GENERAL CONFERENCE 2016: MOTION 42
Branches will be aware that Motion 42 accepted at General Conference instructed the NEC to review and change to a more appropriate, cheaper band subscription rates for all new entrant Romec cleaners until they have received parity of pay with existing cleaners.
The full terms of the motion reads as follows:
42 CATEGORY A:  
Conference welcomes the excellent news of ROMEC coming home and applauds what is a magnificent victory for this trade union.
However conference notes that part of the cost of this deal is that new entrants in the cleaning grade will now for the first part of their employment only be earning the National Minimum wage.
By definition these workers will be the lowest paid adult workers in the recognised sector.
Furthermore it is recognised that there is a legitimate organising challenge in ROMEC and it is vital that the CWU increase its membership percentage among cleaners in ROMEC.
Therefore conference agrees that it is wrong in principle, and in practice, for new entrant cleaners on minimum wage to be paying the highest rate of subscriptions that the CWU charges.
Conference consequently instructs the executive to review and change to a more appropriate, cheaper band, the subscription rates for new entrants in ROMEC until they have received parity of pay with existing cleaners.
The NEC is instructed accordingly.
Plymouth and East Cornwall
There is a paragraph within the new contract for new cleaners regarding incremental scales which states as follows; “An incremental scale will be introduced for cleaners recruited after the acquisition date, with progression from minimum to maximum over three years. The minimum rate will be set at adult (over 25) national minimum wage (plus London weighting where appropriate). The maximum will be the full Romec rate for cleaners (plus London weighting where appropriate).” 
We have now reviewed the new pay structure, with the assistance of the Outdoor and Central Services within the Postal Department and we have established that the difference in pay rates, for the first 3 years between existing and new entrant cleaners is minimal. 
The negotiators agreement further states; “and the maximum rate, payable from the third anniversary of appointment, will correspond to the full Romec rate for cleaners (plus London Weighting where appropriate)”. 
Conference has however decided that a lower rate should be introduced for new entrants and we believe the new subscription rates should be set 2 plans lower than our current rates for existing cleaning grades. We have chosen this rate in order to show that we are clearly embracing the terms laid out in the motion despite the fact that the difference in pay rates is not as great as the difference in our subscription plan rates.
For example if an existing full time cleaner is paying Plan 1 subscriptions (£14.56 opt out) rate, then a new entrant cleaner will pay Plan 3 £10.19 opt out rate. By setting the rates at this level we are not undermining the subscriptions currently paid by existing cleaners and ensuring we adhere to the terms of the motion.
The subscription plans for new entrant Romec cleaners for the first 3 years of membership will be as follows:
HOURS WORKED
Over 30 – Plan 3 £10.19 opt out
Over 25 up to 30 – Plan 5 £7.27 opt out  
Over 20 up to 25 – Plan 6 £5.82 opt out  
Over 15 up to 20 – Plan 7 £4.37 opt out  
Under 15 – Plan 9 £4.00 opt out
This rate allows us to implement the terms of the motion whilst remaining consistent by operating within our existing plans.
Branches should give the content of this LTB the widest circulation possible.
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department by email to sdgs@cwu.org. 
Yours sincerely, 
 
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 709/16 – General Conference 2016: Motion 42

ROYAL MAIL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING – CHRISTMAS SUPPORT ACTIVITY
Dear Colleagues
The department has received notification from Graham Baker, Head of Industrial Engineering, in regard to activity that RM Industrial Engineers will be undertaking over the next four weeks.
Branches and representatives are informed that rather than providing the usual managerial voluntary assistance in Callers Offices or Parcel deliveries in the run up to Christmas, the Royal Mail Industrial Engineering team have been asked to provide support in all Mail Centres, RDC’s and Parcel Sort Centres. This will entail visiting various sites and shifts and helping the plant manager and their teams deliver an efficient Christmas operation, looking at processes, layouts etc. that have been set up especially for the Christmas period.
The business have clarified that while the RM IE’s may be visiting your site for a couple of days during the next few weeks, they will not be conducting any time study activity but will be working with the local team to ensure a smooth running and effective operation.
The RM IE team has been asked to advise each plant of their planned visits and for the site managers to in turn advise their local CWU representatives, managers and staff so that everyone is aware that the RM IE’s will be working with them on site.
The department does not foresee any difficulties in relation to this activity but would ask our representatives to monitor the situation and advise the department immediately should any concerns come to light.
Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our members are made aware of the contents of this LTB. 
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: 730.03 
Yours sincerely 
Davie Robertson  
Assistant Secretary  
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 708/16 – Royal Mail Industrial Engineering – Christmas Support Activity

