We have served notice on Royal Mail Group for a further two strike days on terms and conditions.
Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October.
Update on this and tomorrows action in this video from DGSP Terry Pullinger.
New strike dates announced
RMG DISPUTE – A LETTER SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF ROYAL MAIL GROUP
RMG DISPUTE – A LETTER SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF ROYAL MAIL GROUP
The purpose of this LTB is to explain that the union has now written to the Secretary of State for BEIS seeking an urgent meeting and raising major concerns over a potential takeover bid of the Royal Mail Group by VESA Equity Investment Group.
We believe this may well explain the actions of the company over the last six months and their dishonesty was exposed in the media last week, when they were unable to give a straight answer to the questions being asked about this development.
We also believe that this this development will have a major bearing on our ability to resolve our current disputes and it is essential that company come clean on what is really going on in the background.
We have attached a copy of our letter to the Secretary of State and we are asking all Branches and representatives to circulate this to our members in every workplace.
Given the seriousness of the situation, we are also asking reps and members to raise the matter directly with your local and area managers, demanding answers to what has been happening.
It cannot be a coincidence that when we raised this with the Chair and CEO of the company in our letter of the 24th August – that less than 48 hours later – the Government and Royal Mail issued statements to the City of London confirming that the proposed bid was now subject to a national security investigation by the Government.
You will see from the content of the letter that the union is asking serious questions about the honesty, transparency and integrity of the Royal Mail Group, including the legitimacy of their actions and whether there are financial incentives involved.
We will also ensure that the letter is reissued tomorrow to the new Secretary of State for BEIS, once this is confirmed by the new Prime Minister.
We will advise you on further developments on this issue and any discussions with Royal Mail in due course.
In the meantime, please give the letter the widest possible circulation.
Yours sincerely
Dave Ward Terry Pullinger
General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2022
Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2022
Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the “Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning”, which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to lifelong learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Glasgow over two days on the 16th and 17th November 2022.
We are now inviting applications for the 2022 Annual Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.
Nominations can be made by Branches, Regional Learning Committees or Regional Committees via letter or email to my Department.
Nominations should include a summary of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and be sent to: Michelle Simpson, Equality, Education & Development, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email learn@cwu.org
The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2022.
Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to learn@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development
Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen
Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen
I am pleased to inform Branches and Regions of a new CWUHA initiative, which is going to see a number CWU BAME Regional Leads team up with CWUHA to assist with a project that will see the delivery of vital aid and volunteer assistance being given to some of the most vulnerable people fleeing persecution and conflict, in Northern France.
A delegation, which will also include staff from CWU Equality, Education & Development and trustees of the CWUHA are planning to travel to Calais and Dunkirk on Saturday 15th October 2022. This is a partnership initiative and we will be working with both Care4Calais and Refugee Community Kitchen once out in France.
Our Branches and Regions have given incredibly generously in other appeals we have promoted and we would ask that you give consideration to support this excellent humanitarian initiative in taking aid and volunteers to Calais.
Donations to the CWUHA can be made directly to them via their website.
For any enquiries in relation to this matter please contact CWUHA Trustee Trish Vollans (trish.vollans@openreach.co.uk)
If you would like to donate – you can either send a cheque made payable to CWUHA (write on the back ‘Calais‘ ) to:
Carl Webb, 75 Garstang Road, Preston, PR1 1LD or via BACs to:
CWUHA Account
Unity Trust
Bank: Unity Trust
Sort Code: 608301
Acc no: 20031169
It is important to use ref: Calais
Thank you for your support in this matter.
Yours sincerely
Dave Ward
General Secretary
RMG Driver/Road Safety – ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ Campaign (RMG SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050):
RMG Driver/Road Safety – ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ Campaign (RMG SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050):
“Turn it Off – Put it Out of Sight” – Drivers are four times more likely to have a road accident when using a mobile phone – as the tragic A1(M) horror crash proved
Introduction:
The Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team are launching a ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ driver and road safety communications campaign and staff briefing during week commencing 5 September with the issue of RMG SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050 (copy attached). A campaign slide/screen shot will also go out on the RMG plasma screens, RMTV and on the RMG Intranet (copy attached).
Overview Message and Top Tip – “Turn it Off – Put it Out of Sight”
‘BRAKE’ the Road Safety Charity’s ‘top tip’ to drivers is that the only way to avoid dangerous distraction from your phone is to switch it to silent and put it out of sight and reach when you’re driving.
