Royal Mail – Provision of New Supply Branded/Refillable 750 ml Water Bottles For Outdoor Workers: “Staying Hydrated”

Introduction & Background

LTB No. 434/2020 issued on 28 August 2020 reported on the Union’s claim and representations for the provision of water bottles for the outdoor workforce and our campaign on protecting members working outside during heatwave conditions and on communicating the extremely important issue of staying hydrated at all times whilst undertaking manual work.

As reported in LTB 434/20 Royal Mail agreed to provide water bottles to CWU members and last year an ‘interim’ supply of 65,000 refillable water bottles were made available for offices to order.

A permanent long-term solution has now been progressed to a conclusion with the provision of ‘durable, Royal Mail branded, refillable 750 ml water bottles now becoming universally available’.

Royal Mail, having at long last agreed to our request for the provision of water bottles for the outdoor workforce, has also agreed to jointly campaign on the importance of staying hydrated at all times and these developments are welcomed. This is an important health and safety issue when carrying out a manual job, walking many miles outdoors – especially in hot, sunny weather conditions, when temperatures are high.

Ordering The New Water Bottles

The water bottles are readily available on the Uniform Ordering Portal, ordered against the individual’s wearer profile and are available for those in Delivery and Driver job roles.

Any Management only enquiries can be directed to Sam Dixon, National Uniform & Print Manager: Email: sam.dixon@royalmail.comMobile:- 07553 365925.

Area Health and Safety Reps and Workplace Safety Reps Actions:

Area and Workplace Health and Safety Representatives are requested to ensure that firstly, Delivery Office members order their water bottles in preparation for hot weather, secondly, working with Operational and SHE Team Management, raise awareness about sun safety and dehydration amongst outdoor delivery members and thirdly, ensure that Severe Weather Risk Assessments are carried out in hot, heatwave weather conditions. Any failures and non-compliance should be reported to senior management, recorded on health and safety inspections and reported to auditors in order that it can be recorded in the Unit’s ‘Integrated Audit’ when carried out.

The Health, Safety and Environment Department will also continue to press Royal Mail HQ to ensure that in future, Severe Weather Risk Assessments are carried out in hot, heatwave weather, to avoid dehydration, sunburn, skin damage, heat exhaustion and sun stroke and so protect the outdoor delivery workforce.

The Importance and Health Benefits of Good Hydration: 

Good Hydration means getting the right amount of water before, during, and after work. Water regulates your body temperature and lubricates the joints and helps muscles and joints work better. It promotes better cardiovascular health and helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy. If you’re not hydrated, your body can’t perform at its highest level. Water keeps organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

The Dangers of Dehydration:  

Dehydration can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heatstroke and can reduce the amount of blood in the body, which can put strain on the heart and cause shock – a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which can have serious health consequences.

Attachment:

See attached Image of the new water bottles.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB259 Royal Mail – Provision of New Supply Branded Refillable 750 ml Water Bottles For Outdoor Workers – Staying Hydrated

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Average Pay on Annual Leave (Holiday Pay) in Royal Mail Group – Branch Ballot Timetable

Further to LTB 245/21 issued on the 17^th June 2021, as advised listed below is the timetable for the Branch Ballot on the National Agreement for Average Pay on Annual leave (Holiday Pay) in Royal Mail Group.

Colleagues should note that this ballot is being conducted solely by email.

Ballot Paper Dispatched via email on Monday 28^th June 2021.

Ballot Opens Monday 28^th June 2021.

Ballot Closes at midday Friday 16^th July 2021.

Ballot Result announced Friday 16^th July 2021.

Completed ballot papers should be returned to elections@cwu.org, signed by the Branch Secretary and should include the date the branch mandate meeting took place.

Hopefully the advance notification of the timetable will give Branches adequate time to plan and hold their mandate meetings.  The Department are in the process of currently finalising a Branch/Representatives briefing document on the details of the Average Holiday Pay Agreement which we trust will assist colleagues with their meetings and any questions they may be asked by members.

The Postal Executive are recommending acceptance of the agreement and I would urge all Branches to ensure that you return your completed Ballot Paper by the time and date above.

