CWU Young Workers Conference – Tuesday 21^st January 2020

The CWU Young Workers Conference will be held on Tuesday 21^st January 2020 at the Marriott City Centre Hotel, 2, Lower Castle Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS1 3AD

Each Regional Young Workers Sub Committee will be entitled to submit ONE motion to the Conference Agenda.

Each Branch will be entitled to submit ONE motion to the Conference Agenda.

The Young Workers Committee will be entitled to submit THREE motions to the Conference Agenda.

Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches or Regions who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

Motion forms must be returned by midnight on Tuesday 10^th December 2019. Anything received after this date will not be accepted.   All sections of the form must be completed.

Branches, Regions and the Young Workers Committee are reminded that the Standing Orders Committee will not alter or amend any of the motions submitted therefore it is important that motions are checked before they are submitted.

If motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted if sent to the above email address.

As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee are of an industrial nature which are eligible for submission to the Industrial Conferences.

Branches will be aware that the Young Workers Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit two motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference.   The Young Workers Conference may also submit one motion for either the Postal Industry or Telecoms Industry conference from Section 1.

The motions selected for General Conference must contain policy that lies within the responsibility of the NEC, likewise Industrial motions must be able to be carried out by the relevant Industry Executive (Motions for the Telecoms Conference must also refer to a specific business-see attached motion guide).

As with previous Conferences, the motions for submission to the General Conference agenda and the Industrial motions for the Industry Conferences will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. Ballot(s) to select the motions will be held at the Conference.

(a)Delegates

Details for registering delegates and observers will be issued in a further LTB. Any queries regarding the registration process should be directed to conferences@cwu.org

Regional Young Workers Sub Committee Secretaries shall attend Young Workers Annual Conference in an ex-officio capacity with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Regional Young Workers Sub Committee but not to vote.   Funding for Regional Young Workers Committee Secretaries to attend Young Workers Annual Conference shall be from the General Fund.

Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:

Branches are urged to make every effort  to  ensure that  their delegation  comprises members  who are either  30 and under  as  of  October or who are serving Branch Young Workers.  The expectation is that voting delegates aged over 30 will be present on an exceptional basis. 

In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 10^th December 2019.

b) Election of Delegates to General Conference

As you will know, the Young Workers Conference will select two delegates to represent the Young Workers Members to attend General Conference 2020.

The Standing Orders for the Young Workers Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates and it will be conducted during Conference itself. Nominees must be members of the Union and have the support of their branch and/or Regional Young Workers Sub Committee.

Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination.

The exception to this are members of the Young Workers Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Young Workers Committee and/or any Regional Young Workers Sub Committee.

Branches and Regional Young Workers Committees should forward any nominees on the attached form for this ballot to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

19LTB622

Copy of 30 Under Count – 24th October 2019

Young Workers Guidance 20

Young Workers Motion Form 20

Nomination Form

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) – On Line Training Courses For Trade Union Reps (‘Just Transition’, Climate Change Awareness & Air Quality):

The Greener Jobs Alliance, campaigns around greening the workplace, climate change and environmental issues and was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy. The GJA has worked closely with the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department since its creation by GJA Secretary and former TUC Tutor Graham Petersen.

The GJA launched its new and updated training materials and courses for unions and their supporters at this year’s TUC last month.

Here is an outline of the three GJA on-line short courses:-

A Trade Union Guide to Just Transition (New)

The GLA hopes this new course will act as a new resource going forward. There is a crucial need for a course that explores the meaning of the term ‘Just Transition’ and why it should be a priority for unions. Importantly, the course contains plenty of examples of positive case studies as well as guidance on how to implement it in the workplace. As always, the GJA is interested in feedback on how the course was used and how it can be improved. Social justice must be at the heart of the development of a net-zero carbon economy.

The course covers:

• The meaning and history of the term “Just Transition”
• Why it should be a priority issue
• UK and international policies and case studies
• Ideas for developing an action plan

It is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of why “Just Transition” should be central to climate change policy.

