CWU Non – Cooperation to Royal Mail’s Unagreed Recovery Revision Programme & Unagreed Headcount Reduction Activity within Delivery

Branches and Representatives will recall that there have been several LTBs (Letters To Branches) and supplementary ODMs (Outdoor Department Memos) which have covered the issue of Royal Mails’ unagreed revision programme and planned headcount reduction activity within Deliveries and across Royal Mail.

As far back as July this year and from the start of our dispute, Royal Mail has sought to position its unagreed revision activity as being part of the ‘Year-Two’ revision and productivity targets in line with the Pathway to Change (PtC) National Agreement. Whilst this has never been the case and has been disproven many times; we are aware that in many locations local management continue to pedal the narrative that the unagreed revision plans and targets remain part of the PtC Agreement. This is despite the fact that Royal Mail has changed the revision plans, parameters and targets on countless occasions since July.

However, we are now aware that Royal Mail has again revised its revision plans, (which have not been shared with the CWU directly at national level) and we further understand that these plans are built on direct headcount reduction which is seemingly driven by an ‘across the board approach’ for each Delivery unit based on applying a forecasted reduction in traffic of 7% against the Q1 reference period (April to June 2022), increased improvements in WIPWH (Weighted Items Per Work Hour) productivity against the same reference period, and unit’s AWD level being planned on both a fixed and variable spend.

Indeed, at this point, it is relevant to advise Branches that Royal Mail has only provided CWU Headquarters with direct notification of headcount reductions for those Delivery units where their unagreed plans seek to reduce this by 20 or more, and in order to comply with Section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act of 1992. The Union’s advice on this is also contained within LTB 450/22.

During the course of the disputes on pay and change we have sought to ensure Branches, Representatives and members alike are kept up to date and advised of any plans for revision activity. Accordingly, and given Royal Mail’s sharp escalation in this activity in regards to their unagreed recovery revision plans, it is timely to reiterate the CWU position of non-cooperation and non-involvement.

To recap, the revision processes and the criteria set out by Royal Mail for these revisions, which has been revised by the Company on countless occasions up to this point, have not been shared or agreed with the Union at a National level and the revisions remain based on the following unagreed parameters which are also contrary to several National Agreements: 

• Despite Royal Mail’s claims to the contrary the revisions are based on an unagreed targetry and forecasted reductions in traffic, which is not in line with the commitments within the Pathway To Change Agreement and recommendations of the Productivity Joint Working Group.
• There is no agreed Model Week baseline setting. Moreover, the unagreed revision reference period upon which the headcount reduction is planned does not account for any USO (Universal Service Obligation) or service and products failures, meaning that the revision start point used by Royal Mail could be set at a point within a unit when it is not even USO compliant and was failing service.
• The revisions are based on an unagreed process, unagreed forecasted traffic level and against a pre-determined criterion – which are not in line with our National Agreements and Joint Statements.
• PDA Outdoor Actual data to be directly used on outdoor route planning – which is outside of our relevant National Agreements.
• Pre-determined duty patterns and later start and finishing times for units – which are outside of National Agreements, and in many cases go beyond that which Royal Mail has set out in its direct employee communications within their current change proposals.
• The establishment of pre-determined Dedicated Parcel Routes and Hubs (DPRs) which is not agreed.
• Local disagreements and the application of the Industrial Relations Framework are only to be accepted on particular points, these are determined by Royal Mail centrally.

The clear limits and restrictions set out by Royal Mail on the application of the IR Framework negates any opportunity for meaningful engagement at local level and, in short, the suggested engagement being offered to our Reps by Royal Mail is effectively meaningless, as our Reps will have no opportunity to influence the revision pre-determined plans or their direct impact upon our member’s jobs and working lives. 

Royal Mail have been clear and this is repeated within their recent ‘best and final offer’ document, which is clear that at no point would Royal Mail managers be allowed to, or accept any points of disagreement on any of the outlined unagreed revision process, including the parameters; criteria; data; timeline; or the outputs. 

The union simply cannot accept Royal Mail’s arbitrary position that job cuts and changes to our members’ working lives are non-negotiable. If we accept this, then Royal Mail will simply announce further and ongoing job cuts whilst imposing endless unnecessary and unrealistic changes and expect the CWU and its Reps to make such change work with our members being placed under unacceptable pressures.

