CWU Annual Pay Claim 2025 – 2026 – RM Property & Facilities Solutions LTD (PFSL)

Although our Pay Claim Letter was sent to PFSL way back in April, negotiations with the company did not begin in earnest until very recently.  The main reason for this was the take-over of Royal Mail by the EP Group putting all discussions on the back burner until this was completed.

The negotiating team met with PFSL on 21^st August, where our claim was discussed, following which PFSL submitted to the Union a proposal which was subject to further negotiation.

Branches and representatives will know our pay claim set out the following objectives:

• An above inflation pay rise.
• An increase in cleaners and warehouse operative’s pay to the Real Living Foundation recommendation.
• Parity in percentage pay terms with the rest of the Royal Mail Group for our engineers.
• Restoration of the ill-health retirement lump sum if this is achieved in the Royal Mail Group talks.

We met with the RMPFSL management team on 21^st August and they subsequently wrote to the Union on 27^th August with a closed offer, subject to further negotiation.

We held a National Briefing for our Senior PFSL Representatives and our Divisional Officials on 26^th August where we outlined the proposal from the company.  The overwhelming feeling from that meeting was that the proposal did not match the Union’s aspirations in order to settle this year’s pay claim.

At the next meeting of the Postal Executive the proposal was discussed and formally rejected by the Union and PFSL management were subsequently informed of this decision in writing.

We are awaiting a full response from the company and no doubt a further meeting will be arranged.

We will update branches and representatives as soon as there are any further developments.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department at hMaughan@cwu.org and lpietrzykowska@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Bobby Weatherall
Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 202-25 CWU Annual Pay Claim 2025 – 2026 – RM Property & Facilities Solutions LTD (PFSL)

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SISO Overtime Management National Deployment – Joint Statement

Dear Colleagues,

Branches and Members will recall that Scan In/Scan Out (SISO) was introduced in 2022 as a digital solution to replace manual sign-in processes. Likewise, within the BRT&G Agreement (Appendix 5), Royal Mail and CWU agreed to trial using SISO data to streamline payroll, with no auto deduction of contractual pay, allowances, Scheduled Attendance and all overtime paid as verbally agreed.

Since August 2024, trial activity has continued to be piloted in Sheffield South, Sheffield South East, Pudsey and Sheepscar and then subsequently extended pilots across all Delivery Offices in the Leeds and Sheffield OPL areas.

During the trial activity various improvements/technology upgrades to the system had been made throughout the pilots. The business had stated their plan had intensified and they confirmed they had developed a training plan in place from September and likewise a National Deployment plan for its roll out/introduction by the end of October for Delivery only.

Therefore, discussions took place with the business that there was still a real issue within the vast majority of the pilots regarding the planned removal of the P552 and subsequent replacement via a digital format to ensure that all verbally agreed overtime between a COM/Manager and the OPG is paid as per that agreement.

The CWU made it clear that any further National Deployment would need to be subject to a National Joint Statement and would need to ensure that its application is fully in line with the commitments within the BRT&G Agreement and further the correspondence that was exchanged between both parties in August 2024.

As a result of discussions over the last two weeks both parties have finalised the attached National Joint Statement which confirms the following key principles are agreed and will be adhered to as part of National Deployment.

• The system aligns with BRT&G principles in that ‘all verbally agreed overtime will be paid as agreed between the manager and OPG’. Likewise, it is agreed that there will be no auto deduction of any contractual pay and allowances.
• Employees will access a new “Delivery Variable Hours” tile via the People/Robin App which will show all approved overtime and scheduled attendance for pay within 24 hours, as per the verbal agreement, ensuring employees can challenge any errors and get paid correctly.
• Given that we have been able to demonstrate the business has not fully met the digital replacement, the P552 will remain in place for all Delivery Offices and will now be reviewed in January 2026.
• Reconfirmed the importance of Weekly Resourcing Meetings and that local reps will have the ability to help future planning of the SISO attendance planning and/or ensuring any issues are resolved and/or escalated to the National JWG if needed, which includes any individual employee concerns over the payment of O/T and S/A not being in line with the verbal agreement, which will form part of the January 2026 review.
• Confirmation the review will consider any implications that may flow from Section 6 of the Rebuilding Royal Mail Agreement and equalisation of new entrants’ Terms and Conditions.
• A jointly agreed FAQ document which answers the key questions that have been raised throughout the pilot activity and will be updated during National Deployment. Likewise also attached is the WTLL brief the business will issue.
• Clarification that any extension of SISO overtime functionality to other functions will be subject to separate discussions.
• All OPGs that undertake work within Bookroom/Admin roles will be subjected to a full training programme, which will be cascaded to all CWU Representatives.

