Branch Information – Area and Local Workplace Reps Database

 The Postal Department is seeking to update our Representatives database.

Lynn Browne, Senior Postal Organiser, has created a proforma which she will be sending to Branches with the request that the document is populated with the names and contact details of all Area Representatives (all functions) and Local Representatives.

It would also be appreciated if Branches could list the workplaces within their Branch area as well as those workplaces without Representatives.

Completed proformas should be returned to lbrowne@cwu.org by 17^thApril 2025.

Going forward this will be a yearly housekeeping requirement for Branches to complete to ensure our records remain up to date.

Any enquiries should be referred to the DGSP department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh                                                             

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 59/25 Branch Information – Area and Local Workplace Reps Database

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THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2025 NATIONAL MAIL CENTRE REALIGNMENT REVISIONS 

Branches and Representatives are informed that discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2025 National Mail Centre Realignment Revision activity 2025.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing resistance of the business to agree to Joint Statements we have not been able to secure the normal signed Joint Statement covering this activity. However, in line with the approach we have taken on other issues affected by this policy, we do have a letter from the business confirming the dates and the commitments to follow the established Nationally Agreed processes for this activity.

This approach has been endorsed by the Postal Executive and attached for the information of Branches and Representatives is the correspondence from Simon Aris, Operations Programme Director – Processing, confirming Royal Mail’s commitment to the established, agreed revision processes along with the detailed processes at Annexes A – F.

As in previous years realignment activity will seek to ensure proper alignment of resource to workload and workplan compliance while creating attractive duty patterns for our members. Additionally, the business has indicated the following projects, all of which are subject to ongoing discussions will also be included or may influence the 2025 realignment activity:

• USO Reform workplan requirements including any changes to the CSS operations, most notably at the weekend. These elements will be influenced by the ongoing USO Pilot activity and will be dependent on any final agreement to deploy the USO Optimised model.
• MPU consolidation. Current CSS activity will run concurrently with realignment activity and where CSS consolidation is agreed this should be included in workload and will be included in Realignment discussions.
• The progression of the Single Large Parcel Network activity, defined in Section 5 of the BRT&G agreement which may entail workload migrating between the PFW and RM Networks in financial year 25/26. Proposals include large items (Format 4+) migrating to PFW through direct injection or sortation from the Outward Mail Centre’s.  The movement of smaller PFW traffic to RM and the maximising of synergies between RM and PFW Collection operation.  
• Branches and Representatives will note as part of the ongoing discussions with EP Group and the business, there is an enhanced focus on the reduction of agency use across the operation. Against this backdrop a key priority in the realignment activity is the reduction in agency use and the creation of robust and fully resourced duty sets.   

The document covers the ability to utilise inventive duty patterns, to assist the ability to achieve revision outcomes, which better match the aspirations of our members. 

A Joint launch event took place for Plant Managers and Divisional/Area Representatives today online and a further session will be arranged as necessary to update Branches and Representatives as discussions progress.

Attached for the information of Branches is the letter received from Simon Aris confirming the commitment from Royal Mail to the agreed Realignment Process and Annexes, a copy of the Process Documents and a copy of the slides used during the launch call. As in previous years the department believes that the agreed process supported by all relevant national agreements including the IR Framework and MTSF will enable Representatives to achieve the best possible outcome in the realignment activity.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: jrodrigues@cwu.org quoting reference LTB 058/25. 

Yours sincerely, 

Davie Robertson 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 058/25 – THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2025 NATIONAL MAIL CENTRE REALIGNMENT REVISIONS

Attachment: Letter to Davie Robertson From Simon Aris – MC Realignment 2025

Attachment: 2025 RESOURCE REALIGNMENT PROCESS IN MAIL CENTRES

Attachment: Realignment Slides_2025 (004)

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NEW: Martin Walsh explains the delay in Royal Mail Group pay settlement and sets out how the union will tackle the next few weeks. It is vital all members watch this broadcast.

