Election of National Delegations 2017
Labour Party Conference – 2017

TUC Conference – 2017  

The NEC has agreed the 2017 election arrangements for the National delegations listed above. Accordingly please find attached the election regulations, nomination forms and candidates consent and biographical detail forms for these elections.
Labour Party Conference – 2017
Additionally would branches please ensure that all candidates for the Labour Party delegation complete sections B, C, D, E, G and J of the attached Labour Party Annual Conference delegate application form, and attach this to the candidate consent form which must be returned to CWU HQ by the closing date for CWU Nominations. 
The details of the Conferences are as follows:
Labour Party Conference – 24-27 September 2017, Brighton  

TUC Conference – 10-13 September 2017, Brighton

The Timetable for the elections is:
Nominations open:
4 May 2017

Nominations close:
18 May 2017 (14:00)
Despatch ballot papers:
25 May 2017

Ballot closes:
8 June 2017 (14:00)
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
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 249/17 – Election of National Delegations to Labour Party & TUC Conferences 2017

Labour Party & TUC Regulations 2017

Labour Party Nomination Forms 2017

Labour Party Affiliate Deligate Application Form

Labour Party Candidate Consent & Biographical Details Form

TUC Nomination Forms 2017

TUC Candidate Consent & Biographical Details Form

Election of National Representative Positions – 2017
Postal Standing Orders Committee

Telecoms & Financial Services Standing Orders Committee  

The NEC has agreed the election arrangements for the National positions listed above. Accordingly please find attached the regulations and nomination forms.
The Timetable is as follows:
Nominations open 3 May 2017

Nominations close 17 May 2017 (14:00)

Despatch ballot papers 23 May 2017

Ballot closes 6 June 2017 (14:00)

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
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 248/17 – Election of National Representative Positions – Postal & TFS Standing Orders Committees 2017

Standing Orders Committee Regulations 2017

Standing Ordes Committee Nomination Forms 2017

Annual Conference 2017 – Decisions
Please find attached copies of the decisions taken during Annual Conference.
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to Chris Tapper or sent to ctapper@cwu.org
Yours sincerely
 
 
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
Decisions – General Conference – Sunday 23.04.17

Decisions – General Conference – Monday 24.04.17

Decisions – Postal Conference – Tuesday 25.04.17

Decisions – TFS Conference – Tuesday 25.04.17

Decision – Postal Conference – Wednesday 26.04.17

Decision – TFS Conference – Wednesday 26.04.17

Decisions – Postal Conference – Thursday 27.04.17

Decisions – TFS Conference – Thursday 27.04.17

BAME Officers – One Day Event
 
I am pleased to confirm that a one day event has again been organised for BAME Officers. 
 
This is a course for those who did not attend the one day BAME Officers event last time and have attended BAME leadership courses over the last year. 
 
Details for the event are as follows:
 
Date: 27th June 2017

Venue: CWU HQ, Conference Rooms 2&3
Time: 10.30 am – 3.30 pm

 
It will be an opportunity to meet members of the Race Advisory Committee and to gain some valuable guidance to maximise work around this role. Equally as important, some exercises will be set up to allow a two-way process, so that we can establish how our BAME Officers see the role working.
 
Those who are interested in attending will need to request expenses etc from their Branch.
 
Please RSVP with the names of BAME Officers attending to equalopportunities@cwu.org
 
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be referred to the Equal Opportunities Department.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
Linda Roy
Assistant Secretary
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 228/17 – BAME Officers – One Day Event

JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL LETTERS AND NETWORK AND THE CWU ON DRIVER CAREER PATH NEXT STEPS AND TRAINING SELECTION PRINCIPLES (2017)
Dear Colleagues
Branches will be aware that discussions with Royal Mail Logistics on the concept of a Driver Career Path were launched as part of the Agenda for Growth and Programme of Works process and that the department had previously concluded Joint Statements with the business in relation to progressing this initiative (LTB’s 561/14 and 355/15 refer).
The project aim was to ensure that the business had a supply of LGV Drivers to meet both existing vacancies and seasonal demand, via the utilisation of internal training programmes that would enable our members to progress to the Professional Driver Grades.
Further to previous activity, discussions have been taking place via the Joint Working Group (JWG) with the business in relation to Driver Career Path activity for 2017.
The department has continued to stress to the business the importance of maintaining the original premise of Career Path and ensuring that the purpose of training is not merely to fill vacancies but also to create a pool of trained licence holders, who are available to meet resourcing demands during peak period and thereby reduce the reliance on agency resources.
The department had however become aware that that the business were applying differing resourcing principles across the country. Career Path trainees were in some instances given automatic access to vacancies that arose ahead of applications from existing internal LGV licence holders. This approach was understandably considered unfair by members who had a licence and had in some instances been seeking an opportunity for some time and the department received a number of representations in this regard. As such this year’s discussions have sought to address the issue by providing clarity on the resourcing of LGV vacancies.
It has therefore been agreed that going forward Career Path will continue to provide successful applicants with the training to attain the vocational LGV C+E licence enabling them to apply for temporary/seasonal or long term LGV vacancies. However, all substantive vacancies that are identified will be filled on an open resourcing basis in line with the principles contained in the Professional Drivers Agreement (PDA).
Attached for the information of Branches is the Joint Statement that has been concluded in relation to the 2017 activity (Annex A).
We are pleased to inform Branches that Career Path funding has been secured for 100 training places as part of the Career Path initiative for 2017 and is based on fully funded training to licence for all candidates. Previous experience suggests however that not all candidates will require full funding, as the scheme is likely to attract a number of current licence holders who only require CPC or refresher training. It has been agreed that should this be the case in relation to this scheme that additional training places will be offered if the budget allows.
Picking up on other learning points from previous years it has been jointly recognised that there has been inconsistencies in the manner in which post-test induction training has been delivered by Advanced Driver Coaches (ADC). To remedy this, the JWG has produced a guidance document for ADC’s on the sign off process for trainees (Annex B).
Anyone interested in progression to the Professional Driver grade are invited to register their interest via the RM SuccessFactors website. Instructions for registering using SuccessFactors are included at Annex C for your information.
These opportunities are open to staff across Royal Mail Group, including Parcelforce and RMSS.
The opening date for applications is 28th April 2017

The closing date for applications is 28th May 2017

Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that this LTB and the attached information are shared with our members as a matter of urgency.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 211.07.
Yours sincerely
 
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB240/17 – Joint Statement between Royal Mail Letters and Network and the CWU on Driver Career Path Next Steps and Training Selection Principles (2017)

Annex A – Joint Statement between Royal Mail Letters and Network and the CWU on Driver Career Path Next Steps and Training Selection Principles

Annex B – Driver Career Path 2017 Advance Driver Coach Sign Off Process

Annex C – How to Apply for the Driver Career Path on SuccessFactors

GENERAL ELECTION – 8TH JUNE 2017
 
CWU General Conference this week unanimously voted for the attached emergency motion (E8), setting out the union’s support for the Labour Party in the forthcoming general election. As put forward in the motion, the union will be making the case for a Labour government to our members and the wider public, supporting CWU members and trade unionists as candidates and campaigning in key target seats.
 
The motion sets out the reasons for this. In this election we face a stark choice – between the continuation of the Tory government’s agenda that has left public services in crisis and working people facing a race to the bottom in the workplace; or a Labour government that will stand up for our members on employment, housing, the NHS and education.
 
The candidate selection process is currently ongoing and we are working to help a number of our members through this. We have also met with the CWU Regional Secretaries to co-ordinate campaigning and support in a number of constituencies and we are in the process of agreeing a communications plan for the coming weeks. Further details will be provided in due course.
 
