CWU Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – OBSERVERS

Delegates that have been registered for the conference by the Branch Secretary will have received their zoom registration link along with the “magic link” to access the voting platform for the conference.

Delegates will need to register themselves on zoom using the link that was sent to them prior to the conference. An information leaflet was also attached which explains how the voting platform operates. If anyone has any difficulties or not received their links then please contact aoneill@cwu.org before Friday 5^thNovember 2021.

Branches are reminded that delegates should log out after of each session.

All Field Officials have been registered by CWU HQ and should have also received the links they require to access the conference.

Anyone not registered can view the conference when the conference goes live via the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/c/CWULive

Any enquiries on this LTB should be directed to Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 or email conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 469/21 – CWU Virtual Special General Conference – Observers

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Membership Subscription – Retired & Retired Associate Members – from 1^st January 2022

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 3.2% therefore in accordance with the rules of the union from 1^st January 2022 the membership subscription rates for Retired and Retired Associate Members will be as follows:CWU Contribution RatesWeekly ContributionsMonthly Contributions– from 1 January 2022“I” Rate £“O” Rate £“I” Rate £“O” Rate £Retired Members1.471.276.365.49Retired Associate Membersn/an/a4.944.07

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

LTB 468/21

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Pathway to Change Agreement – Culture and the Latest Interim Trust Survey Results

Further to LTB 424/21 circulated on 7^th October, Branches and Representatives will recall that the next phase of the Interim Trust Survey commenced on 11^thOctober 2021 for the West Midlands, East Midlands and Peterborough, South Coast and Croydon and South East SDL areas, as well as the Parcels Operations, Royal Mail International (RMI) and the Property & Facilities Solutions (P&FS) Business units. Also included was the Transformation Office, however in the main this relates to management grades.

After this latest Interim Trust Survey closed, the headline results were supplied to the DGS(P) Department on 25^thOctober 2021 and considered at a meeting of the Postal Executive in Birmingham on 2^nd November 2021. These are attached for the information of Branches and Representatives (Attachment 1). The overall return rate for this Interim Trust Survey was 65%, compared to 72% for the previous one, although the number of people surveyed this time was higher at 21,582. The return rate improved significantly across each SDL area compared to that of the Big Trust Survey, apart from the East Midlands and Peterborough. Returns also increased in Parcelforce Operations, RMI and P&FS.

In terms of the actual trust score, that continues to be based on five particular questions. The score for this latest Interim Trust Survey was 68%, which is identical to that of the last survey. The lower quartile of the frontline units surveyed had a trust score of 57% and below, with the lowest unit delivering a trust score of just 19%. At the other end of the scale, the best score was 100%.

In relation to the awareness of action plans that have been agreed by SDL area (or equivalent) and the knowledge of making progress against the action plan, Branches and Representatives will note that these latest results illustrate that this stands at 61% and 87% respectively across the returns, compared to the September survey figures of 63% and 85%.

The unit by unit figures have been provided by SDL area and Operational Manager units by Royal Mail Group. They will be circulated to the relevant Divisional Representatives in the near future to help inform their discussions with their relevant managers. The PFW depot results are also expected soon, as are the breakdowns for RMI and P&FS.

The Business have also agreed to hold a further deep dive briefing for SDLs and Divisional Representatives on 4^th November 2021 at 9:30am and an additional session for Parcelforce Regional Organisers and their respective managers on 8^th November 2021 at 12:00pm. At the time of writing, the dates for RMI and P&FS are still being arranged.

Branches will also be aware that it was agreed to also include tailored, function-specific questions in the October and November surveys by Operational manager area, following input from the Outdoor Department. The headline results of these five questions are also attached for the information of Branches and Representatives (Attachment 2) and the unit results will also be circulated to Divisional Representatives.

A further Interim Trust Survey started on 1^st November 2021, to those in the South Midlands, South Yorks and Lincs, Central & East London and Thames Valley SDL areas, as well as National Distribution and Processing, RDCs, and Walk Bundling Centres. This will be the final survey for CWU grades in 2021.

The Interim Trust Survey results continue to provide an insight into a number of key questions and, over time, will help to identify those workplaces where positive change is occurring and where the terms of our national agreements are being applied.

In closing, I would like to thank all Branches and Representatives for their ongoing work in promoting the Interim Trust Survey and ensuring a high level of participation. This work is helping to highlight the areas that need to be addressed in a pro-active way to improve culture and the working environment. Additional updates will be provided as and when further developments occur.