Throughout pilot activity one of the key successes with the SISO overtime management system has been the introduction of our members having greater visibility to view all approved O/T and S/A, which then ensures members are paid correctly and on time.

In addition, the safeguards in place around the verbal agreement being adhered to at all times, the continuation of the P552 remaining in offices and the ability for any breaches of verbal agreements not being honoured to be escalated to the National JWG or the signatories, alongside the wider January 2026 review, will provide the ability for members to ensure they can raise matters to their Local/Area Reps where there are issues or breaches to what has been agreed.

Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department email address: pharacz@cwu.org and lpietrzykowska@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary

LTB 201-25 SISO Overtime Management – Joint Statement

Joint Statement SISO Overtime Management Final

SISO OT in Delivery WTLL 1 National Roll Out v1.14

SISO_Overtime_FAQs v3.8

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BIRMINGHAM BIN WORKERS MARCH AND RALLY – SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

The CWU has been a strong supporter of the Birmingham Bin Workers since the commencement of their long-running strike following disgraceful attacks on their pay, terms and conditions by Birmingham City Council.

We have made donations to their strike fund and have used our communications channels to raise awareness of the dispute. Please see a recent interview with representatives of the Bin Workers which can be viewed here https://youtu.be/Izg-awA6Oic?si=w1ep7XoTgjAybDVJ

The purpose of this LTB is to organise a strong CWU turnout this Saturday at a march and rally that has been planned by Unite, in support of the strike. We call on as many branches and representatives as possible, particularly those in the CWU Midland Region, to attend the event in CWU colours and demonstrate that the trade union movement is united behind their dispute.

The details are as follows:

09:30am start
Saturday 20 September
Unite the Union
30 Jennens Road
Birmingham
B7 4EH.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

25LTB200 – BIRMINGHAM BIN WORKERS MARCH AND RALLY – SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

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Blue Cross Survey Request – For Members on Delivery (Royal Mail and Parcelforce)

Branches and members may recall the details set out in previous LTBs concerning the ongoing work of Royal Mail (supported by the RM/CWU National Joint Dog Awareness Working Group) with the Blue Cross charity in continuing to raise awareness of the steps owners can take to keep delivery workers safe.

These LTBs advised that this work had resulted in the Blue Cross offering a free hour-long Zoom webinar to members of the public to raise awareness of the simple steps dog owners can take to keep all postal workers safe when delivering to their properties.

Alongside this, LTB 127/25 Royal Mail Group/CWU National Dog Awareness Week (DAW) further reported that the Blue Cross had launched a survey, in June this year, to better understand postal workers’ attitudes and beliefs around dogs when out on delivery.  Accordingly, this LTB is to remind Branches, Safety Representatives and members alike of this survey and attached is an introduction to the survey as well as how individual members can participate.

Whilst the CWU continues to work with Royal Mail and other organisations in seeking to reduce dog attacks and incidents, the fact remains that dog attacks have slightly increased from March 2024 to March of this year, reflecting that this continues to be a major safety hazard and concern for all our members who work on Deliveries, Collections and in Parcelforce.

Members are therefore encouraged to support and participate in this Blue Cross survey which can be accessed via a PDA or the QR Code.  The survey will close at the end of this month.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 199/25 – Blue Cross Survey Request – For Members on Delivery (Royal Mail and Parcelforce)

Blue Cross Postal Workers Survey

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IMPORTANT: ANTI-RACISM RALLY- SATURDAY 13^th SEPTEMBER, CENTRAL LONDON

Branches should note that the next Anti-Racism rally organised by Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) is taking place on Saturday 13^th September in Central London.

Branches will be aware that the CWU are strong supporters of the anti-racism movement and are affiliated to Stand Up to Racism. The demonstration is also being supported by the TUC.

Stand Up to Racism are organising coaches from all over the UK and we would encourage anyone interested in attending to check their website.

The TUC block meeting point is the Southern corner of Russell Square & Southampton Row (nearest station is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line) assembling from 11:30am. Try to travel in a group if possible and remain safe at all times. SUTR have advised people to avoid Waterloo and Blackfriars stations. When leaving the demo we recommend dispersing Whitehall via the north side, and not to hang around in central London.

