the excluded groups.

Wales

Wales led the way and on 1 December 2015 the Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013 came into full effect, making Wales the first country in the UK to introduce ‘opt-out’ or ‘deemed consent’ legislation, meaning that if a person hasn’t registered an organ and tissue donation decision, people will be considered to have no objection to becoming an organ and tissue donor after death.

Scotland

The Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019 was passed by the Scottish Parliament in July 2019. The legislation provides for a ‘deemed authorisation’ or an ‘opt out’ system of organs and tissue donation for transplantation. The system came into effect on 26 March 2021.

Northern Ireland 

On 1 June 2023 the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 came into force and the law around organ and tissue donation in Northern Ireland has now moved to an ‘opt-out’ system from the current ‘opt-in’. This will mean that in the event that organ donation is a possibility after a death, it will be considered that individuals agree to being an organ donor unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group. The new law known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ is in recognition of five-year-old Dáithí MacGabhann who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018.

Jersey

In April 2018 the Jersey States Assembly passed legislation that saw the island move towards a deemed consent, ‘opt out’ system as in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The new legislation took effect on 1st July 2019.

Guernsey

Guernsey’s Human Tissue and Transplantation (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Legislation was enacted in May 2020, which will introduce a ‘deemed consent’ or ‘opt-out’ system with the new law set to come into force on 1 January 2023, which will mean that if you haven’t recorded a decision about organ donation and you are not in an excluded group, you will be presumed to be in favour of organ and tissue donation.

Isle of Man

In October 2020, Members of the House of Keys unanimously backed the second reading of the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Bill 2020. On 20 July 2021, the Bill received Royal Assent to become an Act, moving the island one step closer to an ‘opt-out’ led approach to organ donation consent. Planning is underway to implement the new law, which will not come into force until a commencement date has been set. The Isle of Man will continue to operate an ‘opt-in’ consent system until such time and the date for the new law to come into force has been set but is expected to be in 2023.

Registering for Organ Donation:

People Can Register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Website at: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB148 National Organ Donation Laws – ‘Dáithí’s Law’ comes into effect in Northern Ireland

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