SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS

SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS

Branches will be aware of the introduction of General Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) / Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).  This legislation applies to the CWU at all levels, including Branch, Region and National (HQ).

One aspect of this legislation is that individuals have the right to access and receive a copy of their personal data, and other supplementary information.  This is commonly referred to as a subject access request or ‘SAR’.

Subject access requests received by the CWU will normally be from CWU members or ex-members, but can also be from other individuals the CWU may have had dealings with.

The legislation states that an organisation should “Respond without delay and within one month of receipt of the request.”  The legislation also says that organisations should perform a reasonable search for the requested information.  It also states that organisations can only refuse to provide the information if an exemption or restriction applies, or if the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive, but these exemptions will apply in only very limited cases.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the regulator tasked with GDPR/DPA enforcement and has already issued many enforcement orders and levied hundreds of fines against UK organisations, the vast majority of which were in the low thousands for fairly minor infractions.  However, there have been a handful of major fines that have hit the upper threshold of what’s possible.  Some of these fines have been for none-compliance with Subject Access Requests.

As the ICO stated in one such enforcement notice, “Anyone who requests their personal information from a UK-based company or organisation is legally entitled to have that request answered, in full, under UK data protection law. This is called the right of subject access. Where organisations fail to meet their obligations, the ICO can issue an enforcement notice compelling them to do so. It’s a criminal offence not to comply with it.” 

In addition to ICO enforcement action, individuals have the right to seek compensation for a failure to comply with the rules.

The fines that can be imposed can be significant. Under the DPA, the maximum fine the ICO is entitled to levy against a data controller that has breached the legislation is £500,000.

Under the GDPR, the ICO can impose up fines of up to 20 million Euros or 4% of group worldwide turnover (whichever is greater) against both data controllers and data processors. The following is a non-exhaustive list of GDPR provisions which, if infringed, may attract a top level fine:

the basic processing conditions including in respect of obtaining consent; 

  • infringement of the rights of data subjects;
  • international transfers of personal data; and
  • failure to implement or adhere to a subject access request process.”

So it is of vital importance that when the CWU receives a subject access request, that we comply with the request as quickly and as comprehensively as we can.

The purpose of this LTB is to remind Branches of their responsibilities in this area and to point out that Branches can play their part in this process by recognising a SAR if they receive one at Branch level and forwarding it to the CWU Data Protection Officer (details below) for processing.

It is vitally important that Branches act promptly on receipt of a request from the CWU Data Protection Officer.

This will require the Branch to collate all records (correspondence, case files etc) and forward them to the CWU Data Protection Officer without delay. This applies to all relevant records either in electronic or paper format.  Not every single mention of the subject is required but anything that has personal information about them should be included.

A similar exercise will also be carried out at HQ, checking with the Membership department, Legal department, etc.

Any references to third parties (i.e. other than the ‘Subject’ and the CWU) will be redacted before it goes out to the subject (i.e. the requestor).

We appreciate that we are all very busy and have better things to spend our time on, however, the legislation exists and our failure to comply could result in action being taken against the union. It is vital therefore that the above process is applied in every case.

For further information on the contents of this LTB, please contact the CWU Data Protection Officer: Denis Lenihan, Data Protection Officer & Information Manager, Research Department, email: dlenihan@cwu.org  Work mobile: 07874 628 423  Office Direct line: 020 8971 7279.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

21LTB307

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JOINT STATEMENT RM RELAY AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION – Pathway to Change Agreement – Deployment of Technology and the SWW in Relay Depots

JOINT STATEMENT RM RELAY AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION – Pathway to Change Agreement – Deployment of Technology and the SWW in Relay Depots

Branches and representatives will be aware of the activity that has been taking place in relation to the Pathway to Change agreement across the various Royal Mail Group functions.

In line with the aforementioned, the department has also been in discussions with Royal Mail Specialist Services (Relay) in relation to revision activity to release the SWW for members based in that business unit.

The discussions have been difficult due the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the bespoke service offerings that Relay provide. To compound the difficulties further pressures were put on the negotiations when it was unexpectedly announced in April 2021 that Relay had not retained the DHSC test kit contract and that work would be moving to a competitor (City Sprint) from 31st May 2021. Fortunately, this decision was subsequently reversed and Relay was awarded the contract. 