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)

LTB 467/21 Pathway to Change Agreement – Culture and the Latest Interim Trust Survey Results

LTB 467/21 Attachment 1

LTB 467/21 Attachment 2

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Update from DGSP Terry Pullinger on the progress of the National Agreement

LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 2021: CWU DELEGATION REPORTS

The 2021 Labour Party Conference was held in Brighton from Saturday 25^th to Wednesday 29^th September 2021.

For your information the below attachments are reports on the decisions taken by the CWU delegation at their meetings.

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 466/21 – Labour Party Conference 20121- CWU Delegation Reports
MINUTES LP CONF 2021 (25.09.19)
MINUTES LP CONF 2021 (26.09.19) 
MINUTES LP CONF 2021 (27.09.19)

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CWU VIRTUAL SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE – 7^TH, 8^TH AND 9^TH NOVEMBER

The purpose of this LTB is to remind branches who have not already done so, to register for the Special conference and to also draw to your attention our latest podcast which can be found on the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/the-cwu/conference-2021?si=d1e6d471f9244a17b3979e35bbc69db6

The podcast sets the scene for the conference and my opening address, which will focus on the real choices that we face over the future of the CWU and our movement.

Finally, when registering for the event, we would ask branches to ensure that their delegations are balanced to cover the makeup of our industrial, political and equality work.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB should be addressed to the General Secretary’s office – jdunn@cwu.org

Regards

Dave Ward

General Secretary

LTB 465/21 – CWU Virtual Special General Conference – 7th, 8th and 9th November

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Election of National Representative Positions – 2021

• Postal Standing Orders Committee – Vacancies

Further to LTB 321/21 dated 4^thAugust 2021, at the close of the nomination period the following Postal Standing Orders Committee (Vacancies) positions remain vacant:

• 2 Positions – 1 of whom must be a Woman and 1 of whom must be Bame.

The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the National positions listed above.  Accordingly please find attached the relevant election regulations, appendices and nomination forms.

In accordance with the CWU policy of improving proportionality at all levels of the union branches will wish to note that Women and BAME quotas have now been included in the composition of the Standing Orders Committee positions.

Additionally branches are advised that the elections for the SOC in 2021 will be conducted using revised arrangements, a summary of which is set out below:

Nomination Process

In respect of seeking nominations branches will need to put in place a robust system and use all reasonable methods at their disposal to publish suitable notification throughout the branch area giving members the opportunity to submit their name for nomination to the position should they choose to do so.  Following this the branch would need to put in place arrangements to hold a branch to decide which candidate(s) will receive the branch nomination.

Where necessary this can be conducted via a suitable video conference platform such as Zoom or Skype, etc.

Dispatch and Return of Nomination Forms to CWU HQ

Nomination forms will be sent to branches electronically (attached to this LTB) and it will be our intention to set up a specific dedicated election email address where branches should return completed nomination forms to.  The details of this will be included on the nomination form.

Nomination Forms will need to be returned by the advertised closing date to be included in the list of candidates. 

The revised system will avoid the necessity to return forms in the post system which of course may be subject to delay during the current Covid-19 crisis.

Dispatch and Return of Voting Papers

The respective constituency based voting papers will be sent by email direct to branches at the email address which we hold on file.  Branches should return the completed voting papers by email to the advertised CWU election email address.  Notification will be sent to branches confirming receipt of the voting paper, however it will the responsibility of the branch to ensure that voting papers are returned to the correct email address.

To be included in the ballot voting papers will need to have been returned by the advertised closing date and time.  

Election Timetable 

The election timetable for the above will be as follows:

Nominations open:  3 November 2021

Nominations close:  17 November 2021 (14:00)

Despatch ballot papers from: 19 November 2021

Ballots closes:  3 December 2021 (14:00)

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   

LTB 464/21

Regulations – SOC Vacancies 2021

Nomination Form SOC Vacancies 2021

Candidates Biograhical & Consent Form

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Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Anti-Racism Framework

Following the CWU anti-racism statement published in LTB 213/21 and ahead of the CWU Virtual Special General Conference, please find attached a CWU anti-racism framework booklet for branches attention.

The purpose of the framework is to reaffirm our objectives and goals and to provide a fresh and structured approach on how we aim to build on our existing anti-racism work as set out in the NEC Motion.

The framework focuses on 4 key areas for development:

1. Leadership and Representation
2. Working within our structures and empowering communities
3. Building awareness and changing attitudes through education
4. International Solidarity

We hope branches and members find this information useful and look forward to the session at the Virtual Special General Conference.

