Show Racism the Red Card – Short duration workshop programme

Building on the close links with SRtRC, and in response to Branches positive feedback relating to other joint engagement events, we have arranged an exciting new, hard hitting, and fast-track
training programme.

A schedule of 14 workshops will be delivered by SRtRC facilitators.

Workshops will be broken down and delivered in two parts, each of 90 – 120 minutes duration and applicants will be expected to commit to attend both parts:

Part 1

Barriers to Prejudice, and the Role of Unconscious Bias
The initial session explores barriers to tackling prejudice in the workplace and throughout society.

This workshop considers the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination, the impact of unconscious bias and privilege on our thought processes, and why it is important to utilise critical thinking skills to counteract the influence of media, rumours, and myths. The workshop will also allay fears, created by the media, around correct use of language and terminology. This session is also designed to ask participants to reflect on their own prejudices in a safe, nonjudgmental
environment.

Recognising & Responding to racism and prejudice
Consideration then moves to discriminatory attitudes, helping to define a racist/prejudice related incident and proceeds to an activity looking at best practice in responding to prejudice in the workplace and when dealing with members issues. It concludes by looking at the consequences of not challenging discriminatory attitudes/practice, followed by tips on how to effectively challenge prejudice.

Part 2

Embedding Equality in the Workplace and Ally-ship
The workshop builds on the knowledge gained from Part 1 and explores good practice, techniques and strategies that can be utilised to support members in holistically promoting equality throughout the workplace. Ally-ship provides the opportunity to better support colleagues who may be from marginalised groups. This workshop will help people recognise the power and influence they may have, and how this can be best utilised in order to take effective action to build a more inclusive
workplace.

The Language of Equality
This session asks delegates to reflect on the powerful nature of language in the workplace when engaging with members and employers. A follow up activity considers appropriate use of
terminology relating to identity. Those taking part will be able to ask, in safety, questions about any words they are unsure about when describing people and groups.

By the end of the workshops, participants should:

· Understand the need to critically reflect on their personal prejudices  and professional practice
· Have a greater understanding of appropriate terminology relating to ethnicity
· Have an increased understanding of how to recognise racism
· Be better equipped to respond to incidents of racism
· Be more aware for the need for a strong organisational culture which clearly demonstrates an inclusive & anti-racism stance

Dates including cut-off:
Due to the fairly short notice and with numbers limited, a closing date to apply for any of the dates of 4th February 2021 has been set and will be strictly adhered to.

Part 1
1. 10th Feb 10am – 12pm
2. 10th Feb 2pm – 4pm
3. 17th Feb 10am – 12pm
4. 17th Feb 4pm – 6pm
5. 24th Feb 10am – 12pm
6. 24th Feb 4pm – 6pm
7. 3rd March 10am – 12pm

Part 2
1. 3rd March 2pm – 4pm
2. 10th March 10am – 12pm
3. 10th March 4pm – 6pm
4. 17th March 10am – 12pm
5. 17th March 4pm – 6pm
6. 24th March 10am – 12pm
7. 24th March 2pm – 4pm

All participants completing both days will receive a certificate from Show Racism the Red Card.

Application Process
Authorised applications must be received by the cut-off date.
Branches must send an email to equality&education@cwu.org via the Branch Secretary or authorised deputy only with the following information:

· Two dates only that are being applied for (Part 1 & Part 2)
· Name of applicant
· Branch
· Membership number of applicant
· Contact email address for the applicant
· Contact mobile number
· Any adjustments that require consideration

When applications have been received applicants MUST be registered as CWU Reps/Officers on the OLS system for applications to be processed.

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

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

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

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

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

Release
Paid release from the employer does NOT apply.

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

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 024/21 – Show Racism the Red Card – Short duration workshop programme

· Back to My Union

ROYAL MAIL CONSULTATIVE BALLOT – RMG AND CWU KEY PRINCIPLES FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT (THE PATHWAY TO CHANGE) – DUPLICATE BALLOT PAPER REQUEST

Branches will be aware that ballot papers for the above Royal Mail Consultative ballot were dispatched to members on the 18^th January 2021.  Please note that the process for members requesting duplicate ballot papers due to non- receipt is as follows:

In all duplicate ballot paper requests, members should send an email to membersballot2021@cwu.org

The email must contain the following information:

• Members name
• CWU membership number
• Correct home address
• CWU Branch
• Reason for request

