World Environment Day 2023 – Theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages Environmental issues awareness raising and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by the United Nations and governments around the world. Participants of WED include non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, businesses, employers, trade unions, communities, individuals, various organisations, campaigners and celebrities, and together they raise awareness of environmental issues.  This represents the primary United Nations outreach day supporting the environment.

The theme for World Environment Day on 5 June 2023 will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. The 2023 World Environment Day campaign calls for global solutions to combat plastic pollution. Every year there is a new main focus for WED. This year the focus is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, and the press and media are already gearing up for this by reporting on events and efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Why is this year’s theme important?‘Plastic Pollution’ is regularly in the news due to its terrible consequences on the environment and human and animal health, laid bare by documentaries such as ‘Blue Planet’.  Heavy use of plastic increases the pollution in the environment.

The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 20 million tonnes ends up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet. Not only that, what is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain hazardous additives, which may pose a threat to our health.

The good news is that the world has the science and solutions to tackle the problem –and a lot is already happening. What is needed most now is a surge of public and political pressure to scale up and speed actions from governments, companies and other stakeholders to solve this crisis. This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day – raising awareness of the plastic pollution threat and mobilising action from every corner of the world.

The scourge of plastic pollution is a visible threat that impacts every community. World Environment Day 2023 aims to highlight the issue and to challenge countries, companies and businesses to use the material more sustainably and not add to plastic pollution. It will also showcase how some countries, businesses and individuals are learning to use the material more sustainably – offering hope that one day, plastic pollution will be history.

Plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on health, the economy and the environment cannot be ignored. Urgent action is required. At the same time, we need true, effective and robust solutions. The full commitment of nations and companies is needed to reduce the production and consumption of single-use plastic, which can and must be replaced with durable and sustainable alternatives.

World Environment Day is an environmental awareness day, run by the United Nations. It is sometimes also unofficially called Eco Day or Environment Day. The aim of the Day is to raise awareness of the environment and specific environmental issues.

World Environment Day (WED) was established in 1972 but first held in 1974, which shows that concern about the environment goes back several decades at least. 143 countries support and take part in World Environment Day, and the day focuses on environmental concerns ranging from pollution to global warming and sustainable food production to protection of wildlife.

The world is facing a plastic crisis, the status quo is not an option. Plastic pollution is a serious issue of global concern. Due to the uncontrolled use of plastic, its disposal has become a huge problem in major cities and towns alike.

World Environment Day can be supported and celebrated in many ways, activities such as clear up campaigns are popular and will be prominent this year, also concerts, conventions and parades, tree planting, and lectures. Promotional materials for the day tend to be created using natural environmental colours.

Disadvantages of plastic are:

• Plastic takes tons of years to decompose. …
• Producing plastic is cheap, however, it is done using a variety of toxic chemicals and colours.
• The recycling process for plastic can be very expensive.
• Heavy use of plastic increases the pollution in the environment.

Society for The Environment (SocEnv) – UK Professional Body Free Webinar:

The Society for The Environment have organised a ‘Free Webinar’ on World Environment Day 5 June, 1pm to share what is being done in practice to prevent and address plastic pollution.  Two Chartered Environmentalists working in resource management and registered as CEnvs via the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), will be providing their insights on this World Environment Day webinar:-

• Helene Roberts CEnv FIMMM – CEO at Robinson PLC
• Iain Ferguson CEnv FIMMM – Environmental consultant

Find out more and book your free place here:- https://socenv.org.uk/world-environment-day-2023/

The SocEnv Website also covers articles and information on the true value of this year’s WED theme and how you can get involved.

UN – In Focus: World Environment Day, 5 June –  Get Involved – Get Solutions – Access Practical Guides:

• Solutions to plastic pollution – Tips on how to be part of the global movement to limit waste and push for a transition to a circular economy
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/practical-guide
  • Government,
  • Cities & Towns, Business & Finance,
  • People & Communities.
• Event and Activities – Browse the Map and Get Ideas
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/register-activity
  • Numerous actions are being taken by governments, cities, finance, businesses, NGOs, academia, civil society and individuals.
  • Browse the map to find out more about actions being taken near you.
  • World Environment Day on 5 June 2023 will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign
• Inspire Change Through Social Media – Spread the word to friends, family and colleagues – Get Involved, Go Social!
  https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/take-action-social

• Acknowledge and promote those who are creating real solutions to plastic pollution.
• Call out and challenge politicians, municipalities, companies, and civil society groups to join the movement to overcome plastic pollution.