ALLAN THOMAS – SOUTH EAST WALES AMAL BRANCH 
I am writing to advise branches of the sad passing of one of our long serving activist and retired members, Mr Allan Thomas. 
Allan was a member of the South East Wales Amal Branch for nearly 34 years. He had many friends and colleagues in the union and wider labour movement who we know will miss him very much indeed. He was a committed trade unionist and an immensely loyal and dedicated member of the branch and he was proud to be part of the traditions of the workers movement in South Wales. 
As an activist he was determined to change his branch for the better and worked with others to create a more socialist leadership. He became section secretary of the Cardiff Uniform Branch. He was also an Area Safety rep for many years and was a regular delegate to the union’s annual conference. 
At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Allan’s wife Joan and his family and friends. I will on behalf of the CWU convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to them. 
Branches in the region have already been informed of Allan’s sad passing and the details of the funeral which takes place on 2nd December 2016. The service and committal will take place at: Glyntaff Crematorium, Cemetery Road, Pontypridd, CF37 4BE, at 3.45pm. 
The family has requested there be family flowers only; however they have asked that charitable donations can made to Cancer Research Wales c/o Castle Court Funeral Home, Castle House, 1 Castle Street, Treforest, Pontypridd, CF37 1TA. 
If you have any enquiries in relation to this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.1/LTB 706/16. 
Yours sincerely
 
Dave Ward

General Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1: LTB 706/16 – Allan Thomas

Youth Conference 2016 – Motion 9 
As you know Youth Conference 2016 carried Motion 9 in the following terms: 
Conference recognises that many young people are turning to alcohol to mask anxiety or depression, or other mental health problems without realising it. In fact according to a survey run by IPOS MORI based on young people’s drinking attitudes it can be confirmed that 44% of 10-17 year olds have a drink to cheer themselves up. 
“According to Drinkaware statistics show that more than half (53%) of young people that have an alcoholic drink suffer from low mental health. This is compared to the 36% of young people that have a good level of mental health. 
Therefore, this conference instructs the National youth committee to make contact with Drinkaware and work with them on building a campaign that provides information and raises the awareness amongst our young members about mental health and its association with possible alcohol problems. This could be done through leaflets, social media, The Voice magazine, workshops etc for our young members.” 
This is to inform branches that contact has been made with Drinkaware and discussions are ongoing about meeting the terms of the motion. 
In the meantime please find attached an information leaflet that we ask branches to disseminate amongst their members and note that further bespoke material will be available early in the new year. Drinkaware also have a specific area on their website relating to the effects of alcohol on mental health wellbeing. 
The Youth Committee is aware of action already taken by the Health, safety and Environment department on the issue of alcoholic-related ill-health, including their support for Alcohol Concern’s “Dry January” campaign. Discussions will take place to ensure that the CWU’s activity on this subject is coordinated and effective. 
Any queries on this LtB should be directed to my office at CWU HQ. 
Yours Sincerely,
Simon Sapper

National Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 704/16 – Youth Conference 2016 – Motion 9

Drinkaware A5-Alcohol-Effects Leaflet

SOFTWARE UPDATE – ISOTRAK/LIVE TRAFFIC
Dear Colleagues
Branches and representatives will be aware of the National Agreement between Royal Mail Logistics and the CWU on the Use of Telemetry Equipment in Royal Mail Network Vehicles, communicated via LTB 398/14.
The department was recently approached by Royal Mail Logistics as they wished to share information in relation to a software update that they would like to deploy Nationally from the end of November 2016. This software update adds live traffic information to the Sat Nav on the Isotrak system in Logistics.
The update allows our Logistics members to identify where there are traffic issues on their route and provides them with live updates in order that they can be routed around heavy congestion and road closures, whilst maintaining the current parameters of the equipment that take into account the height and length of the vehicle.
Under the current terms of the National Agreement covering the use of the Isotrak telemetry the Sat Nav option is not compulsory and the business have confirmed that this aspect remains unchanged. The business have also reaffirmed that they remain committed to our current National Agreement and that this is purely a software update, which can be accessed if required by our drivers.
The business is now making arrangements to roll out this update to all Network sites. The roll out process will include a USB being sent to each site which has been configured with the Live Traffic update so they can upload it into the fleet. The business will be releasing communications on the Live Traffic via Drive Time and the Courier. 
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: 233.03
 