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)

21LTB257 – Average Pay on Annual Leave (Holiday Pay) in Royal Mail Group – Branch Ballot Timetable

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DAVE EDMONDS – FORMER POSTAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT OUTDOOR

It is with sadness that I write to inform you that Dave Edmonds, former Postal Personal Assistant Outdoor, passed away peacefully on the 15^th June.

Dave joined the then UPW on commencing employment with the GPO in 1961.

In early 1980 Dave was appointed Personal Assistant to the Postal Assistant Secretary Outdoor and retired in January 1994 after 13 years serving four National officers.

At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Dave’s family and friends and on behalf of the CWU, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences.

We will forward details of Dave’s funeral arrangements in due course.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB please forward to jdunn@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

21LTB256 DAVE EDMONDS FORMER POSTAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT

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Royal Mail Group – Drive Carefully Around Vulnerable Road Users Road Safety Initiative (Cyclists, Horse Riders & Pedestrians)

The Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Team’s National Road Safety Manager has today launched a summer driving, ‘drive carefully around vulnerable road users communication initiative which the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is supporting.

During periods of summer good weather, drivers can expect to see more vulnerable road users using the roads. There will be more cyclists, and on rural roads you are also more likely to encounter horse riders and pedestrians in the road.

Drivers must remember that these road users have just as much right to use the roads as motorists, but that they are far more vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision. By following these simple rules, drivers can help to keep them safe and avoid collisions:

1. Anticipate – expect to see vulnerable roads users on or around the roads. This is particularly important on rural roads where they might be just around a blind bend. Beware when pulling out of junctions, as cyclists are often moving much faster than you might expect.
2. Be patient – don’t overtake until you can pass safely, and don’t overtake for the sake of it. If you are about to turn off yourself then it’s usually best to stay behind. Remember that cyclists and horse riders are permitted to ride in pairs and that it is often safer for everybody if they do.
3. Give space – When passing you should provide as much space as possible, and an absolute minimum of 1.5m. Cyclists in particular may wobble or change line to avoid a drain or pothole, and drivers need to account for this when passing. If there is traffic coming the other way, then you may not be able to pass.
4. Pass slow – when you aren’t surrounded by a metal box it is scary to have vehicles passing you at speed and horses can also react badly to fast moving traffic. Pass cyclists at a sensible speed and keep your speed below 15mph when passing horses.
5. Use the ‘Dutch-Reach’ method – when getting out of the vehicle, use your LEFT hand to open the door. This will stop the door opening fully and also means you are looking behind you so you can check for approaching traffic, including cyclists.

Key Action and Messages to Drivers:

• Keep a look out for vulnerable road users, be patient, pass wide and slow and use the ‘Dutch-reach’ method!

See attached:

• “SHE Huddle FY21 019 Vulnerable Road Users message.
• “RMTV Screen Message”. When Overtaking Cyclists: 
  • Be Patient – wait until it is safe to pass
  • Pass Wide – a minimum of 1.5m
  • Pass Slow – remember cyclists have no protection

Management only enquiries to Mark Bromhall Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager Mobile: 07872 815241 Email: mark.r.bromhall@royalmail.com

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB255 Royal Mail Group – Drive Carefully Around Vulnerable Road Users Road Safety Initiative (Cyclists, Horse Riders & Pedestrians)

SHE Huddle FY21 019 Vulnerable Road Users

TV screen template Wk13 Summer VRUs

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CWU SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION – 12 NOON – 26^TH JUNE – LONDON

The CWU and other TUC affiliated unions are supporting the People’s Assembly national demonstration against the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and their attempt to sneak through the draconian ‘Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill’ which will restrict the right to demonstrate in the future.

The Tories will ultimately make working people pay the price for the coronavirus crisis and our movement must respond to this. The CWU has been at the forefront in calling for a new deal for workers and our presence at this demonstration is part of supporting that objective.