[Just Transition is a framework developed by the trade union movement to encompass a range of social interventions needed to secure workers’ rights and livelihoods when economies are shifting to sustainable production, primarily avoiding waste, pollution and climate change and protecting biodiversity and the Environment.]

Climate Change Awareness (updated)

This short introductory course is aimed at trade unionists and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of the issues around climate change. The course is divided into 4 modules. The modules contain background information, short videos, graphs and illustrations.

Module 1:  Climate Change Explained
Module 2:  International Responses
Module 3:  Trade Union Responses
Module 4:  Getting Involved

At the end of each section, there are references and links to additional materials if you want to go further. There are no formal tests and you can work through the materials at your own pace but there are optional quizzes to check your understanding at the end of modules 1, 2 and 3.

Air Quality – a trade union issue (Updated)

The following issues will be explored in this free online course. It is made up of 3 modules.

Module 1:  The Causes and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Module 2: The Law and Government Policy
Module 3:  Trade Union Responses and Campaigns

To Access the Courses go to:- http://www.greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/courses/

Further Information From:-

Graham Petersen, GJA Secretary
Tel: 07879 492339
Email: gjacoms@gmail.com

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB619 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) – On Line Training Courses For Trade Union Reps

Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No 22 September-October 2019

The Greener Jobs Alliance was launched to promote skills training and job creation to meet the needs of Britain’s rapidly growing low carbon sectors and to green the whole economy.

The transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy can drive sustainable economic recovery and job creation in every part of the country as well as making existing jobs more secure. But this requires a more strategic national and local approach to deliver the workforce skills needed and to stimulate demand for clean energy and energy efficiency services.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises at a national and local level to build the broadest possible support for the policies, investment, partnerships and commitments needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Greener Jobs Alliance liaises with training bodies, colleges, universities, employers, local and national government, trade unions, housing associations, campaign and community groups – to build the policies, investment and partnerships needed to drive the transition to a low carbon economy.

The GJA runs a number of ‘free’ courses on the environment for Trade Union Reps in different parts of the UK which have been attended by a number of CWU Reps.

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

Newsletter 22 cover the Youth Climate Strike on 20 September as well as the plan, agreed at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual conference in Brighton on September 10th, backed by the CWU and a new GJA online course on ‘Just Transition’. The GJA launched its new training materials for unions and their supporters at the TUC Conference in September and the GJA hopes it will act as a new resource going forward. There is a crucial need for a course that explores the meaning of the term ‘Just Transition’ and why it should be a priority for unions.

Importantly, the course contains plenty of examples of positive case studies as well as guidance on how to implement it in the workplace. As always, the GJA is interested in feedback on how the course was used and how it can be improved.

See attached September-October GJA Newsletter No 22.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB618 Greener Jobs Alliance (GJA) Newsletter No 22 September-October 2019

GJA-Newsletter-22-SeptOct-2019-FINAL

Make Work Safer’ – A Free Training Event to Support Young Workers’ Mental Health, Mentoring and Health & Safety At Work – Manchester 25 November 2019:

The Hazards Campaign are organising a free to attend training event which will hear from industry professionals and trade union and health and safety experts about supporting young people at work.

The event is supported by TUC Unionlearn, LOcHER (Learning Occupational Health by Experiencing Risks), Trade Union Education, Greater Manchester Hazards Centre, Unite in Schools.

Date and Time

Monday, 25 November 2019
10:00 – 15:00

Venue Location

Manchester College
Lecture Theatre
Openshaw Campus
Ashton Old Road
Openshaw
Manchester
M11 2WH

Agenda

The event will include sessions on:

• Young Workers’ Mental Health
• Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of apprentices and trainees
• Mentoring apprentices and trainees
• LOcHER and Unite in Schools

Panel

A panel of industry experts and health and safety professionals will share their knowledge and experience. There will be resource materials for attendees to take away and use in their own workplace and organisation and an opportunity to download and use a new ‘Training Safe App’.

