Membership Subscription – Retired & Retired Associate Members – from 1st January 2017 
Please note that LTB 715/16 issued on 6th December was incorrect due to an administrative error with the calculation formula. Please now find the correct subscription rates below.
CWU Rule 11.5.2 contains the following instruction:
The rate for retired and retired associate members shall increase on 1 January each
year by the same percentage increase as the known CPI at the time.
The known rate for CPI is currently 0.9% therefore in accordance with the rules of the union from 1st January 2017 the membership subscription rates for Retired and Retired Associate Members will be as follows:
CWU Contribution rates –
from 1 January 2017
New Weekly Contributions
New Monthly Contributions
“I” Rate £
“O” Rate £
“I” Rate £
“O” Rate £
Retired Members
1.35
1.15
5.84
4.97
Retired Associate Members
n/a
n/a
4.55
3.68
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
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 717/16 – Membership Subscription – Retired & Retired Associate Members – from 1st January 2017

Royal Mail Delivery Torch – Temporary Replacement Model to Meet Increased Demand over Christmas Period to Cover Evening Deliveries etc.: (SABER 8 LED Pocket Inspection Lamp)
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues, 
LTB 674/16 announced that as part of the Christmas arrangements, agreement had been reached between the Postal Department and Royal Mail on the subject of evening Parcel Deliveries with the 2016/17 agreement mirroring that of last year in relation to Parcel Deliveries.
As a result of the agreement to perform evening deliveries in the run up to Christmas, there has been a huge increase in demand for torches which Royal Mail Assets have been struggling to keep up with and as a result, the Business has now run out and completely exhausted all stock. The suppliers of the current normal torch are not able to replenish Royal Mail stock quick enough with the next delivery batch not due to arrive in the Country until the end of January 2017. 
As a short term emergency measure, a temporary alternative Torch has been identified with a UK supplier being able to supply the numbers required in the run up to Christmas, with a return to the standard Torch model at the end of January 2017. 
SABER 8 LED Pocket Inspection Lamp – description:
The Torch that will be supplied from imminently until the end of January 2017 will be manufactured by ‘SABER’ and is their 8 LED Pocket Lamp which is no bigger than a large pen and has both a pocket clip and also contains a magnet, making it easy to place the light while leaving the hands free. It has eight LEDs which give a bright 120 Lumens of Light, broad beam that’s powerful enough to use on Royal Mail outdoor duties, illuminating delivery items, for address reading etc and from a safety perspective, can be used to light the way for walking. It takes 3 AAA Batteries for 7 Hours Continuous Lighting, Magnetic pocket clip offering flexible positioning for ease of use with a durable On/Off Switch. 
Product Information – SABER 8 LED Pocket Inspection Lamp
Brand – SABER

Model – 144621

Item Weight 82 g

Product Dimensions 64.6 x 8.7 x 7.9 cm

Manufacturer Part Number & Item model number 144621

Provides 7 hours operating time

Features 8 x LED for wide light output

Swivel pocket clip & magnet for hands free use

Light weight for easy transportation

Includes 3 x AAA batteries 

Attached please find images of the SABER 8 LED Pocket Inspection LED Pocket Lamp. 
In respect of any supply issues, Managers should contact Shaun Buttress National Materials Handling Equipment Manager:- Mobile: 07843 369574 Email: shaun.buttress@royalmail.com
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 714/16 Royal Mail Delivery Torch – Temporary Replacement Model to Meet Increased Demand over Christmas Period to Cover Evening Deliveries etc.: (SABER 8 LED Pocket Inspection Lamp)

LTB 714/16 SABER

Membership Subscription – Retired & Retired Associate Members – from 1st January 2017 
CWU Rule 11.5.2 contains the following instruction:
The rate for retired and retired associate members shall increase on 1 January each
year by the same percentage increase as the known RPI at the time.
 
