National Terms of Reference for The Further Phase 2 Trial of Ford Mobility Software Manchester CDO

Royal Mail and the CWU are both committed to investigating and using innovative solutions and technology for the benefit of all and as a result Ford Mobility, a subsidiary of Ford Motors, approached Senior stakeholders within RM and CWU in 2021 with a view to participating in a small Proof of Concept (PoC) Trial using Ford Mobility software.

Royal Mail already has the lowest environmental impact per parcel of any carrier and intends to proceed with investigating ways to reduce further all the environmental impacts. As parcel volumes rise and cities become more concerned about congestion, air quality and global warming, it is appropriate to investigate new delivery methods for cities. In line with the above, we have previously carried out a Phase 1 trial of the Ford Mobility software in Manchester and there is now a desire to extend this into a further second phase trial.

The previous phase 1, 2-week joint Proof of Concept Trial was undertaken in Sept 2021. This captured the item number and delivery address information from all the larger parcels for part of the M4 postcode area in Central Manchester DO, and ran that information through the Ford app. This allocated the ‘fall to earth’ of parcels into efficient pedestrian routes and a second scan of the parcel advised the sorter which container to sort the items to. The containers used were polypropylene “cubes” and the foot-couriers used a prototype trolley based on the High Capacity Trolley chassis to carry 2 cubes at a time. A panel van provided replenishment support, and also undertook direct delivery of very large parcels and containers of multiple items to heavy receivers (eg: businesses or apartments with concierge).   

Key findings from the first phase 1 trial:

• Van demand was reduced (previously 2 drivers with vans now covered by 2-3 foot couriers with 1 van)
• Mileage reduced by c30% and fewer stops and starts of the van
• Outdoor time was slightly slower than the traditional van delivery method, but as parcel volumes increase the parcel stops will get closer together meaning that at some point walking becomes favourable (as it is with core delivery)
• Indoor time was considerably higher than our traditional sort and route-prep methods mainly due to: 
  • Having to capture the address information for all parcels when this is not always held in the item barcode (meaning manual entry was necessary)
  • Items needed 2 touches. 1) To capture the item no. and the address detail, and 2) To scan them for the app to advise which container to sort them to. This double handling was the dominant issue.
  • Trolley was maneuverable and easy to use. For speed of production, it did not have many security features in the prototype model but was accompanied around the route by observers during the trial period.
  • The cubes worked well for loading into vehicles, unloading, transferring the next parcels for delivery and retrieving parcels from. The only issue was the height which made reaching in for the parcels at the bottom awkward, especially for users with shorter arms.

Picture of prototype trolley used in first trial in Sept 2021 

Next steps – Phase 2 Trial 

The approach of using foot-couriers with van support showed a significant environmental opportunity and to reduce the number of vans in use, which would also reduce congestion and risk of road traffic collisions. This is therefore something which Royal Mail and CWU would like to evaluate further, and examine and to assess reduction to the indoor workload.

A second joint trial will take place within the M4 postcode section of Manchester CDO which will employ a modified route-preparation technique where the aim is to reduce the number of items needing two touches by making some of the sorting to container a fixed relationship based on address.

The trial will run for a 4-week period from late Feb/ early March and will start with 2 of the 4 van driver areas used at present and will then aim to progressively expand into the other driver areas of M4 postcode sector for the 3^rd and 4^th weeks.

In addition to the reduction in double-touches for parcels, there are also some opportunities to modify equipment to streamline the indoor process. The first is to trial a shorter cube (height reduced from 780mm to 580mm) to make it easier for individuals to reach inside. The second is to experiment with some racking/frames which hold the cubes in order to reduce the amount of walking which the individuals/sorters, have to carry out to access multiple cubes.

Additionally, Royal Mail have modified the trolley with enhanced security features whilst also retaining the ability to fold the trolleys down in order to convey them to the delivery area in the van. The trolleys will also have some under tray storage for OPG’s personal items.

This new equipment will be fully assessed and certified in line with our normal procedures, which will involve RM specialists such as Ergonomics and the full involvement of the CWU Health, Safety & Environmental department before use.

The aim of the trial is to evaluate and determine whether the modified approaches narrow the time and cost difference between the current operational method within this postcode area of the unit and the pedestrian parcel delivery method utilised within the trial.