We have made it clear to Royal Mail there will be no agreement to moving beyond the 37 USO trial units unless there is a full agreement on pay and all issues relating to section 5 of our agreement with EP Group.

You can also watch the update here via the following links:

Facebook https://youtu.be/N3c8uf0DVHU?si=9p8L9yINM5wmZIHC

YouTube https://youtu.be/N3c8uf0DVHU?si=9p8L9yINM5wmZIHC

X https://x.com/cwunews/status/1904531816209330582?s=46

Pay 2025 and Section 5 of the EP Agreement

In December 2024 the CWU reached a groundbreaking agreement with EP which listed legal guarantees and several other commitments, including pay 2025 and resolving outstanding issues.

The agreement was dependent on EP becoming either the Controlling Shareholder or the Sole Shareholder.

The takeover has yet to clear the final regulatory process linked to Romania. This is due to recent Government elections in Romania which has delayed the clearance.

The delays in completing the takeover have clearly left the CWU facing the dilemma that the current Royal Mail Board is on its way out and does not want to negotiate an agreement resolving pay and the outstanding issues.

Whilst EP are not the owners there are legal processes in place that prevent them from authorising changes ahead of the takeover. As such the outcome is that we are not yet in a position where we can commence negotiations over the following:

• Pay
• Equalising New Entrants’ pay, terms and conditions over an agreed-upon period, with the first step taking place within three months of the transaction being completed.
• A new resourcing process.
• Review of scheduled attendance and overtime rates.
• Reduction in agency staff.
• Improvement in sick pay.
• Improvement in VR terms.
• A new incentive scheme.
• Pilots on new ways of working.

We understand that our members deserve an above inflation pay rise. However, the unprecedented set of circumstances means that until the takeover has been completed any details on pay and the section 5 commitments would be a breach of the takeover panel rules as EP are not yet the owners.

We have called a policy forum for our field officials and Branches on 21^st and 22^nd May and we anticipate we will have a settlement on all the above if the transaction has been completed by that date.

It is important to confirm that any pay deal and all points listed above will be subject to an individual member ballot and likewise any pay agreement will be backdated to the beginning of April 2025.

We will keep Branches updated on exactly when we will be allowed to commence negotiations on the EP agreement, including pay.

Given the importance of this LTB I am asking all divisions and Branches to ensure the content is given the widest possible exposure to members.

Any enquiries should be referred to the DGS(P) department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                          

LTB 057/25 Pay 2025 and Section 5 of the EP Agreement

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CWU STATEMENT ON LABOUR’S BENEFIT CUTS

Branches should note that on the 19th of March, the NEC agreed to a motion condemning the decision of the Labour Government to restrict disability and sickness benefits. The NEC also agreed to release a statement from the CWU on the matter. Please see the statement below from the General Secretary.

“The Government’s decision to restrict access to disability benefits and slash the welfare budget is cruel, immoral and once again targets the most vulnerable in society.  

This alongside the winter fuel allowance cuts, and the betrayal of the WASPI women shows this Government lacks the courage and vision needed to challenge the gross inequalities and problems that exist in the UK. 

The utter failure to table a policy platform that asks the richest in society and those who use the UK as a playground for their billionaire tax dodging ventures to carry a greater burden, shows they have chosen to support elitism over the needs of the working class.  

It is becoming increasingly clear Labour will be a one term government if it continues down this path and it is heading straight into a democratic debate within our movement over the relationship between trade unions and the party we created. 

The CWU will be calling meetings with both other affiliated trade unions and the Government to campaign for this failed economic strategy and overall direction to be abandoned.

The New Deal for Workers campaign showed the power and influence of our movement when we unite and fight for change – we must do so again.”