In promoting this event, I understand that some may be concerned about taking part in a demonstration when all Covid-19 restrictions have not yet been relaxed. As we navigate the changing circumstances, I am sure branches will make their own judgements on this based on their own assessments. However, it is entirely legal to take part in a demonstration if you so wish to and the appropriate safety measures will be in place on the march and during the speeches.

The demonstration will assemble on Portland Place at 12 Noon and march to Parliament Square. The CWU bloc will be marked at the assembly point by our large CWU balloons that you will have seen at previous demonstrations.

A shorter, accessible march has also been prepared for disabled people or for those who cannot walk the full march from Portland Place. Those who wish to take part in the accessible march should meet opposite Downing Street at the Ministry of Defence Main Building at 12:30. Disabled members who wish to take part in the full march will be directed by stewards at Portland Place to the DPAC block 3 rows from the front of the demonstration.

We would also encourage branches to affiliate to the People’s Assembly – the form for doing so is attached to this letter.  The flyer for this demonstration is also attached to this LTB.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

21LTB254 CWU SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION 

The People’s Assembly Affiliation Form 

Please complete the following details and send to: The People’s Assembly,
52 Beachy Road, London, E3 2NS. 

Trade Union / Organisation 

__________________________________________________________________

Branch/ Region (if appropriate)

__________________________________________________________________

Contact Name­­­­­­_____________________Position Organization______________ 

Address__________________________________________________________

Postcode_________________________________________________________ 

Telephone Number_________________________________________________ 

Email(s)___________________________________________________________ 

Annual Affiliation Rates (Please circle the appropriate)
No organization should be unable to affiliate due to lack of funds. Please contact office@thepeoplesassembly.org.uk should you wish to discuss reduced rates if necessary.

• Local Organisations: £20
• Regional Organisations: £50
• National Organisations:
• Less than 50,000 members £100
• 50,000 – 100,000 members £200
• 100,000 – 200,000 members £350
• Over 200,000 members £500

……….. ………… …………

PAYMENT DETAILS: 

Standing Order: 

Please complete our Standing Order Form (below) and return to above address.

Cheque: 

Please make cheques payable to: ‘The People’s Assembly’ and return to above address.

BACS:

The People’s Assembly, Unity Trust Bank, Account No. 20309817, Sort Code. 60-83-01

Direct Debit/ Pay by Card:

Please call our Office on 020 8525 6988

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Joint Note to all Operational Managers and CWU Representatives

Following feedback from the field yesterday that related to what appeared to be a diktat to cut costs and Scheduled Attendance, I have been involved in dialogue this morning with Achim Dunnwald, the Chief Operating Officer of Royal Mail Group aimed at providing full clarity to the situation.

In order to ensure that momentum is not lost in the implementation of the current Pathway to Change realignment and revision activity and that this continues in a manner that reflects our mutual interest agenda, the attached joint clarification has been reached between us both.

Branches and Representatives will note that complete clarity is provided in relation to any additional paperwork that may be in circulation in that “Any document that has not been agreed jointly by National, Divisional or Regional management and CWU, has no status”.

The situation should now be crystal clear to all operational managers and representatives and ensure that the great progress that has been in place since the Pathway to Change Agreement ratified earlier this year now continues.

I would be grateful if this LTB and associated documentation can be given the widest possible circulation.

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 253/21 – Joint Note to all Operational Managers and CWU Representatives

Note to all Operational Managers and CWU Reps – Signed

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ROYAL MAIL: FINANCE – PATHWAY TO CHANGE AGREEMENT

Branches are advised that a Joint Statement on the implementation of the Shorter Working Week in Finance has been agreed and is attached to this LTB for information. The Shorter Working Week will be implemented on 26^th July 2021 across Finance as a function.

Members and Representatives in Finance will be invited to engagement sessions over the coming weeks to discuss further details in relation to the changes in the reduction of the working week.

Branches and Representatives are urged to bring this LTB and associated Joint Statement to the attention of our members in Finance.

