UKRAINE – CWU HUMANITARIAN AID

Further to LTB 088/22, in which we issued a CWU statement in support of the people of Ukraine.  We have been contacted by CWU Humanitarian Aid who have advised that they are looking at a number of ways to assist with the relief program to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Romania and Moldova and they are initially asking for donations, which will enable them to purchase aid.

CWUHA are looking to Royal Mail or Parcelforce to supply vehicles, which will enable them to transport aid direct to the aid stations.  Failing this they will be looking to work with organisations in the various countries to ensure our aid reaches the refugees.

If your branch would like to make a donation to support the CWUHA Refugee appeal – you can either do a BACs to the account below or send a cheque made payable to ‘CWUHA’ to Carl Webb, CWU, 302a Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M21 8AY.

Bank: Unity Trust

Sort Code: 60 83 01

Acc no: 20031169

Ref: Ukraine

If you would like to make a personal donation, the charity has set up a JustGiving site www.Justgiving.com/campaign/cwuhaUkraineAppeal

Every penny donated will be spent on purchasing aid and the charity will only deliver items that are needed and of good quality.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB097 UKRAINE CWU HUMANITARIAN AID

CAPITA TVL: PAY 1^STJANUARY 2022 – IMPASSE REACHED

Further to LTB081/22 dated 22^ndFebruary.  Branches are advised that a further meeting was held with Paul Johnston, Managing Director, Capita TVL on 9^thMarch.  During the meeting I reiterated the Union’s position, which is that we are seeking a fair and reasonable pay rise in line with the rising cost of living and in particular the huge increases in utility bills along with the imminent 1.25% increase in National Insurance contributions.  A cordial and constructive discussion was held around various pay related matters along with a suggestion for a couple of general improvements to ways of working for our members.  However, despite both parties wanting to reach agreement, it is clear that the pay offer currently on the table falls significantly short of our aspirations, especially with inflation forecast to continue rising.

Annual Report & Accounts for 2021 – Significant Profit Growth

Capita Group yesterday announced its results for the year to 31^st December 2021.  The company has undertaken an extensive transformation programme, with total cost savings of more than £425m (£123m of this being in 2021).  This restructuring is now complete and Jon Lewis, CEO stated in the Group’s financial statement “These cost savings were a major driver of our profit improvement in 2021”, profits which now stand at £285.6m having risen significantly from a £49.4m loss in 2020 – an increase of 678%.

A summary of yesterday’s financial results drawn up by our Research Department is attached for information.

Jon Lewis also noted Capita “…will continue to focus on driving investment in our people….” And crucially he admitted “None of this would have been possible without our people, whom I would like to thank for all their hard work, commitment and professionalism.”

The BBC contract extension (announced in February – refer to LTB077/22) was also highlighted in the financial report as a positive under the heading “Growth” as follows:

“Good start to 2022 in Experience with £456m five-year BBC TV licensing extension announced in February”

Clearly, our members working on the TV Licencing contract are playing a vital part in the growth strategy of the newly streamlined Capita Group and it naturally follows they should be rewarded in a meaningful way for their hard work and commitment.  Unfortunately, the pay offer as it stands doesn’t do this.  Therefore, if the CEO genuinely believes in “driving investment in our people”, he should ensure they are given a decent pay rise to enable them to cope with the extreme cost of living.

Next Steps

In view of the prevailing situation, whereby achieving an agreement is looking problematic, we have organised a meeting with our Capita TVL Reps on Monday 14^th March to discuss next steps.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB115 Capita TVL – Pay 1st January 2022- Impasse Reached

Attachment 1 to 22LTB115

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Queen’s Jubilee Weekend Working Arrangements

Following the attached communication received earlier today from the Operations Development Director in relation to the working arrangements for the Queen’s Jubilee weekend, a number of enquiries have been received in the DGS(P) Department regarding predominantly whether Saturday 4^th June 2022 will be classed as a non-service day, have been subject to discussion with the Union.

Representations were made to Royal Mail Group (RMG) earlier this year and in particular the question was asked as to whether the business intended to appeal to Ofcom for a non-service day on the Saturday in question.

Having considered this matter, the business are of the view that as many customers will have a normal working day on 4^th June and Post Office Limited also plan to open as normal, Ofcom would not be in favour of such a request especially having already granted an additional non-service day in January.