In relation to the manifesto, the union is engaging with the Labour Party on our key priorities for this. As an affiliated union the CWU has a formal role in the development of the manifesto under the Labour Party rule book, the National Policy Forum and through Labour’s NEC on which Andy Kerr (Deputy General Secretary T&FS) represents the CWU. This engagement is being managed by the union nationally within the General Secretary’s department and the primary issues we are looking to move forward reflect our major campaigns and policies on our industries.
 
Finally, we would urge all branches to engage with local Constituency Labour Parties, MPs and candidates as a matter of urgency. The election is just six weeks away and it is extremely important that Labour is able to get its message and policies across. The only way it will do so is if party members and trade unions get behind this.
 
Branches will be aware that there are limits and legal requirements we need to comply with on any spending that is undertaken in the run up to the election and further guidance will be issued on this shortly.
 
Any queries on the contents of this LTB should be addressed to gsoffice@cwu.org.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
Tony Kearns
Acting General Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
E8
 
 
 
 
This Conference agrees that the announcement by Theresa May on 18th April of her intention to hold a General Election on 8th June presents our members and the people of the country with a stark choice.
 
That is a choice between the continuation of the government’s austerity programme of spending cuts that have starved public services that our members rely on of funding. A programme that gives tax breaks to the very wealthiest whilst school children go hungry. A programme that asks parents to pay teachers’ wages and where hospital beds can’t be found for patients left waiting in corridors. A programme that denies an entire generation access to a decent home while council house-building has been abandoned.
 
Or a choice for the alternative, a Labour Government, led by Jeremy Corbyn that delivers a new deal for workers and their families. An alternative that will launch a programme of council house building; introduce a £10 minimum wage; invest in infrastructure such as broadband; repeal the Trade Union Act; provide free school meals for primary school children; properly fund the NHS and social care; and overhaul employment rights to end exploitation at work.
 
This conference agrees that it is time to end the attacks by the Conservatives and put an end to austerity in this country by agreeing to support the Labour Party to deliver a better and fairer society for all.
 
This conference agrees that the CWU will immediately launch an all embracing campaign amongst our members to bring an end to the worst squeeze in living standards on record, to end the explosion of insecure employment and growing levels of in-work poverty and to campaign for the party that will ensure no one and no community is left behind.
 
We need to campaign for the party that will ensure that a Brexit settlement delivers for everyone and is not the race to the bottom that the Tories will deliver.
 
It is time for us to take back control, of our National Health Service, of care for our elderly, of an education for our children and for jobs and wages that allow people to live with dignity.
 
The pressure our members face in their workplaces, insecure employment, attacks on pensions, excessive workload or performance management demands that we need a new political settlement in this country.
 
This Conference agrees that the CWU will support only the Labour Party to deliver this fundamental change for all our futures.
 
 
Accordingly this Conference instructs the NEC to support CWU members and other trade unionists as candidates; co-ordinate Branches and Regions to campaign in target seats; work with other affiliated unions; and use all of our communications channels to make the case to CWU members and the public to vote for a Labour government.
 
 
 
 
 
The urgency of the situation determines that this campaign begins immediately following the close of CWU General Conference 2017.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 244/17 – GENERAL ELECTION – 8TH JUNE 2017