The known rate for RPI is currently 2.0% therefore in accordance with the rules of the union from 1st January 2017 the membership subscription rates for Retired and Retired Associate Members will be as follows:
CWU Contribution rates –
from 1 January 2017
New Weekly Contributions
New Monthly Contributions
“I” Rate £
“O” Rate £
“I” Rate £
“O” Rate £
Retired Members
1.36
1.16
5.90
5.03
Retired Associate Members
n/a
n/a
4.59
3.72
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
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 715/16 – Membership Subscription – Retired & Retired Associate Members – From 1st January 2017

National Postal Workers Day – Monday 12th December

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches of major forthcoming initiatives on National Postal Workers Day on 12th December and to ask for your support.

Workplace Mailing – Next Week

All workplaces will receive a mailing next week with a pamphlet setting out our plans for National Postal Workers Day on 12th December.

In essence, we are hoping to make 12th December (traditionally the highest posting day of the year) a celebration of the role postal workers play in delivering the universal postal service six days a week, every week of the year to 29 million addresses across the UK.

How CWU Members Can Help

The pamphlet itself is designed to be used as a poster publicising National Postal Workers day and we are asking members to take selfies with the poster in their office and with customers and share these via social media. We are also asking CWU members to come up with their own innovative ideas to publicise the day and the importance of their role and postal services.

Post Office Campaign

National Postal Workers Day represents an ideal opportunity to increase the level of postcard returns for our Post Office campaign. With this in mind, we are extending the deadline for returning cards to CWU HQ to Wednesday 14th December.

We ask that alongside the workplace photoshoots, Branches organise the signing of postcards in all large and medium sized units – if you have not already done so.

Any Branches requiring additional postcards to carry out this activity should contact Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org as a matter of urgency.

Media Coverage

The union has worked hard to secure a number of national press articles on the day and these will be shared with Branches electronically as they are published. We have also taken adverts out in The New Statesman and several local publications. Additionally, a number of high profile figures and MPs have pledged their support for National Postal Workers Day and we will be sharing their videos, messages and tweets on the day.

The General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary (Postal) will also be visiting workplaces on the day to further raise the profile. Next week we will be working to increase the opportunity for media coverage, although as everybody knows, this will ultimately depend on the news agenda for that day.

What We Need From Regions, Divisions, Branches and Members

We understand that National Postal Workers Day falls at a very busy time of the year for our Branches and members – but it also presents a real opportunity for publicity given the Christmas pressure period. Ultimately, we want to maximise support from all sections of the CWU and our members to make the day a success.

We are therefore asking Representatives, Branches, Divisions and Regions to help support our initiative and undertake the following activities in support of the campaign:

1. We ask that Regions/Branches send out a press release to all local media contacts in their area – we have attached a draft to assist you with this.

2. We request Regions/Branches give consideration to taking out adverts in local publications. A version of the national advert is attached and we are happy for Branches to use this at local level.

3. Branches should organise photoshoots on the day with members holding their National Postal Workers Day posters. These should be shared via Twitter and Facebook using #PeoplesPost

4. We believe that our members are an underused resource for us as a union. We ask that members find innovative and exciting ways of getting our messages out on the day. Prizes will be provided for the best photos by members, Branches and Regions.

To support Branches and CWU Representatives we have attached to this LTB the following documentation:
An advance copy of the CWU poster – not the printed version (Attachment 1)

A model press release for Branches to use with their local media (Attachment 2)

A copy of an advert that can be used by Branches in local publications (Attachment 3)
Conclusion

It is essential that all Branches and Representatives play an active part and do what they can to make the day a success.

We would urge Branches to select a manageable number of units and focus their efforts on these.

We would also ask you to ensure the content of this LTB and in particular the CWU Poster is provided to all Representatives as soon as possible. Please consider supplementing our national message with your own tailored Branch message in your workplaces.

The external pressures brought about by the privatisation and unfair regulation of the Postal Industry is having a direct impact on the issues we are dealing with in offices across the UK. National Postal Workers Day offers us an opportunity to celebrate the role of postal workers and raise the profile of our campaign.

Please do everything that you can to support National Postal Workers Day.

