Category: Uncategorized

Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative/Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2019

Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative/Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2019

Nominations are invited from Branches with Members in the respective Parcelforce Worldwide regions (including members in RMSS) for the following Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative & Substitute positions;

  • North, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region
  • Central Region
  • South West Region
  • South East Region

The term of office for the above positions is two years and the successful candidates will take up office on conclusion of the nomination or election process as appropriate. Candidates should be aware that the above positions have been under review for some time by the CWU & Parcelforce and therefore the term of office may be subject to change.

Candidates however are asked to note that all future elections for these positions will be conducted in tandem with the PFW Regional Organiser elections, the next election of these positions is scheduled for October 2020, so the period of office for the successful candidates in these elections positions will be for less than the two year period.

For ease of reference, attached to this LTB is a list of Parcelforce locations shown within the 4 regions detailed above.

A Nomination form is attached to this LTB. If additional forms are required they are available on request from the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department. Completed forms which must be signed by the Branch Secretary and Branch Chair or accredited deputies and the nominee, should be returned to Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary, by 2nd July 2019 (14:00).  

The timetable for the nominations is as follows:

Nominations Open:  11th June 2019

Nominations Close:  2nd July 2019 (14:00)

If Ballots are required, these will be conducted on an individual member ballot basis of the relevant eligible CWU members and will be conducted in accordance with the election guidelines for CWU Senior Regional/Field officials, a copy of the guidelines are attached for your information.

Branches will be advised of any ballots required and the timetable for these in due course.

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

19LTB348 – Election of Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health and Safety Representative and Substitute Area Health and Safety Representative 2019

Guidelines

Parcelforce CWU Reps Workplaces

Consent Form

Parcels Area HS Rep Nomination Form

Parcels Area HS Sub Rep Nomination Form

View Online

 

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING A NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF PARCEL POSTING BOXES

JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING A NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF PARCEL POSTING BOXES

Branches will be aware that trial activity has been taking place in line with the Terms of Reference Between Royal Mail and the CWU Covering a New Commercial Initiative – Meter Boxes to Accept Parcel Postings Trial (LTB 356/18 refers).

The trial activity in the LE and NN geographical areas involved 30 Meter Boxes and assessed the commercial benefits in being the first company to offer a Post Box approach to parcels. It involved the expansion of current Meter Boxes to accept parcel postings, to assess customer desire for this option and to test commercial viability to drive future strategy for posting customers and design of future street furniture.

Further to the trials in the Northampton and Leicester areas of dual purpose usage for Meter Boxes which was deemed as successful, the business plan is to now deploy this capability during Summer 2019.

Branches may well have seen that Royal Mail had publicised the initiative in the run up to their Capital Markets Day, which was unfortunate as we had not concluded the Joint Statement at that point. Although both departments were given pre-advice of the announcement, the business had indicated that they were unable to delay their comms.

Despite this, as this is a potential growth initiative, discussions have continued and a Joint Statement has now been concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive, a copy of which is attached for your information.

In summary circa 1,433 meter boxes will be converted into dual purpose Parcel & Meter boxes to permit customers posting Standard parcels that have postage paid, either by account or where postage has been purchased on line through the Royal Mail Click and Drop channel.

Meter boxes that are currently collected from 5 days a week will require a Saturday collection and a Monday relief collection. Where needed Meter Boxes will be refurbished/painted.  All Meter Boxes will be fitted with new time plates and branding plates, and known as Parcel Boxes.

After a period of one year the usage of the boxes will be reviewed and low volume boxes may revert back to being a meter box.

There will be full CWU involvement in the deployment activity and full training will be provided in relation to the revised processes.

The Nationally agreed Joint Statement contains the commitment that there will be a formal review monthly following the commencement of the roll out deployment in order to ensure any issues are resolved and after a one year period by RM and the CWU Nationally, taking full account of all experiences and the feedback gathered jointly from CWU/RM.

The Business has forwarded a proposed deployment plan based on Mail Centre catchment areas which is attached for the information of Branches.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department.

Outdoor Department, email: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org quoting reference number: 532.

or

Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 721.03.