RoSPA Top Safety Award for CWU National Health and Safety Officer  
To: All Branches 
Dear Colleagues,
Communication Workers Union National Health, Safety and Environment Officer Dave Joyce has been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) with the Society’s prestigious top award for individuals – the health and safety ‘Guardian Angel’ award. 
The top health and safety accolade is awarded to individuals who have made a demonstrable difference in the world of safety and injury prevention through their initiative, diligence, enthusiasm, commitment and preparedness to go the extra mile.
Dave is the first Trade Unionist to receive the award. Similarly he was the first Trade Unionist winner of the IOSH (Institute of Safety & Health) top award in 2011.
Dave received the award in recognition of his tireless work to promote a safer working environment for all and his outstanding record of achievements in workplace safety, road safety, public safety as well as improving safety representation and involvement for Union Safety Reps. In particular UK’s top safety body recognised Dave’s immeasurable accomplishments whilst single-handedly spearheading the CWU ‘Bite-Back’ campaign, resulting in significant Dangerous Dogs Law changes to protect thousands of CWU members as well as children and the public at large.
RoSPA’s President Lord McKenzie of Luton said “RoSPA is delighted to recognise the dedication of Dave Joyce with the RoSPA top individual Award. Dave is committed to fostering a safe working culture, not only thinking about the safety of those who he represents but also looking to improve safety in society and inspire others.” Errol Taylor, RoSPA Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Partnerships Director said: “Dave’s inspirational on many levels and his self-motivation is remarkable.” 
Dave Ward CWU General Secretary said: “We are very proud of Dave’s achievement. Health and safety is extremely important to us and something we take very seriously so we are delighted that Dave is the first Trade Union winner of this prestigious award.” 
Dave Joyce was delighted that RoSPA had decided to recognise a Trade Unionist. He said of the ‘Bite-Back’ campaign “It was a long, hard road but I was under no illusions from the outset that a tough task and long climb lay ahead of me. There are many memories of the campaign. Meeting many of our injured and maimed members around the country motivated me to fight the cause but meeting many of the parents of children killed and mutilated in Dog Attacks was heartbreaking and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” 
The current Dog Control Laws in the UK owes much of Dave’s commitment, enthusiasm and leadership. Dave’s inspirational on many levels and his self-motivation is remarkable, campaigning for new Dog Control Laws for seven years, working tirelessly and never giving up until he succeeded. Not many people will achieve something of that magnitude. We will never know how many incidents that Dave will have prevented, and lives they have saved as a result of his work. Dave recently worked with IOSH on the ‘No Time To Lose’ Occupational Work-Cancer Campaign, regarding Sun Safety for CWU Members and worked with MIND the Mental Health Charity and Royal Mail on ‘Work-Stress’ and ‘Mental Health’ through “Time To Change”, introducing new assessment and support policies and has also been championing the TUC’s ‘Dying To Work’ charter, getting Royal Mail and BT to support the protocol and sign-up.  
RoSPA established the Award as a way of recognising exceptional individuals, whose commitment to safety, health and accident prevention is displayed through personal initiative, diligence and enthusiasm. RoSPA, a charity with a history stretching back a hundred years decided to introduce a special awards scheme for outstanding individuals in their field. 
Report End 
Photographs:
Dave Joyce and RoSPA President Lord Bill McKenzie at CWU Conference:
Errol Taylor, RoSPA Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Partnerships Director presenting Dave Joyce with his award. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 243/17 RoSPA Top Safety Award for CWU National Health and Safety Officer

Picture 2

Picture 1

Royal Mail Group – Person In Control (PiC) Health and Safety Role and Duties:
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
As all CWU ASRs in Royal Mail Group will be aware, “Property & Facilities Week took place last week, with a number of tasks set to be completed by the end of the month but importantly it should be remembered that the activities set out in the activity week were about raising awareness and creating a focus on vitally important tasks that have to be undertaken and maintained throughout the year (not just for a week), as required under Health and Safety Legislation.
Going forward, it’s important that CWU Health and Safety Reps make use of the information now made available to them and to keep Person in Control (PiC) tasks constantly under review and regularly checked during their regular Health and Safety Inspections. The important information produced by RMG Property and Facilities Management is extremely helpful in that regard.
The purpose of this follow up LTB is to draw out the one page Person in Control (PiC) Guide (see copy attached) which Area Health and Safety Reps can inspect workplaces against for ongoing compliance.
PiCs and their deputies have the New PiC E-Learning Module and Asbestos Awareness Video Films available which they are instructed to undergo by the end of the month.
As the Person in Control (PiC) of a Royal Mail premises and site, the workforce depends on the PiC to help ensure that the property in which they work is kept safe and that emergencies are managed correctly.
The PiC has a huge responsibility for the safety, health and wellbeing of Royal Mail workers, contractors and visitors that use the office and site, including the general public who, for example, are visiting Royal Mail Enquiry/Caller’s Offices in ever increasing numbers.
Ensuring that the building and its external areas are safe is an essential part of this.
PiCs, who are new to the role of PiC need to build a routine that focuses on daily, weekly and monthly PiC tasks and learn to deal with emergencies correctly and efficiently as well as where to go if advice, support and assistance is required.
There are resources available from Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions (RMP&FS) to help PiCs including the ‘PiC Handbook’, ‘PiC e-learning modules’, the ‘SHE Task Calendar’, as well as the ‘Stay Calm’ manual which is the Royal Mail process guide for dealing with emergencies.
If PiCs need to speak to someone about property related issues or property safety concerns (including environmental issues such as fuel spills), then PiCs need to call the Property & Facilities Helpdesk on 0844 800 9191 and they will assist and afford appropriate help.
PiCs Responsibilities – in summary:
Stay Calm – managing and reporting emergency situations