Yours sincerely
 

Dave Ward Terry Pullinger

General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (P)
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 698/16 – National Postal Workers Day – Monday 12th December

Att 1. LTB 698.16 CWU Poster – National Postal Workers Day

Att 2. LTB 698.16 Model Branch Press Release – National Postal Workers Day

Att 3. LTB 698.16 – Advert – National Postal Workers Day

CWU WEBSITE SURVEY
 
As previously reported, we are in the process of revamping cwu.org. This project will now run for the next few months. 
We are looking to move away from the traditionally centralised way of building a new website and as such, we want the views of all stakeholders. Short surveys have been produced for CWU HQ Departments, Representatives and members. 
The link below will take you directly to the survey for representatives. It is vital that all branches both take the time to fill out the survey but also pass it onto all representatives. 
We also ask once we share the member’s survey via email / social media, you help to share this as well. 
The department has held meetings across the union in the last 12 months and the biggest complaint has generally been about our website – this is the first step in putting it right. 
LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8VM368W
 
Yours Sincerely,
 
Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 710/16 – CWU WEBSITE SURVEY

ROYAL MAIL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING – CHRISTMAS SUPPORT ACTIVITY
Dear Colleagues
The department has received notification from Graham Baker, Head of Industrial Engineering, in regard to activity that RM Industrial Engineers will be undertaking over the next four weeks.
Branches and representatives are informed that rather than providing the usual managerial voluntary assistance in Callers Offices or Parcel deliveries in the run up to Christmas, the Royal Mail Industrial Engineering team have been asked to provide support in all Mail Centres, RDC’s and Parcel Sort Centres. This will entail visiting various sites and shifts and helping the plant manager and their teams deliver an efficient Christmas operation, looking at processes, layouts etc. that have been set up especially for the Christmas period.
The business have clarified that while the RM IE’s may be visiting your site for a couple of days during the next few weeks, they will not be conducting any time study activity but will be working with the local team to ensure a smooth running and effective operation.
The RM IE team has been asked to advise each plant of their planned visits and for the site managers to in turn advise their local CWU representatives, managers and staff so that everyone is aware that the RM IE’s will be working with them on site.
The department does not foresee any difficulties in relation to this activity but would ask our representatives to monitor the situation and advise the department immediately should any concerns come to light.
Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our members are made aware of the contents of this LTB. 
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 730.03 
Yours sincerely 
Davie Robertson  
Assistant Secretary  
Email Attachments – Click to download
· LTB 708/16 – Royal Mail Industrial Engineering – Christmas Support Activity

GENERAL CONFERENCE 2016: MOTION 42
Branches will be aware that Motion 42 accepted at General Conference instructed the NEC to review and change to a more appropriate, cheaper band subscription rates for all new entrant Romec cleaners until they have received parity of pay with existing cleaners.
The full terms of the motion reads as follows:
42 CATEGORY A:  
Conference welcomes the excellent news of ROMEC coming home and applauds what is a magnificent victory for this trade union.
However conference notes that part of the cost of this deal is that new entrants in the cleaning grade will now for the first part of their employment only be earning the National Minimum wage.
By definition these workers will be the lowest paid adult workers in the recognised sector.
Furthermore it is recognised that there is a legitimate organising challenge in ROMEC and it is vital that the CWU increase its membership percentage among cleaners in ROMEC.
Therefore conference agrees that it is wrong in principle, and in practice, for new entrant cleaners on minimum wage to be paying the highest rate of subscriptions that the CWU charges.
Conference consequently instructs the executive to review and change to a more appropriate, cheaper band, the subscription rates for new entrants in ROMEC until they have received parity of pay with existing cleaners.
The NEC is instructed accordingly.
Plymouth and East Cornwall
There is a paragraph within the new contract for new cleaners regarding incremental scales which states as follows; “An incremental scale will be introduced for cleaners recruited after the acquisition date, with progression from minimum to maximum over three years. The minimum rate will be set at adult (over 25) national minimum wage (plus London weighting where appropriate). The maximum will be the full Romec rate for cleaners (plus London weighting where appropriate).” 
We have now reviewed the new pay structure, with the assistance of the Outdoor and Central Services within the Postal Department and we have established that the difference in pay rates, for the first 3 years between existing and new entrant cleaners is minimal. 
The negotiators agreement further states; “and the maximum rate, payable from the third anniversary of appointment, will correspond to the full Romec rate for cleaners (plus London Weighting where appropriate)”. 
Conference has however decided that a lower rate should be introduced for new entrants and we believe the new subscription rates should be set 2 plans lower than our current rates for existing cleaning grades. We have chosen this rate in order to show that we are clearly embracing the terms laid out in the motion despite the fact that the difference in pay rates is not as great as the difference in our subscription plan rates.
For example if an existing full time cleaner is paying Plan 1 subscriptions (£14.56 opt out) rate, then a new entrant cleaner will pay Plan 3 £10.19 opt out rate. By setting the rates at this level we are not undermining the subscriptions currently paid by existing cleaners and ensuring we adhere to the terms of the motion.
The subscription plans for new entrant Romec cleaners for the first 3 years of membership will be as follows:
HOURS WORKED
Over 30 – Plan 3 £10.19 opt out
Over 25 up to 30 – Plan 5 £7.27 opt out  
Over 20 up to 25 – Plan 6 £5.82 opt out  
Over 15 up to 20 – Plan 7 £4.37 opt out  
Under 15 – Plan 9 £4.00 opt out
This rate allows us to implement the terms of the motion whilst remaining consistent by operating within our existing plans.
Branches should give the content of this LTB the widest circulation possible.
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department by email to sdgs@cwu.org. 
Yours sincerely, 
 
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 709/16 – General Conference 2016: Motion 42

ROYAL MAIL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING – CHRISTMAS SUPPORT ACTIVITY
Dear Colleagues
The department has received notification from Graham Baker, Head of Industrial Engineering, in regard to activity that RM Industrial Engineers will be undertaking over the next four weeks.
Branches and representatives are informed that rather than providing the usual managerial voluntary assistance in Callers Offices or Parcel deliveries in the run up to Christmas, the Royal Mail Industrial Engineering team have been asked to provide support in all Mail Centres, RDC’s and Parcel Sort Centres. This will entail visiting various sites and shifts and helping the plant manager and their teams deliver an efficient Christmas operation, looking at processes, layouts etc. that have been set up especially for the Christmas period.
The business have clarified that while the RM IE’s may be visiting your site for a couple of days during the next few weeks, they will not be conducting any time study activity but will be working with the local team to ensure a smooth running and effective operation.
The RM IE team has been asked to advise each plant of their planned visits and for the site managers to in turn advise their local CWU representatives, managers and staff so that everyone is aware that the RM IE’s will be working with them on site.
The department does not foresee any difficulties in relation to this activity but would ask our representatives to monitor the situation and advise the department immediately should any concerns come to light.
Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our members are made aware of the contents of this LTB. 
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 730.03 
Yours sincerely 
Davie Robertson  
Assistant Secretary  
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 708/16 – Royal Mail Industrial Engineering – Christmas Support Activity

ALLAN THOMAS – SOUTH EAST WALES AMAL BRANCH 
I am writing to advise branches of the sad passing of one of our long serving activist and retired members, Mr Allan Thomas. 
Allan was a member of the South East Wales Amal Branch for nearly 34 years. He had many friends and colleagues in the union and wider labour movement who we know will miss him very much indeed. He was a committed trade unionist and an immensely loyal and dedicated member of the branch and he was proud to be part of the traditions of the workers movement in South Wales. 
As an activist he was determined to change his branch for the better and worked with others to create a more socialist leadership. He became section secretary of the Cardiff Uniform Branch. He was also an Area Safety rep for many years and was a regular delegate to the union’s annual conference. 
At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Allan’s wife Joan and his family and friends. I will on behalf of the CWU convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to them. 
Branches in the region have already been informed of Allan’s sad passing and the details of the funeral which takes place on 2nd December 2016. The service and committal will take place at: Glyntaff Crematorium, Cemetery Road, Pontypridd, CF37 4BE, at 3.45pm. 
The family has requested there be family flowers only; however they have asked that charitable donations can made to Cancer Research Wales c/o Castle Court Funeral Home, Castle House, 1 Castle Street, Treforest, Pontypridd, CF37 1TA. 
If you have any enquiries in relation to this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.1/LTB 706/16. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward

General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1: LTB 706/16 – Allan Thomas