PATHWAY TO CHANGE AGREEMENT – JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL LOGISTICS AND THE CWU ON REALIGNMENT ACTIVITY AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2ND HOUR SWW AT AIR HUBS

Branches and representatives are informed that in line with the commitments contained within the Pathway to Change Agreement discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to revision activity within Air Hubs to release the 2nd hour of the SWW. Discussions have focused on a streamlined process, based on the principles of the Processing Realignment processes. 

Those discussions have now concluded with an agreed Joint Statement, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive and a copy is attached for your information.

In summary the Joint Statement outlines the following:

 The intention of this local activity at each Air Hub is to address resourcing imbalances across all shifts, resource to demand and other associated challenges in relation to efficiency in line with National agreements and ensure that the business is able to respond and adapt to customer demands and enable growth. 

 Reviews will be undertaken on the basis of a table top approach designed to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on external resource. 

 The realignment review will be conducted based on current actual data, in line with existing National workplan and agreements. 

 The realignment review will be based on standard working methods and equipment type in line with National agreements. Where Covid-19 mitigation/social distancing arrangements are in place they will be factored into agreed outputs for as long as they remain required. 

 The realignment will be jointly progressed in line with the principles of the National Processing Resource Realignment Joint Statement and will aim to minimise the disruption to employees. Agreed change will be deployed in line with the IR Framework and relevant National agreements, including MTSF. 

 Where one shift is in resource surplus and another shift in resourcing shortfall, locally a transitional plan should be agreed to ensure all movement of staff from one shift to the other is voluntary. In case of a lack of volunteers, existing National agreements and MTSF will be applied, to ensure the ‘correct alignment of hours against the workload’. 

 The impact of the 2nd Hour SWW must be understood. Local discussions will have autonomy to agree the appropriate solution to efficiently deploy the SWW, which should be built into the duty structures to ensure no negative impact on performance. 

The department understands that preliminary discussions have already taken place with our Representatives at the Air Hubs, however the formal activity should commence immediately with the deployment of revised duties targeted to be in place Monday, 7th June 2021, at which point the SWW for all Air Hub employees will be released. 

It is jointly believed that the above process will secure robust resourcing, including through the Covid-19 period, reduce the reliance on external resource and allow space for longer-term discussions to progress in line with the commitments contained within the Pathway to Change agreement.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference 054.06.

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 162/21

Attachment 1 – JS Realignment Activity & Deployment of 2nd Hour of SWW at Air Hubs 16.04.21

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CWU Virtual Special Rules Revision Conference 2021– Mock Conference

Further to LTB 129/21 dated 26^th March 2021.

The above LTB advised branches that a mock conference would take place on Monday 19^th April i.e. prior to the CWU Special Rules Revision Conference which is taking place on Saturday 24^th April 2021.

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we need to defer the mock conference which will now take place on Tuesday 20^th April between 11.30am–1.00pm.

The reason why we have taken this decision is that we understand how important it is for branches to get the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the arrangements for the conference including the voting system that will be used on the day.

For this reason we want to ensure that the providers and developers of the software that we will be using during the “mock conference” and “Virtual Special Rules Revision Conference” are in attendance for support and assistance if required. However due to their availability the only date that the mock conference can be held is on Tuesday 20^th April 2021.

Further information regarding the above including the details for logging in and participating in the mock conference will be sent to branches and those delegates that have already registered for the CWU Special Rules Revision Conference on Monday 19^th April 2021

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

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 161/21 – CWU Virtual Special Rules Revision Conference 2021– Mock Conference

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Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus/Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 86)

I attach for your information Version 86 of the Royal Mail Group, Managers’ Coronavirus/Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance document, issued by the business on 14 April 2021.

At the commencement of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak, Royal Mail Group established a ‘Business Pandemic Team’ which includes all national heads of department and this team meets regularly to review the situation across Royal Mail Group and to issue update Questions and Answers information communications to all managers, which is cascaded throughout the business.

The Coronavirus Guidance, version 86 Q&A document has been shared with the Union’s Health, Safety & Environment Department and is hereby circulated for information and reference purposes for CWU Regions, Health and Safety Reps, Branch Reps, Divisional IR Reps and members.

The Q&A documents are circulated to all RMG managers and are also available to access through a link on the Royal Mail Group ‘Intranet’, in the ‘Managers Update Messages’ section.