Any queries in relation to this LTB should be sent to Lea Sheridan (lsheridan@cwu.org)

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 252/21 – Royal Mail – Finance – Pathway To Change Agreement

Attachment 1 to 21LTB252

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An excellent session on average holiday pay. Please share with our members https://fb.watch/6bdLJFf0O1/

ELECTION OF NATIONAL DELEGATIONS – 2021

• TUC Congress
• Labour Party Conference

Further to LTB 219/21 dated 26^th May 2021 at the close of nominations the following have been received:

TUC

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)No Nominations Received

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Steve  CrokeSouth Midlands Postal*ElectedHugh GaffneyGlasgow & District Amal*ElectedKeith HamiltonSouth Central Postal*ElectedAmarjite SinghSouth East Wales Amal*Elected  (BAME Quota)

Telecom & Financial Services Constituency

NEC (1 Member)Ken WoolleyPortsmouth West Sussex & IOW*Elected

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & least 1 delegate must be BAME)Michelle BaileyMidland No 1, Capital, Portsmouth West Sussex & IOW*ElectedEmma GarnerPreston Brook & Bury, Capital, Mersey,  Midland No 1, Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs,  North Anglia, Scotland No 1,  Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire*ElectedJacky MorreyMid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs, Capital, Mersey,  Midland No 1, North Anglia,  Scotland No 1, Tyne & Wear Clerical, West Yorkshire*ElectedTrish VollansWest Yorkshire, Capital, Mersey , Midland No 1,  Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs, North Anglia, Scotland No 1, Tyne & Wear Clerical*ElectedMel WilsonTyne & Wear Clerical,  Capital, Mersey,  Midland No 1, Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs,  North Anglia, Scotland No 1, West Yorkshire*Elected

LABOUR PARTY

Postal Constituency

NEC (1 Member)Steve JonesLondon Postal Engineering, London Regional MT*ELECTED

Lay Members (7 Members at least 2 delegates must be women & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)

Ballot RequiredPaul BraithwaiteNorth Lancs & CumbriaJohn CarsonGlasgow & District AmalHuw DaviesLondon PhoenixHugh GaffneyGlasgow & District AmalKeith HamiltonSouth Central PostalAlan TateLondon Regional MT

Telecom & Financial Services Constituency

NEC (1 Member)Simon EdwardsMid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs*ELECTED

Lay Members (5 Members at least 1 delegate must be a woman & at least 1 delegate must be BAME)Michelle BaileyMidland No 1  *ELECTED (BAME Quota)Joyce StevensonScotland No 1, Capital, Mersey, Midland No 1, Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs, North Anglia, Tyne & Wear Clerical*ELECTED (Woman Quota)

Ballot RequiredGraham ColkSouth Wales, Capital,  Mersey, Midland No 1, Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs,  North Anglia, Scotland No 1, Tyne & Wear ClericalBrian KennyMersey, Capital, Midland No 1, Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs, North Anglia, Tyne & Wear Clerical, Scotland No 1Ryan O’GormanNorth Wales & Chester Combined Steve PhillipsCentral Counties & Thames Valley, North Anglia, David RayTyne & Wear Clerical, Capital, Mersey, Midland No 1,  Mid Wales, The Marches & North Staffs, Scotland No 1

The ballot timetable is as follows:

Despatch ballot papers               23 June 2021

Ballot Closes                                  07 July 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

21LTB250

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National Clean Air Day – Thursday 17 June 2021:

Clean Air Day is a global, annual, air pollution campaign in the month of June. It encourages everyone to think about what they can do to help improve air quality.

Air pollution harms the health of millions, but there are lots of simple things people and organisations can do to improve air quality and reduce our exposure to air pollution. Clean Air Day is a chance to raise awareness and find out more about air pollution (both indoor and outdoor), share information with friends, family, union members and work colleagues, and help to make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK.  The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Poor air quality causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues.

By breathing cleaner air, the World Health Organization states that you can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media. The campaign normally takes place on the third Thursday in June. However, due to COVID-19, Clean Air Day was rolled out slightly differently in 2020 and again in 2021. To keep people, families, friends and colleagues safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers updated the campaign to be more virtual in 2020 and have continued the approach for 2021!.