Mark Baulch                                                       Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary                                                Assistant Secretary

19LTB346

Attachment 1 – JS National Deployment of Parcel Posting Boxes 10.06.19

Attachment 2 – Parcel Post Box Proposed Deployment Plan



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Dave Ward: ‘Peterborough shows how to win a Labour government’

Dave Ward: ‘Peterborough shows how to win a Labour government’

June 7 2019

“A good win for Labour and now let’s get the focus back onto the domestic agenda,” said our general secretary Dave Ward this morning in response to the increased majority won in yesterday’s Peterborough by-election.

Not only did the party defy the odds to beat off the challenge of Nigel Farage’s rebranded electoral vehicle and hold this marginal seat, Labour also surpassed its 2017 performance and raised its majority.

With the potential impact on Labour of the controversial circumstances which sparked yesterday’s by-election and the challenge from Nigel Farage’s organisation – arriving in the area with its confidence boosted by victory in the EU elections – the odds were against the party.

On the day, bookmakers were quoting Nigel Farage party at 1/5 to win, with Labour’s Lisa Forbes as far out as 7/2 – but the bookies had failed to factor in the ‘ground war’.

Dave Ward explains that this was critical to our victory, which was achieved because of “the mass party that Jeremy Corbyn has created,” which meant that Labour had by far the largest number of volunteer activists on the ground on the day helping get out the vote.

And our own CWU members played their part in yesterday’s crucial battle, including Eastern Region secretary Paul Moffatt, who said that he was “immensely proud of the CWU and work our own activists have done in Peterborough.

“My heartfelt thanks to Andy Beeby Eastern No 5 Branch Secretary, Terry Henderson and other members of the Branch for all their hard work.

 “This was an incredible win, not just for the Labour Party, but for Lisa Forbes MP and the people of the city – this victory shows what local people can deliver when motivated and the important part that trade union movement plays in politics,” Paul added.

Peterborough is traditionally a very tightly-contested Constituency. Labour gained it in 2017 from the Conservatives, who had held it since 2005 – after the seat had been ‘red’ in both the 2001 and 1997 elections.

Among political analysts, the city is often referred to as a ‘bellwether’, due to the fact that, in nine of the last 11 general elections going back to 1974, the party that won Peterborough also won nationally (2005 and 2017 being the exceptions.)

Dave Ward points out that, this excellent result also vindicates the Labour Party’s overall political strategy of focussing attention on domestic issues, the ‘bread and butter’ agenda of defending jobs, public services and workers’ rights.

And going forward, “getting the focus back onto the domestic agenda and the damage the Tories are doing to our country, and keeping it there is how we will deliver a Labour government,” he insists.



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Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay 7th June 2019

Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay

Further to LTB 307/19, the Department is continuing to receive reports that managers in certain areas of the country are being instructed not to register or progress grievances that relate to the issue of average pay on leave (holiday pay). The Department has also received information that a voice message stating the following is now being played on the national system: “We are not accepting any more grievances regarding holiday pay as this is being dealt with at national level, please contact your Union Representative.”

In some locations it is also evident that certain managers have been provided with the following instruction:

“A number of grievances in relation to HOLIDAY PAY (not SA) have been handed to the DOMs across a few units this past week and there is potential these will increase following a steer from the National CWU to the divisional/area and local Representatives.

PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER THESE ON PSP.

Instead can you please ensure that you respond to the relevant individuals with a holding note in line with the statement below?

I can advise you that the calculation of holiday pay is under consideration and as this is an issue being discussed at national level I am unable to progress this issue through the formal grievance process. I will of course update you following any agreement with the CWU on this matter.”

Whilst it is true that holiday pay is now being discussed nationally and a further meeting is due to be held with Royal Mail Group next week, the fact remains that members who are now taking annual leave are effectively having their average earnings reduced.

Diktats of the types above are not only against the terms of our national agreements but are also aimed at obstructing members from claiming what is rightfully theirs.

When a member is met with either of the responses above (or similar), they must immediately move to complete the online ACAS Early Conciliation (EC) form. They should also let their listed Representative know that this is the case so that ACAS can be informed once contact is made. In tandem with this, it would be useful if the member could also email their line manager to request that a grievance is lodged.

Branches should also ensure that the number of members following this course of action continues to be maximised so that settlements can be sought for the holiday pay that they are owed.

The Department is also in dialogue with ACAS to examine ways in which the early conciliation process can be streamlined so that the number of calls is reduced. We soon hope to be in a position where a revised process can be circulated.