Update Changes and Additions From Previous Version:

Please note that when update changes and additions are made from the previous version, they are normally highlighted in ‘Yellow’ and the update changes in this version No 86 are on page 13 and are in relation to questions regarding Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device Rapid Tests and the sterilisation process which used ‘Ethylene Oxide’.  In summary the two questions and answers are (full answer on P13):

• Q: Lateral Flow Devices are sterilised using ethylene oxide. What tests have been completed to check that they are safe for regular use?
  Lateral flow tests have been rigorously tested and are safe to use on a regular basis. LFD tests are approved for use by the MHRA, the UK’s regulator of medicines and medical devices, responsible for ensuring their safety, quality and effectiveness.
• Q: Is ethylene oxide used in the sterilisation of LFD tests and is this safe?
  Lateral flow tests have been certified safe to use both in the EU and UK. Ethylene oxide is used in the sterilisation of swabs only. Ethylene oxide is one of the most commonly used sterilisation methods in the healthcare industry.

RMG Covid-19 FAQ’s V86 Contents List:

1.HEALTH

1. Prevention
2. Self-isolation, testing and reporting
3. Cleaning and consumables
4. Travel
5. Support and advice

2.POLICY 

1. General guidance
2. Travel/and annual holiday
3. Caring for dependants
4. Sick pay
5. Attendance process
6. Vulnerable employees

3.OPERATIONAL

1. General Ops advice
2. NHS testing kits
3. Operational processes and reporting changes
4. Delivering and collecting from customers
5. Fleet and vehicles

4.ADVICE FOR CUSTOMERS 

Enquiries:

Any enquiries regarding this LTB or feedback on the RMG Q&A document should be directed to Dave Joyce CWU National Health, Safety & Environment Officer. Issues received in connection with the attached which are appropriate to other CWU/HQ Departments will be passed on the appropriate National Officer.

Attachment:

• Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers V86

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

LTB 160/21 – Royal Mail Group – Latest Updated Coronavirus Covid-19 – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Guidance Document (Version 86)

Coronavirus Guidance Questions and Answers v86

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JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND THE CWU ON THE 2021 NATIONAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE OF LGV DRIVERS

Branches and representatives will be aware that the Joint Statement between RM National Distribution and the CWU on the Deployment of the 2020/21 National Network Revision (LTB 115/21) contained the following commitment in relation to recruitment: 

In line with the commitment in the Pathway to Change agreement both parties are committed to fast track discussions on the terms of a Driver Recruitment and development program to reduce reliance on external resource and restore agreed resourcing arrangements.

Discussions with the business have been taking place for some time in relation to maximising the opportunities for internal candidates to progress in future recruitment campaigns.

During previous campaigns it had become apparent while individuals may hold the required licence the lack of CPC at the time of application for vacancies was creating a barrier to progression, which is contrary to the terms of the 2018 National agreements on Resourcing LGV and MGV Recruitment and Future Resourcing Principles. We have therefore been seeking to establish a commitment from Royal Mail that they will provide the opportunity for individuals to complete their CPC where it is required.

To support those discussions colleagues will be aware that a survey has recently been undertaken by Royal Mail to establish what vocational (LGV) licences are held and CPC status (LTB 090/21 refers).

The survey was well received with over 760 responses. The results have provided insight as to how many individuals are looking to develop their driving career and are ready to apply now, or still need to complete their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) to get their DQC.

Discussions have therefore continued with the business on options available to provide support and training to the affected individuals, to enable them to apply for upcoming vacancies and allow them opportunity to progress where they wish to do so. It has now been agreed that Royal Mail will provide an online CPC training course utilising Advance Driver Coaches, for those individuals who hold the required licence but no CPC. The details are being finalised with the business in relation to the course at present and will be communicated when available. We can inform you however that the CPC training will be provided free of charge to individuals who wish to voluntarily participate but they will have to attend in their own time, release will not be given.

In advance of the courses taking place there will still however be a requirement to advertise vacancies in line with the Network Review activity. In this regard it has been agreed to recruit c464 drivers across two campaigns/waves at 29 VOC’s. Selection for all vacancies will be in line with the Nationally agreed process.

Adverts for Wave 1 are planned to go live on the 14th April 2021 inviting applications from internal candidates holding both an LGV (C+E) licence and valid DCPC (272 vacancies). Wave 2 adverts (c192 vacancies) will be released on the 14th June 2021, which will enable time for those individuals who wish to take the CPC course to do so. It should be noted that Wave 2 recruitment numbers may be flexed based on future workload volumes and this will be agreed with the CWU prior to the recruitment campaign commencing. 

