Raising Concerns Agreement

We are very pleased to announce and inform Branches that the Raising Concerns Agreement has now been endorsed.

The result of the ballot is as follows:-

Accept the Agreement:  59,683

Against the Agreement:  12,213

Spoilt Papers:  0

Total Ballot Papers received:  47

Total Ballot Papers dispatched:  102

Branches should be advised the Agreement is due to go live on the 30^thof September.

We have already shared a copy of the Agreement when we sent the Ballot Papers out, we will now prepare a further signed copy, along with a copy of the Procedure and Management Guidelines to send to Branches in advance of the launch date.

We will also liaise with the Communications department in order to produce any further necessary documentation so Branches and Members are fully supported before the 30^th.

Any enquiries on this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS department, email lpietrzykowska@cwu.org.

Your sincerely

Bobby Weatherall
Acting Assistant Secretary

LTB 302/24 – Raising Concerns Agreement

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CWU Retired Members Conference – Wednesday 30^th October 2024

The CWU Retired Members Conference will be held on Wednesday 30^th October 2024 at the offices of CWU Birmingham District Amal Branch, 47 Summer Lane, Hockley, Birmingham B19 3TH.

a) Delegates 

Only Branches with Retired members Sections are entitled to send Delegates.

Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:Number of Retired  MembersDelegate

entitlement1-2491250-4992500 and above3

Branch Secretaries should register delegates and observers by emailing conferences@cwu.org

by 25^th October 2024. Confirmation of request will be sent to branches within 72 hours. Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7237.

Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries shall attend the Retired Members conference with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Retired Members Regional Committee but not to vote. Funding for Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries to attend Retired Members Conference shall be from the General Fund.

In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, dietary requirements 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 Friday 18^th October 2024.

b) Motions

Each Branch is entitled to submit onemotion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.orgusing the attached template. Confirmation of receipt of motion will be sent to branches within 72 hours.

Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7237.   Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting the Angela Niven on 020 8971 7237.

Branches, Regions and the 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.

Each Retired Members Regional Committee is entitled to submit oneMotion to the Retired Members Conference.

The Retired Members Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the Conference, standing in their name.

Motion forms must be returned by NOON Monday 30^th September 2024.   Anything received after this date will not be accepted.   All sections of the form must be completed.

If Motions are being sent electronically, they will only be accepted 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 would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.

Branches will be aware that the Retired Members’ Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.

The 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.

c) Election of Delegates to General Conference

As you will know, the Retired Members’ Conference will select two delegates to represent the Retired Members to attend General Conference 2025.

The Standing Orders for the Retired Members’ Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates will be conducted during Conference itself.

Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination, and must have the nomination of their own branch and/or the Retired Members’ Committee, to be eligible.

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

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

A P Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 301/24 – CWU Retired Members Conference – Wednesday 30th October 2024

Att: Copy of Retired Count and Section 2024

Att: Guidance Notes

Att: Motion Form

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CWU NATIONAL OFFICER 2024 ELECTIONS – CWU RESTRUCTURING (PHASE 2)

The purpose of this LTB is to update Branches on forthcoming National Elections and Phase 2 of the CWU Restructuring Programme.

Against the background of CWU policy to undertake a more substantial 2^ndPhase of CWU restructuring, the NEC agreed at its meeting on Thursday 5^thSeptember to hold back a number of National Officer roles from this year’s elections, pending the outcome of the Phase 2 review.

The NEC Officer roles that were agreed to be held back are as follows:

National Officer Roles to be reviewed under Phase 2 restructuring

• SDGS
• 1 T&FS National Officer role
• 1 Postal National Officer role (C&CH Assistant Secretary)

National Officer Roles to be included in the 2024 election

• 2 T&FS National Officer roles
• 1 Postal National Officer role (Outdoor Assistant Secretary)

The NEC were also given a report on the approach that will be taken to the Phase 2 Restructuring Programme and further information will be sent to Branches on this in due course.  This will include the overall approach we will be taking to identify clear choices for our future, as well as a timeline for consultations with Branches and the appropriate conference arrangements.

