Election of:     

• Royal Mail Division Chair – Scotland (Vacancy)

Further to LTB 237/24 dated 3^rd July 2024, at the close of nominations today, the following have been received.RM Divisional Chair – Scotland*Ballot RequiredOwain BeaumontScotland No 2 Brian DonaghyGlasgow & District Amal 

Ballot papers will be emailed to branches under the following timetable:-

Ballot Papers Despatched:     23 July 2024

Ballot Close:                                 6 August 2024

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

LTB 256.24 – Royal Mail Division Chair Nominations – Scotland Division

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CWU – CYBER INCIDENT

Further to previous LTBs regarding the above we are writing to inform Branches of correspondence received from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

When such incidents take place, we are required, by law, to inform the ICO of the incident, subsequently the ICO can and in our case have, asked a series of detailed questions around the incident. Following this process we have now received a letter from the ICO that states as follows.

“Based on the information you have provided we have decided that regulatory action is not required in this case” 

 adding further that

“We now consider this matter closed”

Branches may be aware that the ICO does have the power to instigate its own inquiry, produce public reports on these inquiries and in certain cases levy fines if they consider it appropriate.

Against that background the above position set out by the ICO is welcome news and we share it here in order to update Branches on this development.

Any enquiries should be forwarded to sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

24LTB255 CYBER INCIDENT

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POST OFFICE – BODY WORN CAMERAS:  REVISED NATIONAL AGREEMENT

Branches and Post Office members are advised that a revised National Agreement has been reached with Post Office and endorsed by our Postal Executive with regards to Body Worn Cameras for our Supply Chain Crew Members.  The Agreement is attached and the Joint Statement below has been agreed:

DEPLOYMENT, USE AND OPERATION OF BODY WORN CAMERAS

We are working hard to improve health, safety and wellbeing within Supply Chain and as part of this, we are determined to reduce the risk of criminal attacks.

In February 2019, following a 12-month trial, we rolled out Cameras (Body Worn Cameras) on high-risk routes.

We are now replacing the existing Cameras (BWCs) currently in use on high-risk routes with an upgraded version. The wearing of Cameras will adjust dynamically based on changes in risk levels – whether they increase or decrease and will be a mandatory requirement.

We are also deploying cameras on the remaining routes and although use will not be mandatory CWU and Post Office encourage crews to wear them as we believe these cameras can play a valuable role in crime prevention, acting as a visual deterrent, and helping to identify, apprehend and prosecute offenders.

Colleagues will be supplied with suitable clips/attachments as part of the uniform to enable the fastening and wearing of the cameras which will be worn on duty.

All Colleagues will receive full training, so they are completely clear on how to charge the cameras, wear them and navigate through the on-screen menus.

As part of this rollout the National Agreement for the Deployment, Use and Operation of Body Worn Camera’s has been updated. Please do check out the agreement (attached with this communication).

We will regularly review the success of the use of Camera’s, and we welcome your feedback. If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, please contact your line manager or CWU representative.

Russell Hancock                                                                        Andy Furey

Post Office Supply Chain Director                                        CWU Assistant Secretary

Since the original Agreement there have been no problems reported with the equipment or its use and the deployment of BWC’s has been successful.

It is important to note that the BWCs act as a deterrent to criminals and help to safeguard the wellbeing of crew members by reducing the risk of criminal robberies and attacks.  Our Crew Members have full control of the BWC and are able to use their initiative in deciding when to use the record function.  Also, the agreement is clear that footage/data from the BWC will not be used for disciplinary purposes.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary

Attachment 1: 24LTB254 – Post Office – Body Worn Cameras – Revised National Agreement

Attachment 2: Attachment to 24LTB254 – BWC Code of Practice

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NEC ELECTION TIMETABLE 2024

Following the policies and rule amendments agreed at the Special Restructuring Conference and Rules Revision Conference in Bournemouth on 21 and 22 April 2024, as well as the NEC approval of the revised rule book circulated to Branches in LTB 173/24, at a meeting on 17 July 2024 the NEC agreed the timetable below for the NEC elections this year.

Nominations Open:                         19 September 2024

Nominations Close:                         10 October 2024 (14:00)

Accept Nomination:                        15 October 2024 (14:00)

(TFSE NEC/IE positions only)

Despatch ballot material:              30 October 2024  

Close of ballot:                                 20 November 2024 (first post)

Results:                                              21 November 2024

As you will see this timetable is scheduled for later in the year than would normally be the case. The NEC have also agreed the term of office as being from December 2024 until April 2026, after which the NEC and Industrial Executive elections will then revert to the biennial election cycle.

Branches will be aware that for economic and administrative reasons it is the policy of the union to conduct any National Officer elections to run concurrently with the timetable for the NEC/IE elections.

National Officer positions

Discussions are continuing to take place between the General Secretary, myself, Deputy General Secretary (Postal) and Deputy General Secretary (T&FS) to review the final list of Officers positions that will need to be advertised and elected. The aim is to conclude these discussions and report the conclusions to a Special NEC meeting on 5 September 2024 and to conduct the elections at the same time as the NEC/IE elections.