Any queries on this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson 
Head of Equality, Education & Development

Dave Ward
General Secretary

21LTB 463 – Virtual Special General Conference 2021 – Anti-Racism Framework

06617 CWU Anti-Racism Booklet -21LTB 463

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU COVERING THE DEPLOYMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARCEL SORTING MACHINES WITHIN THE MAIL CENTRE ESTATE/RDC ESTATE

Branches and representatives will be aware that a Terms of Reference was agreed in 2018 covering the deployment of 20 parcel sorting machines across 16 Mail Centres (LTB 355/18 refers). Subsequently in August 2021 Phase 2A of the deployment was progressed which involved the deployment of a further 4 PSM’s (LTB 359/21 refers).

Royal Mail are now ready to deploy a further roll out of parcel sorting machines with another supplier, Solystic, across the Mail Centre estate, which will be known as Phase 2b.

Discussions have therefore taken place in relation to a Joint Statement to support the activity. A copy of the Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, is attached for information.

In summary there are 9 machines which are in the process of being built and deployed across 8 identified units, based on local planning and engagement between the project team, the Mail Centre teams and the CWU within the parameters set out in the attached document and the 2018 Agreement.

These new machines are smaller in size and scope to the existing PSM’s and there are some structural and operational differences between the two machines, which will require slightly different ways of working to ensure the safe and effective running of the machines is maintained.

The following 8 Mail Centres will receive a Phase 2b parcel sorting machine (in planned deployment order). The precise deployment dates to each site will be kept under review as the rollout progresses and will be confirmed at local site planning and engagement meetings and via the CWU National Joint Working Group for Parcels Automation.

1. North West Midlands Mail Centre (x 2 machines)

2. London Central Mail Centre

3. Cardiff Mail Centre

4. Southampton Mail Centre

5. Croydon Mail Centre

6. N Ireland Mail Centre

7. Romford Mail Centre

8. Edinburgh Mail Centre

The 2018 TOR covering the deployment of the PSM’s into the operation, which covers training, rotations, selection processes and staffing levels remains unchanged and is attached in the Joint Statement.

This PSM however, has a lower throughput and will require one less operator at the induct area to run the machine, which means the following staffing levels will be required:

5 x Induct operators (the other machines have 6)

2 x York Tippers

2 x Porters

I x Eject/Reject

The CWU will continue to be fully involved in the deployment activity and monitoring in line with the 2018 agreement.

The Phase 2b deployment will take the number of PSM’s across the Mail Centre Network to 33. This is not an end state number and work continues on the future PSM deployment strategy and time line. The expectation remains that the final deployment plan will see Parcel Automation introduced at all current Mail Centre sites.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 732.01

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary

LTB 461-21

JS Phase 2B PSM Deployment 29.10.21

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Residential / Online Education & Training Programme 2022

The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that the NEC has endorsed a programme of courses for 2022.

Residential Programme
Arrangements have been made for our residential training programme to be delivered at The Elstead Hotel, 12-14 Knyveton Road, Bournemouth BH1 3QP.
Representative’s accommodation costs on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis will be met centrally.

Branches are responsible for student travel and any other appropriate expenses.
National Residential Programme – Venue: The Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QP
National Residential Programme – Venue: The Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QPDateCourseCut-off Date for applicationsJan 19^th – 21^stPublic Speaking28^th NovJan 24^th – 28^thOccupational Health & Safety week 15^th DecJan 31^st – 4^th FebEmployment Law  week 112^th DecFeb 7^th – 11^thEqual Rights Part 119^th DecFeb 14^th – 18^thEssential Skills Part 119^th DecFeb 21^st – 25^thPostal Agreements & Procedures19^th DecFeb 28^th – 4^th MarIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 19^th JanMar 7^th – 11^thAdvanced Skills 216^th JanMar 14^th – 18^thOccupational Health week 223^rd JanMar 21^st – 25^thEmployment Law  week 230^th JanMar 29^th – 31^stChairing Meetings6^th FebApr 4^th – 8^thEssential Skills Part 213^th FebApr 12^th – 14^thWomen’s Leadership20^th FebApr 19^th – 21^stNeurodiversity27^th FebApr 18^th – 22^ndIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 227^th FebApr 25^th – 29^thNo course, CWU ConferenceMay 4^th – 6^thMental Health Awareness13^th MarMay 9^th – 13^thBranch Secretaries (new course)20^th MarMay 16^th – 20^thEssential Skills Part 127^th MarMay 17^th – 19^thBAME Leadership Part 127^th  MarMay 17^th – 19^thInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)27^th MarMay 23^rd – 27^thOccupational Health & Safety week 33^rd AprJune 6^th – 10^thEmployment Law week 315^th AprJune 6^th – 10^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 115^th AprJune 13^th – 17^thUnion Learning Reps Part 122^nd AprJune 27^th – 1^st JulyEqual Rights Part 26^th MaySept 5^th – 9^thPostal Agreements & Procedures16^th JulSept 13^th – 15^thPublic Speaking23^rd JulSept 19^th – 23^rdAdvanced Skills Part 129^th JulSept 27^th – 29^thBAME Leadership Part 26^th AugOct 3^rd – 7^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 113^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 220^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thEssential Skills Part 220^th AugOct 17^th – 21^stPostal Agreements & Procedures27^th AugOct 24^th – 28^thOccupational Health & Safety week  43^rd SepOct 31^st – 4^th NovEmployment Law week 410^th SepNov 7^th – 11^thAdvanced Skills Part 217^th SepNov 15^th – 17^thMental Health Awareness24th SepNov 21^st – 25^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 21st OctNov 28^th – 30^thWomen’s Leadership8^th Oct

