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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National Joint Statement – Resourcing & Recruitment Including the Reintroduction of Postal Apprentices

The Postal Executive are pleased to present to you a very positive Joint Statement that has been agreed with Royal Mail Group.

The Joint Statement seeks to address the previous and very damaging resourcing strategy which has had a very demoralising impact on culture and the operation.  This Joint Statement along with the Average Holiday Pay Agreement seek to address fairness, contracts that reflect the hours actually worked and focus on the next generation of postal workers however it is important to remember where we have come from and genuinely reflect on this positive moment.

Branches, Representatives and members will recall that prior to the Pathway to Change Agreement being concluded and subsequently endorsed by the Postal Membership, the Union and its members were looking at a reduction in operational hourage equivalent to approximately 30,000 – 40,000 FTE.  This was our assessment of a managerial strategy purely focused on decline and with no ambition, a strategy that would have cost thousands of decent jobs, undermined the USO and broke up this great postal service.

No one could have predicted at that time that within a matter of months the Union and Royal Mail Group would set aside their differences and embark on a journey that would see Royal Mail Group employees/CWU members join the ranks of the other key workers in the fight against the Covid pandemic across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Since March 2020, all postal workers have had to adapt and adopt new working arrangements and attendance patterns to collect, process and deliver essential mail and items that were, and remain, crucial to the fight against the ever changing battle against Covid.  In addition, as the USO provider, Royal Mail Group has been able to maintain a postal operation that not only dealt with the unprecedented growth in parcel traffic but which also supported the economic and commercial connectivity so important to our society.

All of the above required a significant investment of both resource and finance however the upside of this activity has been a significant change in the economic fortunes of Royal Mail Group who having been on the edge of becoming a loss making company in the region of £400-£600 million, have now seen a major improvement in the company’s financial position.

The above, coupled with concluding the Pathway to Change Agreement and a completely different managerial ideology, has now placed the company in a position of being able to plan for further growth and the introduction of new products and services.  Therefore, far from reducing headcount, the company can embark on a proactive recruitment campaign as well as the further introduction of approximately 1,000 Postal Apprentices who will lay the foundation for the reintroduction of the Postal Cadet Scheme and the next generation of postal workers.  This is the first agreement for the introduction of Postal Apprentices in our core functions since 2006.

To support the recruitment activity across the UK including the introduction of Postal Apprenticeships, attached for the information of Branches is a National Joint Statement which includes Annexes A, B and C.  It has been reached following consultation and input from the Postal National Officers.  In summary, as well as recommitting to the terms of our existing national agreements, the following commitments have been achieved:

• Resourcing will be predominantly full-time supported by part-time employment;
• Employees will be on permanent contracts unless there is a genuine need for a FTC, the number of which will be monitored and kept under regular joint review;
• All future revision activity will reduce the reliance on agency/casual staff;
• A clear pecking order for recruitment that puts the uplift in part-time contracts up to full-time for those who want it, first.
• Part-time contracts can be reviewed in between the six-month realignment reviews;
• Sunday Delivery and associated work is reaffirmed as voluntary but inventive duty arrangements, such as 3-4 day weeks, can be included in the resourcing mix and selected on a voluntary basis;
• There will be no central block on the recruitment of a full or part-time position where revision activity has justified why the resource is required;
• Any locally agreed recruitment must follow the defined order outlined in the Joint Statement.

I trust that Branches will view the attached Joint Statement as a positive development which will no doubt be a welcome tool for our Representatives in the field to use when undertaking both interim and full revisions and/or any realignment activity going forward.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department or appropriate Postal National Officer.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 248-21 National Joint Statement – Resourcing & Recruitment including the Reintroduction of Postal Apprentices

LTB 248-21 Attachment 1 – Joint Statement on Resourcing and Apprentices

LTB 248-21 Attachment 2 – Annex A

LTB 248-21 Attachment 3 – Annex B

LTB 248-21 Attachment 4 – Annex C – Postal Apprentice Remuneration

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Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 32 – May – June 2021

The Greener Jobs Alliance 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.

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.

The GJA came into existence as a result of funding from Battersea and Wandsworth TUC.

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 on 2 February and has 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”.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department have thanked Graham for his excellent and dedicated work and input over the years on health, safety & environmental issues and campaigning.

See attached copy of the GJA Newsletter No.32 for May-June 2021.

Contents of GJA Newsletter No 32: 

1. Editorial – From G7 to COP
2. Global union movement prepared for COP263
3. Just transition – The scores are in for the UK
4. Aviation and climate change – busting the myths
5. Will Government let Eurostar go bust while bailing out airlines?
6. Union Conference roundup – National Education Union
7. From the Ground Up
8. Fairer Greener Future
9. Support for Tertiary Education from SOS UK
10. Debate: Climate Jobs and Net-Zero
11. Net-Zero. ITUC draft position
12. The stats of the month

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB247 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No. 32 – May – June 2021

GJA-Newsletter-32-May-June2021-FINAL-13-May

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Royal Mail/CWU Joint Statement & Communication on Return To Shared Van Working Arrangements:

This is an important update for Branches, Area Safety Reps and Area Delivery Reps further to the RM/CWU Joint Statement and Communication issued with LTB 237/21 on 11 June 2021.

The Joint Statement made clear that it would be subject to the further Government advice and announcements due on the 14th June as well as the relevant advice from the respective UK Devolved Authorities.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday that there will be a delay to the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact until at least 19 July 2021, further discussions took place with Royal Mail Group on the company’s plans to reintroduce van sharing. Those discussions concluded yesterday evening with agreement that there will be no return to shared vans until 19 July 2021 and that RMG/HQ and CWU/HQ will jointly monitor and review the situation in two weeks’ time.

It has been further agreed that Unit Managers and CWU Area Safety Reps and Area Delivery Reps should utilise the time over the Next four weeks to engage and discuss plans regarding the implementation of shared vans working arrangements in order that a smooth, practical and safe transition back to these arrangements is ready when the time comes.

A new joint communication has been signed confirming the above and reaffirming the contents of the important and detailed joint statement signed and issued on 11 June. Copies of both are attached for your information and attention.

Finally, and also importantly is the added ‘footnote’ to the joint communication being issued this morning making reference to the Royal Mail Group/CWU agreed Workforce Lateral Flow Device Testing Scheme of which both the Employer and Union are urging all Units and all Members to participate in. We would ask all Area and Workplace Reps to support the take up of testing by members whereby the Test Kits are supplied to units for distribution to members in the workplace in order that they can test themselves in the privacy and comfort of their own homes, twice a week and in so doing protect themselves and their work colleagues. To date a number of members with no symptoms have tested positive for Covid-19, so enabling them to self-isolate and seek appropriate treatment whilst helping prevent the Virus spread and potential outbreaks in units amongst their colleague members. A number of Units are not yet participating in the scheme and we would ask that as many Units and members joint in. Please support this.

Yours Sincerely

 Dave Joyce

National Health Safety & Environment Officer

 Mark Baulch

Assistant Secretary Outdoor Postal Department

LTB 246-21 Return To Shared Van Working Arrangements

National Joint Communication Update Van sharing_16 June 2021

Van Sharing Joint Communication.doc 11.06.21  

Joint Statement Return to Van Sharing