A Joint Statement in respect of the recruitment activity has been concluded and is attached for your information.

The department believes that the Joint Statement outlines a positive position in relation to commitments that have been obtained from the business in respect of maximising internal recruitment opportunities.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference: 211.07

Yours sincerely

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 159/21

Attachment 1 – Joint Statement on LGV Driver National Recruitment 13.04.21

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As part of the ongoing work on changing the culture, DGSP Terry Pullinger and Royal Mail Group CEO Simon Thompson visited Bridgwater DO today. Below you can watch a short video message from Terry.

Also, keep an eye out for a big joint session we will be holding on this issue next week.

https://fb.watch/4Rz7PDr3Ju/

Post Office: Pension Scheme – Increasing Contributions

As part of the recently endorsed pay agreement a new top tier of pension contributions was introduced for our Post Office members.  This important element of the pay agreement allows for members to increase their contribution to 8% and, in return for this, the employer will pay 12% into the scheme.

At the weekend it was being reported by members on social media that they were experiencing technical difficulties with the system in place to allow for increases to pension contributions.  As a consequence, I made urgent representations to Lisa Cherry, the Group Chief People Officer, who has today responded positively.  I am extremely grateful for Lisa’s prompt and helpful attention to this matter.

Whilst the cut-off for increasing pensions contributions is ordinarily linked to payroll cut-off, Lisa Cherry has exceptionally put in place an extension this month as follows: “we can honour requests received by midday on the 15^th April at the absolute latest, due to our payroll timescales”.

To aid the above, the following temporary arrangements have been put in place on this occasion:

Colleagues who are unable to send requests through either their POL e-mail, or an e-mail address that they have previously registered on SuccessFactors as their private e-mail (for security reasons), can request changes by letter to the Bolton office, quoting their full name, payroll number and date of birth for verification.  All requests must be in writing for audit purposes.

The address for the Bolton office is:

People Shared Service Centre

Post Office Ltd 

Atria

Spa Road 

BOLTON 

BL1 4AG

Alternatively, the way to normally increase pension contributions is via the dedicated email address: POL.Pensions@Postoffice.co.uk

Lisa Cherry has also provided some excellent news in respect of members being proactive by increasing their pension contributions. In particular, I’m pleased to report the following: “We have had over 300 requests for colleagues to change their pension contributions since the result of the CWU ballot was announced and over 100 after the initial joint statement regarding the pay issue was first released pre-ballot.”

I am delighted so many members have responded to the opportunity to enhance their pension.  Hopefully these numbers will continue to rise in the coming weeks.  Indeed, it is imperative that we encourage members at every opportunity to have 20% of pay put into their pension (8% employee and 12% employer).

Branches and Representatives are urged to bring this LTB to the attention of our Post Office members.

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 158/21 – Post Office – Pension Scheme – Increasing Contributions

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Are you registered to vote? There’s just one week left to do so if not!

Dear Member,

The deadline for registering to vote in the 6 May 2021 elections is fast approaching.

You need to be registered by 11:59pm on 19 April to vote in the following elections on 6 May:

• local government elections and referendums in England
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
• Scottish Parliament elections
• Senedd (Welsh Parliament) elections
• Mayor of London and London Assembly elections

In order to register, you must be aged 16 or over and must also be one of the following:

• a British citizen
• an Irish or EU citizen living in the UK
• a Commonwealth citizen who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission
• a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

You can register to vote online by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Once you have registered to vote, you may want to register for an early vote (postal vote) for the May elections. Whether you’re working from home, juggling work and childcare or working shifts on the frontline, the safest and easiest way to have your say is to vote by post.

Follow this link: https://postalvote.labour.org.uk/tu, fill in your details, print, sign and post your form to register. If you don’t have a printer, you can choose to be sent a printed form in the post to sign and return.

If you are registered to vote in England or Wales, your application form must arrive at your local Electoral Registration Office by 20 April at 5pm if you wish to vote by post on 6 May 2021 – so get it sorted today if you can! 

Please note that the postal vote deadline in Scotland has passed. You can still apply for a proxy vote in Scotland.