Yours sincerely 
 
Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 702/16 – SOFTWARE UPDATE – ISOTRAK/LIVE TRAFFIC

Adblue’ Use With The Royal Mail Light Commercial Fleet (LCVs) Including New Car Derived Vans (CDVs):
To: All Branches
Dear Colleagues,
Introduction:
Following discussions with the RMG Fuel & Environment Manager and Fleet Management Team on the above subject, the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department is publishing information in relation to new additional and replacement Light Commercial Diesel Vehicles (LCVs) including Car Derived Diesel Vans (CDVs) within the Royal Mail Group Fleet which are now beginning to be delivered into Offices across the Country. These new vehicles must meet the new Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards and will now come fitted with ‘AdBlue’ tanks. Drivers will notice the presence of a smaller blue or black cap adjacent to the main Diesel fuel cap — this is for ‘AdBlue’.
Reducing Pollution, Protecting The Environment and Improving Health:
The motor industry has been reacting to demands from Governments for cleaner engines and taking more steps to ensure that new cars and vans are producing cleaner emissions. For diesel vehicles, the introduction of ‘AdBlue’ has been commonplace, with many manufacturers equipping their newer models with systems that use the fluid to produce less harmful emissions. This product is set to play a big part in the greener future of the industry, so it is important that Drivers know what it is and what they need to do with it. To dispel any confusion and to make sure members are reliably informed about this essential product, this comprehensive guidance contains everything they need to know about ‘AdBlue’.
What does Euro 6 mean?
From September 2016, all new Diesel Cars and Vans sold must meet the new stricter Euro 6 Standards which came into force on 1st September, for Exhaust Emissions of NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) and other Pollutants. Euro 6 (also known as EU6 or Euro VI) is the latest round of regulation set by the European Commission governing the amount of harmful exhaust gases motor vehicles can emit.
Compared with the previous Euro 5 (also known as EU5 or Euro V) emissions standard, which focused largely on carbon dioxide emissions – the CO2 that is currently used to set road tax bands for cars in the UK – Euro 6 is particularly targeting nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. But it will also reduce sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and diesel particulate matter emissions, as well as CO2.
NOx emissions have been scientifically linked to respiratory diseases and other health issues, and environmental damage including acid rain. Depending on fuel type (and diesel is the main issue), the Euro 6 standard forces vehicle makers to reduce NOx by more than 55 percent, and it’s a mandatory requirement for all new light commercial vehicles from September 2016. The Euro 6 emissions standard aims to make vehicles cleaner and greener as global concerns for the environment deepen.
‘AdBlue’ and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Technology – Why Is It Needed?
‘Adblue is an essential component of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, which is one of the most effective systems for reducing the nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels in the exhaust fumes that are outputted by diesel engines. NOx is one of the most harmful pollutants emitted by engines, as it reacts with other gases in the atmosphere to form small particles and ozone, both of which can damage sensitive lung tissue in humans and animals.
To comply with the new rules, car and van makers have had to focus on minimising harmful nitrogen-oxide emissions. Introducing a technology known as ‘selective catalytic reduction’ (SCR) has been found to be an extremely effective way of bringing diesel engines up to the standard required to meet Euro 6. It’s used by many manufacturers. An SCR system uses a solution of urea and water (AdBlue), injected in tiny amounts into vehicle exhaust Gases. ‘AdBlue’ technology has been increasingly appearing in new Diesel cars and vans, designed to help reduce exhaust emissions and helping the environment as well as the health of the population, particularly in Towns and Cities.
What is AdBlue – Is it Safe?
AdBlue is a 32.5% solution of high-purity Aqueous Urea Solution or Urea in de-mineralized water (67.5%) that is clear and is classified as non-dangerous, non-toxic, safe to handle and easy to use. It is non explosive, non flammable nor harmful to the environment. AdBlue’ is classified under the minimum risk category of transportable fluids, on Safety Data Sheets and within COSHH. It is used with the vehicle’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of UK Diesel vehicles. Although it’s non-toxic, AdBlue is corrosive and can cause irritation to your skin, eyes and lungs, so do wash your hands after filling. Be sure to rinse any spills from the vehicle’s bodywork too, because ‘AdBlue’ can damage paintwork.
How does AdBlue work?
The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system injects microscopic quantities of the ‘AdBlue’ liquid into the flow of exhaust gases. When the ‘AdBlue (Urea and Water) solution combines with exhaust emissions, it produces nitrogen and oxygen – harmless gases that occur naturally in the environment – by breaking down mono-nitrogen oxides (gases that can be harmful and are found particularly in the fumes from diesel exhausts).