How can the world beat plastic pollution? UNEP Video: 

A systems change is needed to address the cause of plastic pollution. It combines reducing the most problematic and unnecessary plastic uses with three market shifts – Reuse, Recycle, and Reorient and Diversify – and actions to deal with the plastic pollution legacy.

Watch the video here:-  https://www.unep.org/resources/turning-off-tap-end-plastic-pollution-create-circular-economy

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – Quiz: How much do you know about plastic pollution?

Take the UNEP Quiz to test your knowledge on plastic pollution. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, held on 5 June, is solutions to plastic pollution and finding ways to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Take the Test and Test your knowledge here:- https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/quiz-how-much-do-you-know-about-plastic-pollution-crisis

UNEP ‘Beat The Plastic Pollution Guide’:

This guide provides some helpful tips on how we can all be part of the global movement to solve the plastic pollution crisis – governments, cities, towns, companies can act and commit and set new norms and standards. Governments can catalyze change on a global, regional and local scale. While solutions must engage every sector, governments and local authorities need to drive change, introduce laws to reduce the production of harmful and unnecessary plastics, incentivise sustainable business practices and invest in better waste management infrastructure. Design out waste by eliminating and substituting unnecessary and hazardous plastic production and packaging, containers, etc., especially single-use plastic. Investors can play a key role in mobilizing finance and setting standards for businesses and industries to move away from harmful plastic production toward circular economies on plastics. Individual and community actions underpin the systemic change required to transition to a less plastic-dependent economy. NGOs, faith organizations and community groups are a powerful source of change in the world. We can all use our voice and choices to drive change.  Read the Report Attached.

UNEP Report Publication – ‘Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy’: 

This report examines the economic and business models needed to address the impacts of the plastics economy. The report proposes a systems change to address the causes of plastic pollution, combining reducing problematic and unnecessary plastic use with a market transformation towards circularity in plastics. This can be achieved by accelerating three key shifts – reuse, recycle, and reorient and diversify – and actions to deal with the legacy of plastic pollution. Reuse refers to the transformation of the ‘throwaway economy’ to a ‘reuse society’ where reusing plastic products makes more economic sense than throwing them away. The report highlights the importance of accelerating the recycling market for plastic recycling by ensuring that recycling becomes a more profitable venture. Reorient and diversify refers to shifting the market towards sustainable plastic alternatives, which will require a shift in consumer demand, regulatory frameworks and costs. The report highlights that these solutions are available now and that a systems change, underpinned by the necessary regulatory instruments, will result in a range of economic benefits and reduce damage to human health, the environment and the climate.  Read the Report Attached.

Links and Good Websites:

World Environment Day Global: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/

UN Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/

Society for the Environment: https://socenv.org.uk/theme-announced-world-environment-day-2023/

Attachments:

• UN Press Release
• UNEP ‘Beat The Plastic Pollution Guide’
• UNEP Report Publication – ‘Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy’

Plastic pollution and its detrimental impacts on health, the economy and the environment cannot be ignored. Urgent action is required by Countries, Governments, Companies and Employers, Organisations and Individuals. Companies like Royal Mail need to move away from investing in ‘Plastic Production’ like the Plastic York Container Sleeves they are investing in and manufacturing for their fleet of 750,000 York Containers plus renewals and replacements and then there’s the waste!

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB131 World Environment Day 2023 – Theme Beat Plastic Pollution

UN Press Release – UN roadmap outlines solutions to cut global plastic docx

UNEP – Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide 2023 – World Env.Day

UN Report ‘Turning off the Tap’ How The World Can End Plastic Pollution …

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PARCELFORCE – NEW UNIFORM ROLL OUT

Branches and Representatives are informed that Parcelforce have advised the department that further to discussions and wearer trials, the new Parcelforce uniform will be available to order from 9am on 30^thMay 2023 for all Field, Hub and Processing Centre operatives. The portal will close on 30^th June 2023, with new uniforms delivered to Parcelforce work locations throughout August 2023.