Branches and Representatives will be aware that the Union has fought vigorously to defend the Universal Service Obligation (USO) in recent times as well as pursuing the move to a 24/7 operation in order to reinvent Royal Mail Group for the next generation.  It is evident however that many people will still be working on Saturday 4^th June and therefore many customers will still expect a service from Royal Mail.  In respect of this exceptional occasion, the company have decided that it will be dealt with in a similar manner to Easter arrangements.

In relation to the operational staffing arrangements over the Jubilee weekend, the National Officers will be holding meetings with RMG to work through the proposed arrangements to ensure that the exact details are finalised and then subsequently agreed.

Further developments will be reported in due course.

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

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)       

LTB 114-22 Queen’s Jubilee Weekend Working Arrangements

Attachment to LTB 114-22

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EUREST PAY CLAIM 2022 AND BALLOT ARRANGEMENTS

Branches and representatives will be aware that the pay review date for our Eurest catering grade members was moved to April each year, in order to align with the annual review of the National Minimum Wage.

As in previous years both parties have been committed to early discussions in 2022 to ensure that any agreed arrangements could be concluded to meet the April deadline. Discussions have been complicated this year due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the business and the prevailing financial climate. However, while the aforementioned issues could have presented a barrier to concluding an acceptable deal, further to positive discussions an agreement has now been reached with Compass Group/Eurest on a pay settlement for 2022.

In the view of the department, the agreed settlement rewards the ongoing commitment of our members while also recognising the commercial realities of the impact of the Covid-19 period and current economic climate.

The deal is straightforward and consists of:

 A 6% increase in basic pay (not NDA) rates for all grades, effective 1st April 2022. 

 The retention of the previously agreed differential on Premium/Overtime rates pitching those rates at £1 above the standard rate for each grade. 

 The next pay review date will be April 2023. 

For our Grade C members the deal meets the CWU aspiration of maintaining the current level of differential over the National Minimum Wage, which we have been seeking over recent pay deals to maintain or grow.

The Postal Executive has endorsed the pay offer for recommendation to our Eurest members. We have therefore been consulting with the SDG(S) department in relation to arrangements for an individual members’ ballot, which have now been finalised.

We can now confirm that the ballot timetable will be as follows:

Ballot Papers Despatched: Tuesday, 15th March 2022

Ballot Closes: Tuesday, 5th April 2022 (first post)

Branch Secretaries are requested to ensure that our members are made aware of the content of this LTB and that every effort is made to encourage our members to use their vote when their ballot papers are received.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference 301.11.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

22LTB113

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POST OFFICE: PAY DISPUTE – ESSENTIAL TO DELIVER A STRONG YES VOTE

Branches are advised ballot papers have started to arrive from today.  Reports from Reps suggest we are on track to deliver a healthy Yes vote.  However, we will not be complacent; accordingly, Branches are encouraged to continue making every effort to engage with members with the key message being the importance of returning ballot papers to ensure we surpass the legal threshold.  The ballot paper communication is attached.

Late last week Post Office published the attached communication.  Bizarrely they said they were “disappointed” we had instigated the strike ballot.  This disappointment pales into insignificance compared to the outrage being expressed by many members who evidently feel a pay freeze is an absolute insult.

It was revealing to discover Government has provided Post Office with very nearly £1.2bn in subsidy since March 2021.  This eye-watering sum of money needs to be considered against the backdrop that just £5m extra on the pay bill shared amongst our members would resolve this pay dispute.  Therefore, the excuse of affordability cannot be proffered as a reason for the pay freeze.

Additionally, Post Office has unsurprisingly delayed the publication of its Annual Report & Accounts for 2020/21, although we are given to understand that when finally published, a healthy profit will once again be declared.  This further demonstrates the issue of affordability is not a barrier to a pay agreement.  It is likely the Report & Accounts will also provide information in regard to the millions of pounds that has been wasted defending the indefensible in respect of the Horizon scandal – money that could have been used to improve members’ terms and conditions.