Both of the above issues built added complexities into what had been intense discussions with the business to conclude an agreed programme of revision activity to release the 2nd hour of the SWW. 

The department are able to report that a Joint Statement has now been concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy of which is attached for information.

Relay had expressed a desire early in discussions to utilise technology more to optimise the effectiveness of their operation, by using Geoplan technology to deploy route and performance optimisation processes. This Depot Optimiser technology would replace the current Paragon system for the purposes of route revisions and duty construction. Pilot activity for the introduction of this technology is therefore the basis for the SWW activity.

Although Geoplan will be used solely as a route revision tool rather than as a means of managing workload in real time, it should be noted that the usual protections in terms of data management, privacy and discipline have been included in the document.

The pilot activity will take place at the Relay Thurrock and Wednesbury depots, which will be overseen by the Relay Joint Working Group to ensure that any technical issues can be identified and addressed and that drivers remain supported.

The pilot activity will be subject to review and agreement at National level prior to any further deployment.

The Joint Statement contains a three-step process in respect of the pilot activity and guidelines for local negotiations should deployment be agreed:

The following will be the enablers for the 2nd hour of the SWW: 

1. Thurrock and Wednesbury Depot pilots reviewed and deployed.

2. Revision deployment plan/timeline for remaining Relay Depots agreed.

3. Commitment to Productivity Flightpath in years 2 and 3 including the ongoing use of Geoplan technology.

The pilot activity will establish the workload baseline for future productivity improvements in respect of years 2 and 3, in line with the principles of The Pathway to Change agreement, which includes a flightpath to achieve 100 BSI by year 3. 

Commitment is also given that the JWG will monitor the Geoplan technology and review synergy opportunities to move workload through utilisation of the Parcelforce/RM locations, which could provide a more efficient footprint for the Relay operation where applicable.

Any proposed changes will be carried out in line with existing procedures and National agreements, including MTSF. 

The SWW benefit will be released for all Relay depot grade employees on the deployment date of the two pilot depot revisions.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference: 054.06.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 306/21

Att: Joint Statement SWW RMSS 27.07.21

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POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – FORMER POSTMASTERS TO RECEIVE INTERIM COMPENSATION PAYMENTS OF UP TO £100K

POST OFFICE: HORIZON SCANDAL – FORMER POSTMASTERS TO RECEIVE INTERIM COMPENSATION PAYMENTS OF UP TO £100K

Branches are advised that the Government announced yesterday that former Postmasters wrongly convicted of offences in relation to the Horizon IT system whose convictions have been quashed are to receive up to £100k each in “interim” compensation ahead of final compensation settlements being agreed with them.  Paul Scully, Post Office Minister said:

“The suffering and distress these postmasters and their families have gone through cannot be overstated. While nothing will make up for the years of pain they faced after this appalling injustice, I hope this initial step provides a measure of comfort.”

Currently there are a total of 59 former Postmasters whose convictions have been overturned, with many more likely to emerge in the coming months.  Final settlements are likely to cost the Government tens of millions of pounds.

This latest development provides more reasons why there should be full accountability for those responsible for these injustices especially as the taxpayer will be picking up the bill for this terrible miscarriage of justice.

Sir Wyn Williams Horizon Inquiry 

We continue to engage with Sir Wyn Williams’ inquiry into the Horizon scandal and the union has now applied for “Core Participant” status for this inquiry which means an entity with a significant interest.  A Core Participant will:

  • be provided with disclosure of evidence which the Chair considers is relevant to their participation in the Inquiry…
  • have the opportunity to make opening and closing statements via their recognised legal representatives…
  • be able to suggest lines of questioning at oral hearings via Counsel to the Inquiry
  • be able to apply through their recognised legal representatives to the Chair to ask questions of witnesses during a hearing
  • be provided with advance copies of the Inquiry’s reports (including the final report) prior to publication.