As noted in the statement, the CWU will be pursuing further action, both with the Government and with other trade unions to pursue a change in direction from the Government. We will also be holding a political forum in the next few months, where branches will be able to discuss the CWU’s political strategy, our voting system and the threat of far-right politics in the UK- more information will be shared closer to the time.

If you have any questions, please contact dlynch@cwu.org.

Yours Sincerely,                          

Dave Ward                                                   

General Secretary 

LTB 056/25 – CWU STATEMENT ON LABOUR’S BENEFIT CUTS

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Post Office: Pay Agreement 2025

I am pleased to advise Branches we have reached an Agreement with Post Office regarding Pay 2025/26 – the pay date is 1^stApril 2025.  The key features of the no-strings Pay Agreement (Pay Offer letter attached), which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive, are as follows:

• One year duration with the next Pay Review Date 1st April 2026
• No conditionality
• A minimum 3% pay increase (or £800 which is slightly above 3% for our lowest paid members, predominantly the PAs in Cash Centres) flowing through to all allowances, SA and overtime rates. Comparable increases also apply to London weighting.
• Annual leave entitlements improvedso that the maximum 30 days is obtained after two years’ service (previously five). This benefits c.30% of our members who have less than five years’ service
• Improved Employer Pension Contribution Rates – minimum of 9%. Removal of the two lowest Employer Contribution tiers, meaning the current 7% and 8% Employer Contribution tiers rise to 9% (which will become the new minimum).

This is the second year running we have concluded pay negotiations prior to the pay review date and our Senior Reps report that members will appreciate an early settlement.

Assuming ratification of the Pay Agreement via an individual members’ consultative ballot, the increase will be made with April salaries. The ballot papers will be dispatched later this week and the closing date is Thursday 10^thApril.

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

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 25LTB055 – Post Office – Pay Agreement 2025

Attachment 2:  Pay Offer Letter

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Royal Mail Group: Special National Briefing & Postal Policy Forum – Wednesday 21^st & Thursday 22^ndMay 2025

Branches are advised that we are making plans for a combination of a Special National Briefing and Postal Policy Forum to be held on the following dates – Wednesday 21^st and Thursday 22^nd May 2025 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester M1 4PH(in the International Suite).

The current thinking is as follows:

• The first day will be the Special National Briefing commencing at 09:30 until 17:30 and the purpose of this day will be to provide extensive updates on a range of key issues linked to the EP takeover, USO pilots, the plan to transform IR/ER in every workplace, and other important matters.
• The second day will focus on the Postal Policy Forum commencing at 09:30 until 17:00.

These are provisional plans as the situation is extremely fluid due to the delay linked to the Romanian Government.  The dilemma we are facing is the takeover transaction is taking longer than originally anticipated and potentially may not take place until late May, and this potentially could mean that an in-principle Agreement reached could be in breach of the takeover panel protocols as EP would not be the owners at that point.

All Branches will appreciate that the delay in the transaction has added more complexities to the way we had originally planned the Policy Forum. Our plan had been to produce an Agreement on all of the matters below and present this to Branches in advance.  If possible, we will still aim to present an in-principle Agreement linked to Section 5 of the Agreement.  In this regard, we are due to commence negotiations on pay and associated issues as follows from 31^st March:

• Pay
• The first step on equalisation of new entrants’ terms and the following stages
• Agreed steps to reduce agency
• Pathway to improve overtime/SA
• Improving sick pay first step
• Improved VR terms
• A proposed incentive scheme
• A pilot on new ways of working

Below is a list of Representatives invited to attend the two-day Event:

• Senior Field Officials:
  • Regional Secretaries
  • Divisional Representatives
  • Territorial Engineering Representatives
  • Parcelforce Regional Organisers
  • Fleet and Maintenance Service Territorial Representatives
  • RMPFS National Representatives (Cleaning and Engineering)
  • RMPFS Regional Cleaning and Engineering Representatives.
• Branches:
  • Branch Secretaries
  • All Royal Mail Area Representatives (Delivery, Processing, Distribution, including Network and Logistics, Health & Safety, Admin and Engineers)
  • Customer Experience Representatives
  • Two Unit Representatives, one of which must be a woman in line with our proportionality requirements.