It is fully understood that this is not an easy task, but the position on non-cooperation and non-involvement is absolutely the right stance. We cannot lose sight of the need to remain collective and united in response to Royal Mail at what is another example of unacceptable and provocative executive action being taken against our members. We are equally mindful of the direct stress and anxiety Royal Mail plans are now having on our Representatives and members alike. As such, we will provide our Reps and members more detailed information and advice going forward, which the department will look to issue as soon as possible and via an ODM (Outdoor Department Memo).

If and where Local/Area Reps are contacted or approached by management in terms of such un-agreed revision proposals, can they please continue to refer this directly to their respective Divisional Reps.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 555, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 491-22 – Un-agreed Recovery Revision Programme and Un-agreed Headcount Reduction Activity 081222 (00000002)

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RECORDING: The whole of the historic strike rally in Parliament – enjoy! #StandByYourPost

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE 2021/22 & 2022/23 – NOTICE SERVED FOR STRIKE ACTION (CROWNS) ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Branches are advised the Postal Executive has endorsed further action and as a result we have today served notice to Post Office for the following Strike Action:

• Crowns – Saturday 24th December from 07.00 until 18.00

In respect of the previously notified Action Short of a Strike for Crown Office members – specifically a Sales Boycott (as communicated to Branches via LTB 475/22), there has been an exchange of letters with Post Office which centred on what a Sales Boycott entailed.  The attached correspondence helps to define what we are asking our members to do from Wednesday 14^th to Friday 23^rdDecember inclusive.  If members are in any doubt, they are advised to speak to their Representative.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

22LTB490 Post Office – Pay Dispute 2021-22 & 2022-23 – Notice Served for Strike Action (Crowns) on Christmas Eve

Attachment 1 to 22LTB490

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES – RE-BALLOT TIMETABLE

Branches and Representatives will be aware the programme of strike action held throughout November, was once again overwhelmingly supported by CWU members across Royal Mail Group.  Twelve days of strike action relating to the two disputes have now taken place with further action and a national rally being held today, as well as further strikes in the lead up to Christmas.

As a consequence of the Tory Anti-Trade Union laws, there is now a legal requirement to conduct a re-ballot of our members after six months.  As previously advised, the six-month period ends on 19th January 2023 for pay and on 17th February 2023 for change.

As the focus of the disputes has now shifted to a combined set of negotiations, it is prudent to ensure a re-ballot reflects this via a single ballot to encompass both of the previous pay and change disputes.  In addition, given the aggressive attitude from Royal Mail Group including the very real possibility for Compulsory Redundancies coupled with the attack on the MTSF terms, the grounds for the ballot must include job security.

The Postal Executive unanimously agreed the following re-ballot timetable after consultation with the SDGS Department:

• Serve notice –                                   Monday 16th January 2023
• Ballot papers despatched –           Monday 23rd January 2023
• Ballot closes –                                  Monday 13th February 2023

This timetable will be announced at the national rally in Parliament Square today.

Once a ‘Yes’ vote is returned the first day of strike action could potentially commence on Monday 27^th February 2023.  Branches should also be aware this does not prevent strike action being taken on change up until 17th February.

The SDGS Department will be contacting Branches imminently to commence preparation for the re-ballot and Branches are requested to treat this matter as a priority.

It cannot be stated enough the current disputes do not end at Christmas and there is still pressure to be exerted in the New Year in the event that Royal Mail Group do not see sense and enter meaningful negotiations.

Branches and Representatives must therefore be sure membership engagement continues to reinforce the message that it is vital another massive ‘Yes’ vote is returned.  Discussions have commenced with the Communications Department concerning the re-ballot and the New Year will see the campaign gather momentum, including a National Briefing (date to be advised).

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

Yours sincerely

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

22LTB488 – ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES RE-BALLOT TIMETABLE

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CWU Young Workers Conference – Tuesday 31^st January 2023

The CWU Young Workers Conference will be held on Tuesday 31^st January 2023 at the CWU Headquarters, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX

Each Regional Young Workers Sub Committee will be entitled to submit ONEmotion to the Conference Agenda.

Each Branch will be entitled to submit ONE motion to the Conference Agenda.

The Young Workers Committee will be entitled to submit THREE motions to the Conference Agenda.

Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached.  Branches or Regions who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

Motion forms must be returned by noon onWednesday 4^th January 2023.   Anything received after this date will not be accepted.   All sections of the form must be completed.

Branches, Regions and the Young Workers Committee are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

If motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted if sent to the above email address.