Finally we continue to be involved in talks regarding the wording of the COT3 Settlement Agreement and in particular the terms of Paragraph 2. As previously stated, we are apprehensive that the current text may result in members not receiving back pay, in the event that this is secured through a national collective agreement. Whilst we are hopeful that this can soon be resolved, in the interim it is evident that members who have accepted monetary settlements but not the present COT3 terms and conditions are now completing the online application for an Employment Tribunal.

Please do not be deterred by local management trying to stop your claim and encourage others to also claim. Royal Mail Group are settling all in time claims individually and should sign a national agreement ensuring fairness for all. The legal position is clearly established and companies are making agreements on this matter all the time, the latest being between the Prison Officers’ Association and Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service as well as our own Union and British Telecom.

Keep the pressure building and we will have justice on leave pay.

Further updates will be provided by the Department in due course but in closing I would like to thank you for your continued efforts in highlighting this injustice locally.

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)

19LTB344 Royal Mail Group Holiday Pay

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ROYAL MAIL: FINANCE SERVICES & HR SERVICES – ANNUAL BONUS SCHEMES 2018/19 – DISCRETIONARY PAYMENT

ROYAL MAIL: FINANCE SERVICES & HR SERVICES – ANNUAL BONUS SCHEMES 2018/19 – DISCRETIONARY PAYMENT

Branches may be aware that the corporate scorecard targets for Royal Mail Group were not reached for the financial year ending 31st March 2019. Unfortunately this position has a negative impact as it affects bonus payments for both CWU and management grades. 

Despite not achieving the targets, Royal Mail has however decided to award a discretionary payment of 30% of the maximum bonus potentially achievable for CWU grades in both Finance Services, which amounts to £300 and HR Services (£225). This payment, which is pro-rata for part-timers, will be made with July salaries.

Whilst it is clearly disappointing that the scorecard measures were not achieved across the Group, we are pleased that Royal Mail is recognising the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our members by making this discretionary payment.

The following Joint Statements have been agreed for Finance & HR Services:

Annual Bonus Scheme – Finance Services

Unfortunately the Royal Mail Group Corporate scorecard targets for the 2018/19 financial year have not been met, which means that ordinarily bonus payments for FSA Grades in Finance Services would not be made.

However we are pleased to advise that Royal Mail has made a positive decision to award a “discretionary” payment of c30% of the bonus potential which is £300 (pro-rata for part-timers) for CWU represented grades in Finance Services. This payment, which has just been authorised, will now be made with July salaries.

Both parties are naturally disappointed that Royal Mail was unable to meet the overall performance target; however in these circumstances the CWU is pleased that Royal Mail has endeavoured to tangibly recognise the efforts and commitments of our FSA grades via the £300 discretionary payment which, whilst less than previous years, is welcomed.

The last year has been challenging and this discretionary payment is in recognition of the contribution you have made throughout the year.

We are confident that with your continued hard work and commitment we can deliver improved business results for 2019/20 and you will be able to share in that success.

Susannah Taylor                               Andy Furey

Group Financial Controller            Assistant Secretary

Royal Mail                                          CWU

Annual Bonus Scheme – HR Services

Unfortunately the Royal Mail Group Corporate scorecard targets for the 2018/19 financial year have not been met, which means that ordinarily bonus payments for CSA Grades in HR Services would not be made.

However we are pleased to advise that Royal Mail has made a positive decision to award a “discretionary” payment of c30% of the bonus potential which is £225 (pro-rata for part-timers) for CWU represented grades in HR Services. This payment, which has just been authorised, will now be made with July salaries.

Both parties are naturally disappointed that Royal Mail was unable to meet the overall performance target; however in these circumstances the CWU is pleased that Royal Mail has endeavoured to tangibly recognise the efforts and commitments of our CSA grades via the £225 discretionary payment which, whilst less than previous years, is welcomed.

The last year has been challenging and this discretionary payment is in recognition of the contribution you have made throughout the year.

We are confident that with your continued hard work and commitment we can deliver improved business results for 2019/20 and you will be able to share in that success.

Simon Haben                                                  Andy Furey

HR Director Strategy and Services           Assistant Secretary

Royal Mail                                                       CWU

Branches are urged to bring the above Joint Statements to the attention of our members working in both Finance Services and HR Services.