The key measures will be the time taken indoor and outdoor for the volume of work and user feedback on the indoor and outdoor process. Additionally, we will jointly monitor vehicle usage compared to the baseline. The aim is to get closer to comparable cost for an environmentally better delivery option. As well as local representation, the trial site will also have a full local and Divisional Rep CWU involvement. 

Review

This second trial within the unit will be jointly reviewed (expected after Easter 2022), with all the information and data generated from the trial shared with CWU. Local managers and CWU representatives will also be fully involved in any issues related to trial activity in order to resolve them.  The final outputs from the Trial will be jointly discussed, along with any lessons learned, recommended next steps and potential progression of the concept which will be jointly evaluated and agreed. Any expansion of the trial or future rollout will be subject to further National joint discussion and agreement.

The trial will be carried out in line with those aspects outlined above and is subject to the IR Framework with any issues that cannot be resolved within the locality to be raised to the signatories of this agreement for National resolution. 

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 300, email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch                                                    

CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 096-22 – Ford Mobility

TOR Manchester CDO Trial of Ford Mobility Software – FINAL – 03.03.22

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Video from TUC on the Blackpool Rally on 19th March. We are building across the UK for this. Let’s deliver the biggest CWU turnout possible.

The Trade Union movement is heading to Blackpool. The CWU are mobilising every branch. We’re gunna paint the town Pantone 214

Britain needs a pay rise. pic.twitter.com/5aRsiXPZm0

— The CWU (@CWUnews) March 3, 2022

CWUandProud

Election of: 

• Royal Mail Divisional Representatives – Anglia – South Wales/South West – 2022
• Royal Mail Divisional Representatives (Substitute) – Scotland & Northern Ireland – South Central 2022
• Royal Mail Divisional Chair – North Wales/North West 2022

Further to LTB 055/22 dated 7^thFebruary 2022, please find detailed below the ballot results for the above elections.

ROYAL MAIL DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVES 

ANGLIA  (Two to be Elected) Steve ButtsEastern No 41281*ELECTEDBarry JenningsNorthern Home Counties Postal1212*ELECTEDRichard LineEastern No 5866

SOUTH WEST/SOUTH WALES  (Two to be Elected) Les EvansSouth West Wales Amal1174*ELECTEDAndy NashBristol & District Amal1051*ELECTEDIan TrehearneGloucestershire Amal774

ROYAL MAIL DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVES (SUBSTITUTES) 

SCOTLAND/NORTHERN IRELAND Stuart DavidsonGlasgow District Amal484 Fra MartinNorthern Ireland Combined560*ELECTEDRab StorrieScotland No 5513

SOUTH CENTRAL Darren ButcherSouth East No 51075*ELECTEDRob HayhurstWessex South Central629

ROYAL MAIL DIVISIONAL CHAIR   (Branch Ballot)

NORTH WALES/NORTH WEST Clare DrummondGreater Manchester7039 Pete KellyShropshire & Mid Wales7192*Elected

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

22LTB095

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TUC RALLY – BLACKPOOL 19TH MARCH, 10AM – LOGISTICS

Firstly, thank you to every Branch that attended yesterday’s virtual National Briefing on the New Deal for Workers campaign and our mobilisation plan for Blackpool on Saturday 19th March.

We have now been allocated our target numbers for the rally by the TUC and if we are to deliver them, it is crucial that every Branch in the UK attends and brings as big a delegation of reps, members and family as possible.  We want to create an inclusive and fun atmosphere and our Communications Department will be working on this.

We also want Branches to bring their banners and wear CWU colours.  Additional merchandise will be available on the day.

The event will now commence from 10am at Blackpool Tower.  The rally will set off from 11 a.m. with speeches commencing at Noon.  I will be speaking alongside colleagues from across our movement.

If any attendee has mobility issues then please let us know by no later than Friday 11th March and we will do everything possible to assist.  Branches should email mmurray@cwu.org for assistance in this area.

Finally, the CWU will have our own PA system on the day and we are looking to create a union-wide playlist. Branches should text / whatsapp all song requests to 07907 502190.

I would like to thank branches for their work on this event. It is a major priority for the union and it is fantastic to see the work that is already underway to deliver the biggest possible turnout.