The new uniform is different to the one currently used and there is male and female fit on all main items. The fabrics are breathable and lighter weight. A flexible layering system has been introduced so people can dress according to the weather outside and their own body temperatures. The outerwear fabrics are showerproof / waterproof to provide better protection when the weather is poor.

The Parcelforce Worldwide logo features clearly to identify the distinct brand. The colour red has been chosen to reflect the growing synergies between Parcelforce and Royal Mail.

All Hub and Field operatives are required to wear the new uniform and management will be providing briefs on the ordering process via WTLL sessions.

The business are asking that employees send back their old uniforms so they can be recycled into a new material that can be used in a multitude of ways.

The department would ask that this LTB is given publicity on notice boards at all Parcelforce locations.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 005.01.

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 130/23 Parcelforce New Uniform Roll Out 25.05.23

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CWU CONFERENCE 1^{ST –} 5^THOCTOBER 2023 – CANCELLATION

Colleagues will recall the decision taken by the NEC at its meeting on the 17^th January 2023 that postponed the conference due to take place in April 2023 until the above date. This was communicated to Branches in LTB 016/23 dated 17^th January 2023.

The purpose of this LTB is to inform Branches that at their meeting yesterday the NEC, for the reasons explained below, unanimously took the decision to cancel the Conference due to be held on the 1^st – 5^th October 2023.

The rationale for the original decision was, for the large part, centred on where the dispute/ negotiations with Royal Mail were and the impact that dealing with those issues would have on the value or effectiveness of holding the conference in April.

Subsequent to the decision taken on the 17^th January we contacted the Standing Orders Committee (SOC) to determine what a timetable would look like for motions to General, Industrial and a Rules Section would be.  Their response was to state that closing date for motions to General Conference would have to be 22^nd June 2023, Rules 27^th July 2023 and Industrial 3^rd August 2023.

Branches will be aware that, as of this moment and for reasons explained elsewhere the dispute with Royal Mail has yet to go out to ballot and therefore has yet to be finalised. This presents us with a real difficulty when considering the timetable set by the SOC.

In addition to the above the NEC also had to consider the position of Postal Branches and of the major industrial issues being dealt with in the TFS constituency. The work required to move these issues forward must also be taken into account.

Consideration of these issues is particularly relevant given the longstanding structural matters that we need to address. This means there is a clear need to set out a detailed programme of engagement at all levels of the union in order to redesign, restructure and secure buy in for the changes we need to make to ensure we build a union fit for a continually fast moving industrial and political arena.

Rather than rush to a conference with a barely thought out plan we need to build confidence at all levels that what we do and what rule changes we propose as a result, have support throughout the union.

We simply do not have time to do that as a result of the timetable set out by the SOC.  In some ways the decision was a straightforward one, go ahead with the conference, yes or no. In reality it was a debate around how best we use our resources and time to the best advantage of our members.

It is for these reasons that the decision to cancel the October conference was taken.

In order that we set out to Branches how we intend to deal with the issues around restructuring the CWU to enable it to be fit for purpose for the future, the GS and SDGS will shortly arrange an online Branch Briefing to talk through our approach to this and how we will involve Branches in that process.

As a result of the decision made, the NEC also agreed that the next Conference will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from the 21^st April – 25^th April 2024. We have also contacted the conference centre in Blackpool to secure dates for the 2025 conference at that venue.

Branches should immediately contact hotels who they have made bookings with to discuss transferring deposits already paid to the April 2024 dates.

The NEC fully understands that none of this is ideal, however we have to deal with the reality that faces us, we are dealing with some extremely crucial industrial issues that require our complete and undivided attention. The long term sustainability of the CWU in part rests on the outcome of these matters and in part on how we have clear and agreed structural change.

Full details of the online briefing mentioned above will be sent to Branches shortly.

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 KearnsDave WardSenior Deputy General SecretaryGeneral Secretary

23LTB129

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Interview with GS and DGSP covering a range of vital issues. Please watch and share.

RMG – Unilateral Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips

Following correspondence from a number of Branches and Divisions, it became clear RMG had taken a decision to cease the use of paper pay-slips.  This was implemented on 26^th April without any consultation and will undoubtedly have an impact on those members who do not have access to online facilities.