If you have any questions in relation to this LTB, please contact Lea Sheridan – lsheridan@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

19LTB343 – Royal Mail – Finance Services & HR Services – Annual Bonus Schemes 2018-19 – Discretionary Payment

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National Young Workers Branch Forum – CWU HQ – 13/14 June

National Young Workers Branch Forum – CWU HQ – 13/14 June

The agenda for the above event has now been finalised and is attached.

We are set for an exciting and dynamic couple of days with a mixture of presentations, forums and breakout sessions.  As previously communicated, it is vital all CWU Branches have young workers in attendance.

Please register by emailing Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org

I look forward to seeing many of you on the 13th June.

Yours sincerely

 

Dave Ward 

General Secretary

19LTB341 National Young Workers Branch Forum – CWU HQ – 13-14 June



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Postal Industrial Conference 2019 – Motion 142

Postal Industrial Conference 2019 – Motion 142

Reproduced below for the information of Branches are the terms of Motion 142 raised in the name of the LGBT Conference which was carried at the Postal Industrial Conference 2019.

Conference notes that it cannot be assumed that pension rights are applied equally across the board to all couples, whether in heterosexual or same sex relationships. It is a concern that some of the existing pensions which members have accrued may not pay out to a specified partner in a same sex relationship, despite it being clearly stated in an ‘Expression of Wishes’ form to the pension trustees, as the trustees are not legally bound to enact these wishes.

Conference instructs the Postal Executive working with the LGBTAC to ensure that all members regardless of the nature of their relationships have their beneficiary wishes respected and enacted as a point of principle to ensure complete parity for all our members.

This directive is to include the proposed CDC pension currently in development, or any variant thereof.

The Department via Paul Kennedy, CWU/RMG Pension Trustee, have made enquiries to the respective Senior Pension Fund Manager as to the status of Expression of Wish forms where individuals are in same sex relationships, marriage or civil partnership. The Department received the following confirmation from Mark Rugman, Head of Membership and Benefits, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

Paul

The Rules of the RMPP do indeed provide for a pension to be paid to a spouse of any sex or to a civil partner, with no difference in the rate and allowing for the member’s full service in the RMPP.

The discretionary lump sum is just that – paid at the discretion of the Trustee (unless in some cases where a Section B member has chosen to have it paid to their Personal Representative). Therefore, a member is free to indicate who they would wish to receive it and nominate their spouse or civil partner as they see fit and the Trustee will consider those wishes when deciding on the distribution.

Regards 
Mark Rugman

You will note from the above that the current RMPP does recognise the status of same sex relationships detailed on the Expression of Wish form and therefore the Postal Executive are satisfied that this aspect of the Motion has been met.

However in view of the concerns raised in Motion 142, any CWU member in the Postal Constituency who has experienced any difficulties in relation to submitting an Expression of Wish form who are in a same sex relationship should provide the details to the DGS(P) Department so they can be raised with the business accordingly.

In relation to the second element of the Motion involving the proposed CDC/DB Pension Scheme, the Department will ensure that the same principles are adopted when this scheme is eventually introduced.

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

19LTB336 – Postal Industrial Conference 2019 – Motion 142



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Membership Records Review – Staffing Arrangements

Membership Records Review – Staffing Arrangements

In line with the CWU Redesign Project, we have undertaken a review of staffing arrangements within the membership department including workloads, roles and responsibilities.

Taking into consideration the future implementation of a new Regional Structure, we intend to trial a change to the existing arrangement whereby staff are currently allocated a set number of branches by constituency (Postal/TFS), to one based on allocation by region irrelevant of constituency. We believe this will allow regions an efficient and direct route to resolving membership record issues.

The trial of the new working arrangements will be for a 6 month period during which we will monitor the impact of this change.

Branches are therefore advised that until further notice the following members of staff will have responsibility for the following regions:

Hayley Moffat Midland and Eastern Ext 467

Barbara Freakley North East and Scotland Ext 348

Mary Grigson South East and South West Ext 460

Melissa Rogers North West and Wales Ext 245

Nikki Haughton London and Northern Ireland Ext 262

It would assist the department for all email enquiries to be addressed to membership@cwu.org This will ensure enquiries are passed to the correct member of staff and will assist when members of staff are on annual leave.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed tomakerman@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

 

A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

19LTB337

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