Led in the UK by the charity “Global Action Plan“, Clean Air Day brings together communities, businesses, schools, groups and organisations plus the health sector to:

• Improve public understanding of air pollution.
• Build awareness of how air pollution affects people’s health.
• Explain the easy actions we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and peoples’ health.

In 2019 more than 3,700 organisations and hundreds of thousands of individuals took part in 614 events across the UK. The campaign generated more than 2000 media items, and 45,000 social media posts. In pandemic hit 2020 there were still over 200 events that took place with 1200 news and broadcast items and 95% of people surveyed believed that air pollution should be a priority for the UK. The full report is at:

https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/news-stories/clean-air-day-2020-celebration-and-insights-report

The charity behind Clean Air Day developed new resources for 2020 and again in 2021 which focuses on being virtual and COVID-19 secure, and is encouraging organisations and individuals to get involved.

This year’s campaign theme and tagline is: “protect our children’s health from air pollution” – demonstrating support for action on air pollution to build a clean air future for our children and generations to come. The organisers have sent out the message “Together let’s make June 17 the cleanest Clean Air Day yet” and following the improvement in air pollution seen early last year the charity is continuing to challenge government, businesses and local authorities to help keep air pollution down post lockdown.

The resources have been updated so that Clean Air Day 2021 can continue to be successful in providing information to people on air pollution and encouraging people to take low air pollution behaviours while being COVID-19 secure, with the charity continuing the focus on making the tools and assets more virtual. These include digital leaflets and posters, school lesson plans, PR social media packs, “How to guides” such as organising “School Streets” or running socially distanced “walking buses” and template letters to MPs.

In launching the event “Global Action Plan“, said “Together we can make June 17 the cleanest Clean Air Day yet, building on the shifts seen recently seen in low pollution behaviours. Organisations and individuals are invited to take part, recognising the role we all play in keeping our air clean.”

Workplace Resources

Use the organising charity’s collection of workplace resources to inspire workplaces to create cleaner air on and beyond Clean Air Day. Posters, clean van commitment, letters, texts, clean air recovery essentials, e-mail footer, pledge cards, ‘No-Idling’ leaflet, clean air travel, clean air travel choices, e-mail and intranet message, video conferencing background, press release, social media resources.

https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/free-resources/workplace

Clean Air Day Information & Resources

The basic facts, air pollution and health, Clean Air Calculator, What you can do etc., plus Clean Air Day free resources are available here:-

https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/clean-air-information

https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/free-resources.

The Clean Air Hub

A collection of everything you need to know about air pollution in one place from the organising charity “Global Action Plan”.

https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/

Air Pollution and Health Inequalities

Although air pollution can be harmful to everyone, some people are more affected because they live in a polluted area and are exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Big cities and towns experience greater pollution levels (particularly nitrogen dioxide). More than 40 towns and cities in the UK are at or have exceeded air pollution limits set by the World Health Organization, its new report has found; Scunthorpe, Manchester, Swansea, Gillingham, Carlisle, Chepstow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Grays, Eccles, Nottingham, Plymouth, York, Leamington Spa, Sandy, Sheffield, Stoke-On-Trent, London, Coventry, Hull, Londonderry, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Southend-On-Sea, Stockton-On-Tees, Storrington, Wigan, Armagh, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Eastbourne, Harlington, Newcastle, Newport, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Salford, Saltash, Southampton, Stanford-Le-Hope, Port Talbot. There’s more about air pollution & health inequalities on the ‘Clean Air Hub’:https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk/

The Clean Air & Pollution Calculator

The Air Pollution Calculator, brought to you by Global Action Plan. This tool enables you to calculate how your activity contributes to pollution levels and learn how you can make a difference for Clean Air Day 2021 and beyond: – http://calculator.cleanairhub.org.uk/quiz

Air Pollution Monitoring Equipment – Offer to CWU Health and Safety Reps

In 2020 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJC) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) jointly took a share in the procurement of air pollution monitoring equipment with Global Action Plan (GAP). The Personal Aerosol Monitor is a miniature battery-operated laser photometer that measures airborne particle mass concentration in units of milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The equipment can measure to particulate matter of pm 2.5. TUCAN/GJA/GAP is now looking to loan it out to workplaces to support Trade Union Health and Safety Reps with workplace air pollution monitoring. Any CWU Health and Safety Rep interested in a loan of the equipment for a couple of weeks can email Janet Newsham (Chair Hazards Campaign & TUCAN) and Janet will schedule a time for you to use the equipment and from there hopefully produce some reliable, quotable, statistical evidence.