Using Adblue?
This technology has been used in buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for a long time, so its effectiveness has been proven and its reliability is better than ever. All Heavy Commercial Vehicles over 3.5t have required ‘Adblue’ for some time and, from 1 September, all newly purchased Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) including Car Derived Vans (CDVs) will also need it.
How Will LCV Drivers Get Vans Re-Filled and Topped-Up with AdBlue?
LCVs/CDVs will not need to visit Royal Mail Fleet Workshops for top ups. Instead, Royal Mail Group drivers will be asked to undertake the task as part of their normal driver checks. Ten litre packs of Adblue are on order by Royal Mail from DAF for drivers to top up at their offices although vehicles will be delivered with a full ‘Adblue’ tank so it’s unlikely that top ups will be required until the scheduled workshop vehicle inspection. Managers are currently handing out special ‘Information Flashcards’ to LCV Fleet drivers. The ten litre packs of ‘AdBlue’ are being ordered via the Royal Mail Group Fuel Team using a special, provided order form. The process for HGVs remains the same – they will continue to fill up at the 60 bulk tanks sites that are dotted around the country. The bulk tanks are not fit for purpose for LCVs as the fill rate is too fast and unnecessary mileage would be incurred for top ups between inspections.
Does The Van Use ‘AdBlue’?
SCR technology with ‘AdBlue’ will now become increasingly commonplace as more of the Euro 6 Standard Vehicles are introduced, but it obviously isn’t yet fitted to every Diesel Van or Car. Many Drivers are unaware the system is installed until a warning message appears on the dashboard announcing the ‘AdBlue’ tank needs replenishing. As the SCR system has no effect at all on how the Van or Car drives, it’s not always obvious whether a vehicle is so-equipped. It’s therefore important Drivers are aware of the new vans with SCR systems that require ‘AdBlue’, the attached information will help raise awareness. Drivers can check it for the location of the ‘AdBlue’ filler cap. When the SRC and ‘AdBlue’ system is fitted the ‘AdBlue’ filler, which in most Vans is commonly beside the fuel filler, but some Cars have it concealed by the boot carpet, either on the floor or at either side.
How Much ‘AdBlue’ Will The Van Use?
‘AdBlue’ consumption varies from vehicle to vehicle. Fortunately, because ‘AdBlue’ is injected into the exhaust gases in very small quantities, Drivers shouldn’t find themselves topping up too often. With most ‘AdBlue’ tanks holding around 10 litres or more, many drivers will find ‘AdBlue’ refills taken care of during their Vehicle’s annual service. Obviously, much like fuel consumption, though, the more mileage the vehicle covers and the harder and faster it’s driven will mean that more ‘AdBlue’ is used. The Royal Mail Fleet Management Team states that driver top ups will not be required until the New Year and further Comms will be issued by Royal Mail Fleet. From initial analysis by Royal Mail Fleet, it suggests that drivers will only be required to fill up the tank with ‘AdBlue’ once per year per vehicle. However, those drivers who cover higher mileages may find that refilling their vehicle’s ‘AdBlue’ tank becomes a more frequent task. Fortunately, filling the ‘AdBlue’ tank is a straightforward, simple process. Drivers are reminded in plenty of time to do this by messages on the dashboard. Average consumption of AdBlue is generally 5% of diesel use, so drivers will need to tank up much less for AdBlue than for diesel. Vans will use about 5 litres of AdBlue to every 100 litres of diesel.
Royal Mail Group Driver Training?
Driver ‘Flashcards’ have been produced for the driver training and the supply of ‘Adblue’ has been secured with the supplier.
How to Refill The ‘AdBlue’ Tank?
Royal Mail Fleet Management has advised that refilling the ‘AdBlue tank can become a driver task. Attached is a copy of the Royal Mail Fleet Drivers ‘Top Up’ Information and guidance sheet and a copy of the ‘GreenChem’ Fuelling Information Sheet. ‘GreenChem hold the RMG national supply contract for ‘AdBlue’.
Storing AdBlue? AdBlue can be stored for 18 months if this is done in the correct manner, i.e. away from direct sunlight. It needs to be protected from too warm or too cold temperatures. Its freezing point is at -11 degrees Celsius. When it thaws, the product will retain its initial quality. It should be stored in a sealed package and in a well ventilated storage area.
What happens if an engine runs without AdBlue? From 1,500 miles before the tank is empty an orange warning and audible warning reminds the driver at every engine start of the need to top up the Adblue as well as giving the remaining range. If the driver continues until the tank is empty, when the vehicle is switched off the engine will not start.
What happens if you get splashed with AdBlue?
Simply remove any contaminated clothing and wash the affected areas with running water. If any irritation persists or an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention.
How do you clean up a spill? Clean it up with water.
Attachments:
AdBlue Filler Cap Images Information Sheet