Registration/Tickets

To book a place use the link to Eventbrite below or email/call Janet Newsham at GM Hazards  janet@gmhazards.org.uk Tel: 0161 636 7558

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-work-safer-a-free-training-event-about-young-workers-tickets-77328753383

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB617 Make Work Safer – A Free Training Event to Support Young Workers

Royal Mail/CWU Road Safety Campaign – “Taking The Time” – W/C Monday 4 November 2019

Background and Context 

The importance and aim of the November business-wide Road Safety Campaign is to raise awareness amongst our members who are drivers about the importance of road safety and the importance of “Taking The Time” and not rushing when driving.

The campaign will concentrate on a central key message to drivers and managers “Time is a driver’s best friend” – When driving, drivers are constantly taking in information, road layout, traffic conditions, weather conditions, what the traffic is doing, what hazards are present, clues as to unseen hazards that might be present.  Time allows drivers to plan for what might happen, to react to situations that develop and to take avoiding action if something does occur.  It doesn’t take much time to do all of this, and it doesn’t save much time when drivers don’t! – Again the key message is – “Rushing isn’t worth it, so Take The Time!”

All Royal Mail drivers have a responsibility to drive safely and minimise risks to themselves, other road users and the public.  That should never be forgotten.

We genuinely want to make a difference. All drivers can make mistakes when driving but we can minimise risks, eliminate many potential errors and give us more chance to react in time if we are driving sensibly. Road conditions can be dangerous, especially in adverse weather but if we plan our journey, take our time and read the signs and signals well in advance, we can make that precious decision and not only keep ourselves safe but other road users too. We can all improve safety on the roads and our personal safety by being aware, prepared and responsible. Time is a gift and to get somewhere fast – we need to slow down – if we want to arrive safe and sound! “Drive Safe-Stay Safe”.

Key Pointers

Our strong advice is – “Don’t rush-Take your time” and make sure you continue to drive safely on your journey. Rushing makes you more likely to miss important parts of driving – Like your blind-spot check – and puts both the driver and others at risk. So “Take The Time” to:

• Always drive at an appropriate speed – Which allows you to react if something unexpected should happen. Drive slower around pedestrians and children – they often do the unexpected.
• Leave a gap behind the vehicle in front – Remember to leave a minimum 2 seconds (4 in wet weather) behind the vehicle in front to give you adequate thinking and reaction time.  In larger vehicles this time will increase.
• Look carefully when pulling out at junctions – Judge the speed that other road users are travelling at. Check that there are no cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians that you didn’t see.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning into a driveway or a side-road – Other people may not be patient and may try to overtake.
• Change lane safely – Check mirrors and check your blind spots – indicate your intention to manoeuvre and only change lanes when you are satisfied the way is clear.
• Overtake safely – Only overtake if it is safe and necessary to do so, don’t pass cyclists until you can leave a minimum gap of 1.5m. Wait for gaps in traffic before overtaking parked vehicles.
• Park in a safe location – Walking an extra few seconds can keep you, your vehicle and other road users safe – never leave your vehicle exposed (sticking out or on a blind bend).  Always park in the same direction as traffic.
• Reverse safely – Follow the “GOAL” synonymGet Out And Look if you aren’t sure what’s behind you.
• Follow the HIT procedure for Handbrake Safety – Take an extra couple of seconds to ensure you put the “H” – Handbrake on, Put the vehicle “I” in gear and “T” turn the wheels. This will ensure the vehicle it will not roll away if the handbrake fails to hold the vehicle for whatever reason.
• Check your vehicle – Always complete the pre-use walk-around/vehicle checks, which provides confidence that the vehicle is in good, safe condition and ready for the journey.
• Give way to other drivers – Even if you feel you have “right of way” – there’s no glory in being right but having a collision and spending time injured and completing an RTC and Police investigation.