Every effort will be made so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure that each member receives a ballot paper through the post in time for them to cast their vote.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 023/21

View Online

Change In Tyre Legislation For Vehicles Over 3.5 Tonnes

Branches will recall Motion 17 to General Conference 2018 submitted in the name of the Mersey Branch on the Tyred Campaign (Appendix A), which highlighted a tragic accident involving a 52 seat coach on the A3 in Surrey. A tyre expert confirmed that the accident was due to a blow out of the front nearside tyre that made the coach veer to the left and mount the embankment resulting in the fatalities of the driver and two passengers and leaving others with life threatening injuries. It was subsequently discovered that the tyre involved was actually older than the 19 year old coach.

In moving Motion 17 the speaker referred to the Tyred Campaign, which sought to introduce legislation that prevented the use of tyres that were old and thereby dangerous to the passengers as well as other road users. During debate we also heard that recommendations from manufacturers had previously advised the Government that tyres which are 6 years or older should not be fitted on cars and should be replaced if found to be over 10 years old. Unfortunately for the passengers of that coach the recommendations were never a legal requirement.

As a result of the Tyred Campaign, Government have since introduced new legislation which comes into effect from the 1st February 2021 banning the use of tyres over 10 years old that are fitted to steer axles on all vehicles above 3.5 tonnes, including all axles on minibuses when fitted in single configuration (9 to 16 seat minibuses).

The ban follows an extensive investigation including research commissioned by the Department of Transport which indicates that ageing tyres suffer corrosion which could cause them to fail. Drivers, owners and operators are responsible for the safety of their vehicles. The Government will also be asking the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to continue checking tyre age as part of their routine roadside enforcement activities and adding an additional assessment to the annual test scheme (MOT test).

Effectively, any vehicle above 3.5t that has tyres fitted which are found to be 10 years or older in England, Scotland or Wales stopped at roadside will lead to MOT failure and receive an immediate S marked prohibition notice. This is given when the examiner believes a severe defect is due to significant breakdown in the vehicle’s maintenance procedures.

Much of this will of course be resolved by the Fleet workshop staff across the in-house garage network through the issue of a Red Technical Service Bulletin (Safety Instruction). Members should however be mindful of the high reliance of Fleet on the use of contractors for HGV’s and trailers, so it is prudent to ensure that all members are aware of the change in legislation.

With regard to the Drivers responsibility there is of course a requirement to complete a roadworthiness or pre-use check. If a Driver is stopped as part of the roadside enforcement activities and the vehicle is in breach of the new legislation, the DVSA will issue an immediate prohibition notice and follow this up with a request to RMG to present their process which ensures the adequate management of their tyres.

The requirement to inspect age data on tyres will clearly become a driver responsibility which would need to be factored into the Vehicle Checks process. Both departments will of course ensure that RM agree to immediate activity that provides for sufficient times and processes to be put in place to ensure for adequate completion of these new checks on the relevant vehicles involved. All drivers (OMVs and personal vehicles) should ensure they understand this new legislation and familiarise themselves on how to identify the age of each tyre fitted to their OMV or indeed their own personal vehicle.

The information required can be located on the sidewall alongside the letters DOT which is then followed by a number code:

• These four numbers denote the fabrication date of the tyre to the nearest week with the first pair of these four numbers indentifying the date of manufacture down to the nearest WEEK ranging from 01 to 53.
• The last pair of numbers specifies the YEAR of manufacture.
• So for example a tyre with XXXXXXX2714 after the DOT lettering has a manufacture date in the 27th week of 2014.

Legislation will only affect those vehicles mentioned above but both departments feel it important for Drivers to be made aware of these changes and remain vigilant to the markings as indicated on the sidewalls of tyres.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to the relevant department:
Network & Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.orgquoting reference: 014.01
Deliveries & Collections: Mark Baulch, email: njones@cwu.org quoting reference: 300
Fleet: Carl Maden, email khay@cwu.orgquoting reference: 220

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson 
Assistant Secretary

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary

Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary (Acting)