Yours Sincerely,

Dave Ward                                                                

General Secretary                  

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 198/25 – ANTI-RACISM RALLY – SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER – CENTRAL LONDON

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Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2025 

Branches will be aware of the policy adopted at General Conference 2010 to present the Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning, which is presented to a Union Learning Representative (ULR) or group of ULRs who have made a significant contribution to Lifelong Learning within the CWU. The award is presented each year at our CWU ULR National Networking Event. This year will follow tradition and be part of the agenda at this year’s event scheduled to be held in Brighton over two days on the 5^th and 6^th November 2025.

I am now inviting applications for the 2025 Annual Ken McKenzie award for Lifelong Learning. The award will be made in recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to lifelong learning and training by a CWU ULR or a group of CWU ULRs.

Nominations can be made by Branches, or Regional Sub Committees via letter or email to my department.

Nominations should include a précis of the nominated ULR or group of ULRs endeavours and achievements and sent to:

Michelle Simpson, Equality, Education & Development, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX or email equality&education@cwu.org  

The closing date for nominations will be FRIDAY 17^th OCTOBER 2025.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be addressed to me via the Equality, Education & Development at equality&education@cwu.org  

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 197/25 – Ken McKenzie Award for Lifelong Learning 2025

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Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event – 5^th & 6^th November 2025

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that this year’s Union Learning Representative’s (ULR) Networking Event will take place on Wednesday 5^th and Thursday 6^th November 2025 at the:

Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
Kings Road
Brighton BN1 2GS GB 

Branches will be aware that ULR legislation provides for networking with other ULRs and organisations that deliver education and training opportunities to our members and representatives.

The event will start with registration on 5^th November between 12.30 and 13.30 and will conclude at 13.30 on 6^thNovember.  Please note that lunch will NOT be provided on either day.

A final agenda will be issued in due course but will include:

• Keynote speakers 
• Practical activities and workshops to support learning in the workplace
• And a celebration of your collective achievements!

In the meantime, we would ask that Branches confirm their delegation details and accessibility requirements no later than 17^th October 2025by emailing equality&education@cwu.org

Please note that Branches are responsible for delegates’ travel and authorised expenditure for this event.  

Release

This event should attract paid release for accredited ULRs working for employers where the CWU is recognised.  The event is specifically designed to meet the aims of ULR legislation and the ACAS Code of Practice applies.

Accommodation: 

It is important that Branches book their places early at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront, as they will be holding a number of rooms at a special rate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Booking arrangements:

Preferential CWU rates for the nights of Tuesday 4^th and Wednesday 5^th November are as follows,

Tuesday 4^th November

Rooms are charged @ £110.00 including VAT single occupancy (£15 supplement for double occupancy) inclusive of full English breakfast.

Wednesday 5^th November

Rooms are charged @ £105.00 including VAT single occupancy (£15 supplement for double occupancy) inclusive of full English breakfast.

Reservations can be made here: Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront | UK | Leonardo Hotels

Delegates are required to enter the date of stay, adjust the number of guests where applicable and add promo code: LHCWUC041125 to access the dedicated event rate. (Please note that all rooms are subject to payment on booking and are non-refundable.)

Rooms will be held at this rate until 6^th October, after which time they will be released and the preferential rate will not be available.

Parking & Transportation:

The hotel is a 15 minute walk from Brighton Station. If you are driving, The Lanes car park is situated underneath the hotel. Spaces cannot be reserved but if you present your car park ticket at your check-out time you will receive a discounted rate. Detailed information regarding location and parking can be found at Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront | UK | Leonardo Hotels

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department by email to equality&education@cwu.org

#CWULearn25 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 196/25 – Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event – 5th & 6th November 2025

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World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Wednesday 10^th September

Dear Colleagues,

Suicide is a major public health challenge with more than 720,000 deaths each year globally.

Suicide

A death by suicide occurs globally once every 43 seconds. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. Latest statistics | Papyrus

The CWU is continually striving to be a ‘suicide safer’ organisation. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. The theme through 2024 to 2026 remains ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with an associated call to action of ‘Start the Conversation’.

In recognising the above triennial theme, the CWU is in its second year of ’30 for 30’ training, whereby at least 30 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) will be trained in 30 daysfor World Suicide prevention month.

As Part of our Mental Health Strategy Programme, continued training of accredited Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) remains a priority, to ensure that conversations can take place at any given time in workplaces where we have representation. Since 2020 a cohort of CWU mental health first aid instructors have been frequently training CWU members/representatives in Mental Health First Aid on the 2-day MHFA England training course. At the time of this LTB Publication, 641 people have been trained in the 2-day MHFA England course by the CWU.