Given that the national Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement mentions joint working on numerous occasions, it is obviously important the that company is held to account where a contrary approach has been adopted.

As a result, on 27^th April 2023 I wrote the letter attached at Appendix 1 to the Chief People Officer, raising our concern regarding the manner in which this change had been implemented and in particular to highlight concerns about the timing.  A response was received that is attached at Appendix 2. 

The contents of this are disappointing but not unexpected, given that 85% of the RMG workforce are already using the online ‘People App’.  Branches will recall that when the ability to access pay slips through the ‘People App’ was first introduced, the business stated that this would not be a mandatory requirement however this business decision now means the remaining 15% will be impacted by this diktat.

However, there will still be the ability to request a paper copy although this has been described as an absolute exception.  That said, the Union do not accept that this only applies to those with medical issues as there will also be members who have no access to the relevant digital information.

Further correspondence has been sent to the company making the above points as well as to ascertain what sort of alternative means will be made available.

Finally, it is important that those who have medical conditions or do not have either online or digital access, raise their cases locally with the appropriate manager and are given support by their Union Reps.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 128-23 – RMG – Unilateral Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips

Appendix 1 to LTB 128-23 – 27.04.23 – Letter to Zareena Brown – Arbitrary Decision to Cease Paper Pay Slips – Lack of Engagement.docx

Appendix 2 to LTB 128-23 – AndyFurey190523

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RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Lord Falconer Review of Conduct Cases (Appendix 7)

Further to LTB 123/23 dated 18^th May, Branches are advised we have now submitted 2 further batches of consent forms to RMG totalling 126 to date.  Branches will have received an email receipt via independent-review@cwu.orgfor each consent form submitted.  Please contact Rob Wotherspoon, Postal Executive, via the dedicated email address if the acknowledgement has not been received.  In line with the words of Appendix 7, “The Review will cover:  Individual cases of both CWU members and CWU representatives referred to it by the union”.  To be clear, the union will be reviewing all casefiles received along with any documentation provided by RMG and submitting all appropriate cases to the Independent Review and the submissions will be totally at the discretion of the union, not RMG.

Suspended Members/Representatives – Consent Forms Required

Lord Falconer has directed that Consent forms have to be submitted by this Friday, 26^th May; however, we expect there to be some legitimate exceptions to this, such as where conduct decisions have not been notified to individuals along with those members who are still suspended (currently believed to be 37 people) and are therefore yet to face disciplinary charges.  With regard to the latter, we will be writing directly to all Branches who have suspended members/Reps, asking them to provide a separateconsent form on the basis there is the potential that the suspension may ultimately lead to a disciplinary penalty.  The Consent forms need to be sent into the dedicated email address: independent-review@cwu.org

Branches are reminded to give the Independent Review their fullest attention, particularly the provision of all case papers to the dedicated email address.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward – General Secretary                                            

Andy Furey – A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 127/23

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ROYAL MAIL GROUP NATIONAL AGREEMENT – SUSPENSION OF BALLOT TIMETABLE

As a result of Royal Mail Group’s failure to address quality of service and USO failures, in line with section 2.5 of the agreement, the Postal Executive met yesterday and agreed to suspend the ballot timetable.

A full update on the reasons for this and the position we have set out to Royal Mail Group is attached. Please share this as widely as possible.

We will providing a short update to Branches via Zoom at 3pm today. Please join using the details below.

https://cwu-org.zoom.us/j/81244659996?pwd=ZVdjSUJ6KzZXOTBFUFZrdFRpS2JTQT09

Meeting ID: 812 4465 9996
Passcode: 794581

Yours sincerely

DAVE WARD
General Secretary

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (P)

23LTB126 ROYAL MAIL GROUP NATIONAL AGREEMENT SUSPENSION OF BALLOT TIMETABLE

06962 ballot table suspension

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REMINDER – NATIONAL YOUNG WORKERS EDUCATION EVENT, 9-11 JUNE 2023, GLASGOW

Further to LTB 115/23 this is a reminder that this year’s National Young Workers Education Event is taking place over the weekend of Friday 9^th June through to Sunday 11^th June in Glasgow.

The event is taking place at The Mercure Glasgow City Hotel with accommodation at the Travelodge Hotel, Queen Street which is a 2-3 minute walk from the Mercure Hotel.   Both venues are close to the railway station and the airport.

