The view from the floor – CWU Activist History Online 

As part of our Union Learning Fund Project, the Education & Training Department are developing a CWU history of activism resource which will be located on CWU Left Click.

 

The aim is to gather and store eye witness accounts, images, films and key documents relating to some of the major disputes and campaigns which have shaped the CWU and its founding unions. Rather than a formal archive this is very much an activist’s view of events. These resources will then be available to CWU students and activists who have an interest in finding out more about our own unique history.

 

Learning Project Worker Ray Atkinson will be gathering information and interviews with activists and retired members to populate this resource over the next few months. The first major event that we will be researching is the Grunwick dispute and we will be following up with the Critchley Labels dispute.

 

In 2016, we hope to expand this project to research the DRAS dispute, the 1971 Strike, the Mercury Boycott as well as other notable events. We are also developing a CWU timeline which will give an historical overview of the CWU. We will be issuing an LTB inviting Branches to get involved and to put us in contact with people who could provide eye witness accounts or historical material.

 

NEC members and CWU Officers will be well placed to assist with this project and we hope that you will actively get involved as the resource develops. The aim will be to launch the first chapter on Grunwick in November 2015 and the Critchley Labels Chapter by January 2016.

 

If any NEC members wish to contribute please contact Ray Atkinson via email at ray.atkinson7@virginmedia.com in the first instance.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Trish Lavelle

Head of Education & Training

The Refugee Crisis: CWUHA Appeal for Assistance 

There has been widespread concern and horror among working people over the developing humanitarian crisis in Calais, the Mediterranean and across Europe as refugees flee the war zones in the Middle East and North Africa.  

 

In keeping with our longstanding tradition in the trade union movement of providing humanitarian aid via our own CWUHA and other international solidarity action, the CWU is liaising with the Trustees of CWUHA and with the CALAID Organisation – in planning help, collection and dispatch of urgent aid to Calais. Further details of this will follow in due course.

 

Branches may also wish to note that a number of organisations to which we affiliate have arranged a “Refugees Welcome Here – National Day of Action” on the 12th September 2015 assembling at Marble Arch (London) at 2pm followed by a Rally at Downing Street – further details here: http://www.standuptoracism.org.uk/

 

In the meantime, Branches are urged to get involved in this urgent appeal and it would be appreciated if consideration is given to seeking and offering the following:-

 

• Donations to CWUHA marked “European Refugee Crisis”

• Provide supplies as listed at the CALAID website http://www.calaid.co.uk/

 

Branches can view further information by visiting the CWU HA website http://www.cwuha.org or by contacting Carl Webb, North West Regional Secretary northwestregion@cwu.org

 

Thank you for anything you can do to assist with this appeal.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

DAVE WARD

GENERAL SECRETARY
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

Dear Colleagues,

RETIRED MEMBERS RECRUITMENT

 

Please find attached a copy of a poster relating to members who are about to retire.   I would be grateful if this could be displayed in workplaces within in your branch area.   Additional copies can be obtained by contacting aniven@cwu.org

 

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Chris Tapper in the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department on telephone number 020 8971 7331 or email ctapper@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

Click on link below to view or download 

retired members poster

IMPORTANT NOTICE: ACCESS TO BRANCH SAGE ACCOUNTS 

The way you access your Sage Accounts will be changing over the coming weekend. The company hosting this service has been testing new systems that host the service for a number of months and this necessary change can now take place.

 

The reality is that branches will see no difference to the service they use as this is simply a software system change. However the need to run the new software requires the system to be closed down for a short period and we have been informed that this will be over the coming weekend.

 

As a result Branches will not be able to access the system from 6 p.m. on Friday 4th September until midnight on Sunday 6th September when we are assured normal service will be resumed.

 

The only change will be that from Monday 7th September you will need you use the following link in your internet browser to access Sage Accounts, https://cwu.cvdfk.com

 

This new link will take you to a screen that is identical to the one you have been using and your username, password, domain and passcode will all remain the same as before.

 

Citrix Support can still be contacted on the same telephone number 0207 509 9135 there is a distinct possibility that this is may change in the coming months and if so we will notify branches of that change.

 

If you have any trouble accessing Sage accounts next week, please make sure you are using the new link enclosed within this email before calling the helpline, please note the old link will still let you log into the Citrix system but the Sage icon will not work.

 

Branches are asked to let those who access this service to be aware of the contents of this notice.

 

Any enquiries regarding this LTB 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

CWU Disability Conference – Thursday 19th November 

The CWU Disability Conference will be held on Thursday 19th November 2015 at the Grand Central Hotel, Victoria Suite, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SL.

Delegates/Observers

Branches are entitled to send two delegates to the Conference but branches have no restriction on the number of observers that can attend.

 

Branches are asked to register delegates and observers using the online registration process. Most branches should be familiar with the system now but anyone that has any difficulties please contact conferences@cwu.org.  

 

The link to access this is http://conference.cwu.org

 

In order that we can cater for any delegate(s) with special needs such as seating, it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Wednesday 7th October 2015.

 

Crèche facilities will be available to delegates during the Conference and Branches should advise the SDGS Department in writing, by return, but no later than Wednesday 7th October 2015 if they require the use of this facility. Please ensure that the names and ages of the children, together with an appropriate address for sending the crèche form to for completion are included in this advice. It will not be possible to provide on the spot facilities to those delegates who have not informed us in advance.

Motions

Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

 

The Disability Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the conference standing in their name.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion forms must be returned by midnight on Wednesday 7th October 2015. All sections of the form must be completed.

 

As with previous Equality Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be two sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.

 

Branches will be aware that with the carriage of Composite Rule Amendment 126 at General Conference 2013, the Disability Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit two motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference and one motion to the Postal Group and Telecoms Industry Conferences. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be considered for General Conference they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.

 

As with previous Equality Conferences, the motions for submission to the General Conference, Postal Group and Telecoms Industry agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the motions will be held at the Conference and further information will be contained within the conference standing orders.

 

Please note that all correspondence must be sent to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal email address.

 

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

 
 

CWU Women’s Conference – Wednesday 18th November 

The CWU Women’s Conference will be held on Wednesday 18th November 2015 at the Grand Central Hotel, Victoria Suite, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SL.

Delegates/Observers

Branches are entitled to send two delegates to the Conference but branches have no restriction on the number of observers that can attend.

 

Branches are asked to register delegates and observers using the online registration process. Most branches should be familiar with the system now but anyone that has any difficulties please contact conferences@cwu.org.  

 

The link to access this is http://conference.cwu.org

 

In order that we can cater for any delegate(s) with special needs such as seating, it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 6th October 2015.

 

Crèche facilities will be available to delegates during the Conference and Branches should advise the SDGS Department in writing, by return, but no later than Tuesday 6th October 2015 if they require the use of this facility. Please ensure that the names and ages of the children, together with an appropriate address for sending the crèche form to for completion are included in this advice. It will not be possible to provide on the spot facilities to those delegates who have not informed us in advance.

Motions

Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

 

The Women’s Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the conference standing in their name.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion forms must be returned by midnight on Tuesday 6th October 2015. All sections of the form must be completed.

 

As with previous Equality Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be two sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.

 

Branches will be aware that with the carriage of Composite Rule Amendment 126 at General Conference 2013, the Women’s Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit two motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference and one motion to the Postal Group and Telecoms Industry Conferences. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be considered for General Conference they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.

 

As with previous Equality Conferences, the motions for submission to the General Conference, Postal Group and Telecoms Industry agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the motions will be held at the Conference and further information will be contained within the conference standing orders.

 

Please note that all correspondence must be sent to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal email address.

 

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

 

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

 

 

Youth Conference 2016: Saturday, 23rd January: Mechanics Institute, Manchester

The NEC has agreed that the 2016 Youth Conference will take place on Saturday, 23rd January 2016 at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester.
 

Details of the closing date for submissions of Motions will be dealt with and issued by the General Conference Standing Orders Committee under a separate Letter to Branches.

 

Other arrangements appertaining to the Youth Conference are set out in Rule 10.23.

 

Accommodation

 

A block booking of 45 rooms have been secured at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4PH at a cost of £80 (single-occupancy B&B) or £90 (double-occupancy B&B) for the Friday night (22nd January 2016).

 

If branches would like accommodation for their delegate(s) please could you let my office know by no later than Monday, 11 January 2016 please? The cost of any accommodation booked will be reconciled through the branch rebate system)

 

Social

 

There will be a social on the Friday evening: the details of which will be issued nearer the time.

Mobility/Access Issues

Please let my office know as quickly as possible, no later than Monday, 1 December 2015, if anyone has any mobility or access issues etc. or if a signer is required.

Crèche

If anyone requires a crèche, could you please also let my office know as quickly as possible, and no later than Monday, 1 December 2015.

Prayer Room

Please let my office know as quickly as possible, no later than, Monday, 1 December 2015 if anyone requires a prayer room, so that we can arrange suitable accommodation for this.

Any queries on this LTB should be addressed to my office at CWU headquarters. 

Yours sincerely,

 

Simon Sapper

Assistant Secretary

 

BRANCH ELECTIONS2014/16

Please find below the timetable for the upcoming Branch Elections for term of office 2016 to 2018.

Display timetable 07/09/15

Nominations open (Set 1) 14/09/15

Nominations close (set 1) 05/10/15

Ballots start (Set 1) 20/10/15

Ballot closes (Set 1) 03/11/15

Result declared (Set 1) 05/11/15

Nominations Open (Set 2) 26/10/15

Nominations close (Set 2) 16/11/15

Ballot opens (Set 2) 01/12/15

Ballot closes (Set 2) 16/12/15

Results declared (Set 2) 18/12/15

Nomination forms are available via your local Rep, the Branch Office. Tel 01733 382512 or you can download the form from the Branch website http://www.cwue5.org and should be returned to Amanda Hill, Branch Secretary, PO Box 438, Peterborough, PE4 5PE.

It is the responsibility of the current workplace rep to ensure this notice is clearly displayed.

Term of Office will run from March 2016 to March 2018

Any enquiries to

Amanda Hill, Branch Secretary.

c Eastern 5 Branch

SET ONE ELECTIONS

Nominations open 14/09/2015 9 a.m.

Nominations close 09/10/2015 9 a.m.

Branch Chair Branch Secretary

Branch Treasurer Branch Equality Officer

Branch Political Officer Branch Deputy Secretary

Branch Editor Branch Returning Officer Branch Women’s Officer Branch BAME Officer

Branch Youth Officer Retired Members Chair

Retired Members Secretary

Assistant Secretary (Legal & Medical)

Area Processing Representative

Area Distribution Representative

Area Delivery Representative

Area Health & Safety Representative

Lead Union Learning Rep

Branch Equality Committee (6 members)

Branch Women’s Committee (6 members)

Term of office will run from March 2016 to March 2018

c Eastern 5 Branch

SET 2 ELECTIONS

Nominations open 26/10/2015 9 a.m.

Nominations close 16/11/2015 9 a.m.

Unit and Shift Representatives

Health and Safety Reps

Sectional Secretary (Letters)

Sectional Chair (Letters)

Mail Centre Secretary (APC Committee), Mail Centre Chair (APC Committee)

Substitute Unit and Shift Representatives

Substitute Area Processing Representative

Substitute Area Distribution Representative

Substitute Area Delivery Representative

Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative

Union Learning Reps

Term of Office will run from March 2016 to March 2018

Amanda Hill

Branch Secretary

click on link to view and download document

https://cwue5.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/branch-nomination-form.docx