ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES – OFCOM & THE USE OF ‘RYDE’ DELIVERY APP

ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES – OFCOM & THE USE OF ‘RYDE’ DELIVERY APP

Enquiries have been received from Branches in relation to the ‘Ryde App’ being used by Royal Mail Group to recruit couriers in their ongoing attempt to undermine the successful strike action that is still overwhelmingly supported by our members.

Concerns Raised with Ofcom

The attached correspondence has been sent to Dame Melanie Dawes – CEO Ofcom, and Lord Michael Grade the Chair, to raise our legitimate concerns about the risk of loss and theft of mail, as well as the increased possibility of identity theft and fraud from casual employees having access to the names and addresses of customers. Royal Mail Group has not provided any definitive insight or information as to what the training involves and there is the real concern that it will be insufficient to achieve the mail integrity obligations of Royal Mail as set out in ‘Essential Condition 1’ of their licence. In addition, it is questionable as to whether background checks on applicants are being completed thoroughly.

Ryde Courier App

In terms of Royal Mail Group employees applying for such ‘Ryde’ courier posts, below is the clause taken from the 2018 OPG contract, that still pertains and which you may be familiar with. This relates to employees taking other employment.

Your employment with Royal Mail is a full/part occupation. You must not engage in any other employment such that you would be unable to meet your contractual obligations to Royal Mail. Further, any additional hours of work you may perform for another employer aggregated with those that you perform under this contract must not exceed the limits that apply under the Working Time Regulations 1998 or any agreements that relate to working time. You must not be involved in or have an interest in the activities of any organisation whose business is in competition with that of Royal Mail or any of its business units or subsidiaries and must advise Royal Mail of any other employment which you hold or intend to take.

Branches and Representatives will recognise and appreciate that the union has not directly or indirectly encouraged members to disrupt Ryde’s activities. What is apparent however, is that if Royal Mail Group use ‘Ryde’ couriers to deliver letters this is a de facto contracting out of USO work and is something that we will continue to challenge via Ofcom and the media.

In closing we would like to express our thanks for the continued support of all Reps and members during this dispute. The success of the industrial strategy is despite the provocative stance taken by Royal Mail Group.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary/Acting Deputy General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org/hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

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

22LTB485 ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES OFCOM THE USE OF RYDE DELIVERY APP

7.12.22 CWU concerns about Royal Mails use of Ryde app and mail integrity

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07/12/2022 0

STAND BY YOUR POST – PARLIAMENT SQUARE RALLY – UPDATE

STAND BY YOUR POST – PARLIAMENT SQUARE RALLY – UPDATE

The reaction to the announcement of the strike rally in London on Friday 9^thDecember, at 1pm has been overwhelming. We are now close to 15,000 confirmed attendees – and that is without individual members who will be travelling on their own.

We reaffirm to all members that branches are providing transport from across the UK. This is an event that will go down in history – please do everything you can to make it.

We ask that members do not attend the rally in uniform. Given the current industrial relations climate we believe this is a sensible decision. The weather is set to be cold so wrap up warm and if possible, come in some CWU colours (pink) – we want the strongest possible images for the media coverage.

We ask all branches to bring branch banners and supply as much CWU merchandise as possible. There will be placards and limited hi-vis jackets available on the day.

We are finalising an excellent set of speakers for the rally – keep an eye on our social media channels in the coming days for announcements.

We also want to reiterate the importance of every picket line in the UK having a presence. This is crucial.

Finally, members are assembling from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England in the biggest mobilisation of CWU members in history. Get to London on Friday. CWU and Proud.

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

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward – General Secretary

Andy Furey – Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

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06/12/2022 0

Brilliant video featuring CWU member and postal worker Lethonee who was interviewed by @thetimes on the last strike day.

“We aren’t the enemy. We are fighting to save the service.”

StandByYourPost

06/12/2022 0

FURTHER TALKS AT ACAS

FURTHER TALKS AT ACAS

We understand that Royal Mail published a letter today asking us to meet them urgently at ACAS to discuss the details of their “so called best and final offer”.