Dangers and Top Accident Causes While Driving – Speed, Carelessness and Distractions

Road safety experts, road safety organisations and charities (e.g., Think, Roadpeace, Brake, RoSPA, RAC, AA, AIRSO, FTA, Police etc.,) say that rushing, speeding, driver distractions and carelessness are top causes of road accidents so drivers should take their time!

Unfortunately, lots of drivers do ignore speed limit signs when rushing to their destination – putting themselves and others in danger. The faster you drive, the shorter reaction time you have to prevent an accident.

After decades of awareness campaigns, driving too fast for either the road or the driving conditions is still one of the most common contributory factors in collisions. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) states that speeding kills 500 people a year in the UK so wherever you’re heading, it’s always safer to stay within the speed limits and don’t rush.

Careful driving isn’t just about managing your speed but also about being considerate to other road users. Changing lanes too quickly and erratically on a motorway or dual carriageway can cause other drivers to brake suddenly, possibly resulting in a crash with a vehicle behind them.

Driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you, also known as tailgating, is also very dangerous. If it suddenly brakes, there’ll be little time for you to react and this could result in a serious crash.

Driver distractions – Don’t get distracted by your phone or food. Since 1 March 2017, holding and using a phone while driving could result in a £200 fine and 6 points added to your driver’s licence. For no good reason – text driving is twice as likely to cause a crash as drink driving, due to a driver’s reaction times. Driving while using a phone impairs your driving in many ways:

• DistractionDriving and using your phone means doing two ‘thinking’ tasks, which our brains are not designed to do well.
• PhysicalUsing a phone means having only one hand to control the car.
• VisualEven a quick glance at your phone takes your eyes off the road for a second or two – which could be the difference between a safe stop and an accident.

Be sure to turn the phone off when on the road. If you need to use it, stop somewhere safe to do so and stay safe – stay within the law. Royal Mail Group policy prohibits the use of mobile phones, PDAs or any other device including hands free that may cause distraction whilst driving on behalf of Royal Mail Group (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, RMSS, RMP&FS, RME, RM Fleet, etc.,) and by doing so is a breach of business standards.

Although no specific law makes it illegal to eat and drive, doing so could present a significant danger. And despite the law, you can still be prosecuted for careless driving if not in proper control of the vehicle.

CWU Area Health & Safety Reps Involvement

CWU ASRs are to be fully involved and consulted on joint Road Safety Week activities and attached is an ASR Road Safety Campaign task/activity guide to follow. This includes carrying out visits to units, safety inspections and speaking to drivers. ASR full support is very much appreciated by Royal Mail Group and the CWU.

ASRs are asked to agree with Operational Managers, which units they plan to visit and jointly support during this Road Safety Campaign, and:

• Assist the front-line Manager in delivering the WTLL (which will be published on Friday 1 November).
• Carry out additional activities to increase awareness.
• Remind drivers to carry out preparations, pre-use vehicle checks before they set out on their journeys.

Engage Drivers and Check that they have:-

• Received the WTLL briefing on Road Safety Week (which will be published on Friday 1 November).
• Seen the leaflets and seat drop (copies attached).

And that they:-

• Stick to speed limits and don’t rush – Take Their Time whilst driving.
• Drive carefully and don’t be distracted – put the phone away before starting their journey.
• FINALY – REMIND DRIVERS THAT EVEN A MOMENT’S DISTRACTION CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES. 

Ask Front Line Managers:

• What activities have they completed for the Road Safety Campaign?
• Have they made all drivers aware of the actions they need to take?

Thanks for your support and assistance.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

19LTB615 Royal Mail CWU Road Safety Campaign – Taking The Time – WC Monday 4 November 2019

Take The Time – one-pager for logistics drivers – November 2019 – FINAL

Take The Time ASR – FINAL

Take the Time Seat Drop – FINAL

Take the Time tips leaflet – FINAL