We are naturally committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, which we aim to secure following our members delivering what will hopefully be a powerful Yes vote.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB112 Post Office – Pay Dispute – Essential to Deliver a Strong Yes Vote

Attachment 1 to 22LTB112

Attachment 2 to 22LTB112

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NATIONAL TUC RALLY BLACKPOOL 19^TH MARCH – POSTPONED

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches, reps and members, that the TUC have today postponed the National Rally planned for Blackpool on the 19^th March.

We have attached a statement from the TUC which was endorsed at a TUC Executive Committee meeting earlier today.

From a CWU perspective, we do understand the reasons for the postponement, although we made it clear that the CWU were ready to deliver a big turnout.

We know that CWU Branches will be disappointed at this postponement and that you had already put a lot of work into mobilising for the March rally, and we thank you for your efforts.

However, as part of the discussion today, we are pleased that the TUC have firmed up their commitment to the National New Deal tour and the National New Deal mobilisation taking place in summer 2022.

In prioritising the New Deal Campaign later this year, we are confident that the whole of our movement will be redoubling our efforts to ensure we see the biggest mobilisation of working people for decades.  Further details on this will be released in due course.

In the meantime, please ensure that the contents of this LTB are conveyed to our representatives and members and advise that we will still be focusing on the CWU mobilising for the UN Anti-Racism day on the 19^thMarch.  We strongly encourage Branches to attend one of the Anti-Racism events that are taking place around the UK on that day.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary

To all members of the TUC General Council and all General Secretaries of affiliated unions:

Dear Colleague

This morning the Executive Committee agreed to postpone the mobilisation that was due to take place in Blackpool on 19 March.

Over the coming fortnight we will be mobilising trade unionists in support of the ITUC day of solidarity with Ukraine on 15 March(more details to follow tomorrow). And we will support the mobilisations in London and around the UK for the UN Antiracism Day on 19-20 March – particularly as this government refuses to properly support and welcome refugees from Ukraine and other conflict zones into the UK.

The wages and bills crisis is about to bite. The TUC and the whole trade union movement demand action.  So we will be bringing our campaign to win pay rises and a new deal for workers to a town or city near you soon, and hosting a national mobilisation in London this summer.  Dates and details to be announced soon.

Paul Nowak
TUC Deputy General Secretary

22LTB111 NATIONAL TUC RALLY BLACKPOOL 19TH MARCH POSTPONED (003)

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Royal Mail & CWU National Joint Statement Scan In, Scan Out (SISO) in the Delivery Function – Evaluation of PDA Solutions

As Branches will be aware one of the commitments contained within the ‘Key Principles Framework (Pathway to Change) Agreement’ at 2.5 Technology, was the introduction of SI/SO for employees to log in and out when an individual starts/finishes work.

Whilst Royal Mail, with CWU involvement has deployed Scan In, Scan Out (SISO) for the processing functions, the company are now looking at device and other solutions for the Delivery Function.

Consoles were the preferred option in Mail Centres and Regional Distribution Centres, as these are overall relatively uniform buildings and have the required space without impacting on the Operation. However, it is recognised that the wider use of consoles within Delivery Units may not be suitable and prove to be difficult in a number of locations due to the diversity of Delivery Units, space constraints and other limitations. In response to this, we have agreed to undertake a limited evaluation process to explore a possible PDA based solution which has the same inputs and outputs as found in the Processing Function, whilst not impacting on the layout of the Delivery operation.

Within this initial evaluation process the PDA will have the SISO Application.  The barcode scanner will be activated when the user selects either Attendance Start or Attendance Finish.  The Holder (mount) will be affixed to the signing-on desk (See Annex for images of the Static PDA solution).

Evaluation Objectives

The primary objective is to gather feedback from the selected Delivery Units as to whether the PDA solution is fit for purpose and is a user-friendly application.

Royal Mail and the CWU will evaluate the PDA solution within six Units which have been jointly selected in order to gain first-hand feedback:

• Plymouth
• Plympton
• Plymouth North
• Plymouth West Park
• Dumfries
• Newark

The Units selected contain different ranges of delivery options (e.g. Town, Rural, HCT etc). The details of the evaluation process will be briefed within the selected Units.

OPGs within these Units will have the opportunity to test the process using the PDA solution by being asked to select the ‘Start / Finish’ option, and then scanning via their name badge.  OPGs will also be asked about the PDA solution around ease of use: –

• Are you able to select Start / Finish easily on the PDA screen? If no, what was the issue?
• Was scanning your ID card easy? If no, what was the issue?