As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee are of an industrial nature which are eligible for submission to the Industrial Conferences.

Branches will be aware that the Young Workers Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit two motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference.   The Young Workers Conference may also submit one motion for either the Postal Industry or Telecoms Industry conference from Section 1.

The motions selected for General Conference must contain policy that lies within the responsibility of the NEC, likewise Industrial motions must be able to be carried out by the relevant Industry Executive (Motions for the Telecoms Conference must also refer to a specific business-see attached motion guide).

As with previous Conferences, the motions for submission to the General Conference agenda and the Industrial motions for the Industry Conferences will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference.  Ballot(s) to select the motions will be held at the Conference.

Delegates

Details for registering delegates and observers will be issued in a further LTB.  Any queries regarding the registration process should be directed to conferences@cwu.org

Regional Young Workers Sub Committee Secretaries shall attend Young Workers Annual Conference in an ex-officio capacity with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Regional Young Workers Sub Committee but not to vote.   Funding for Regional Young Workers Committee Secretaries to attend Young Workers Annual Conference shall be from the General Fund.

Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:Number of Young MembersDelegate entitlement1-2491250-4992500 and above3

Branches are  urged to make every effort  to  ensure that  their delegation  comprises members  who are either  30 and under  as  of  November or who are serving Branch Young Workers.  The expectation is that voting delegates aged over 30 will be present on an exceptional basis. 

In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Wednesday 4^th January 2023.

Election of Delegates to General Conference

As you will know, the Young Workers Conference will select two delegates to represent the Young Workers Members to attend General Conference 2023.

The Standing Orders for the Young Workers Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates and it will be conducted during Conference itself.  Nominees must be members of the Union and have the support of their branch and/or Regional Young Workers Sub Committee.

Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination.

The exception to this are members of the Young Workers Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Young Workers Committee and/or any Regional Young Workers Sub Committee.

Branches and Regional Young Workers Committees should forward any nominees on the attached form for this ballot to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB489 – CWU Young Workers Conference – Tuesday 31st January 2023

Young Workers Guidance 2023

Young Workers Motion Form

Nomination Form 2023

Copy of Under 30s Count – 30th Nov 2022

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A brilliant message from the American postal workers union.

https://fb.watch/hhUnLCuiJh/

An update from General Secretary Dave Ward.

1. Deliver the strike support.
2. Get to London.

Facebook https://fb.watch/hgfSL1BD0m/

Twitter https://twitter.com/cwunews/status/1600464871866630145?s=46&t=x1byf4Q8kDKGNLl-9ApKwA

StandByYourPost

2022 Dispute Relating to Royal Mail Group Breaking the “Pathway to Change” and Associated National Agreements and Protections for CWU Represented Grades Employed by Royal Mail Group Consisting of Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Fleet

Branches and Representatives will know that the Postal Executive has rejected what Royal Mail Group has described as its “best and final offer”.  It is therefore necessary to keep the pressure on RMG to negotiate a more reasonable outcome.  Accordingly, the union has today served the statutory notice of discontinuous strike action to RMG as follows:

The strike will cover all duties and scheduled attendance commencing between the period at or after 04:00 on Friday 23^rd December 2022 and before 19:00 on Saturday 24^th December 2022. The industrial action will be discontinuous.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)     

 LTB 487.22

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ROYAL MAIL PROPERTY & FACILITIES SOLUTIONS LIMITED (RMPFSL) – DISPUTE ON PAY AND ASSOCIATED ISSUES.

Further to Letter to Branches 434/2022 dated 4th November 2022, we are writing to advise
Branches, Reps and Members the union has continued to approach RMPFSL management to
seek to reengage in talks on the dispute, which also included a formal letter to the Company last
week.

We have met with RMPFSL today and can confirm that a further revised offer has been discussed
and some progress has been made.

A further meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 13th December 2022. We remain fully
committed to reaching an agreement which meets our aspirations in line with our claim for Pay and
Associated issues.

Whilst this is positive news, Branches, Reps and Members should continue to concentrate on
preparing for the forthcoming Strike Action on 15th December as we currently remain in dispute
with the company.

A further update will be provided following the meeting on 13th December 2022.

Any queries regarding the content of this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department
quoting reference number 312 – email snicholas@cwu.org or the Outdoor Department, quoting
reference 120.12 email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Carl Maden                                   Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary                  Assistant Secretary

22LTB486 RMPFSL Dispute on Pay and Associated Issues

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