An agenda for the event is attached along with a covering letter from the Branch Chair.

The cost for Branches to send a delegate will be £275 and will include two nights accommodation with bed and breakfast as well as an evening buffet on the Friday night and a buffet lunch on Saturday.

Branches are asked to advise us as soon as possible if they are intending to send a delegate so that we can inform the hotel of the names of the guests.

For more information and to secure a place for the weekend branches should complete the attached form and send to Angela Niven at conferences@cwu.org as soon as possible so that we can assess the numbers of those attending for meals etc.    Branches must make payment for their delegate(s) attendance by sending a cheque made payable to “CWU” addressed to Angela Niven, SDGS Department at CWU HQ   or by bank transfer to the General Fund Account No: 33019822   Sort Code 60-83-01 with ref “YWNEE”

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven at Head Office on conferences@cwu.org or on 020 8971 7256.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

23LTB125 – Reminder National Young Workers Education Event

NYWEE23-Application-Form

CWU NYWEE 2023 Agenda

NYWEE 2023 – Chair Letter to Delegation 1.0

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ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2023 TUC Congress and Labour Party Conference (including Labour Party Women’s Conference) 7^th-11^thOctober, Liverpool

• TUC Congress
• Labour Party Conference (including Labour Party Women’s Conference) 7^th-11^thOctober, Liverpool

Further to LTB 109/23 dated 2^nd May 2023 at the close of nominations the following have been received:

TUC 

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)No Nominations Received

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Adam AlarakhiaLeicestershire*ElectedDes ArthurSouth Midlands Postal*ElectedSteve CrokeSouth Midlands Postal*ElectedScott HartlesScotland No 2*ElectedRichard WilkinsSouth Central Postal*Elected

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Dave TeeMid Wales, The Marches & Nth Staffs, Capital, South Wales*Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & least 1 delegate must be BAME)Graham ColkSouth Wales, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Mid Wales, The Marches & Nth Staffs Scotland No 1*ElectedJackie MorreyMid Wales, The Marches & Nth Staffs Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Scotland No 1,  South Wales*Elected

LABOUR PARTY

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)No Nominations Received

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Paul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & CumbriaBallot RequiredHuw DaviesLondon PhoenixKeith HamiltonSouth Central PostalScott HartlesScotland No 2Alan TateLondon Regional Motor Transport

Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency   

NEC (1 Member)Andrew MercerGreater Mersey, Capital, South Wales*Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Craig AndersonScotland No 1, Capital,  Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Mersey, Mid Wales The Marches & North Staffs, South Wales*ElectedEugene CaparrosSouth Wales, Capital,  Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Mersey, Mid Wales The Marches & North Staffs, Scotland No 1*ElectedBrian KennyMersey, Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Mid Wales The Marches & North Staffs, Scotland No 1, South Wales*ElectedJoyce StevensonScotland No 1,  Capital, Edinburgh Dundee & Borders, Mersey, Mid Wales The Marches & North Staffs, South Wales*Elected

The ballot timetable is as follows:

Despatch ballot papers:               24 May 2023

Ballot closes:                                  7 June 2023 (14:00)

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

LTB 124/23

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RMG/CWU BUSINESS RECOVERY, TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH AGREEMENT – LORD FALCONER REVIEW OF CONDUCT CASES (APPENDIX 7)

Further to LTB 121/23 dated 17^th May.  Branches are advised we have today submitted another batch of consent forms (27) to RMG totalling 85 to date.

Consent forms have to be submitted by Friday 26^th May; however, we expect some exceptions to this, such as where conduct decisions have not been notified to individuals, along with those members who are still suspended and therefore are potentially facing disciplinary charges.  

Branches will have received an email receipt via independent-review@cwu.orgfor each consent form submitted. In the event a Branch has not received an acknowledgement from this dedicated email address, this means the form has not been received.  In these circumstances, Branches must urgently contact Rob Wotherspoon Postal Executive, via the dedicated email address.

In order to carry out the vital preparation for submitting cases formally into the Independent Review, Branches must give this matter their fullest attention, particularly the provision of case papers, once again to the dedicated email address.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Yours sincerely                                         

Dave Ward
General Secretary   

Andy Furey
A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 123-23

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