A number of news articles were published yesterday in relation to this development including the following:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57928397

https://www.postofficetrial.com/2021/07/government-to-make-interim-payments-of.html

https://news.sky.com/story/horizon-it-scandal-govt-reveals-compensation-for-cleared-sub-postmasters-12361373

In conclusion, whilst this news has been cautiously welcomed by those who have been waiting for many years for justice, this is just an initial step and the victims of this scandal must be fully compensated without further delay.  Indeed, Neil Hudgell, of Hudgell solicitors who represented many of the Postmasters whose convictions have been overturned said yesterday:

“This cannot be a delaying gesture though. This is money to which these clients are entitled. With regards to how final settlements are agreed, we want them to come to the table and be meaningful in what they put forward”.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

Attachment LTB 305/21 – Post Office – Horizon Scandal – Former Postmasters to Receive Interim Compensation Payments of up to £100k

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CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

Branches will be aware that following the decisions made at the Special Redesign Conference in 2018 it was agreed that there would be a requirement to hold an Equality Day during the period of Annual Conference.  Annual Conference 2020 would have been the first of the biennial 6 day conferences which would have incorporated a 3-day General Conference that included an additional day dedicated to Equality issues.

However, conference in 2020 which was due to be held in Bournemouth did not take place due to the ongoing pandemic, but we managed to roll forward the deposits paid to the Bournemouth International Centre from 2020 to a future date. Given the lack of availability and that we still need to hold a 6-day conference event the BIC could only provide us with one date at the end of April. Therefore, it has been agreed at the NEC in June 2021 that Annual Conference will take place in Bournemouth from Sunday 24th April 2022 to Friday 29th April 2022.

Further information with regards the programme of business for the week will be published at a later date.

With regards Annual Conference 2023 we currently have no provisional bookings in place but we will need to assess the availability, suitability and costs involved in moving conference to a northern venue, work will commence on this immediately.

Additionally, the NEC are aware that there are a number of policy areas around which we need discussion and decisions made sooner than a conference in 2022 allows.  The NEC have agreed to hold a virtual, on-line event later this year for that purpose.  We are in the process of planning this event and further details will be forwarded to Branches shortly.

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

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 304/21

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Royal Mail Uniform & Footwear Range: Special Measure Arrangements

Royal Mail Uniform & Footwear Range: Special Measure Arrangements

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past number of weeks, we have received several enquires into the Outdoor Department from Branches, representatives and members regarding the possibility of Royal Mail offering any special measure arrangements both for the general uniform range and/or footwear.

The purpose of this Letter to Branches is to confirm that Royal Mail do in fact have in place a special measure process for those who require it for both standard uniform items and a limited selection of footwear.

In the case of uniform garments, individuals would be required to complete a ‘Special Measure – Non Standard Form’ (copy attached for ease of reference) which will need to be submitted by their relevant Line Manager.

It can further be confirmed that these arrangements equally apply to the new uniform range and individual members are advised that any need for special measures can be raised and submitted as part of their initial order for the new uniform; noting that the new uniform ordering process is now fully underway within Delivery Units.

In the case of footwear, individuals will be required to complete a ‘Special Measures Footwear Form’ (copy also attached for ease of reference) which can be submitted by the individual themselves, directly to Royal Mail uniforms (email address: uniform@royalmail.com).

In the outlined above information, Branches should note the further details shared by Royal Mail on its approach towards special measures for footwear:

‘The majority of occupational footwear suppliers do not provide a “true” half size shoe, rather than making the shoe a half size longer they will make the space inside the shoe bigger as the majority of people who tend to go up a half size is usually because they require a wider fit rather than extra length.

We do offer wide & standard width footwear within the range, therefore the recommendation is to try both sizes either side i.e. if they have taken an 8.5, they should try the 8 & 9’s in the alternative styles, we also provide removable standard insoles which can be replaced with a thicker insole again making the room inside the shoe smaller.’

Whilst it is hoped that the above details are of direct use and assistance to Branches, representatives and members alike, any individual particular enquiries or requirements on Special Measure Arrangements should in the first instance be raised with Royal Mail Uniform, either via their Helpline number: 01332 697118 or by email: uniform@royalmail.com.