Both parties have agreed that the data produced from Scan In/Scan Out will not be used for any resourcing practices or operational aspects during the evaluation within the six selected Units. The evaluation is limited to whether the PDA solution is fit for purpose only.

The evaluation will be carried out over a 2-week period for the 6 Units from week commencing 14^th of March 2022.  At the end of the evaluation, feedback will be jointly secured from the Units (including direct feedback from the Local CWU Representative and DOM) on this initial evaluation process by the relevant Royal Mail and CWU national leads.

Review and Next Steps

Royal Mail and the CWU will review the feedback nationally from this evaluation exercise, which will determine any future equipment and deployment programme. Additionally, the evaluation will also determine the next steps and jointly agreed activities necessary, which may include future trials or pilots before consideration of any further or wider National roll out of SI/SO within delivery units.

Following the completion of the evaluation process the units involved will remove the PDA solution application subject to further national discussion and wider agreement around SISO.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 540 , email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely, 

Mark Baulch                                                                                       

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 110-22- SISO in the Delivery Function – 09.03.22

SISO Delivery Function Evaluation Joint Statment v3.docmb – final

Appendix A SISO Static PDA User Evaluation Unit Brief v1

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres:

Introduction: 

See within the attached RMG Safety Flash FY22 07 images of ‘bald, dangerous condition, illegal tyres which were recently discovered on vans at delivery offices, during safety audits of the delivery offices by Royal Mail auditors. These findings have been subsequently reported to director level. The condition of the tyres is ‘shocking’ and endanger the drivers and other road users to put it mildly!

Overview: 

Tyres must be checked daily by drivers, to ensure that they are both safe and legal.

Key Messages: 

Tyres Critical: 

Tyres are one of the most critically important safety component parts of any vehicle as they are the part that attaches the vehicle to the road. Excessively worn tyres increase stopping distances, cause a loss of traction, particularly in bad, wet weather driving conditions and increase the risk of a ‘blow-out’ – all of which can result in loss of control of the vehicle and lead to a serious collision accident. Driving with illegal tyres risks serious injury or even fatality to the driver and to other road users and pedestrians.

2,000 Illegal, Dangerous Tyres Found on RMG Vehicles: 

Since April 2021, Royal Mail Group’s vehicle breakdown and recovery agents have removed over 2,000 illegal and dangerous tyres from Royal Mail Group vehicles, including the two pictured in the attached Safety Flash which were found during the last month by safety auditors visiting delivery offices in different parts of the country.

Prosecutions: 

Apart from the high risk of these dangerous tyres causing a serious accident, the penalties for CWU members driving Royal Mail, Parcelforce or RMSS vehicles with illegal tyres start with a fine for the driver of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. If a vehicle with illegal tyres is involved in a road traffic collision which leads to death or serious injury, the driver could face a prison sentence.

Driver Jailed: 

In a recent case at St Albans Crown Court in December 2021 a driver was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after a vehicle with two illegal, dangerous tyres on it was involved in a collision which resulted in the other driver being killed. The car which had very little grip on the road surface, lost traction, causing the vehicle to ‘fishtail’ on the slippery road surface and slide into the other car killing the driver.

Learning Points: 

Tyres form part of the daily vehicle check and it is a mandatory requirement that every tyre on every vehicle is checked every day, before it is driven.

The legal limits are 1.6mm on cars and vans and 1.0mm for HGVs. Royal Mail policy is that tyres must be changed when tread is less than 2.0mm. Where tyres require replacement, these should be reported to the RM Fleet Workshop using the PMT1 fault reporting process.

Where illegal tyres are identified, the vehicle MUST NOT be driven on the road under any circumstances, and the tyre breakdown services may be required to fit a replacement tyre.

Key Activity: 

• Drivers – Must check the tread and condition of the tyres on the vehicle allocated to them, every day, as part of the daily pre-use vehicle checks. Checking the correct tyre pressure on a weekly basis, as part of the weekly vehicle checks. Any worn or damaged tyres must be reported immediately using the PMT1 fault reporting process.
• Managers – Must ensure vehicle checks are being completed by drivers. Within deliveries, use the vehicle checks dashboard to see which vehicles have been checked. Physically check at least one vehicle per week to ensure that vehicle check records accurately reflect the condition of the vehicles.