Additionally, the T&FS Department had indicated a willingness to reduce the overall number of National Officers by one alongside the need to integrate our growing membership in the tech sector into the wider constituency.  As a result, John Chadfield has been employed as a National Officer, on a cost-neutral basis, with a combined role of growing the union through the UTAW Branch and the tech sector, while also providing wide-ranging internal expertise and support to rebuild the CWU’s technological infrastructure.

We believe Branches will understand the need for the NEC to take all the above decisions in response to the growing financial, membership and organisational challenges facing the union.  We confirm that any final decisions on the future of the roles listed in this LTB will be a matter for the NEC and a Conference of the union, as appropriate.     

Finally, we can advise that the Regional Secretary elections will also be held back, pending the outcome of Phase 2.

Any enquiries on the above should be addressed to the General Secretary’s department jdunn@cwu.org. 

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward                                                                                     

General Secretary                                         

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 297/24 – CWU NATIONAL OFFICER 2024 ELECTIONS – CWU RESTRUCTURING (PHASE 2)

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RMPFSL Pay – Ballot Timetable 

 Further to LTB 281/24, we can confirm that the ballot timetable for the above ballot is as follows: 

• Ballot papers dispatched to home addresses from 12^th September(Second Class)
• Ballot closes on 3^rd October(Second Class)

 We would urge all Branches to encourage our members to participate in the ballot, and to return their ballot papers as soon as they can. 

We have also attached for your information the members’ bulletin which was sent to email addresses a few days ago.  

Any enquiries on this LTB should be addressed to the PTCS Department, quoting reference number 320, email: hmaughan@cwu.org or the Outdoor Department, quoting reference number 120.12, email: Pharacz@cwu.org. 

Yours sincerely, 

Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary                        

Bobby Weatherall
Acting Assistant Secretary                         

LTB 300/24 – RMPFSL Pay – Ballot Timetable

Att: Members Bulletin RMPFSL Pay 2024

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ANDY KERR – FORMER DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY T&FS – FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS 

Further to LTB 284/24, please see below details of the funeral arrangements for Andy Kerr former DGS (T&FS).

Service on Wednesday 25^thSeptember 2024, 12 noon at: 

Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium, 

A760 Largs Road,  

Dalry

North Ayrshire  

KA24 5LE  Website: www.clydecrematorium.co.uk

We believe a lot of our Branches and representatives will want to attend the service and pay their respects.  There may also be some Branches who are unable to make the journey to Scotland.  Therefore, there will also be a link to join the service remotely on 25^th September, which will be advised to Branches when we have the details.

Additionally, separate to the funeral, we will be organising an opportunity at a future date to come together at a memorial service in London, the details of which will be advised in due course.

The family have suggested people might like to wear something in a shade of blue to acknowledge Andy’s favourite colour.  

Donations in memory of Andy, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Donate | The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Yours in solidarity                   

Dave Ward                                                                

General Secretary    

LTB 298/24 – ANDY KERR FORMER DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY TFS – FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

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World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 – Tuesday 10^th September

Dear Colleagues,

The CWU has a long tradition of supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing.  Suicide is a major public health challenge with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally.  Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The theme for 2024 is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with an associated call to action of ‘Start the Conversation’.

The CWU are continually striving to be a ‘suicide safer’ organisation.  Part of that process includes the continued training up of accredited MHFAiders and advanced MHFAiders to ensure that conversations can take place at any given time in workplaces where we have representation.

Since 2020 a cohort of CWU Mental Health First Aid instructors have been frequently training CWU members/Representatives in Mental Health First Aid on the 2-day MHFA England training course.

From April 2024 All newly trained CWU MHFAiders will now be encouraged to join the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, which is England’s first and only membership body for Mental Health First Aiders, where collaboration, connection and sharing of best practice can take place with like-minded individuals. https://www.aomhfa.org/

We are pleased to report that we have now trained over 500 CWU members in the MHFA England 2-day course.  We will continue to look at how we educate on suicide prevention whilst also developing/enhancing our postvention strategy.

