CWU 2022 Diary

Branches are reminded of the deadline dates below and attached is an electronic diary order form for your use.

We continue to offer branches personalised diaries at no additional cost.  Branches can personalise an area on the front cover of the CWU pocket diary and also have the option to have a personalised page (printed on one side only) which will be inserted near the front of the pocket diary.

The CWU pocket diary is priced at £1.75 and the A5 desk diary is priced at £2.65.

We also continue to offer branches bulk discount on pocket diaries only on orders of 1,000 or more for £1.40 per diary.

Branches ordering unaltered diaries should return their completed order form by no later than Monday 20^th September.

Personalised branch diary orders only

Branch personalised diary orders must be returned by no later than Friday 21^st May. On receipt of your order form you will be emailed the appropriate template(s), please ensure to include your email address as this is where your template(s) will be sent together with further instructions.

Please complete your template(s) as soon as possible and note the return deadline is Friday 11^th June. Due to strict deadlines any orders or proofs received after the dates provided may not be processed.

If you would like to use your 2021 diary template(s) and there are no changes, please advise Marcia Murray.

Orders will be based on the following:

Minimum order to personalise front cover: 250 units

Minimum order to insert page: 500 units

Minimum order to personalise front cover and insert page: 500 units

All completed order forms and enquiries on this LTB should be sent to Marcia Murray by email to mmurray@cwu.org

The diaries will be dispatched from w/c Monday 27^th September 2021.

Kind regards,

Chris Webb
Head of Communications, Engagement and Media

21LTB203 – CWU 2022 Diary

Diary Order Form

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Joint Statement between Royal Mail Logistics and the CWU on Deployment of Further Gas Motive Units

Branches and representatives are advised that Royal Mail have today issued a Press Release in relation to the use of low emission gas powered trucks for Parcels and Letters (copy at Annex A).

Historically joint trial activity in relation to the use of gas powered vehicles in the National Distribution (Network) function has been taking place under an agreed Terms of Reference since 2017. This activity has centered on evaluating developments in new technology which could deliver benefits in regard to cost, fleet efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint.

The business recently requested that the trial activity was extended to include a further 29 vehicles at Chorley and Preston Vehicle Operating Centres and Warrington Parcel Hub.

Discussions have therefore taken place in relation to a Terms of Reference for the activity, which have resulted in the attached agreement being concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive (Annex B).

In summary the document ensures the following:

 Full involvement of the CWU IR, Fleet and H&S departments in the activity. 

 The continuation of discussions in respect of bringing maintenance work of the gas powered vehicles into the Royal Mail Fleet workshops. 

 Vehicles will only be driven by suitably trained drivers, who will be trained during normal working time by Advance Driver Coaches. 

 Only suitably trained drivers will fill the vehicles. 

 Routes that the trucks will be deployed on will be agreed with the CWU locally prior to deployment. 

 Review of duty times to ensure appropriate time is allocated for refueling of the vehicles. 

 During this trial activity areas of the operational site population affected by these vehicles will experience no adverse impact on employee earnings, SA’s, duty times etc. 

 Joint review of the trial activity and should the development of the trial be considered a success it will be subject to discussion and agreement at National level prior to further deployment. 

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the appropriate department:

National Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 214.15. 

Fleet: Carl Maden, Assistant Secretary (Acting), email khay@cwu.org quoting reference: 420. 

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson                                                 

Assistant Secretary                                 

Carl Maden

Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB 202/21

Annex A – CNG Trucks Release FINAL

Annex B – JS Deployment of Further Gas Motive Units 13.05.21

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL GROUP AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION IN REGARD TO A JOINT VERIFICATION OF ANNUAL LEAVE CARRY FORWARD BALANCES

Dear Colleagues,

Branches and Representatives will be aware that Section 8 of the Guiding Principles of Employment Security and Mutual Interest Approach to Future Challenges and Opportunities Agreement committed both parties to a joint review of annual leave arrangements.  A number of reviews have taken place however these to varying degrees have not resolved outstanding leave or provided a definitive, accurate picture of every employee’s leave record.

Therefore, discussions on a further review have been progressing with the business and have now culminated in the attached Joint Statement.

Joint review activity will therefore take place in all Royal Mail Group units which have employees who have carried forward more than 1.5 contractual weeks of annual leave from the 2020/21 annual leave year.