ASR Activity: 

All ASRs are asked to focus attention on tyre checks during their safety inspections at Delivery Offices, MPUs, Mail Centres, RDCs etc. Thanks for your assistance and support.

Attachment:  

RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB109 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres

SHE Flash FY22 007 – Illegal Tyres

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Royal Mail have responded to our letter on pay and it is simply not good enough and they must table a proper offer now.

Please ensure every CWU member and postal worker sees this video update from Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Terry Pullinger.

Facebook https://fb.watch/bDhLgu62eP/

Twitter https://twitter.com/cwunews/status/1501240527110483974?s=21

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres:

Introduction: 

See within the attached RMG Safety Flash FY22 07 images of ‘bald, dangerous condition, illegal tyres which were recently discovered on vans at delivery offices, during safety audits of the delivery offices by Royal Mail auditors. These findings have been subsequently reported to director level. The condition of the tyres is ‘shocking’ and endanger the drivers and other road users to put it mildly!

Overview: 

Tyres must be checked daily by drivers, to ensure that they are both safe and legal.

Key Messages: 

Tyres Critical: 

Tyres are one of the most critically important safety component parts of any vehicle as they are the part that attaches the vehicle to the road. Excessively worn tyres increase stopping distances, cause a loss of traction, particularly in bad, wet weather driving conditions and increase the risk of a ‘blow-out’ – all of which can result in loss of control of the vehicle and lead to a serious collision accident. Driving with illegal tyres risks serious injury or even fatality to the driver and to other road users and pedestrians.

2,000 Illegal, Dangerous Tyres Found on RMG Vehicles: 

Since April 2021, Royal Mail Group’s vehicle breakdown and recovery agents have removed over 2,000 illegal and dangerous tyres from Royal Mail Group vehicles, including the two pictured in the attached Safety Flash which were found during the last month by safety auditors visiting delivery offices in different parts of the country.

Prosecutions: 

Apart from the high risk of these dangerous tyres causing a serious accident, the penalties for CWU members driving Royal Mail, Parcelforce or RMSS vehicles with illegal tyres start with a fine for the driver of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. If a vehicle with illegal tyres is involved in a road traffic collision which leads to death or serious injury, the driver could face a prison sentence.

Driver Jailed: 

In a recent case at St Albans Crown Court in December 2021 a driver was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after a vehicle with two illegal, dangerous tyres on it was involved in a collision which resulted in the other driver being killed. The car which had very little grip on the road surface, lost traction, causing the vehicle to ‘fishtail’ on the slippery road surface and slide into the other car killing the driver.

Learning Points: 

Tyres form part of the daily vehicle check and it is a mandatory requirement that every tyre on every vehicle is checked every day, before it is driven.

The legal limits are 1.6mm on cars and vans and 1.0mm for HGVs. Royal Mail policy is that tyres must be changed when tread is less than 2.0mm. Where tyres require replacement, these should be reported to the RM Fleet Workshop using the PMT1 fault reporting process.

Where illegal tyres are identified, the vehicle MUST NOT be driven on the road under any circumstances, and the tyre breakdown services may be required to fit a replacement tyre.

Key Activity: 

• Drivers – Must check the tread and condition of the tyres on the vehicle allocated to them, every day, as part of the daily pre-use vehicle checks. Checking the correct tyre pressure on a weekly basis, as part of the weekly vehicle checks. Any worn or damaged tyres must be reported immediately using the PMT1 fault reporting process.
• Managers – Must ensure vehicle checks are being completed by drivers. Within deliveries, use the vehicle checks dashboard to see which vehicles have been checked. Physically check at least one vehicle per week to ensure that vehicle check records accurately reflect the condition of the vehicles.

ASR Activity: 

All ASRs are asked to focus attention on tyre checks during their safety inspections at Delivery Offices, MPUs, Mail Centres, RDCs etc. Thanks for your assistance and support.

Attachment:  

RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB109 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 07 – Dangerous, Illegal Tyres

SHE Flash FY22 007 – Illegal Tyres

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