CWU newly trained MHFAiders are also now encouraged to pursue the Royal Society Of Public Health Qualification RSPH Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid · MHFA England,

Discussions between branches and regions are now encouraged to explore if the 2026 programme of CWU MHFA training is something you may wish to consider. The current CWU MHFA England training includes a session on crisis training for suicide first aid, exploring suicide language and warning signs for suicide.

For this year, the life-saving importance of helplines like HOPELINE247 have been shared in a new CWU Young Workers Health and Safety Pocket Guide under the heading ‘Let’s talk Mental Health’ with other signposting services also available via the following link:

Young people – Shining a Light on Suicide

It remains hugely important that as an active Trade Union we understand the important factors affecting mental ill health by being ready to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions.
• Provide immediate Mental Health First Aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis.
• Listen non-judgmentally and hold supportive conversations.
• Signpost people to professional help.

One of the organisations that the CWU has worked with in partnership recently is Storm Skills Training, Storm being an acronym for Suicide Training on Risk Management. They are a not for-profit social enterprise, and they have produced a resource pack for World Suicide Prevention Day which can be accessed via the link below. This resource offers practical, person-centred language tips to support safer conversations around suicide and self-harm – using words that are respectful, sensitive, and stigma-reducing, along with further resource links to the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) who have taken responsibility for setting the continued triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024, 2025 and 2026.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 Resources – Changing the Narrative on Suicide

We are also aware that talking can also be impactful.  One of the key messages during CWU MHFA training is the importance of self-care for anyone supporting a vulnerable individual.

The CWU has taken part in the consultation on British Standard BS 30480 Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide.  The aim of our participation is to hopefully help shape a robust, inclusive framework that works for all.

British Standards Institution – Project

Please remember talking about feelings doesn’t have to be scary. Please remember there is always hope, clicking on the following link can take you to your nearest support service.

Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope

This LTB is shared on behalf of CWU Central Services.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact-

Jamie McGovern FRSPH MIIAI 

CWU Health & Safety Policy Assistant at jmcgovern@cwu.org.

LTB 195/25 – WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2025 pdf

Attachment – Lived-Experience-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026

Attachment – Workplace-Suicide-Prevention-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026-1

Attachment – Suicide-Beareavement-Outreach-Brief-2024-2026

Attachment – YW health and safety pocket guide – v2

Attachment – CWU MHFAider workplace poster

Attachment – CWU HUB OF HOPE 

Attachment – Workplace poster 

Attachment – QR code SAMARITANS

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Pay Directive

We have received a number of enquiries concerning the eligibility criteria for the pay award and arrears.

Please see attached the pay directive which will apply for CWU represented grades in Royal Mail core operations, including Delivery, Processing, Collections, Professional Drivers, Administration, Fleet, Engineering, Royal Mail Specialist Services, MDEC, Mail Screeners, International and Divisional Reps.

A separate pay directive will apply for CWU represented grades within financial operations, HR Services, Customer Experience, Stamps and Collectables and Parcelforce Worldwide.

As in previous years those who were in post when the pay agreement was reached on 29^th June 2025 will be eligible for the pay increase and arrears.  The pay rise and arrears will not apply to those who left employment prior to 29^th June 2025.

The pay increase and arrears will be paid to weekly paid staff on 26^thSeptember 2025 and to monthly paid staff at the end of September

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 194/25 – Pay Directive

LTB 194/25 – Attachment 1

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SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS

All branches will be aware of the decision taken at the special conference on the 28th June 2025 to remove from the CWU rule book the position of the Senior Deputy General Secretary.  A revised rule book was agreed by the NEC at its meeting on Wednesday the 13^th August 2025 and as such the role now ceases to exist.

Many will be aware that Tony Kearns had already signalled his intention to leave the CWU. Following discussion, we can now inform branches that Tonys last day at the CWU will be the 30th November 2025. The period between now and then will be utilised to affect a handover of the responsibilities associated with the current role and assist in finalising some Headquarter restructuring projects. 

I am sure all branches and representatives will recognise the excellent and unprecedented contribution that Tony has made in representing the Union and our members for 46 years.  His detailed knowledge of the organisation and how it operates, alongside his wider understanding of the trade union movement, is unsurpassed in the history of the CWU.

On a personal level, I want to thank Tony for all the assistance and advice he has given me for the last 10 years in my role as General Secretary and as a trusted comrade. 

We will ensure at a future date that we mark Tony’s contribution to the CWU in a way that reflects his lifetime commitment to the union movement.  In the meantime, I am sure all branches would wish to pass on their messages of thanks and on behalf of the whole union we offer our best wishes to Tony and his family for the future.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary         

LTB 193/25 – SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY – TONY KEARNS                                      

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