It is expected that some units will have a high number of conversations whilst others may be small although this can mean a high amount of investigations however the number of conversations required is expected to be around 22k across Royal Mail Group.  As a result, sufficient paid release time is agreed and should be granted locally for the CWU Representative to fully participate.

The main objectives of the review are:

• Establish the current state nationally in regard to outstanding annual leave, correct any individual discrepancies and to agree the level of leave outstanding.
• The review will include a CWU Representative with sufficient paid release provided to ensure the activity is undertaken and successfully deployed.
• The individual discussions will include supplying the recent leave card and the currently recorded annual leave including the previous carried forward amount of leave. Where there is not agreement to the recorded levels of leave, investigations will take place to ascertain evidence of leave being taken or untaken, this can include electronic and/or local records, overtime claims, signing on sheets etc.  The aim will be to establish the correct amount and reach agreement on the accurate level of carry forward leave from previous years.
• The discussion will also include dialogue on finding mutually beneficial periods of when the leave will be taken over a reasonable period of time. For clarity, this does not require all outstanding leave to be taken in the 2021/22 leave year.
• It is also agreed that where employees have already agreed a burn off plan with their manager, they will not require a further conversation unless they request one.
• Once the activity has been completed, the line manager will be required to complete a short, online document detailing the outputs of the discussion. This will include correcting any discrepancies in the leave recorded on PSP.  HR Services shall make the necessary corrections to leave records on PSP following receipt of the information.
• Any resourcing issues arising from the review should be discussed and agreed with the local CWU Representative to ensure resourcing solutions are in place to accommodate the arrangements agreed.
• The review will begin on the 17^th May 2021 and conclude on the 4^th June 2021.
• Leave plans should be displayed in every workplace. Just as importantly updated lists of available slots of annual leave should also be displayed, communicated via huddles and made available for employees to request short-term leave.
• At the end of the 2021/22 leave year, managers will be required to authorise carry over of annual leave in excess of 5 days as per the Way Forward on the PSP system.

This review comes at a timely period as the pandemic restrictions begin to subside allowing UK and international holidays as well as the forthcoming Summer leave period.  Therefore, it is anticipated that employees will want to take the opportunity to take a well-deserved rest in the July, August and September period or during the remainder of the leave year.  Managers and Representatives should look at all available opportunities to facilitate leave requests and burn off opportunities that are mutually beneficial to all parties.

The Joint Working Group are available to assist with any enquiries.

Ongoing work and discussions are taking place to improve current annual leave arrangements which are anticipated to be concluded in readiness for the October allocation process for the 2022/23 leave year.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Steve Halliwell, Postal Executive member, shalliwell@cwu.orgor Mick Kavanagh, Postal Executive Vice Chair, mkavanagh@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                           

LTB 201/21 – JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL GROUP AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION IN REGARD TO A JOINT VERIFICATION OF ANNUAL LEAVE CARRY FORWARD BALANCES

Attachment to LTB 201-21 JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION IN REGARD TO A VERIFICATION OF ANNUAL LEAVE CARRY FORWARD BALANCES

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PATHWAY TO CHANGE – DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS AND REVISED ACHIEVING AGREEMENT PAPERWORK

Further to LTB 184/21 issued on 7^th May 2021, attached for the information/attention of Branches/Representatives is the specific section of the previously circulated Legally Binding Agreement which has now replaced the original Dispute Resolution Procedure from the Agenda for Growth Agreement.

In addition, attached is a copy of the Revised Achieving Local Agreement document that will now be used to accurately record the reason(s) why an agreement was unable to be reached prior it being referred to the next level of the process for action.  Branches will note that detailed in the introduction of this document are some key messages and principles which will be applied to support the overall objective of reaching agreement at the lowest leave without recourse to the Dispute Resolution Procedure.

In anticipation of the review of the Legally Binding Agreement being successfully concluded, the revised document is already included in the Joint Industrial Relations Framework training that is currently being rolled out.

Colleagues will be aware that the Pathway to Change Agreement committed both parties to ensuring a more effective and robust way of jointly managing the application, recording and timescales of the procedures. Therefore, adherence to the defined timescale in the process both below and at National level will be the key measure of the successful application of the revised Dispute Resolution Process and the investment in Joint IR Training.

In addition, neither party will now be in a position to defer or delay an issue(s) being referred to the next level by simply stating that they do not agree an issue(s) is a disagreement, which has been a major frustration for both the Union and Royal Mail over the years and one we have now jointly addressed.