The Highway Code & Road Traffic Act Changes – Toughening Up The Law and new ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach:
From 25 March 2022, motorists are breaking the law if they use a handheld phone behind the wheel for any use. The 2022 law change now prohibits any driver from using their handheld device for anything, including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists, playing games, watching videos or websites —EVEN if the vehicle isn’t moving.
In announcing the change, the Minister said that the government has now closed a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction. Anyone caught using their mobile phone/handheld device while driving under the updated law now faces a fine of up to £1,000 as well as 6 points on their licence or a full driving ban.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) report that just over 90,000 drivers were caught and convicted of being distracted at the wheel and not being in full control of their vehicle last year, the majority for using a mobile phone, with 1,000 of those being caught more than once during that period. From March this year those caught are given a CU80 endorsement on their driving licence, as well as six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.
Hands-Free Mobile Phone Use:
Research is clear that hands-free use of a mobile device is just as dangerous as hand-held use and leaves you four times more likely to be involved in a serious crash. It is not the visual distraction of the phone which causes this, but the cognitive impairment/loss of concentration caused by the conversation. If a driver is involved in an RTC collision then the driver’s phone will be taken by police and any use, including hands-free will be analysed and used as evidence that the driver was not fully focussed on their driving, to support a prosecution.
Prosecutions and the Serious Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents and Disasters – ‘Don’t Let It Happen To You!’:
Here in summary are four example cases which demonstrate the very worst of what distracted driving can lead to by way of death, disaster and consequences with drivers receiving long prison sentences.
In 2021 Lorry driver Ion Onut was jailed for 8 years and 10 months and banned from driving for 14 years and 5 months after three people were killed and several others seriously injured when his loaded, articulated HGV ploughed into a queue of stationary traffic at 58MPH on the A1(M) motorway on 15 July 2021. Truck driver Ion Onut had been browsing websites on his phone and failed to stop. His life has been ruined, along with the lives of the deceased, the seriously injured and their families. Every other vehicle on the motorway managed to stop that day when they saw traffic ahead but Mr Onut didn’t because he was distracted by his mobile phone.
In 2018 Lorry driver David Wagstaff was jailed for 3 years and 4 months and banned for driving for 5 years after he drove his FedEx lorry into a stationary minibus on the M1 motorway, killing 8 people and injuring 4 others. The Truck driver Wagstaff had been so distracted by using his mobile phone he took no action whatsoever to avoid a collision because he wasn’t concentrating on what was in front of him – The Judge said “The mini-bus was there to be seen and you didn’t see it because you mind was elsewhere”.
In 2017 Lorry driver Roy Woods was jailed for 5 years and banned from driving for 7 and a half years after he ran into two stationary motorcycles. One motorcyclist was killed and one was injured in the fatal crash. The truck driver Woods was using a mobile phone at the time of the collision and had become so distracted by the conversation he was having that as the motorbikes ahead of him stopped at the turning, indicating to turn right, he failed to react in time, colliding with both bikes. He was using a set of earphones and his handset was attached to the dashboard in front of him. Woods had spent one hour and 46 minutes of the five hours he had driven that day, having phone conversations.
In 2016 Coach driver Martin Chun was jailed for 5 years and banned from driving for 4 years after he lost control and crashed his coach, killing two elderly passengers. At the time of the crash Chun was having a phone conversation with his son using a hands-free mobile, and at the trial, the jury was told he was in a “telephone-induced stupor” and was distracted and not concentrating on his driving. The evidence showed that Chun had made and taken a number of phone calls during the coach trip which were not dealt with briefly, but Chun chose to reconnect the calls on two or three occasions.
A1(M) Fatal Crash Disaster – Short Video “Look What You’ve Done – Three Lives Lost and One Changed Forever” (distressing content)
A short, shocking video of the A1(M) crash when a distracted articulated HGV driver on a mobile phone crashed into stationary traffic at 58 MPH killing three and seriously injuring several others can be watched on these links:
or
What The Driving and Road Safety Expert Organisations Say (RoSPA, AA, BRAKE, RHA and RAC):
‘RoSPA’ say that a substantial body of research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing.
‘The AA’ state that according to official accident data there are 4,500 injury accidents a year where driver distraction is recorded as a contributory factor of which 800 are serious and 125 are fatal.