LTB 022/21 – Change In Tyre Legislation For Vehicles Over 3.5 Tonnes

---

Appendix A
On Monday 10 September 2012 a coach bound for Liverpool carrying 53 people from the Bestival music festival on the Isle of Wight, left the road and crashed into a tree instantly killing Michael Molloy (18), Kerry Ogden (23) and the coach driver, Colin Daulby (63), and left others with life changing injuries. The inquest into the crash found that the front nearside tyre which was actually older than the coach itself, at 19 years, was responsible for the crash. In 2014, Liverpool City Council unanimously agreed a motion in support of Michael’s mother Frances, calling for a change in the law requiring a ban on tyres older than six years on commercial vehicles. Despite the wide spread public and political support for this campaign, no change in the law has been made, shamefully leaving others at risk from faulty and dangerous tyres. Conference notes that Frances Molloy has launched “Tyred” – the official campaign to pressure Government – to change the law to ban the use of tyres older than ten years on commercial vehicles. Conference wholeheartedly supports “Tyred” and instructs the NEC to write to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to call together cross-party support for a change in the law. Conference further instructs the NEC to support the “Tyred” campaign until such a change in the law is achieved.

Mersey

Please watch and share this vital message from Terry Pullinger DGSP.

Terry gives a thank you to our brilliant reps but also, crucially, asks all members (apart from those with medical exemptions) to please wear face masks indoors. This is to protect you and your colleagues.

https://fb.watch/3aHCqtTAel/

Royal Mail Group People App – Update

Further to LTB 532/20 circulated on 10^thNovember 2020, it is necessary to make Branches aware of some developments that have occurred in relation to the pilot site activity for the Royal Mail Group voluntary ‘People App’.

Pilot activity was initially scheduled to commence between the middle and end of November 2020, however on 19^th November the Business informed the DGS(P) Department that there would be a slight delay in getting the App into the Google and Apple Store by 30^th November 2020. They therefore made the decision to push the start of the pilot activity back until after Christmas, with a planned launch date of 11^th January 2021. They went on to state that:

“Even though the app won’t be available on the app stores, it will be ready to use via a URL link which you can use on a browser. We are going to ask our small beta group to start to use this on 30^th November. After Christmas we will then be able to expand to the pilot sites.”

The Postal Executive were notified of this development, as were the lead Field Officials who had participated in an earlier conference call.

However, on 16^th December 2020 an e-mail was received from management stating that:

“As of yesterday, we’ve been able to publish the app in the app stores and let our small group of users know about it. It appears that word of mouth has spread further afield then our original small group.”

Following feedback received from the Field, it became apparent that access to the People App was widespread and that the App had been shared extensively on social media by our members and indeed a number of CWU Representatives.

On behalf of the DGS(P) Department, Postal Executive member Katrina Quirke wrote to the Business on 17^th December 2020 to raise concerns about the widespread access and to request that the App was either removed from the App stores or that the access was limited to those in the pilot sites. A response was received later that evening from management stating that they were unwilling to do this.

On 5^th January 2021, Postal Executive members Katrina Quirke and David Wilshire attended a subsequent conference call with management in order to allow for further discussions. A set of slides were presented by management and these are attached for the information of Branches (see Attachment 1). These were also used in a presentation by the Business to the Lead Field Officials earlier today.

Branches will note that circa 30,000 people have already downloaded this voluntary App and at least one person has completed the download in 1576 units (although numbers are significantly higher in some workplaces).

Clearly the number of downloads now far exceeds the original target of 5,000 users from the original pilot locations. As a result, the Business now sees no value in limiting the App to just these original pilot workplaces and will be writing to these sites to inform them of this decision.

It may well be perceived that the Business acted disingenuously in this manner prior to Christmas, especially at a time when both parties were meant to be rebuilding trust. However, whilst the Postal Executive have taken a somewhat neutral position in relation to the People App, it is recognised that it would be unwise to discontinue our involvement and discussions regarding its ongoing development.

As a result, the approach of using Postal Executive member Katrina Quirke as the Lead will continue, thus ensuring that the Postal Department has an avenue to raise issues of concern, guarantee that there is no impact upon our collective agreements, protect the rights of individuals, be in a position to assess feedback from surveys and have ongoing input. The Business have indeed confirmed that:

• Regular catch ups and updates would work best, allowing for feedback to be shared and enabling Katrina to highlight any concerns regarding existing National and Local agreements, if necessary (further arrangements will be discussed with Katrina);
• They do not plan to implement any large scale changes to the App based on feedback received at this stage, but will continue to discuss the results and ideas they receive from the survey;
• The attached slides can be shared;
• The App will also operate in different languages, depending upon the language that the device is set up to use.