Reporting Property Faults – via the Property & Facilities Helpdesk

Site Log Book – ensuring it is maintained, kept together and readily available

Fire Safety Management (daily housekeeping, appointing fire precaution officers (Marshals), annual fire risk reviews, weekly fire alarm tests, emergency lighting tests (minimum monthly), fire evacuation drills (minimum 12 monthly), personal emergency evacuation plans, premises fire evacuation plans) (all to be recorded in the Site Log Book)

Asbestos Management – knowing where asbestos is suspected (see the asbestos management plan in the Site Log Book or via the Compliance Records Database (CRD), reporting any suspected damage, ensuring Red Flag notices are adhered to).

Contractor Management – ensuring contractors sign in, read the health and safety information in the Site Log Book, have with them a job specific safe system of work (risk assessment and method statement) and Royal Mail’s Contractor Safety Guide, Challenge unsafe behaviours or conditions where necessary and report to the Property & Facilities Helpdesk.

Compliance Records Awareness – knowing where to find test certificates and maintenance records via the Compliance Records Database (CRD) – new user access can be obtained through rmwebsites@ndc-uk.co.uk.

Legionella Control – regular flushing of little used outlets (to be recorded in the Site Log Book).

Annual Property Inspection – supporting the assessors and closing out your actions via the Compliance Records Database (CRD).

Handover – ensuring adequate handover when you leave or change roles.

PiC Training Modules (via Success Factors):
Person in Control of Premises (NEW e-learning module)

Asbestos Awareness (e-learning module and NEW video)

Asbestos Duty to Manage (e-learning module)

Asbestos Projects (NEW video)

Fire Risk Assessment Review (e-learning module)

NOTE: It has been agreed that ASRs can access and undergo all RM e-learning RMPFS Courses
PiCs were instructed to undertake three tasks during the Property & Facilities Week, primarily:-
Pic Roles & Responsibilities – All PiC’s to ensure they are fully aware of and understand their responsibilities and how to report property related faults or incidents to the Property & Facilities Helpdesk. 

Compliance Records Database (CRD) and Site Log Book (SLB) – All PiCs to ensure they have access to the Compliance Records Database, know where to find information on their site and are up to date with their Annual Property Inspection actions and ensure the upkeep of the Site Log Book (SLB), and be aware that the new version of the Site Log Book will be rolled out in the next 12-18 months.

PiC Training – All PiCs to complete the New PiC E-Learning module on Success Factors and also watch the New Asbestos Awareness Film available on the on-demand screens. 

In conclusion, would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps, supported by all Workplace Health and Safety Reps make use of this information, ensuring the PiC tasks are correctly undertaken and maintained at all RMG Offices/Units and use this information as and aid-memoire when dealing with accommodation issues when they arise.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB241/17 Royal Mail Group – Person In Control (PiC) Health and Safety Role and Duties:

Attachment 2 – Royal Mail Property and Facilities Week_PiC_Roles Responsibilities_v2 …