The revised DRP and the investment being made in delivering the Joint IR Training should be viewed by both the company and the Union as an opportunity to reinvigorate IR relationships at all levels to the mutual benefit of the Union, Royal Mail and the wider CWU Postal membership.

I can also confirm that whilst the attached DRP and associated documentation relate to Royal Mail, separate discussions are continuing on reviewing and updating the Procedural Agreement in Parcelforce.  Further information in respect of this activity will be circulated in due course.

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 199/21 – PATHWAY TO CHANGE – DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS AND REVISED ACHIEVING AGREEMENT PAPERWORK

Attachment 1 to LTB 199-21 DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES MAY 2021

Attachment 2 to LTB 199-21 Achieving Local Agreemant Template April 21 PDF         

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Royal Mail Vehicle Tyre and Maintenance Policy – Update

 Please find attached for the information of Branches and Representatives the latest version of the Royal Mail Vehicle Tyre and Maintenance Policy which is available on the Royal Mail Share Point for those with access.

All aspects of the policy remain as previously with the exception of the following changes;

• 1 – Tyres over 10 years old are covered under new legislation as of February 2021 (LTB 022/21 refers)
• 1 – Where the vehicle’s tyre depth has gone below the RM minimum tread depth, but remains legal to drive, an appointment with the nearest RM Fleet Workshop or external contractor used for tyre services, where appropriate, should be made to have the tyres replaced prior to their reaching the minimum legal tread depth.
• 2.5 – Alpine Tyres (commonly referred to as Winter Tyres) are available by special request where absolutely necessary.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department:

Network & Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 014.01

Deliveries & Collections: Mark Baulch, email njones@cwu.org quoting reference: 300

Fleet: Carl Maden, email khay@cwu.org quoting reference:  220

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson                                

Assistant Secretary                            

Mark Baulch

Assistant Secertary

Carl Maden 

Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB 198/21 – RM Vehicle Tyre Maintenance Policy

Attachment: Royal Mail Fleet – Vehicle and Trailer Tyre Replacement Policy

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CWU – OBITUARY LIST 2020/21

As you will be aware it is normal practice to publish an Obituary List of those members who have sadly passed away since the previous conference in the General Conference Agenda Pad.

Despite having to cancel the 2020 General Conference due to the Covid19 pandemic the agenda was published and it contained the Obituary list as normal.

However, due to the pandemic continuing and our inability to hold our normal General Conference we believe it fitting and correct to publish this LTB containing the attached Obituary List.

Obviously when we are able to meet together we will be able to pay our respects in the normal and appropriate way but until that time it is only right that we put on record the list of those we have lost.

Accordingly, please find attached a list of those members that have passed away in the previous twelve months.

Any queries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Angela Niven on conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 200/21 – CWU Obituary List 2021

Obituary List 2021

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“Time to Test” – CWU’s Dave Joyce Blogs on The Covid-19 LFD Home Testing Scheme in Royal Mail Group: (myroyalmail 12 May 2021)

Further to LTBs 183/21 and 190/21, from this week, all members employed in Royal Mail Group will be able to participate in and benefit from the workforce testing scheme that’s been agreed between the Government (DHSC), Royal Mail Group and the Unions. This provides for members being able to collect Covid-19 lateral flow test devices from their workplace, in order to perform self-tests in the privacy of their own homes twice weekly.

The simple to use, ‘Rapid Test’, gives a result in just 30 minutes. From there anyone getting a positive result, can then take immediate action to self-isolate, not go into work, not come into contact with work colleagues and therefore break the chain of transmission and ‘stop the virus spread’.

The scheme runs from 10 May through to the end of June, when we hope the country’s Covid-19 lockdown restrictions will end.

We want every single one of our members to take up this opportunity. It is a benefit that we have fought hard and long to get and we’ve made it as easy as possible for members to obtain test kits and utilise the testing and thereby safeguard their own safety and wellbeing as well as the people they work with, family, friends and contacts.

This will make a positive contribution to reducing transmission of the virus if we can maximise participation.

I am urging every one of our members to take part in the twice a week testing at home to help keep this virus under control.

A big thank you to all our CWU Reps and members.