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

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary 

22LTB091 TUC RALLY – BLACKPOOL 19TH MARCH 10AM – LOGISTICS

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POST OFFICE: PAY 2021/22 – LEGAL TRADE DISPUTE – NOTICE SERVED

Further to LTB 070/22 dated 16^thFebruary.  Branches are advised the serving of notice to Post Office slipped by a day to allow this important activity to be completed.  This position was announced during the Facebook Live session last night; however, it should be noted that the original date for the ballot closing remains the same – Monday 28^th March.

Accordingly, Branches are encouraged to ensure membership engagement is focused in anticipation of ballot papers landing on members’ doormats from Wednesday 9^thMarch.

Membership Communications

All indications are that the Facebook Live session was well received by members.  Below is a link to the recording of the session, which should be shared widely with the members.

https://fb.watch/bsRBwkPzQ1/

We are working closely with our Communications Department and as would be expected, further membership engagement activities are planned in the coming days.  A further home mailing has also been sent (attached) to raise the profile of the dispute amongst our members as well as highlighting the fact we are fast approaching the next pay review date.  In this regard, correspondence has been received from Angela Williams, Group Chief People Officer, which is underwhelming to say the least.  Naturally we have challenged the flawed assumptions and attitudes of Post Office relating to future pay bargaining.

Branches are urged to bring the contents of this LTB to the attention of our Post Office members.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB094 – Post Office – Pay 2021-22 – Legal Trade Dispute – Notice Served

Attachment 1 to 22LTB094

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POST OFFICE: JOINT STATEMENT – COVID-19 UPDATE

We have agreed a Joint Statement with Post Office and Unite in regard to Covid-19 that addresses the recent easing of restrictions announced by Government.  The JS also takes into account the varying positions in respect of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

We have agreed to maintain the cautious approach and where appropriate adopt a similar protocol across the UK nations.  The main emphasis is continuing with safe working practices (including enhanced cleaning throughout March), which we will continue to jointly review on a weekly basis.

Specifically, we have agreed that in the event of any member testing positive for Covid-19 they will not attend work for at least 5 days (7 days in Scotland).  Prior to returning to work, lateral flow tests are encouraged at various stages to have confirmation of being negative.  Risk assessments for those critically extremely vulnerable and vulnerable members will continue to be undertaken by line managers.

Additionally, we have agreed that face coverings will continue to be worn in Crown Offices in Scotland and Wales and is strongly recommended in England and Northern Ireland.  In Supply Chain units, members must also wear face coverings when moving around, away from workstations.  These measures are designed to protect members as we wish to avoid, where possible, any sudden rises in infection rates arising from the easing of restrictions.

The above measures will continue to be jointly reviewed and further changes will be reported as necessary.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

22LTB093 Post Office – Joint Statement – Covid-19 Update

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National Terms of Reference – Uniform Trial New Maternity Trousers

(In Line with the New Uniform Range) 

In line with this switch over to a new uniform range, which is due to be completed in December this year, talks have been held regarding the need to review and update the current Maternity Trousers available within Royal Mail. Due to the required nature of the trial, the new Maternity Trousers will be trialled in line with applications for maternity wear by employees and as such will be limited in numbers.

As a result of discussions with Royal Mail and the CWU, it has been agreed to hold a limited trial of volunteers of the new Maternity Trousers, entitled the ‘Maternity Cargo Trouser’ by Royal Mail, in line with the standard Terms of Reference used for uniform trials and an image of which is attached in Appendix A.  The trial will commence in February 2022 and will be held over a 4 to 6 week period.

Those employees who volunteer to participate in the trial will be issued with 1 pair of the new Maternity Trousers (based on a ‘first come-first served’ basis which will not impact on the individual current and full maternity wear allocation) and will be subject to size availability.

However, the current Polo Shirt Maternity Top introduced in 2019 will remain unchanged.