It remains hugely important that as an active Trade Union we understand the important factors affecting mental ill health by being ready to:

• Identify the signs and symptoms for a range of mental health conditions.
• Provide immediate Mental Health First Aid to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis.
• Listen non-judgmentally and hold supportive conversations.
• Signpost people to professional help.

Attached to the LTB are a number of supporting materials and we would ask Branches to ensure that all Representatives and Members are made aware of the support and organisations that are available.

Please remember talking about feelings doesn’t have to be scary.

https://www.samaritans.org/branches/dunfermline/news/world-suicide-prevention-day-tuesday-10-september-2024/

Any enquiries in relation to the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS(P) Department.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

LTB 299/24 – World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 – Tuesday 10th September

Attachment 1 – st_john_ambulance_mhfaider_poster

Attachment 2 – suicide-safer-language-9

Attachment 3 – listening-tips-poster

Attachment 4 – self-harm-conversation-tips

Attachment 5 – mental-health-and-suicide-conversation-tips

Attachment 6 – POSTVENTION PLANNING- WHY WE NEED IT AND WHAT IT IS…

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Union Learning Representative’s Networking Event – 30^th & 31^stOctober 2024

 The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches that this year’s Union Learning Representative’s (ULR) Networking Event will take place on Wednesday 30^th and Thursday 31^stOctober 2024 at:

Crowne Plaza Newcastle

Stephenson Quarter

Hawthorn Square, Forth Street

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE1 3SA

 Branches will be aware that ULR legislation provides for networking with other ULRs and organisations that deliver education and training opportunities to our members and representatives.

The event will start with registration on 30^th October between 12.30 and 13.30and will conclude at 15.00 on 31^stOctober.  Please note that lunch will not be provided on the first day.

A final agenda will be issued in due course but will include:

• Keynote speakers 
• Practical activities and workshops to support learning in the workplace
• And a celebration of your collective achievements!

The agenda will be shared nearer the time but in the meantime, we would ask that Branches confirm their delegation details, accessibility requirements and any dietary requirements by emailing equality&education@cwu.org

The closing date for providing dietary requirements is 14^th October.

Please note that Branches are responsible for delegates’ travel and authorised expenditure for this event.  

 Accommodation: 

 It is important that Branches book places early at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle, as they will be holding a number of rooms at a special rate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis until 24^thSeptember 2024.

Booking arrangements:

Bookings can be made via the hotel website by using the following link:

CWU ULR Education Event 30.10.24 For clarity, once you choose the dates, you will see the preferential CWU rates confirmed. 

Please note that a credit card is required to reserve the room – no charge will be made to your account, it is just to reserve the room.

Accommodation rates: (preferential CWU rates for nights of Wednesday 30^th and Thursday 31^st October)

 Rooms are charged @ £115 for single occupancy per room, per night, inclusive of full English breakfast & complimentary use of the leisure facilities.  {Rooms will be held at this rate until 24^th September, after which time they will be released and the preferential rate will not be available}.

 Parking & Transportation:

The Hotel is a 5 min walk just behind Newcastle Central Station. Further Parking & Transportation details can be found using this link: Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter Map & Driving Directions (ihg.com)

Release

This event should attract paid release for accredited ULRs working for employers where the CWU is recognised.  The event is specifically designed to meet the aims of ULR legislation and is fully supported through the Government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.  The ACAS Code of Practice applies.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Equality, Education & Development Department by email to equality&education@cwu.org

#CWULearn24 

 Yours sincerely,

Kate Hudson

Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 295/24 – Union Learning Representatives Networking Event – 30th and 31st October 2024

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UPDATE: New Entrants’ Terms and Conditions

All Branches will recall that at the National Briefing on Recruitment and Organsing held on 10th July, we announced that we would be offering a reduced union subscription rate for new entrants who have been employed since 1st December 2022.