See attached downloaded copy of the article which is also available at the following link: https://www.myroyalmail.com/news/2021/05/time-test

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 197/21 – Time to Test – CWU’s Dave Joyce Blogs on The Covid-19 LFD Home Testing Scheme in Royal Mail Group (myroyalmail 12 May 2021)

Time to Test – CWU’s Dave Joyce Blogs on Home Testing

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THE BIG TRUST SURVEY – HEADLINE RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS

Further to LTB 154/21 that was circulated on 8^th April 2021, Branches will be aware that the ‘Big Trust Survey’ closed at midnight on 9^th May 2021.

Attached are the headline results, as well as a joint statement that has been communicated by Royal Mail Group through their online ‘Workplace’ platform.

I would like to thank all Branches, CWU Representatives and Members for the work you have completed to promote this joint survey, which resulted in 60,474 surveys being completed by the frontline. That is 91% of the total 66,413 overall returns and the full set of returns equates to a 48% overall response rate.

Over the coming weeks, the data will be broken down to a unit or shift level and a joint high level analysis will take place following which, the results are going to be considered by the local CWU Representative and Manager, prior to being shared with the Members.

It is then the intention for joint action plans to be agreed upon along with timelines, in order to resolve the issues that have been highlighted. These action plans will then be jointly monitored from that point on and will act as the first step in our joint aim towards making a difference in your workplace by improving culture, trust and the working environment going forward.

Further developments will be reported in due course. 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)

21LTB191 – THE BIG TRUST SURVEY HEADLINE RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS

21LTB191 – ATTACHMENT 1

21LTB191 – ATTACHMENT 2

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UN Global Road Safety Week 17th – 23rd May 2021 – ‘Low Speed Streets Save Lives’

The 6^th annual UN Global Road Safety Week will run from 17 to 23 May with this year’s theme of ‘Low Speed Streets Save Lives’.

The UN campaign is sending out the message that low speed streets save lives and should be at the heart of any community. 30kmh/20mph speed limits where people and traffic mix, makes for streets that are healthy, green and liveable, in other words, streets for life.

The UN Road Safety Collaboration is calling on national and local government policymakers to act for low speed streets worldwide, limiting speeds to 30kmh/20mph where people walk, live and play and they want these lower limits to be the norm for cities, towns and villages worldwide.

The UN say these lower speed limits bring a number of benefits:

• The reduction in risk of death in road traffic accidents,
• Safer environments,
• Opportunity for use of alternative, safer, sustainable and inclusive transport,
• Lower emissions and protection for the environment – lower impact on the climate.

The UN will be lobbying governments during the campaign week to make 20mph/30kmh the urban area default speed limit.

This is already the default speed limit in a number of countries such as Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. In the UK both Wales and Scotland have already committed to doing the same.  Wherever you are in the UK we will be seeing more and more 20mph speed limits and therefore members who drive as part of their job and in their own cars will need to be aware of these impending lower speed limits.

The view of road safety experts, road safety charities and organisations conclude that 20mph speed limits are essential for ensuring improvements in the safety of pedestrians in urban and residential areas, (including postal workers).

Many drivers see this reduced 20mph speed limit as too slow and don’t understand why it’s now seen as so important.  Here are some facts:

• Including reaction time, when driving at 20mph you can stop within 3 metres if a pedestrian steps out – a frightening event but no injuries and no damage done.
• At just 5mph over the limit – that is 25mph, you would still be travelling at 18mph after 3 metres, the force of the impact would be the equivalent of falling from the roof of a house.  A pedestrian will incur serious injury and a young child would likely be killed.
• Increase speed to 30mph and you will barely have hit the brakes before you hit the pedestrian, and will still be travelling at 27mph, the equivalent of falling from the 3rd floor of a tower block.  Injuries will be severe with a high probability of death.

17^th – 23^rd May is the UN Global Road Safety Week – highlighting the importance of respecting 20mph speed limits where imposed. All drivers are asked to please be aware and vigilant – look out for 20mph zones and always drive within the limit, even if others don’t. The law and the effects are clear – it’s not acceptable to break the speed limit.

This campaign is supported by the ‘UN Road Safety Collaboration’, ‘RoadSafe’, AIRSO, RoSPA, ‘Brake’, ‘Roadpeace’, ‘London Road Safety Forum’, ‘DfT’, ‘AA’, ‘RAC’, ‘Road Safety Foundation’, ‘Road Safety Trust’, ‘Road Safety GB’, ‘Think!’ ‘Shell’ and ‘Royal Mail Group’ (see attached WTTL Brief).