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 303/21 – Royal Mail Uniform Special Measure Arrangements

Special Measures Footwear Form (right click ‘save as’)

Special Measure – Non Standard Form (right click ‘save as’)

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Lifelong Learning – CWU Learning Centre Guidance (Covid-19)

Lifelong Learning – CWU Learning Centre Guidance (Covid-19)

The purpose of this LTB is to provide Branches with guidance on local delivery of CWU arranged lifelong learning courses and workshops as we approach the lifting of restrictions within each of the devolved nations and crown dependencies.

The overriding principle must be that where there are government or administrative guidelines in place these must be adhered to at all times.

Given the continued rise in the number of Covid19 infections being reported it is clear that where CWUarranged “lifelong learning” for members’ is planned within learning centres or appropriate training rooms, it is essential that everyone needs to remain vigilant and proceed with caution.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Dept. has secured positions whereby employers should be operating safely policed by our Safety Reps.

It is essential that these approaches are adhered to within learning centres on employers’ premises. In addition, it is equally essential that appropriate risk assessments must also be carried out in CWU premises prior to any courses taking place.

To this end, whether within employers or Branch premises, we are content that learning centres can begin to be utilised for lifelong learning courses and workshops on specific government advised dates. This is on the
understanding that whatever precautions are in place, particularly those of the employer on employer premises, must be adhered to at all times.

Please note that this LTB does not supersede LTB 260/21 referring to the Core Activist / Representative programme due to be delivered online for the duration of this calendar year.

Your assistance and patience with these developments are very much appreciated.

Please forward any enquiries relating to this LTB to equality&education@cwu.org in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 302/21 – Lifelong Learning CWU Learning Centre Guidance Covid-19

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Royal Mail/CWU National Joint Statement Covid-19 Pandemic –Next Steps in Easing Lockdown Restrictions in Royal Mail Group andRe-Introduction of Shared Vans and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs)

Royal Mail/CWU National Joint Statement Covid-19 Pandemic –
Next Steps in Easing Lockdown Restrictions in Royal Mail Group and
Re-Introduction of Shared Vans and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs)

Dear Colleagues,

Further to previous LTB and communications, and as a consequence of both HM Government’s and the UK devolved Authorities announcements, discussions and drafts have been exchanged during the course of the last week with Royal Mail which have culminated in a National Joint statement in regard to the above being concluded.

Subsequent to announcements by HM Government on the easing of lockdown and restrictions within society and the implication of this advice within the workplace the operational arrangements can best be described as extremely difficult.  The situation and clarity necessary to provide guidance has been exacerbated and made even more problematic due to the different measures, details and timescales of easing of restrictions across the UK.

Therefore, to capture all of these elements coherently in an agreed National Joint document with the employer has been difficult to achieve.  However, we believe that in the attached Joint Statement this has been achieved through working jointly, with the full involvement of both the CWU Health Safety & Environmental and Postal Departments.  The Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, builds on and reinforces the commitments contained within the previously agreed documents in relation to the return to van sharing.

In addition, the Joint Statement also ensures that a correct and supportive approach is adopted in all workplaces and includes an agreed process for all the Safety, operational and individuals’ concerns and issues being dealt with and resolved.

Accordingly, Royal Mail Group and the CWU will adopt a gradual approach which aims to ensure that this will minimise further infections of the virus and any harm to the health of the workforce – maintaining our joint ‘safety first’ philosophy.

The Joint Statement is extensive in its content and will require careful reading by all concerned but the salient points are as follows:

  • Royal Mail Group will re-introduce shared vans and LGVs subject to the respective legislative changes appropriate to that part of the United Kingdom along with appropriate safety controls and safe working instructions being applied, in consultation with CWU Area and Workplace Safety, Delivery and Distribution Representatives.
  • The return to Shared Vans and LGVs will therefore commence from (taking account of any individual and operational issues which must be jointly resolved in each unit beforehand) as follows:
    • England w/c 19th July 2021.
    • Northern Ireland w/c 26th July 2021 (subject to final confirmation on the 22nd July 2021).
    • Wales 7th August 2021 (subject to final confirmation).
    • Scotland 9th August 2021.
  • Meanwhile all current workplace social distancing controls and safe working practices will remain in place across the UK until further notice.
  • Royal Mail Group will fully recognise individual circumstances (medical, mental health, stress, anxiety etc.) in respect of those unable to share vehicles and make reasonable adjustments as appropriate.
  • Risk controls remain important to minimise the potential risk of Covid-19 virus transmission.
  • Routine twice weekly voluntary Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Testing for all individuals is strongly advised and encouraged, particularly if van/vehicle sharing. Testing will be actively encouraged to support both the workplace and the community. Both parties continue to encourage all members/employees to participate in the opportunity to test them self as this provides assurance to themselves, family members and work colleagues that they are virus free.
  • Royal Mail Group will not require self-isolating workers to come to work and will fully support those workers feeling unwell in not attending work.
  • In England, all employees are strongly encouraged to continue to use face coverings when sharing a van or LGV and when working inside, particularly in enclosed, crowded workspaces (wearing the Royal Mail Group Branded 3-ply face covering or equivalent).
  • In Northern Ireland face coverings remain mandatory until 26th July 2021.
  • In Scotland and Wales face coverings remain mandatory until further notice.
  • Royal Mail Group retains the right to ‘mandate’ face coverings in line with a risk assessment review and based on infection rate data.
  • The Department for Business, Energy, Innovation and Skills (BEIS) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on safe working will be taken into account in preparing risk assessments which Royal Mail Group are already required to make under pre-pandemic health and safety laws.
  • Vehicle cabs must be kept clean and touchpoints must be cleaned both before and after each use.  
  • Vehicles must be ventilated when in shared use.
  • All managers must be fully up to speed with the content of the risk assessment and the controls that must be deployed to ensure van sharing is safe (including deployment of and adherence to the associated Safe Working Instruction). Managers must also follow the processes in place to monitor the use of shared vans and ensure alignment to the risk controls.
  • Royal Mail Group will continue to operate a ‘contactless delivery’ approach.
  • Royal Mail Group will strongly emphasise “Hands; Face; Space; Ventilate; Clean and Test”.
  • Royal Mail Group and CWU will strongly encourage and support vaccination – the personal decision being made by the individual in line with the health care professional.
  • Royal Mail Group through Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions and Royal Mail Fleet will ensure high standards of building and vehicle cleanliness, sanitisation, touch point cleaning and ventilation.
  • Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions will identify poorly ventilated buildings and take steps to improve ventilation.
  • Royal Mail Group will continue to reflect Government (central and devolved nations) and their agencies advice and guidance.
  • Royal Mail Group will support Government messaging through internal communications and engagement strategy.
  • Royal Mail Group risk management and risk assessment procedures will be jointly reviewed and be regularly monitored with full CWU ASR/WSR involvement and engagement across all Units.
  • Royal Mail Group will retain contingency measures. Infection rate data will be monitored and Shared Vans/LGVs may be removed and other controls put in place should the infection rate rise to a level considered to require that course of action, if assessed to be a necessary infection control measure either locally or nationally.
  • Royal Mail Group strategy will continue to review World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 guidance.

Both parties will continue to meet weekly at National level and review the measures outlined above in order to monitor arrangements.  This will include the monitoring of any local trends and increases in the spread of the virus and seeking to resolve any operational or individual issues that may be raised by either party.

Any queries to the content of the above please contact:

Deliveries/Collections: Outdoor Department reference 600, email address: njones@cwu.org

Processing/Distribution/Parcelforce: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary email: dwyatt@cwu.org, ref: 014.14

Yours sincerely,

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

Davie Robertson        
CWU Assistant Secretary

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Health, Safety & Environment Dept.

LTB 301/21 – Next Steps in Easing Lockdown Restrictions in RMG and Re-Introduction of Shared Vans and Large Goods Vehicles – 20.07.21

Att: RM-CWU-Next-Steps-in Easing-Lockdown- (SD-DJ) v7 – 20.07.21 

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Royal Mail/CWU National Joint Statement Covid-19 Pandemic –Next Steps in Easing Lockdown Restrictions in Royal Mail Group and Re- Introduction of Shared Vans and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs)

Click on the link below to view and download

CWU & RM next steps to easing lockdown

POST OFFICE: THE FUTURE OF THE CROWN NETWORK – JOINT STATEMENT, VR PREFERENCE FORM AND Q&As

POST OFFICE: THE FUTURE OF THE CROWN NETWORK – JOINT STATEMENT, VR PREFERENCE FORM AND Q&As

Further to LTB 286 dated 16th July.