Online Programme
Given that this method of delivery during the pandemic has been extremely well received, we have arranged to offer a smaller programme of online education enabling students to access courses using this method.

We have purposely matched dates of these with the residential programme to allow potential to pilot a “hybrid” approach where students can “stream” in to a live classroom situation.Online course schedule  – Provider to be advised on applicationDateCourseCut-off Date for applicationsFeb 7^th – 11^thEqual Rights Part 119^th DecFeb 14^th – 18^thEssential Skills Part 119^th DecFeb 21^st – 25^thPostal Agreements & Procedures19^th DecFeb 28^th – 4^th MarIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 19^th JanMar 29^th– 31^stChairing Meetings6th FebApr 4^th – 8^thEssential Part 213^th FebApr 12^th – 14^thWomen’s Leadership20^th FebApr 18^th – 22^ndIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 227^th FebMay 16^th – 20^thEssential Skills Part 127^th MarMay 17^th – 19^thInternational Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)27^th MarJune 6^th – 10^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 115^th AprJune 13^th – 17^thUnion Learning Reps Part 122^nd AprJune 27^th – 1^st JulyEqual Rights Part 26^th MaySept 5^th – 9^thPostal Agreements & Procedures16^th JulOct 3^rd – 7^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 113^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thEssential Skills Part 220^th AugOct 10^th – 14^thIntermediate Health & Safety Part 220^th AugOct 17^th – 21^stPostal Agreements & Procedure27^th AugNov 15^th – 17^thMental Health Awareness24^th SepNov 21^st  – 25^thIntroduction to Health & Safety Part 21^st OctNov 28^th – 30^thWomen’s Leadership8^th Oct

IT, Infrastructure and learning differences
Having tested online delivery of samples on both accredited and unaccredited courses, it is crucial that the student is set up appropriately and in good time before the training commences.

The learner must preferably have access to a good PC or laptop. Tablets can be used but have some limitation in our experience. Attending training courses using a mobile phone will not be allowed.

There must be a stable internet connection from the learning is taking place.

Colleges will also be in contact before the course to advise of any additional requirements.

We would appreciate Branches / ULRs assistance in ensuring any applicants are prepared in line with the above points. If any representative encounters difficulties getting set up with IT equipment in preparation for course attendance, please advise their Branch Secretary, Union Learning Rep or the Equality, Education & Development Dept. as soon as possible.

Additionally, upon application; please ensure that we are aware in good time of any adjustments that may need to be arranged such as issues relating to dyslexia or sight / hearing differences. 

CWU Regional / Local Programme
Branches are aware that historically we also supplement our residential and online programmes by “on demand” courses where local CWU Branches / Regions can request courses be delivered locally.

Branches can request courses to be delivered using this model by emailing courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Student numbers
Successive funding cuts continue to be a factor in our discussions with our various providers. It is therefore necessary to be clear at the outset that minimum student numbers will need to be strictly adhered to. There will be an expectation that 14 students will be confirmed as attending local courses at least 6 weeks in
advance of the course to allow it to run.

Interim Application Process
Due to unforeseen circumstances the OLS course application process is not in use at present. Branch Secretaries should email applications to courseadmin@cwu.org containing the following:

 Name of Officer/Representative
 Membership number
 Email
 Name of course
 Date of course

Where applications are being made for both residential and online versions of the same course, Branch Secretaries should indicate the preference order by stating:

Choice A and Choice B

As previously, all applicants MUST be registered on the OLS as a Role holder or applications will not be able to be processed.

We hope to restore the OLS application process as soon as possible and will keep Branches informed accordingly.

Release & Notice
Paid release should normally apply where the union is recognised and/or in line with any existing agreements.

Please forward any enquiries relating to this LTB to courseadmin@cwu.org in the first instance.

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

21LTB 462 – Residential Online Education & Training Programme 2022