Contact details:-

Janet Newsham
Chair Hazards Campaign/TUCAN
Email: janet@gmhazards.org.uk
Mob: 07734317158

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) and Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) Newsletters.

The latest editions of the GJA and TUCAN Newsletters have been circulated attached to LTBs 477/20 and 247/21.

Hazards Campaign/Trade Union Clean Air Network(TUCAN) Clean Air Day On-Line Seminar (Tonight 6pm)

Join the Hazards Campaign/TUCAN short seminar looking at what is happening on Clean Air Day and what next for TUCAN?Hazards & TUCAN say – the need for action is clear. The recent verdict at nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debra’s inquest made a direct link between the air pollution she endured and her untimely death and the recent study published by University College London stated that globally we are experiencing at least 8.7 million deaths related to air pollution annually. On Clean Air Day 2021 join the Hazards Campaign/TUCAN panel of experts from across the UK, to discuss what is happening in their country and what TUCAN should be doing to drive forward the air quality agenda throughout UK workplaces. Date and time Thursday 17 June 2021 6pm -7:30pm Join/Register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hazards-campaign-thursday-talk-clean-air-day-and-what-next-for-tucan-tickets-137598373439

Wales TUC – Greener Workplaces Toolkit For Union Reps (Written BY Graham Petersen)

The aim of this toolkit is to provide information to help union officers and reps who want to take action on the climate emergency and negotiate for greener and fairer workplaces. It is designed to support the voice of workers and their unions. It provides information, tools and ideas to help union reps to campaign, organise and raise awareness. It also includes negotiating and bargaining checklists on different areas of workplace sustainability. It aims to ensure that workers, through their unions, have a central voice in the changes that will be needed in every workplace to ensure a just transition to a greener and fairer workplace can be achieved. The resources in this booklet are designed to be used on TUC and union training courses, as well as to support green action. (A copy is attached)

“Air Pollution” (Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership) – Take Action Environment Bill Campaign

Everyone can use their voice to take action against air pollution say the British Lung Foundation (BLF). “Air Pollution” (Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership) have re-launched their campaign pushing for World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 to be included in the UK Environment Law. They have produced a ‘campaign webpage’ which provides a simple tool to “email your MP” in order for people to ask their MP to commit to supporting new targets and WHO limits that will clean up the air we breathe and tackle pollution in the UK. It only takes 2 minutes and can help make a difference! – ‘Take Action Now says the BLF’ – Air pollution contributes to tens of thousands of early deaths in the UK every year. A BLF survey found that 1 in 6 people with a lung condition told them that better air quality during lockdown helped them breathe more easily. Air pollution is a public health crisis. Dirty air can make symptoms worse and can trigger a flare up if you have a lung condition. New research even suggests that breathing polluted air could increase our risk of becoming very ill with Covid-19. The BLF are asking everyone to contact their MP now using the simple BLF campaign tool as mentioned above. There is also a new video, which you can see on the webpage, which focuses on real human voices and stories calling for WHO limits. They hope that this action will help to ensure that MPs across the country realise what a serious effect air pollution has on people with a lung condition and support the shared call for WHO limits. They are also appealing for personal and organisational help in promoting the campaign. There are a number of resources which you can be used to raise awareness about the campaign on the website at the following link:- https://www.blf.org.uk/take-action/campaign/clean-air/environment-bill

What does pm2.5 mean?

PM2.5 refers to particles that have diameter less than 2.5 micrometres (more than 100 times thinner than a human hair) and remain suspended for longer. These particles are formed as a result of burning fuel and chemical reactions that take place in the atmosphere. Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people’s health when levels in air are high. PM_2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Breathing in particle pollution can be harmful to your health. Coarse (bigger) particles, called PM10, can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. … Fine (smaller) particles, called PM2.5, are more dangerous because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs — or even into your blood.