Further meetings are being arranged with the Business and future updates will be provided as and when new developments occur. Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Pullinger

Deputy General Secretary (Postal) 

LTB 017/21 – Royal Mail Group People App Update

LTB 017/21 – Attachment 1

As ballot papers start to land with members, here is a vital video message from DGSP Terry Pullinger. Please could you ensure that it is shared via your social media channels, whatsapp groups, emails etc

https://fb.watch/36oaLpkn6o/

Retained Parcel Sort Centres

The department has received a number of enquiries seeking clarity around the plan by the business to continue operating a number of the Seasonal Parcel Sort Centres outside of the peak period. Discussions have therefore taken place with the business to clarify the plan and ensure that the RM core network is fully utilised at all times prior to the movement of any workload, in line with the commitments in current agreements including the proposed Pathway to Change agreement currently out to ballot.

Branches will be aware during Peak 2020 that Royal Mail opened 10 Seasonal Parcel Sort Centres to accommodate the unprecedented parcel volumes and demand in the core network. This was in response to the ongoing Covid crisis, its effect on the density of online shopping and the reduction in capacity in the core Mail Centre/RDC network, due to social distancing and Covid-19 mitigation arrangements.

Due to the implementation of the heightened Covid-19 lockdown arrangements across the UK following the Christmas/New Year period, Royal Mail’s commercial forecast predicted continued high volumes. In addition to reduce the level of risk to Royal Mail employees, social distancing arrangements are likely to remain in force for some time to come.

Given this the business have taken the decision to retain a reduced number of Parcel Sort Centres over the coming weeks. The requirement for the additional capacity will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be stood down as and when the volume can be safely accommodated within the core network.

Royal Mail’s current plan is to continue to operate the Parcel Sort Centres at Milton Keynes, Atherstone and Northampton to support the operation. Operations at Sheffield will cease and the operation at Tetris will be managed out over the coming days.

Clearly the extended use of the PSC’s incurs additional costs. Discussions with Royal Mail have confirmed the intention is to only use the PSC’s where traffic volume exceed the capacity within

the core network. The three sites will therefore not have designated workload and will only handle surplus workload which cannot be safely processed within the Mail Centre/RDC estate.

Any anticipated requirement to divert workload to the Parcel Sort Centres should be a standard agenda item at Weekly Resourcing Meetings at all plants, with the joint aspiration being to maximise the utilisation of the core network.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 014.14

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary

LTB 020/21

POST OFFICE: PRODUCT SPECIALIST BONUS SCHEME – QUARTER 3 PAYMENT

Branches are advised that we have reached an agreement with the Post Office for bonus payments for Travel and Mails Product Specialists for the October-December quarter. The agreement provides for a maximum possible £250 bonus for both the Mails Product Specialists and the Travel Product Specialists. As per the arrangements for the previous Quarter (Q2), these payments have been agreed despite the absence of targets as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The following Joint Statement has been published:

Joint Statement

Product Specialist (PS): Quarter 3 Bonus Payment

The Coronavirus pandemic has continued to challenge our ability to set meaningful targets. We hopefully will have an update soon, but in the interim period, we need to continue a similar approach to payments as has been the case earlier in the year.

Following a review of our position after Quarter 3 (the period between October and December), the following payments will be made in January salaries:

• Travel Product Specialists – £250
• Express Mails Specialists – £250

We think this approach is fair and reflects your efforts throughout our busiest trading period.

As we’ve mentioned before, we are still planning to set targets for quarters 1,2 and 3 retrospectively and this may mean some PS will be entitled to top-up bonus payments should their overall performance have warranted higher bonus than paid for quarters 1 and 2. Also, potentially some payments made may have been too high, and therefore future quarterly payments could be reduced accordingly.

We will continue to keep this under review as we progress throughout the final quarter of the year and further discussions will take place between us to jointly review targets and ongoing performance.

Thank you again for your on-going hard work during these difficult times.

Steve Blampied                                                                                             Andy Furey
Head of Directly Managed & WHS branch network                                  Assistant Secretary
Post Office                                                                                                    CWU

I’m sure our Product Specialist members, who are doing their very best in these challenging circumstances, will welcome the Q3 payments.

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

LTB 019/21 – Post Office – Product Specialist Bonus Scheme – Quarter 3 Payment