‘BRAKE’ the road safety campaign charity say “A moment’s distraction can be fatal. Employers must implement policies and take steps to educate drivers on the risks of driving whilst distracted. Distraction is a major cause of collisions, with too many unnecessary injuries and lives lost every year as a result. Commercial fleet operators need to proactively identify and coach distracted driving out of their fleets.”
‘The Road Haulage Association (RHA)’ said “It’s an inescapable fact that people who drive for a living are risking both their own life as well as those of other road users by using a mobile phone, making calls, texting etc. while behind the wheel. There can be no excuse for engaging in any of these practices while driving. The RHA deplore this type of behaviour, whether from the driver of a car or a heavy goods vehicle. It puts the driver, other road users and pedestrians at risk. The consequences of such actions as texting, using a mobile phone or indulging in other distracting activities while driving can be absolutely catastrophic. Those who flout the regulations regarding safe driving practice must be made to face the consequences.”
‘The RAC’ road safety spokesperson said “Far too many drivers are still breaking the law and putting others on the road needlessly at risk. Using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel is illegal and dangerous and, like drink-driving, ruins lives. Worryingly, the RAC’s research shows that a quarter of drivers are still making or receiving calls with a handheld phone while driving and incredibly a small but sizeable proportion even admit to filming videos or playing games at the wheel. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis, and requires full concentration to do so safely.”
Royal Mail Policy
Royal Mail Group’s ‘Mandatory’ policy is clear, that drivers must never use a mobile phone, PDA, other mobile device or anything that will or has the potential to cause a distraction whilst driving. This includes the use of devices via Bluetooth or other ‘hands-free’ connectivity, whether for the purposes of making or receiving calls, sending or receiving messages via text, email or any other format including accessing the internet, social media or any similar application. This policy applies to drivers of all vehicles types across all business functions including Parcelforce, RMSS, RM Fleet, RMP&FS, RME etc., and includes managers and non-ops driving company or private cars for business purposes.
The Aims and Benefits of the Campaign are:
To increase awareness amongst drivers and managers, improve driving standards, road safety and highway code compliance. The SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050 gives advice to help avoid RTC incidents, avoid driver prosecutions and keep Royal Mail and Pacelforce drivers and other road users safe.
Managers and PiC Actions:
- Managers and PiCs to brief all drivers – delivering the SHE Huddle/Briefing FY22 050, raising awareness of the extreme dangers of driver distractions.
Driver Actions:
- Ensure that you are always fully focused on your driving.
- Know where you are going before you leave and if you are using a sat/nav, programme it before you drive.
- Turn your phone to silent and put it out of sight so you are not tempted to look.
- Do not read addresses whilst driving – pull over if you need to.
- Do not wear earphones/headphones whilst driving and keep the radio at a sensible volume.
CWU ASRs/WSRs Actions:
This campaign is supported by the CWU HQ Health, Safety & Environment Department. CWU ASR/WSR full support and participation is much appreciated by Royal Mail, Parcelforce Worldwide, RMSS, RMP&FS and CWU HQ. ASRs/WSRs should ensure that the briefing is delivered to drivers and ensure drivers are aware of the extreme dangers and risks of driver distraction and the consequences.
Attachments:
- SHE Huddle FY22 050 – RMG Driver/Road Safety – ‘Distracted Driving Kills’ Campaign
- RMTV Campaign Screenshot
- RoSPA Mobile Phones & Driving Factsheet
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
SHE Huddle FY22 050 Distraction
RM_Driving_Phone_Distraction_TVscreen_1360x768px_v3 Final
Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event 2022 – 16th & 17thNovember 2022
Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event 2022 – 16th & 17thNovember 2022. The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that this year’s Union Learning Representative’s (ULR) networking event will take place on the 16th & 17th November 2022 at:
Jury’s Inn Glasgow Hotel, 80 Jamaica St, Glasgow G1 4QG
Branches will be aware that ULR legislation provides for networking with other ULRs and organisations that deliver education and training opportunities to our members and representatives.
The event is being held over two days. Registration will commence at 11.30am on 16th November. The event will close at 1.00pm on 17th November
A final agenda will be issued in due course but will include:
- Keynote speakers
- Practical workshops to encourage and support learning in the workplace and beyond
- Hearing about latest CWU learning developments
- And a celebration of your collective achievements!
Application Process
Applications should be made by Branch Secretaries via courseadmin@cwu.orgwith the name and membership number of the ULR who MUST be registered on the OLS as a Role holder.