The reason for the initial reduced subscription is in recognition of the fact that Royal Mail imposed the new terms and conditions without agreement with the CWU. Royal Mail’s rationale for introducing the new terms and conditions is to reduce the costs of recruiting new staff but also because the union refused to have compulsory Sunday working for our members.

As part of the BRT&G Agreement we are in discussions with Royal Mail on how we can improve new entrants’ terms and conditions.

Prior to the BRT&G Agreement Royal Mail did not want those employed from 1st December 2022 to be the subject of collective bargaining or within a union.

There are circa 17,000 new entrants who have joined Royal Mail since 1st December 2022. Current attrition rates for new entrants are at 16% nationally but is much higher in certain areas. In addition, up to 25% of new entrants who leave Royal Mail do so within 90 days of joining.

There are a number of reasons why attrition rates are higher for new entrants. These include:

• Royal Mail advertise for new entrants up to 40 hours but the vast majority are employed on part-time hours.

• Where new entrants are having to work all or most Sundays.

• Where they do not get suitable training and support especially at least 6 weeks on a fixed walk.

On a wider level, we believe it is also down to the lower rate of pay and terms and conditions.

New entrants’ hourly rate is just 54p more than the national living wage and £1.17 above the national minimum wage. They do not receive RRIS, inner or outer London weighting, the delivery supplement, they do not have paid meal reliefs and are monthly paid.

As part of our discussions with Royal Mail we want to improve new entrants’ terms and conditions and this is part of our strategy – to offer a temporary reduced union subscription to new entrants. Once we have improved their terms and conditions, we will give them 3 months’ notice that they will move to full rate.

CWU membership have now updated their membership system to ensure that there is a drop-down menu which allows for anyone who has joined Royal Mail since 1st December 2022 to go to the reduced rate.

The new rate of £9.41 (without political levy) and £10.28 (with political levy), will be introduced from week commencing 9th September. We are going to launch communications publicly next week about the campaign.

We are also going to ask Divisional Reps and Regional Secretaries to support Branches in communicating the union’s strategy of lower union fees to maximise membership numbers to provide the strength to improve their terms and conditions.

Finally, Branches who have already recruited new entrants should contact membership to ensure that they benefit from the introductory union subscription rate.

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

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (P)

LTB 296/24 – UPDATE New Entrants’ Terms and Conditions

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Your Voice in the Workplace – September 2024 

Please find attached the September Workplace Bulletin.

We will be sending you out a limited print run (approx. 10 per cent of branch membership) of this Edition, which should reach you by the end of this week for distribution to your reps to take into workplaces.

You also have the link to print immediate copies and/or to print off more copies.

It is crucial that branches are distributing the monthly bulletin in every workplace. The purpose is to ensure members are receiving written content from the union directly into their workplaces, so your role in that process is integral.

Thank you for your support and please contact us with your feedback on the Bulletin.

Click to access 08160-your-voice-RMG-issue-7-Sept-2up.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Chris Webb
Head of Communications

24LTB294 Your Voice in the Workplace September 2024

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Ofcom Future of the Universal Service

Ofcom today produced an update on the responses they received from their original consultation launched in January 2024.  Ofcom also set out the next steps including considering Royal Mail’s proposal for USO reform.

Ofcom’s paper indicates that they will publish a consultation on Royal Mail’s proposed changes in early 2025 with a view to publishing a decision statement in the Summer of 2025.

We have ongoing discussions with Royal Mail on the proposed USO change alongside a growth strategy for parcels.

The CWU have expressed our concerns over the current quality of service in Delivery Offices, which we believe is down to unmanageable workloads and resourcing problems.

We will now consider Ofcom’s latest paper and also engage with Royal Mail.

The CWU will then provide a further update to Branches and members on USO reform.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (P)                                

Dave Ward
General Secretary

LTB 293-24 – Ofcom Future of the Universal Service

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