National Joint Statement for Future Collections Activity including the 2^nd Hour SWW Introduction

Branches and representatives are informed that in line with the commitments contained in the Pathway to Change Agreement, discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing revision activity in Collections to deliver the 2^nd Hour reduction in the SWW.

The Pathway to Change Agreement states that both parties will jointly develop and agree the approach to the ongoing changing dynamics of declining letters and growth in parcels within the collection function. This approach will consider the collection approach for low volume letter postboxes, the increased use of priority postboxes, the expansion of the parcel postbox network and the growth in consumer collection services.

Discussions took place with Royal Mail regarding their proposal to move all non-associated postboxes to collections on delivery, which in essence meant only circa 15k postboxes would be deemed ‘associated boxes’ with a 4pm later collection. Those would primarily be associated with post offices, business/parcel boxes, Royal Mail operational units and a number of pre-determined key locations such as main railway stations/airports, national/regional parliaments/assemblies and in each collection unit area, a larger supermarket.

As you will all be aware prior to COVID, there was a continuing decline in stamped letters and increasing under-utilisation of the postbox estate; such is the level of under-utilisation that most postboxes now receive less than 10 items per day. In fact, a postbox needed to receive 46 items per day to cover the cost of a dedicated collection and 5 for a collection to be made on delivery. Therefore, the fact that circa 67,000 postboxes receive 5 or less items per day and circa only 6,000 postboxes fit the criteria (in terms of efficiency) in order to meet the cost of a dedicated evening collection is based on volume analysis.

As a result, the RM/CWU Collections JWG structure was reconvened to progress all of the above activities, along with previous commitments within the Four Pillars Agreement. This has led to numerous discussions with Royal Mail and a CWU counter proposal to their future plans being put forward, which has led to the conclusion of the of attached Joint Statement which includes:

A revised specification for postbox collections has been agreed. This will see a further expansion of collections on delivery (COLLOD), to be deployed through a programme of PBS revisions and local BAU changes. The approach maintains daily collections from all existing c.115.3k postboxes and will be deployed over three years and reviewed each year, to ensure the plans remain fit for purpose.

• From April 2021, the current volume and distance criteria will be removed and replaced by a core network of c. 35k postboxes that will retain predominantly 4:00 PM or later weekday collections and 10:30 or later Saturday collections.  These comprise of “associated” postboxes and “non-associated”postboxes that are currently designated as “Priority Postboxes” for Covid-19 test-kit returns. All other postboxes will be transferable to collection on delivery.
• From April 2022, the core network will reduce to c. 25k postboxes; comprising “associated” “postboxes and a reduced number of “Priority Postboxes”.  The number and location of the “Priority Postboxes” will be reviewed closer to the time, considering any prevailing requirements for Covid-19 test-kit returns.  All other postboxes will be designated for transfer to collection on delivery.
• From April 2023, the core network will further reduce to c. 15k postboxes; comprising only “associated” postboxes. Again, this will be reviewed closer to the time, considering any prevailing requirements for Covid-19 test-kit returns.

These changes are compliant with the regulatory requirements set out in the DUSP conditions and Ofcom has been notified of Royal Mail’s planned implementation.

The joint statement also includes the full involvement of the CWU throughout the process to ensure all information has been supplied and that the identification of boxes, deployment plans, challenge process, additional time for deliveries and the review of Saturday operations is included within the process.

In addition, the joint statement also ensures the growth agenda related to new high footfall postboxes, parcel posting boxes, consumer collections, LAT (PM delivery) and Same Day products will form part of the future agenda and reviews into the use of collection duties in performing those tasks, as well as reviewing the productivity measures.

Both parties have also agreed to review the existing planner-led and unit-led revisions process in order to simplify the procedure where possible and ensure both aspects are fit for purpose. This activity is already in progress and is hoped to be completed in due course.

Finally, also included in the Joint Statement is the inclusion of the framework and guidelines for the revision activities required to deliver this commitment and the introduction of the second hour reduction in circa 117 dedicated Collection Hubs/Units by October 2021. However, the process of local discussions will commence immediately with a target completion date of the 31^st July 2021 to produce a jointly agreed outcome. In addition, it has been confirmed that subsequent revision activity will commence from April 2022, as part of the 2^nd year activity in the 3-year flightpath.

As such the Postal Executive believe that the attached Joint Statement not only meets all of the objectives with the Pathway to Change Agreement, but also deals with the huge challenges in collections, as a result of declining stamped mail volumes in a pragmatic way and via a flightpath, alongside the opportunity to review the plans and the growth agenda.