AdBlue Top Up Information Sheet

AdBlue Instructions

GreenChem Fuelling Information Sheet

AdBlue 10 Litre Pack Order Form

AdBlue SSoW

AdBlue COSHH Assessment Sheet

AdBlue SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) Diesel System Diagram Information Sheet

Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
Attachment 1 – LTB700/16 ‘Adblue’ Use With The Royal Mail Light Commercial Fleet (LCVs) Including New Car Derived Vans (CDVs):

Attachment 2 – AdBlue Filler Cap Images Information Sheet

Attachment 3 – LCV Sept 2016 Adblue Top Up_v3

Attachment 4 – AdBlue Instruction

Attachment 5 – Greenchem Fuelling Information Sheet

Attachment 6 – Copy of Adblue 10litre pack order form_Nov 2016

Attachment 7 – SSoW National v3 AdBlue (2)

Attachment 8 – COSHH SAG038 doc71

Attachment 9 – AdBlue System Diagram Fact Sheet

WORKERS’ WRITES CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION
Dear Colleagues,
“If you don’t write your story yourself, someone else will do it for you. So you’ve got to get out there and write it,” (Benjamin Zephaniah).
In the past few months we have seen a number of media stories placing the blame on the working class for a whole range of society’s ills, from Brexit to Donald Trump. Typically the working class have been ignored and even told that they don’t exist for decades and then all of a sudden we are rediscovered – in order to be made a convenient scapegoat for the wider failings of our political and economic system. Our culture and media are increasingly dominated by middle and upper class voices. It is time for that to change.
The CWU Education & Training Department have launched the Workers’ Writes creative writing competition in order to encourage CWU members to feel confident in expressing ourselves and telling our stories. The competition is open to all members from now until 1st March 2017.
Write a short story, poem or other form of creative writing around the theme of ‘Making My Mark’. Entries can be up to a maximum of 1,000 words – or as few as you need. They can be funny, sad, moving, angry – whatever you want them to be.
All entries should be sent to learn@cwu.org or
Workers’ Writes CWU Education & Training Department 150 The Broadway Wimbledon London, SW19 1RX 

Entrants must ensure that they include their name, contact details and CWU Branch.
The competition is supported by Express Yourself, an online course on CWU Left Click.
The course offers tips and tricks for creative writing and also helps with practical writing skills like writing a formal letter and how the English language works. The course is available now on http://www.cwu.org/leftclick

A poster advertising both is attached to this document. Could all branches please circulate to encourage maximum participation.
Yours sincerely,

TRISH LAVELLE

HEAD OF EDUCATION & TRAINING
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 697/16 – Workers’ Writes creative writing competition

Creative Writing Poster

OFCOM –Digital Communications Review
Following press coverage this morning announcing that Ofcom is proceeding with a formal notification to require the legal separation of Openreach from BT. Please find attached a briefing to members which should be distributed as soon as possible.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB please contact nmarshall@cwu.org.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Andy Kerr

Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)
 
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 696/16 – OFCOM –Digital Communications Review

Ofcom Digital Communications Review

CWU NATIONAL CAMPAIGNING DAY – SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2016
Firstly, I would like to thank all regions and branches who have supported the Postcard Campaign so far. The response has been fantastic and we know branches have collected thousands of signatures already. 
You will be aware that further strike action has been called for this Saturday, 3rd December 2016. 
With this in mind, and to maximise the levels of returns on our postcards, we are calling a National Day of Campaigning on Saturday. All branches, including those without Post Office members should target at least one big workplace or a local area of high footfall (high street or town centre, if you have no Crown Office) and collect as many signatures as possible for the campaign. This day of action should be viewed as a priority commitment. 
If branches need additional postcards in order to carry out this work, please email Marcia Murray mmurray@cwu.org as a matter of urgency. 
Finally, we ask that Branches share videos and photos from the day of activity (and throughout this campaign) using #PeoplesPost on social media. 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
Dave Ward Terry Pullinger
General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
Email Attachments – Click to download
16LTB694 – CWU NATIONAL CAMPAIGNING DAY – SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2016