This is another further welcomed development in terms of maternity wear and seeks to build on the former improvements of the new style and designed Polo Shirt Maternity Top introduced back in 2019.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 500 , email address: njones@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

LTB 092-22 – Uniform Trial – new maternity trousers

National Terms of Reference – Uniform Trial New Maternity Trousers

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Update on HGV drivers average holiday pay from national officer Davie Robertson https://twitter.com/cwunews/status/1498313839212957705?s=21

Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash FY22 04 – Special Instructions To Delivery Staff Regarding Addresses With USO Exceptions/Delivery Suspensions In Place:

Overview, Background, Description:

Royal Mail Group’s Safety Team have issued RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 004 regarding Special Instructions To Delivery Staff in respect of Addresses With USO Exceptions/Delivery Suspensions In Place.  See a copy of the SHE Flash attached. Special instructions must be displayed on RM2000 delivery prep frames to notify all postmen and postwomen/OPGs of any delivery suspensions or alternative delivery arrangements that may be in place for any address which has a USO Delivery Exception in place. The current practice is that Yellow dots must be in place on delivery frames to identify significant dog hazards.

In a recent case a postwoman was covering an unfamiliar delivery round. The RM2000 delivery prep frame wasn’t marked with yellow dots and she wasn’t informed or provided with information regarding an address with a delivery suspension in place due to a dangerous dog. Subsequently whilst delivering to the said address she was attacked by the dog and received life changing injuries.

Sometimes it is necessary to use the USO Exception process to advise, warn or to suspend delivery of mail due to significant health and safety risks. Where a suspension is active and until robust controls are in place, customers should be advised to collect their mail from the delivery office CSP, or notified that alternative arrangements for delivery of mail e.g., to an alternative address have been agreed.

Inspections have identified that in some cases no instructions are provided on delivery frames to advise employees of these temporary measures. Additionally, where the risk is due to a dangerous dog, yellow dots are not being used to identify the hazard. This maybe a particular issue where revisions have taken place and new frame labels have been printed.

Issue: 

Postmen and women/OPGs unfamiliar with delivery walks need to be made aware and informed of any hazards such as dangerous dogs or hazardous delivery points and the temporary controls in place.

Effect:

Failure to inform postmen and women/OPGs could result in personal injury – as in the recent dog attack case highlighted above – serious life changing injuries occurred.

Key Message:

Ensure that all USO Delivery Exceptions and Suspensions, along with alternative delivery arrangements are identified on the delivery frame through the use of the special instruction card. Significant dog hazards, recorded on WRAP, must be identified by a yellow dot on the frame. The USO Sharepoint should be used to request letters to notify customers of any concerns.

Learning Points

DOMs should;

• Ensure all significant risks are identified on WRAP with up to date hazard cards on all delivery frames.
• Ensure that all significant dog hazards are identified with a yellow dot on the delivery frame.
• Ensure that OPGs are aware of all active suspensions and the controls in place.
• Ensure that special instruction cards are placed on delivery frames to identify any delivery addresses with a part or full suspension, with details of the temporary controls.
• Ensure that OPGs are aware that they must ALWAYS check hazard cards prior to commencing delivery and identify mail for addresses with a known dog hazard.
• Ensure USO SharePoint is used to request letters to notify customers of any risk/concerns.

Key Activities.

DOMs should review all active suspensions on the ‘USO Sharepoint’ and ensure that appropriate special instructions are visible on all associated delivery frames and brought to the attention of all delivery staff by ensuring that all delivery frames are marked with yellow dots to indicate significant dog hazards, as identified within WRAP and by referring to the RM Delivery SSOW and SOP D17.1 ‘Prepare For Delivery’.

Attachment: 

RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 04 – Special Instructions for USO Exceptions

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

22LTB090 RMG SHE Safety Flash FY22 04 – Special Instructions To Delivery Staff Regarding Addresses With USO Exceptions Delivery Suspensions In Place

SHE Flash FY22 004 – Special Instructions for USO Exceptions

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Provision of Factsheets and Toolkits – Department Review

We are writing to confirm that the Equality, Education and Development department will be undertaking a full review of the factsheets and toolkits that we currently administer.

Our NEC Equality Leads will be assisting us in this process.

Please note that the link used to access factsheets on the CWU website will be temporarily unavailable from today.

It would be helpful if branches could dispose of all old stock paper copies of factsheets and toolkits to avoid outdated literature being circulated to members.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause we hope to have the review completed in the next couple of months and we will update you once this work has been completed.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

22LTB 089 – Provision of Factsheets and Toolkits Department Review

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