For further information:- https://www.unroadsafetyweek.org/en/home

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB196 UN Global Road Safety Week 17th – 23rd May 2021 – ‘Low Speed Streets Save Lives’

20mph Speed Limits – Huddle Template

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Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 009) – Use of Knives – Serious Cut Hand Injury:

Introduction

Following a serious accident, caused by a knife and resulting in a severe cut injury to a worker’s hand (see attached photograph) whilst working in a Royal Mail Parcel Sort Centre, the attached urgent RMG SHE Flash FY21 009 ‘Use of Knives’ has been issued in order to raise the profile of the inappropriate use of knives in the workplace which was in breach of the ‘mandatory’ Safe System of Work and involved the use of the incorrect type of knife. The Safety Flash links to a reviewed and updated ‘Safe Working Instruction’ (copy attached) which clearly details the requirements for using knives in the operation. There are only two types of knives which are officially approved by Royal Mail Group (RM & PFWW) and which should be issued to employees (other than for specialist tasks). Any other knives in use must be removed and disposed of.  Office/Unit Managers and PiCs have been requested to communicate the details of the Safety Flash and Safe Working Instruction to their workforce and display the Safety Flash on the SHE Notice Board.

Audience:

All Royal Mail Group workers who use knives during the course of their work (e.g. RM Processing, RM Distribution, RM Parcelforce Worldwide).

Overview and Background:

Royal Mail Group Safety Health and Environment Group have issued ‘Safety Flash’, number FY21 009, (copy attached), which gives a summary of the recent serious cut hand injury accident. On investigation it was found that unapproved, not officially supplied knives

were in use at the site concerned and the Safe System of Work was not being followed. The ‘Safety Flash’ is to form the basis of a Unit Briefing to provide safety information and instruction to all staff working in operations where knives are used in order to raise awareness of the potential risk of similar incidents which could cause a serious cut injury accident.

Issue: 

The use of knives is required for some operational tasks – e.g., for cutting shrink wrap, bag ties and cardboard. Royal Mail Group Assets provides approved safety knives for specific tasks. These knives have been risk assessed and meet safety standards. They are available as RMG catalogue stores items. Other knives must not be procured or used. In this case an unapproved knife which was not fit for purpose had been provided and was being used.

The ‘mandatory’ Safe Working Instruction was not being followed by the accident victim concerned.

Description of the Incident:

The incident occurred when a worker was cutting cardboard incorrectly with an unapproved knife and slashed his hand causing a serious, deep laceration which required hospital treatment, several stiches and medication.

Impact and Effect:

The misuse of knives can cause a significant injury, if the knives are not fit for purpose and are used incorrectly.

Key Learning Points. 

• Knives must only be used for authorised operational
• Only RMG approved safety knives must be used and these are available from the RMG stores catalogue.
• Always follow the Safe Working Instruction.
• There is a serious risk of injury if this is not adhered to.

Key Management Activity and Messages to Staff:

• Communicate and display the SHE Safety Flash on the SHE Notice board.
• Brief staff on the ‘Operation and Use of Knives Safe Working Instruction (SWI)’ to all relevant staff and complete training based on the content.
• Review all knives that are used on site and remove all of those that are not compliant with the Safe Working Instruction (SWI).
• Only where the specific task requires it should compliant, authorised, knives be provided and used. These must be ordered from the RMG catalogue where required. These will either be a ‘Fish Knife’ or the ‘Auto-Retractable Knife’. No other types of knife are permitted unless specifically approved via a separate risk assessment.
• Only use a knife for its designated purpose – as identified in the approved knives and usage section of the SWI.
• Only trained individuals must use a knife for an operational task. This can be completed by a manager or a Workplace Coach.
• The relevant SSOW for the task must be followed.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Monitor the use of knives to ensure compliance to the SWI.

Attachments:

• Copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash FY21 009 – ‘Use of Knives’.
• Copy of RMG Safe Working Instruction – ‘Operation and Use of Knives’ (Fish Knife and Auto-Retractable Knife).
• Photograph of the Knife Accident Victim’s Injury.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

21LTB194 Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash (FY21 009) – Use of Knives – Serious Cut Hand Injury

SHE Flash FY21 009 Use of knives

Operation and Use of Knives SWI v1.0

Serious Knife Injury Accident Image (Atherstone IPSC 15.03.21)

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