Due to space constraints at the meeting venue, unfortunately we cannot accommodate visitors on this occasion.

Branches are expected to cover delegates’ travel and subsistence costs associated with attendance at the Event in line with previous instructions and advice issued.

Once we have greater clarity on these matters, further details will follow.

Any enquiries in relation to the content of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department hford@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey        

A/Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                   

Mick Kavanagh

Postal Executive Chair

LTB 054/25 – Special National Briefing Postal Policy Forum

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Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan – Member Nominated Director (MND) Election

Further to LTB049 dated 3^rd March, late last week it was reported to the Union that there are some issues regarding the current ballot with c.870 scheme members having incorrectly received the ballot paper for the Unite/CMA MND rather than the CWU.  It should be remembered this ballot is the responsibility of the Trustee of the Collective Plan (and is undertaken by Civica Election Services) and is NOT a CWU ballot.

I have spoken with Emma Weston-Green, Head of Executive/Scheme Secretary regarding this matter and it would appear this issue has emanated from the Royal Mail HR data.  A solution has been worked up in conjunction with Civica Election Services, which will involve the re-issue of correct ballot papers to those who have received the wrong version.  We are expecting these ballot papers to be issued tomorrow.  A letter of apology is also being sent by the Trustee to those scheme members who received the wrong ballot paper.

Naturally, if any of our members have received the incorrect ballot paper, they should be advised not to return it and to await a new ballot paper.  We are assured that the necessary arrangements have been put in place in order to protect the integrity of the ballots (CWU and Unite).

This is an unfortunate situation, that is not of the CWU’s making.  However, we have confidence that these matters will be satisfactorily corrected over the course of this week.

As a reminder, the ballot closes Monday 24^th March.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to afurey@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Andy Furey 

Assistant Secretary

LTB 053/25 – RM Collective Pension Plan – Member Nominated Director (MND) Election

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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – Health & Wellbeing communication

Dear Colleagues,

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men in the UK. The CWU recognises the importance of encouraging men to get tested for prostate cancer, as many diagnoses occur by chance. Lives can be saved through education, early detection, and support. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, with over 52,000 men diagnosed each year; equivalent to one new diagnosis every 15 minutes with over 12,000 deaths annually, meaning one man dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes.

Men over 50 should consider talking to their GP about a PSA blood test, which can help detect prostate cancer early, even before symptoms appear. As explained on the prostate cancer UK website, if you are a man over 50, there is currently a one-in-eight chance that you could develop this condition – and if you are a black man over 50, sadly, the danger doubles.

Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK

Bowel or Bladder disability and The RADAR Key Scheme

For those living with prostate cancer, treatment side effects can sometimes include urinary incontinence and other mobility-related issues. The RADAR Key Schemeprovides access to over 10,000 locked disabled toilets across the UK, ensuring that individuals who require quick and reliable access to facilities are not restricted.

The CWU encourages members who may benefit from this scheme to apply for a RADAR key through their local authority or Prostate Cancer UK.

We would also like to remind branches of the ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card scheme. Which has been used successfully in recent years by many outdoor colleagues and CWU members with prostate issues or any type of bowel or bladder disability.

The card is promoted on the prostate cancer research website below:

Managing Urinary Incontinence – Prostate Cancer Research

This card can also be used for conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Colitis, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Menopause and other conditions that require urgent toilet access needs.

The ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card can be downloaded digitally also on Apple and Android phones and is now widely accepted at many cafés, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses. 170,000 people carry the ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card across the country. There are over 14 million people in the UK living with a bladder condition and 6.4 million with a bowel condition.