We have attached to this LTB a copy of the union’s response confirming once again that we have rejected their offer and that we are willing to meet them tomorrow at ACAS to negotiate a resolution to our disputes.

Please ensure the union’s response and the content of this LTB is shared in all workplaces.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary/Acting Deputy General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org/hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

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

22LTB482 FURTHER TALKS AT ACAS

Dave Ward 5 12 22

5.12.22 Simon Thompson.docx

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05/12/2022 0

CWU CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OF THE RMG CEO AND THE COMPANY AND RMG PICKET LINE ALLEGATIONS

CWU CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OF THE RMG CEO AND THE COMPANY AND RMG PICKET LINE ALLEGATIONS

We understand that Royal Mail Group published last week a letter that was sent to the General Secretary from their legal counsel concerning serious allegations on picket line behaviour.

Please find attached to this LTB our response. It is important that this is shared with our representatives and members in all workplaces.

The key points of the union’s response are as follows:-

The company has not provided any evidence whatsoever to the union to support the allegations they have made.
The CWU have made clear, as always, that we do not condone the type of behaviour Royal Mail reference, in their unfounded allegations.
We make clear that whilst there may have been some unacceptable behaviour in an extremely small minority of cases, the union’s representatives and members have conducted themselves in a respectful, good natured and peaceful way, despite aggressive and severe provocation from Royal Mail managers.
We have condemned the actions of the CEO for deliberately utilising his workplace social media platform to launch psychological attacks on our members, impacting on their mental health.
We have condemned the company for shamefully engaging in worker and union busting tactics, led by Grant McPherson and a senior management team.
As mentioned in the media last week, the CWU is now formally calling for an independent investigation into the unacceptable behaviour of the CEO and the Royal Mail Group and the company’s picket line allegations. We have offered the company the opportunity to agree a Terms of Reference for this.
We have made clear that for any CWU member or representative facing conduct charges, we have no confidence that they will receive a fair hearing because of the prejudicial actions of the employer, led from the very top of the company.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary/Acting Deputy General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org/hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

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

22LTB483 CWU CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OF THE RMG CEO AND THE COMPANY AND ROYAL MAIL PICKET LINE ALLEGATIONS

5.12.22 Matt Newman RM Legal Counsel

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05/12/2022 0

CWU CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OF THE RMG CEO AND THE COMPANY AND RMG PICKET LINE ALLEGATIONS

No. 483/22

5th December 2022

TO: ALL POSTAL BRANCHES

Dear Colleague

CWU CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OF THE RMG CEO AND THE COMPANY AND RMG PICKET LINE ALLEGATIONS

We understand that Royal Mail Group published last week a letter that was sent to the General Secretary from their legal counsel concerning serious allegations on picket line behaviour.

Please find attached to this LTB our response. It is important that this is shared with our representatives and members in all workplaces.

The key points of the union’s response are as follows:-

The company has not provided any evidence whatsoever to the union to support the allegations they have made.

The CWU have made clear, as always, that we do not condone the type of behaviour Royal Mail reference, in their unfounded allegations.

We make clear that whilst there may have been some unacceptable behaviour in an extremely small minority of cases, the union’s representatives and members have conducted themselves in a respectful, good natured and peaceful way, despite aggressive and severe provocation from Royal Mail managers.

We have condemned the actions of the CEO for deliberately utilising his workplace social media platform to launch psychological attacks on our members, impacting on their mental health.

We have condemned the company for shamefully engaging in worker and union busting tactics, led by Grant McPherson and a senior management team.

As mentioned in the media last week, the CWU is now formally calling for an independent investigation into the unacceptable behaviour of the CEO and the Royal Mail Group and the company’s picket line allegations. We have offered the company the opportunity to agree a Terms of Reference for this.