As Branches are aware, we have agreed to a limited VR exercise under MTSF, for a maximum of 120 Crown office staff, and as part of our agreement, the Post Office has committed to a moratorium on Crown Office franchising/closures until at least the end of December 2021.  Our wider talks are planned with Post Office with regards to jointly agreeing a fresh approach and a new strategy to try to secure the future of the network.

The following Joint Statement in relation to the details of the VR preference exercise has been agreed:

Voluntary Redundancy: Agreed Preference Exercise (Non-Binding)

Further to the joint statement published on 16th July regarding the Future of the DMB/Crown network, integral to which is a commitment to reduce headcount by up to 120 across the DMB network, we are inviting those who have a strong interest in VR to complete the form below. 

We are unable to guarantee a VR offer to everyone who expresses an interest as there may be an over-subscription

  •  If you express an interest in VR, you will receive a formal acknowledgement via an email 
  •  Where Voluntary Redundancy offers are made, this will be in accordance with MTSF and seniority will apply
  •  VR offers will be made via a settlement agreement that will need to be signed confirming your final decision. You will also need to seek legal advice when signing your settlement agreement and Post Office will pay up to £350 for this advice
  •  Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON) will be paid to all of those who accept a formal VR offer. Those taking VR will be eligible for pay arrears associated with a 2021/22 pay agreement
  •  Please only submit a preference form if you are genuinely interested in VR
  •  VR offers will be calculated in line with MTSF and you will be provided with a ready reckoner in order to help give you an indication of your VR offer. 

 If you have questions, please talk to your manager or your CWU Rep.

 Steve Blampied                                                      Andy Furey

Head of DMB Network                                         CWU Assistant Secretary

The agreed preference form (which will be sent via email to members’ Post Office email addresses) and set of Q&As are attached to this LTB. Preference forms should only be returned by members if they are genuinely interested in VR and the closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 4th August.

Finally, a joint conference call for members will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 20th July from 8.30am as part of the Tuesday morning TeamTalk session hosted by Steve Blampied, Head of DMB Network and myself.  Details of how to join the call if members are on a scheduled day off or on leave will be sent via PO management.

Further developments and progress on talks will be reported in due course.

Any queries related to this LTB should be directed to lsheridan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 300/21 – Post Office: The Future of the Crown Network – Joint Statement, VR Preference Form and Q&As

Att: VR Preference Form

Att: VR Preference Factsheet

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Parcelforce Worldwide – Joint Communication – Pathway to Change Update

Parcelforce Worldwide – Joint Communication – Pathway to Change Update

Further to the content of LTB 276/21 issued on the 1st July 2021, attached for the information of Branches, Representatives and Parcelforce members is a further Joint Communication agreed with Parcelforce to provide an update on the current trial activity and details of further agreed activity to address current issues associated to the REX technology. 

The attached Joint Statement provides an interim update on the current trial activity and the next steps and launches a second phase of trial activity at 5 depots to run concurrently with the existing trial. This activity will test alternative methods to allow Drivers to resolve routing anomalies and manage their day, while meeting the quality and customer service demands required of Parcelforce as a premium service provider.

Both parties are committed to improving the current situation and the JWG are currently developing further initiatives to address loading issues and refine a historic driver line process to reduce under the roof time and ensure that Drivers have control over the load plan.

As previously reported the department and the CWU Regional Organisers met with Geoplan on 6th July 2021 where the group sought answers and solutions to a range of questions and issues based on Driver Feedback. The session covered these issues in great detail and further discussions are taking place with Parcelforce on potential technical solutions. The JWG is currently working through the outputs and the detailed responses and any agreed actions will be shared with the field in due course. 

On the SWW in depots the Joint Communication clarifies that in depots yet to deploy the benefit will be released at the point that agreed plans for indoor operations are confirmed as being in place.

The department remains committed to continued progress to address current REX issues and further updates will be provided as the phased trial activity progresses. The department would be grateful if Branches could ensure that the contents are brought to the attention of our Parcelforce members.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference 054.06.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 298/21

Att: Joint Comms Depot Operations P2C Update 19.07.21

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