Yours sincerely

Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary

Davie Robertson                                               
CWU Assistant Secretary  

LTB 157/21 – Future Collections Activity April 21

JS Collections Approach – April 2021 FINAL V1.0

JS Introduction for Collections Final v2

PBS Plan – 21-22 planner led revisions 20210409                                         

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ROYAL MAIL: MDEC TRANSFORMATION – PATHWAY TO CHANGE AGREEMENT

Further to LTB 141/21 dated 31^st March.

Following the National Agreement reached with MDEC management with regards to delivering the Pathway to Change agreement and the Shorter Working Week, our discussions have continued this week in relation to the preference exercise for the Farnworth, Stoke and Plymouth units.

We have now agreed the three separate preference forms which have been tailored for each unit’s circumstances and these are being despatched to members’ home addresses today with a return date of Wednesday 28^th April.  To support this exercise we have also agreed two separate Joint Statements, one for Farnworth and Stoke (closing units) and one for Plymouth which are attached for information.  All of these documents have been shared with our MDEC Representatives earlier today and we plan to hold engagement sessions with the Reps next week in order to provide answers to questions and appropriate advice and guidance.

This preference exercise is being conducted fully in line with MTSF principles and the emphasis will be on finding suitable redeployment opportunities for those who wish to retain employment with Royal Mail.  With regards to next steps, we will be holding further national meetings to discuss the outcomes of these activities with the aim of ensuring that no stone is left unturned in finding opportunities for all members wishing to be redeployed within other functions such as Customer Experience, Finance or Operations.

Further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 156/21 – Royal Mail – MDEC Transformation – Pathway To Change Agreement

Attachment 1 to 21LTB156

Attachment 2 to 21LTB156

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POST OFFICE: CUSTOMER ADVISOR GRADE HARMONISATION TO POSTAL OFFICER & REMEDY TO ADDRESS HISTORICAL PAY PROGRESSION ARRANGEMENTS

Branches are advised that the Postal Executive earlier today endorsed a Collective Agreement (attached) with the Post Office to harmonise the Customer Advisor (CA) grade within the Service & Support Team in Chesterfield to Postal Officer (PO).

The harmonisation in grade from CA to PO will create greater opportunities for upskilling and development and takes affect from 1^st April 2021 with those impacted receiving a variation to their contract detailing the enhanced harmonisation terms.  With the exception of improved pay (where applicable), all other contractual terms & conditions such as working hours and location remain the same.

The table below demonstrates how the agreement will financially benefit our members:CA levelsCA Grade PO ProgressionPO Grade% increaseLevel 1£20,560.84Entry£21,768.835.87%Level 2£21,066.07Mid point£23,319.9610.7%Level 3£24,077.84Max point£26,848.9411.51%

Historical Pay Progression Arrangements – Agreed Remedy

During the grade harmonisation negotiations, it came to light that a significant number of CAs (c.90) had not had the opportunity to progress through the pay increments.  Seemingly this situation has existed since 2013 and applies to all new entrants from this date.  Essentially, this meant the CA members had been denied the ability to progress up the pay scales and as a consequence had been financially disadvantaged.

The Post Office accepted this error and as a result agreed to retrospectively pay in full each employee’s backdated pay.  Depending on their length of service, this will mean a sizeable lump sum for many.  Members have been informed of this development via the attached Joint Statement.

Effectively, the Collective Agreement means our members will benefit from a higher basic pensionable pay in the future and will also receive past monies they are due.  The increase in pay and pay progression arrears will be paid to members with the May salaries.

Team Preference Exercise – Job Allocation by Seniority

The grade harmonisation is an integral part of the Post Office restructure of the Service and Support Optimisation function with all Postal Officers working to the same job description albeit different teams.

All impacted members have completed options forms to indicate which teams they would be interested in working in.  We are working jointly to ensure every effort is being made to accommodate as many people as possible with their first choice, this will however not be possible in all cases.  Where there is oversubscription to a particular team, the selection criteria will follow the principle of seniority.

Finally, I would like to thank Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member, for her assistance in these negotiations and for helping to deliver the positive outcome.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

LTB 155/21 – Post Office – Customer Advisor Grade Harmonisation To Postal Officer & Remedy to Address Historical Pay Progression Arrangements

Attachment 1 to 21LTB155

Attachment 2 to 21LTB155

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