The closing date for applications is Friday 14th October 2022.
Depending on the number of applicants Branches may be able to send more than one ULR.
Please note that Branches are responsible for delegates travel and authorised expenditure for this event. However, we will be providing lunch on both days.
Accommodation
It is important that Branches book places early at the Jury’s Inn Glasgow Hotel, as they will be holding a number of rooms on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Booking arrangements are as follows:
Bookings can be made by calling the hotel on 0141 314 4800, quoting ref. JIUALL161122. Alternatively, you will also be able to book via the hotel website by adding the reference number into the promotional/block code section. Please note that a credit card is required to reserve the room – no charge will be made at time of booking.
Accommodation rates: (preferential CWU rates for night of Wednesday 16th only)
Rooms are charged @ £103 single occupancy & £113 double occupancy, bed and breakfast. {Rooms will be held at this rate until 9th November 2022, after which time they will be released and the preferential rate will not be available}.
Release
This event should attract paid release for accredited ULRs working for employers where the CWU is recognised. The event is specifically designed to meet the aims of ULR legislation and is fully supported through the Government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. The ACAS Code of Practice applies.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department by email to equality&education@cwu.org.
#CWULearn22
Yours sincerely,
Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development
Picket Lines
Picket Lines
Following the successful industrial action we took on Friday 26thAugust, we are preparing for our next strike action previously noticed as taking place between the period at or after 04:00 on Wednesday 31st August 2022 and before 04:00 on Thursday 1stSeptember 2022.
We have received correspondence from Royal Mail that contains allegations of an extremely small number of instances that, in their opinion, breach the guidelines on picketing. We are responding to Royal Mail on these points and the Branches concerned will be contacted by the Postal Department for a response.
The purpose of this LTB is to remind all Branches of the information we have previously provided on this subject (the picketing guidelines that were circulated on 1st August 2022).
We emphasise that we are allowed to undertake picketing activity and it is essential that we remain disciplined and constantly refer to all the guidance material that the union has sent out, including the guidance on picketing, the use of picket and supervisors’ armbands and any demonstrations. Pickets should continue to ensure that they engage in peaceful communication and persuasion.
To be clear there can only be six people on the picket line at any one time and they should not stand on the business’s premises. Other members can attend at any peaceful demonstration as long as they are not on the picket line and otherwise do not trespass or cause a nuisance.
Can all Branches please put in place measures to ensure we follow these guidelines strictly and bring the picketing guidelines to the attention of all picket line supervisors.
Yours sincerely,Terry PullingerDeputy General Secretary Postal
SUPPORT THE CWU STRIKES
SUPPORT THE CWU STRIKES🪧
1⃣ Sign up to visit a picket here: bit.ly/visitapicket
2⃣ Say you will join your local picket: fb.me/e/23rpnpCvg
3⃣ Download our support CWU strikes poster: bit.ly/supportCWU
strikemapuk #visitapicket
Dave Ward interview on CWU picket line
Politics Joe interview on strike that’s worth sharing https://youtu.be/-rb_K9wzZmQ
Media coverage of Royal Mail Strike.
A fraction of the media coverage we have received today. Some great stuff to share here.
BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62672783.amp
Jacobin https://jacobin.com/2022/08/british-postal-workers-cwu-strike-royal-mail
Novara https://novaramedia.com/2022/08/26/postal-workers-have-no-choice-but-to-strike/
Novara video https://youtu.be/YWyCsImj0Cc
Tribune https://tribunemag.co.uk/2022/08/royal-mail-strike-cwu-dave-ward-enough-is-enough?mc_cid=5e2499b1fe
Dave Ward C5 https://fb.watch/f8NwyJbgBW/
Dave Ward C5 (different) https://fb.watch/f8Ny2Y2PqF/
Dave Ward Sky https://fb.watch/f8NAOAepiY/
Dave Ward Sky (different) https://fb.watch/f8NCIZ4uLc/
Thompson exposed on takeover https://fb.watch/f8NFGIbtzr/
Dave Ward LBC https://fb.watch/f8NGUH6X-y/
Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/royal-mail-strike-115000-postal-27837519.amp
Independent (different) https://www.indy100.com/amp/royal-mail-strike-postman-pat-2657947798
Sky News https://www.indy100.com/amp/royal-mail-strike-postman-pat-2657947798
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 