We have made clear that for any CWU member or representative facing conduct charges, we have no confidence that they will receive a fair hearing because of the prejudicial actions of the employer, led from the very top of the company.

It is essential that you convey the content of this LTB to all CWU members and representatives through workplace meetings and that you explain the actions the union are now taking in calling for an independent investigation.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary/Acting Deputy General Secretary at jdunn@cwu.org/hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

05/12/2022 0

CWU responds to the unacceptable behaviour of the CEO.

05/12/2022 0

RMG Driver/Road Safety Briefing/Communication W/C 05.12.22 – ‘SHE Huddle FY22 069 Drink and Drug Driving’

RMG Driver/Road Safety Briefing/Communication W/C 05.12.22 – ‘SHE Huddle FY22 069 Drink and Drug Driving’

Introduction

The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager‎ has informed the CWU HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national driver/road safety briefing/communication SHE huddle, this week commencing Monday 5 December reminding the workforce about driving under the influence of ‘Drink and Drugs’ and this will be based on the attached SHE Huddle FY22 069 ‘Drink/Drug Driving’ which will be supported by a ‘None For The Road’ – Don’t Drink or Dug Drive slide on the RMTV Plasma screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers.

Background

Regrettably and quite shockingly, recent evidence suggests that drink/drug driving is on the increase, despite decades of public road safety campaigns highlighting the dangers and consequences – hence this campaign.

Roadside drink and drug testing, backed up by severe court penalties and driving bans, plus campaigns highlighting accidents and injuries collectively built up the social unacceptability of drink/drug driving. Roadside testing for drug driving was subsequently introduced to identify drivers impaired by drugs. Drink and drugs sadly continues to be a problem on the roads with recent evidence suggesting it’s increasing with the UK Police confirming findings of a sharp increase in numbers last year. Some facts:

8,000 killed or seriously injured by drivers impaired by drink or drugs.
24% of people killed were impaired by drink or drugs.
1 in 10 people driving for work, fail random drink and drug tests.

Police forces across the country are also launching a month-long annual ‘Drink and Drugs’ campaign today.

Drugs and Alcohol Effects on Driving

Slows reaction times, impairs judgement, affects concentration, causes fatigue, leads to risk taking and erratic behaviour, causes confusion, muscle paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, panic attacks, memory impairment, blurred vision and drowsiness, reduces coordination and the ability to think clearly – Impairs ability to drive safely!

Impairment through drink or drugs means a driver and passengers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a collision.

Prosecution and Penalties

Minimum 12 months’ driving ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, licence endorsed for 11 years and causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs results in up to 14 years in prison.

Other impacts:

May affect employment and employability.
Increased car insurance costs.
Difficulty obtaining Visa e.g., for travel to USA.

Morning After Effect

Watch out for the morning after effect. Many drivers get caught out because alcohol stays in the system longer than most people think with many driving to work after a night’s sleep thinking the alcohol has cleared their system when it hasn’t!

Prescription and Over The Counter Drugs

Drivers should take care with prescription or ‘over the counter’ drugs – check for any warnings that they may affect driving by causing drowsiness. If in any doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist.

Supporting Information

See supporting information on the Royal Mail screens and intranet. Royal Mail Group support is available to help anyone with a problem with alcohol or drug dependency. All support is treated in strict confidence. Employees themselves or their managers can make a referral to the occupational health service by calling 0345 266 5060 or visiting www.rmgfirstclasssupport.co.uk or downloading the ‘Lifeworks’ App. New users of the website/App can sign up using a unique invitation code which is ‘RMG-‘ and their pay number, e.g., RMG-12345678. Full guidance and signposting to external support services is available in the Alcohol and Drugs Guide via the health policy and information pages on PSP.

Managers Actions

Managers to brief drivers on the SHE Huddle FY22 069 content attached.
Drivers to ensure that they drive in accordance with the Royal Mail Driving SSoW and the law.

ASR Action

Would ASRs support the briefing and ensure it is delivered in all units and cascade information.

Attachments: