ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTE RE-BALLOT: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – REQUESTS FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS AND POSTAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS TO ATTEND

Further to the National Briefing held at Friends Meeting House on 10^thJanuary 2023, Branches and Representatives will be aware that we are planning to serve notice of the re-ballot on RMG on 16^th January, and that ballot papers are due to be despatched from 23^rd January with the ballot closing on 16^th February 2023.

A comprehensive communications plan is in place to secure another massive ‘Yes’ vote.  It is critical that Branches hold meetings at every workplace during the period of the re-ballot.  The importance of this cannot be over stated.  Where possible, the National Officers and Postal Executive will assist Branches with meetings, as we are keen to support this crucial activity.

Branches will need to urgently assess what assistance (if any) is required, and provide as much notice as possible to secure the attendance of a National Officer or Postal Executive member.  Requests should be directed to the DGS(P) Department by e-mailing fkelk@cwu.org.

In closing, our thanks go to all Branches and Representatives for their continued work and efforts to secure another huge ‘Yes’ vote in the re-ballot.

Dave Ward
General Secretary                                                                           

Andy Furey
Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 011/23 – ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTE RE-BALLOT: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS – REQUESTS FOR NATIONAL OFFICERS AND POSTAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS TO ATTEND

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Hi everyone. Loads of Comms have gone out today. More to come from tomorrow and onwards.

Some targeted vids to share.

Processing https://fb.watch/h_NTz0HuyK/

Admin, MDEC, Customer Experience https://fb.watch/h_NUq38Vnt/

Fleet https://fb.watch/h_NWeTkcIc/

Parcelforce https://fb.watch/h_NX7rG7NR/

Support for suspended reps https://fb.watch/h_NYOozfRS/

Please share as widely as possible.

WeAreStillHere

ROYAL MAIL GROUP DISPUTES UPDATE – REFRESHED TALKS

We are writing to update you on a number of developments in our disputes with the Royal Mail Group.

Following discussions over the last few days, we have now agreed with the company to refresh our talks and engage in intensive negotiations from the 9^th to 20^th January.

The above is confirmed in an exchange of correspondence which is also attached to this LTB.

Branches, Reps and members will see that Royal Mail Group has made a number of significant moves towards the union, covering the following:

• RMG has agreed to immediately remove the agency staff used to cover the Christmas peak and strike action.
• RMG has accepted that the CWU will engage members in our campaign to win a re-ballot, while negotiations continue
• RMG has reinstated the industrial relations framework for all revision activity.  This is a significant development which gives us the ability to negotiate at local level, rather than managerial imposition of change. However we must be clear, as stated in our letter to Royal Mail, the outstanding issue of revision guidelines needing to be agreed, remains a major concern and may be a barrier to progress. This will be discussed as a priority on the first day of our talks.
• RMG has committed to reviewing all cases put forward by the CWU that have arisen from the dispute relating to suspensions, conduct charges and dismissals. The CWU has made clear that we will never accept these unfair attacks on our members and representatives and a resolution to this must be found over the next couple of weeks.

While recognising that some progress has been made, given the unacceptable actions of the company over the last few months, we do not take anything for granted and we know there are major differences between us on a raft of key issues.

Notwithstanding the above, the Postal Executive believe that now is the right time to try and change the dynamic of the dispute by pausing strike action and prioritising refreshed talks and the need to return another massive turnout and Yes vote in our re-ballot campaign.

During this period we have also secured a number of activities to raise the profile of our disputes, as follows:

• 10^th January- Westminster Hall debate on Postal Services (Post Office and Royal Mail)
• 12^th January- Westminster Hall debate on Royal Mail and the Future of the Universal Service Obligation
• 17^th January- The CWU will be giving evidence to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Parliamentary Select Committee, which has been called to discuss the mismanagement of Royal Mail and the future of the USO and our dispute
• 23^rd January- we will be meeting with major Royal Mail shareholders to explain our concerns about the dispute and the future of the company.

We know this has been an extremely difficult dispute but there is no doubt that the strength of our membership over the last few months has delivered progress. We will discuss this progress and other developments on a live Facebook session on Tuesday 10^th January at 7pm.

In the meantime, it is of paramount importance that the whole union re-engages our members in a campaign to win the second ballot and this will be pivotal to the successful outcome of our disputes.

We look forward to meeting branches and representatives at the National Briefing on the 10^thJanuary and we would ask that you convey the attached membership communication to all workplaces.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary/Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal) at jdunn@cwu.org/fkelk@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward – General Secretary                                            

Andy Furey – Acting Deputy General Secretary (Postal) 

23LTB004 RMG DISPUTES UPDATE – REFRESHED TALKS

06.01.23 Letter from Simon Thompson

06.01.23 Letter to Simon Thompson and Stuart MacDonald

Members Comms – Update

https://fb.watch/hZutmneCY0/

https://fb.watch/hZuxHQ-8Oe/

https://fb.watch/hZuC4-cFRU/

https://fb.watch/hZuExnBPQ6/

https://fb.watch/hZuOhOBAWY/

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2023-01-10/debates/267a7bbd-6998-44c0-a071-555279d95183/FutureOfPostalServices

https://fb.watch/hZv-rJsqTG/

RECRUITMENT OF RETIRED MEMBERS AND RETIRED MEMBERS SECTIONS

Recruitment

For some time now the Retired Members Committee (RMC) has been considering the issue of recruitment to retired membership within the union. The concern of the RMC as well as the Retired Regional Leads (RRL) is that the size of this group of members continues to decline and that there is a need to address this point.

The RMC and the RRL have held joint meetings to discuss this matter on a number of occasions. Branches will recall that we sought views as to what worked and what didn’t when it came to recruitment in this area.

Following feedback and further discussion the Research Department at CWU HQ produced a document that sets out the issues around recruitment of retired members within the CWU.

The RMC and the RRL met again just before the end of 2022 and agreed that in order to try and boost recruitment of retired members into the CWU the Research Department report should be reproduced in full to all Branches (Appendix A).

The RMC acknowledges the current difficulties Branches are facing as a result of previous and ongoing industrial action. They have however requested that all Branches consider the report which is attached to this LTB and discuss with their Branch Committees and retired members on how best to mount a recruitment campaign in order that more members who are leaving employment retain CWU membership as retired members.

The RMC would also appreciate Branches responding to this LTB by letting them know what actions are being or will be taken in this matter in order that they can monitor membership numbers against actions being taken. That way we can begin to build up a picture of what brings results and begin to develop a model of recruitment that is successful across the whole of the union.

RMC and RRL are happy to assist Branches on this issue and contact details can be found at Appendix B to this LTB. 

Retired Members Sections

In addition to recruitment of members the RMC and RRL believe that one of the issues that may be a barrier to recruitment of members in this area is the lack of a retired members section in a number of branches.

The RMC members and the RRL have experience of setting up such sections and those branches currently without a retired members section are asked to contact either a member of the RMC or the RRL for your Region with a view to constituting, as set out in then CWU Rule book, a retired members section within your branch.

The RMC and RRL have asked that we seek the assistance of the Regional Secretary’s on this issue and a copy of this LTB will be forwarded to them asking if they can contact those Branches without a retired members section to see what assistance is needed to set one up.

Conclusion

As stated above the RMC/RRL are acutely aware of the pressures all branches are under at this moment in time. Retired members constitute a sizeable proportion of CWU total membership, 6.5%, growing this cohort of membership is as important to the union overall as it is to the benefit of those individuals who join. The RMC/RRL are determined to do all they can to grow membership in this area and look to Branches to do all they can to assist them in this task.

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

23LTB009

APPENDIX A – Retired Members Recruitment Committee Consultation Summary 2022

APPENDIX B – RMC & RRL Contact Details

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CWU Young Workers Conference 2023 – Agenda Pad

Branches would wish to know that the agenda for the CWU Young Workers Conference has now been published on the website and can be accessed by opening the attachment or pasting the link into your browser:

Click to access YOUNG-WORKERS-CONFERENCE-AGENDA-2023.doc.pdf

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven by telephoning 020 8971 7256 or by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

23LTB008 – CWU Young Workers Conference 2023 – Agenda Pad

YOUNG WORKERS CONFERENCE AGENDA 2023.doc

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 44 – January 2023:

Introduction

The Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC. The GJA was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy. The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national Government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

GJA ‘Free’ Courses:

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps with details published in the newsletter.

The GJA now offer three ‘on-line’ courses as follows:

1. Climate Change Awareness

This short introductory course is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of the issues around climate change.  The course is divided into 4 modules.  The modules contain background information, short videos, graphs and illustrations.

• Module 1: Climate Change Explained
• Module 2: International Responses
• Module 3: Trade Union Responses
• Module 4: Getting Involved

At the end of each section, there are references and links to additional materials if you want to go further. There are no formal tests and you can work through the materials at your own pace but there are optional quizzes to check your understanding at the end of modules 1, 2 and 3.

2. A Trade Union Guide to Just Transition

Social justice must be at the heart of the development of a net-zero carbon economy. The course covers:

• The meaning and history of the term just transition
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

It is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of why just transition should be central to climate change policy.

3. Air Quality – a trade union issue

The following issues will be explored in this free online course. It is made up of 3 modules,

• Module 1: The Causes and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
• Module 2: The Law and Government Policy
• Module 3:  Trade Union Responses and Campaigns

Link to GJA on-line Courses:https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/courses/

GJA Founder Graham Petersen:

The founder GJA Secretary and Newsletter editor was Graham Petersen who is well known to the CWU and has a long standing working relationship with the Union. He is a former TUC tutor and course designer who created safety reps training courses and the successful TUC Occupational Health & Safety Diploma Course. He was the head of the Trade Union Studies Centre at South Thames College before retirement from the post and has been a visitor and guest speaker at CWU events and meetings. After 30 editions, Graham stood down at the GJA AGM and handed over to Paul Atkin as newsletter editor and Tahir Latif as GJA Secretary. Graham remains a GJA Steering Group member and is now working part time for the Wales TUC having recently written a publication for them ‘Greener workplaces for a just transition – a Wales TUC toolkit for trade unionists’ which was circulated by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department.

Paul Atkin Editorial GJA Newsletter Issue 43 – ‘After the COP, now what?’

This edition takes up the need to link the cost of living crisis to the climate crisis, green bargaining officers, key transition issues in skills agenda for manufacturing and skills gaps, transforming the steel industry, how we can build capacity in the movement to negotiate on green transition in regions and workplaces, nature and education in the COP process and why gas is not a “transition fuel”.

In this month’s editorial Paul Atkin picks up on the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recently announced five priorities being wrong and the failure to grasp the fact that the cost of living crisis, economy, health, housing and climate are linked with UK homes now paying, on average, £1,750 more for energy and

fuel annually than they would have if the Government had brought forward effective national campaigns on insulation, low-carbon heating and transport and domestic renewables.

He points out the important statement by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) as long ago as 2007 quote:- “Insulating existing houses led to a significantly warmer, drier indoor environment and … improved self-rated health, self-reported wheezing, days off school and work, and visits to general practitioners as well as a trend for fewer hospital admissions for respiratory conditions.” And, as Sir Michael Marmot stated in his 2011 Report “The Marmot Review into health inequalities” – “Living in a cold home can make you sick. ..older people are particularly vulnerable, with cold houses putting them more at risk of heart and lung disease as well as worsening conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. But… children and young people also suffer. Cold, poorly heated homes affect babies’ weight gain and increase the frequency and severity of asthmatic symptoms in children. Teenagers who live in cold houses are five times more likely to risk developing multiple mental health problems than adolescents who have always lived in warm homes.” 

Paul rightly points out that investing in green transition generates revenue as well as being imperative for survival. Debt can be cut through investment that benefits the population. Inflation can be cut by reducing the price of travel on public transport and putting a 100% windfall tax on fossil fuel producers excess profits to keep energy bills low for people and workplaces and pay for the insulation that will keep them that way.

He concludes that with the prospect of a change of government by 2024 we need to nail down the policies we need in the plans and campaigning of opposition parties.

Contents GJA Newsletter 44

• Editorial – The “People’s Priorities”?
• Model Motion for Opposition Parties
• Bold Solutions
• Skills Crisis
• A future for sustainable UK steel making
• Role of Green Bargaining Officer
• GJA bringing initiatives together
• What is a Green Bargaining Officer
• Yorkshire and Humber TUC – climate change and Just Transition
• Green jobs future given boost by Welsh Labour government
• 30 by 30. Biodiversity COP15
• COP 27: Education recognised, but no new commitments
• Climate Impacts on Schools and Colleges UCU Film
• Green Bites – why gas is not a transition fuel

What is a just transition?

A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers.

A rapid increase in the speed and scale of actions required to reduce the risks of climate change will create new economic opportunities.

Whilst a just transition is mainly based on environmental considerations, it is also shaped by other structural changes affecting labour markets, such as globalisation, labour-saving technologies and the shift to services.

A just transition is an integral part of many of the global commitments adopted by countries. The Paris Agreement acknowledges “the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities” and highlights the importance of workers in responding to climate change.

Furthermore, the just transition concept links to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, explicitly drawing together SDGs 12 – climate action, 10 – reduced inequalities, 8 – decent work and economic growth, and 7 – affordable and clean energy.

Many countries have recognised the challenge that this transformation entails and are taking measures to protect those that are most vulnerable and affected by the changes, including across the EBRD regions.

• The European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism is integral to the EU’s Green Deal, targeted at ensuring “a fair transition to a climate-neutral economy, leaving no one behind” and aims to mobilise at least €150 billion over the period 2021-2027;
• The Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration signed by 50 countries at COP24, which states that: “a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs are crucial to ensure an effective and inclusive transition”;
• Climate Action for Jobs Initiative, co-led by the International Labour Organisation, Spain and Peru, with 46 countries committing to develop “national plans for a just transition and create decent green jobs”.
• The UNFCCC Gender Action plan, whereby parties to the UNFCCC have recognized the importance of involving women and men equally in the development and implementation of national climate policies that are gender-responsive.

Note: COP28 is the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The conference is formally known as the ‘United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties’ and this is its 28th iteration. Given that the official title is a mouthful, it is shortened to COP28 which is short for the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. It’s will be held from 30 November until 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Quote of the Month:

“Our goal is to achieve zero deforestation in the Amazon and zero greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity matrix, in addition to encouraging the revitalisation of degraded pastures”
(New Brazilian President Lula Da Silva)

Attachment:

• See attached copy of the GJA Newsletter 44 for January 2023.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB007 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 44 – January 2023

GJA-Newsletter-44-Jan-2023

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Royal Mail Group – 2022 Free Flu Voucher Scheme Offer Extended To 31 January 2023:

Full details of the RMG 2022 Free Flu Jab Voucher Scheme were published in LTB 368/22 on 13 September 2022.

As reported in LTB 368/22 the Royal Mail Group Flu Voucher Scheme was scheduled to run from Monday 19 September 2022 until 31 December 2022.

Royal Mail Group informed us on Friday evening on 6 January 2023 that the Free Flu Jab vaccination scheme offer has been extended by a month to 31 January 2023, in response to the current high respiratory infection rates in the UK, forwarding a copy of a communication they have issued confirming this with additional advice. 

Downloading A Free Digital Flu Vaccination Voucher And Arranging An Appointment:

• Access the Flu voucher website digitalFlu.co.uk and enter an email address (work or personal).
• Enter the RMG company code R5M9G7 and a free Flu voucher will be delivered by email.
• Locate the Flu jab provider of choice, nearest or most convenient and book an appointment. This can be done either by phone, on-line via the provider’s website or by visiting the provider.
• When attending the Flu jab appointment to receive the vaccination, members will need to show their Royal Mail ID and the RMG digital free Flu voucher.
• Redeem the voucher and receive a free Flu vaccination by 31 January 2023.

Those included

All RMG employees, including new recruits and agency staff.

Free NHS Vaccination

The Flu jab continues to be available free of charge from the NHS for people over 50, those at risk of severe illness from catching Flu, those with certain defined conditions and a range of children’s age groups. For further information, individuals should contact their GP surgery.

No Local Listed Provider

Where the distance between a member’s home and the nearest pharmacy exceeds 15 miles, the Unit Manager will be able to authorise use of another, alternative Flu jab provider up to the maximum cost of £15. This is claimed through the travel and expenses process.

Influenza (Flu) 

Flu is one of the most significant causes of illness during the winter months. Flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, which is highly contagious and can lead to severe ill-health.

Help@Hand  

As reported in LTB 513/22 on 22 December 2022, RMG launched the new ‘Help@Hand’, giving employees direct and immediate access to a package of ‘free’ and independent health and wellbeing support. The Royal Mail Group workforce can access the range of support services by going on the RMG website and downloading the ‘Help@Hand App’.  Then select ‘Register via PIN’ and enter the Royal Mail code 164003.  Employees can then easily access the following:

• Remote GP – unlimited 24/7 access to a digital private GP service which covers RMG workers, their partner and family with children eligible up to their 18th birthday or 24th birthday if in full-time education.
• Physiotherapy – up to 8 consultation sessions per year which can also be shared between the employee and their partner.
• Mental Health Support – up to 8 consultation sessions per year which can be shared between the employee and their partner.
• A medical ‘Second Opinion’ service.
• A wellbeing calendar which includes access to webinars and support.
• Plus – Life, money and wellbeing advice support service.
• Registration takes just 10 minutes.

Would all Area and Unit Reps please remind all members that the Free Flu Jab scheme closing date has been extended for a month should anyone wish to take up the offer and advise members about the new ‘Help@Hand’ ‘Free’ health and wellbeing support scheme.

See attached copy of:

Message from Zareena Brown RMG Chief Peoples Officer dated 6 January 2023 entitled ‘Flu Vaccination Programme extended to 31 January 2023.’

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

23LTB006 Royal Mail Group – 2022 Free Flu Voucher Scheme Offer Extended To 31 January 2023

RMG Flu Vacination Programme Extended to 31.01.23 – Message From RMG CPO…

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