Finally, there is a simple and quick ‘risk checker’ option on the Prostate Cancer UK website, this online checker asks some simple questions about age, ethnicity and family history. It also offers helpful information and next steps advice if you might be at risk:

Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

If you have any questions or need any further information, please contact jMcGovern@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
General Secretary  

25LTB052 – PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – HEALTH WELLBEING COMMUNICATION

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ELECTION OF:  

•  CWU GENERAL SECRETARY
•  CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY POSTAL 

 Further to LTB 021/25 re the Nominations for the above positions which closed at 14:00 on 5^th March 2025,

please find below the lists of accepted nominations and respective nominating branches.CWU GENERAL SECRETARY    Dave Ward, CWU Officers Branch*Elected

Nominating Branches: Algus NationalEastern No.4Birmingham and District AmalEastern No.5Bootle Financial ServicesEastern No.6Bournemouth and Dorset AmalEdinburgh, Dundee and bordersBristol and District AmalEssex AmalCapitalGlasgow and District AmalCheshire No.1 AmalGlasgow and MotherwellClyde Valley AmalGrampian and Shetland AmalColchester and District AmalGreat WesternCornwall AmalGreater Manchester AmalCroydon and Sutton AmalGwent AmalCWU OfficersHarrow and District AmalDarwen CapitaHighland AmalEast London PostalIsle of Man TelecomsEastern No.3JerseyKingston AreaPortsmouth, West Sussex and IOWLancs and CumbriaPreston, Brook and BuryLeeds No.1 AmalRomford AmalLincolnshire and South YorksScotland No.1London Parcels and Stations AmalScotland No.2London PhoenixScotland No.5London Postal EngineeringSomerset, Devon and CornwallLondon Regional MTSouth and East Thames AmalLondon South West PostalSouth East London Postal and CountersManchester CombinedSouth East No.5MeridianSouth Midlands PostalMerseySouth WalesMid Wales, the Marches and North StaffsSouth West MiddlesexMidland CountiesSouth West No.7Midland No.1South West Wales AmalMount Pleasant InternationalSouth YorkshireNewcastle AmalSouth Yorkshire and DistrictNorth AngliaSouthdowns, Weald and RotherNorth EastSuffolk AmalNorth Lancs and CumbriaTyne and Wear ClericalNorth Wales and Chester CombinedUTAWNorth West Central AmalWarrington Mail CentreNorth West No.1Wessex South CentralNorth/North West LondonWest London PostalNorthern Home Counties PostalWest YorkshireNorthern Ireland Postal AmalWestern CountiesNorthern Ireland TelecomsWolverhampton and District AmalNottingham and District AmalWorcester and Hereford AmalPlymouth and East Cornwall AmalYork and District AmalCWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY POSTAL    Davie Robertson, CWU Officers Branch*ElectedBirmingham and District AmalHarrow and District AmalBournemouth and Dorset AmalHighland AmalBristol and District AmalKent InvictaClyde Valley AmalLeeds No.1 AmalColchester and District AmalLondon Postal EngineeringCWU OfficersLondon Regional MTEastern No.3MeridianEastern No.5Newcastle AmalEastern No.6North Lancs and CumbriaEssex AmalNorth West Central AmalGlasgow and District AmalNorth West No.1Grampian and Shetland AmalNorthern Home Counties PostalGreater Mersey AmalNottingham and District AmalPlymouth and East Cornwall AmalSouth YorkshireRomford AmalSouth Yorkshire and District AmalScotland No.2Suffolk AmalScotland No.5Warrington Mail CentreSouth East No.5Wessex South CentralSouth East Wales AmalWestern CountiesSouth Midlands PostalWest London PostalSouth West MiddlesexWolverhampton and District AmalSouth West No.7Worcester and Hereford AmalSouth West Wales AmalYork and District Amal

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be directed to Senior Deputy General Secretary for the attention of Dave Wilshire on 0208 971 7368, or dwilshire@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 051/25 – Election of CWU General Secretary and Assistant Secretary Postal