Environment Agency Webinar on Air Quality Inequity for Clean Air Day 17 June 2021

On Clean Air Day 2021 the Environment Agency will be hosting a Webinar including presentations and panel discussions on environmental equity and presenting interim findings from the ‘Joint Air Quality Health Inequalities’ project. See attached flyer and Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84418088277?pwd=L09oU0grYkYraFBVeEVMbTJWTkp2QT09 Meeting ID: 844 1808 8277 Passcode: 7ARbT0

“Greener UK” –  and the Environment Bill. 

“Greener UK” is a coalition of 13 major environmental organisations (RSPB, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Campaign For Better Transport, Campaign to Protect Rural England, ClientEarth, E3G, Friends of The Earth, Green Alliance, Greenpeace, WWT, Woodland Trust) with a combined public membership of 8 million. The coalition was launched in 2016 – united in the belief of the need to restore and enhance the UK’s environment with a vision of making a greener UK a reality. They say it’s now 200 days since the government’s ‘flagship’ Environment Bill was seen in parliament and Ministers need to bring back the bill urgently and commit to more ambitious clean air laws. Tweet support – the hashtag is: #BringBacktheBill

Webinar Events

A wide range of events are taking place for this year’s Clean Air Day – further details are listed on the GAP Events page. Some highlights:-

NHS ConFed conference webinar 

Global Action Plan will be speaking at this year’s NHS Confed Conference about the health sector’s critical role in tackling air pollution along with Dr Anant Patel (Royal Free Hospital) and Nick Martin from GOSH to discuss this important topic.

House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution webinar 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution focusing on the impact of air pollution on children’s health. With contributions from ‘Choked Up’, ‘Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’, ‘Professor Stephen Holgate’, ‘Geraint Davies’ and ‘Camden Council.’

Inequities, challenges, “AQ Inequalities Project” Webinar 

Framing key issues and the main challenges that exist, as well as presenting interim findings from the “Joint Air Quality Inequalities” project.  Contributions from the University of West of England, Centric Lab, Global Action Plan and the Met Office.

Businesses’ new responsibility – respecting a child’s right to a clean and healthy environment Webinar 

Global Action Plan is organising a business-oriented webinar examining the new corporate responsibility to respect a child’s right to a clean and healthy environment.  Contributions from the UN Special Reporter on human rights and the environment, UNICEF UK, Mitsubishi Electric, UK & Ireland, Institute for Human Rights and Business and ENGIE UK.

Clean Air Day Organisers – “Global Action Plan” – Further Information

“Global Action Plan” are a UK Charity registered in England and Wales number 1026148, and in Scotland number SC041260. ‘Global Action Plan is a charity that’s working for a green and thriving planet where we can live happily without ruining the Earth we depend on. They aim to help people live more sustainable lifestyles, make connections between what’s good for people and good for the planet, work with young people on reducing consumerism and increasing wellbeing, bring business and people together to work on a sustainable future and help young people develop the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental issues which is good for the planet and for everyone’s future too.

For further information:-

Global Action Plan
201 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JA
020 3817 7636
Email: team@globalactionplan.org.uk

Website: cleanerairglobalactionplan.org.uk

Other Useful “Clean Air” Website Links:
https://www.globalactionplan.org.uk/clean-air/clean-air-day
https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/scotland
https://www.transform-our-world.org/clean-air-day

Attachments:-

• TUCAN Air Pollution Guidance for Trade Union Reps
• Wales TUC – Greener Workplaces Toolkit For Union Reps (Written BY Graham Petersen)

Note: The information and resources in this LTB are to raise awareness and for ongoing reference, information and support beyond the Clean Air Day focal point designed to raise awareness and gain long term support for environmental clean air initiatives.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB249 National Clean Air Day – Thursday 17 June 2021

TUCAN-Air Polution Guidance for Trade Union Reps

TUC (Wales) Greener Workplaces Toolkit For Union Reps May21

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