The purpose of this LTB is purely to give Branches the formal information of when the NEC election will take place.  This will allow for advanced planning and will help in assisting Branches to prepare for the election. All other aspects of the processes outlined above that will lead to that election including those Officers positions to be elected, will be forwarded to Branches in the coming weeks.

Any enquiries on the content of this LTB or the election timetable should be addressed to the SDGS Department sdgs@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

24LTB253 – NEC Election Timetable

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Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

Please find attached the July 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 08130-your-voice-RMG-issue-6-July-2up.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)

Chris Webb
Head of Communications

24LTB251 Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

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National Hazards Conference 30 Aug – 1 Sept 2024 – Reminder

Further to LTB  194/24, on the above, this is a reminder to all CWU Health and Safety Reps not already registered for the National Hazards Conference at the end of August, of which the CWU is a long-standing part sponsor.  The long-standing event which brings together Health and Safety Reps from across the Trade Union movement from all UK Unions it’s a really useful and very interesting few days for health and safety reps. There are plenty of informative, information filled sessions, plus a great opportunity to network, and the atmosphere is unparalled.

The National Hazards Conference 2024

Theme:

The Climate Crisis and Workers’ Health and Safety – A Deadly Combination

Date and time:

The event lasts 2 days, Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:00 start to – Sun, 1 Sep 2024 13:00 finish

Location:

Keele University, Chancellors Building, Keele ST5 5BG

About this event:

This year’s conference includes sessions on:

• HASWA at 50 – what is the future?;
• Climate and Workers Health and Safety – the challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate;
• Making the case for Mentally healthy work – workers are being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work related stress, violence and bullying and we need to resist not be more resilient;
• Bad work injures and kills – collective pressure and safety reps save lives – but the majority of workers are not in trade union organised workplaces, how are we fighting for these workers?
• Plus various subject matter workshops, fringe meetings and networking events.
• And following on from last year we will be awarding certificates for great health and safety campaigns and calling out the bad employers on health and safety.

Options:

• You can join this year’s Hazards Conference in person at the University of Keele and/or online from Friday 30^thAugust to Sunday 1^st
• Online delegates will be able to watch livestreams of plenaries and meetings and participate in online workshops.
• All delegates will receive packs which include a conference badge and bag and lots of relevant information from trade unions and other organisations.

Ticket prices:

After booking your ticket (See Link below) delegates will be invoiced the relevant fee which are:

• £320 in person – residential, including accommodation
• £210 in person – non residential
• £210 online only

Please note if you are attending in person and are residential or non -residential complete the in-person form.

Please ignore the Eventbrite payment request, Hazards will invoice you. Hazards Conference is NOT free – whether in person or online. Unfortunately Hazards can’t change the Eventbrite wording.

Cancellation:

• If you have to cancel but can find someone else to take your place just let Hazards, the organisers, know.
• If you can’t find a substitute delegate: If you cancel before 9^th August 2024, Hazards will refund your fee less 10% for administration.
• If you cancel after 9^th August 2024, Hazards are unable to refund anything, as they will have had to pay for the conference facilities and resources, accommodation etc if you are residential and meals if you are attending in person, to Keele University – Hazards will send you any materials and papers

Conference Agenda timings and registration:

Friday 30^th Aug

• 00-19.30 Delegate registration
• 00 – 19.30 Evening meal
• 00-21.00 Opening Plenary: HASWA @50 – what is the future?
• 00 – 22.00 Networking in Sectors

Saturday 31^st Aug

• 30-9.00 Registration for later arrivals/non-residential delegates
• 00-8.45 Breakfast
• 00-10.30 1^st Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Climate and Workers’ Health and Safety – the challenges of extreme weather events and the impact of work activity on the climate;
• 30-11.00 Break
• 00 – 12.30 Workshop 1 – in person and online – see options
• 30 – 14.00 lunch
• 00 – 15.30 2^nd Meeting: Westminster Theatre: Making the case for mentally healthy work – workers are being exposed to increasing workloads, health impacting work related stress, violence and bullying and we need to resist not be more resilient
• 30 – 16.00 Break
• 00 – 17.30 Workshop 2 – in person and online – see options
• 45-18.45 Fringe meetings – in person and online – see options
• 00-20.30 Dinner
• 00-22.00 Quiz
• 00 – Networking

Sunday 1^st Sept

• 30-9.15 Breakfast Clear rooms – bring cases to secure room in registration area
• 00-12.00 Closing plenary: Bad work injures and kills – collective pressure and safety reps save lives – but the majority of workers are not in trade unionised workplaces, how can we fight for these workers?
• 30-13.30 Packed Lunch – eat with us or take away and depart

 Note: All plenary sessions are in-person or online

 On-line Registration link: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hazards-conference-2024-registration-845819989357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attachment:

National Hazards Conference 2024 Registration Form and Flyer.

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer 

LTB 249-24 – National Hazards Conference 30 Aug – 1 Sept 2024 – Reminder

Attachment – National-Hazards-Conference-2024-Registration-Form (1)

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Important: Anti-Racism Rally Saturday 27^thJuly, Russell Square – Central London

Branches should note that a ‘Unite Against Fascist Tommy Robinson’ rally, organised by the TUC and Stand Up to Racism, is taking place on Saturday 27^th July 2024 in London.

One of the consequences of 14 years of failed Tory policies is that the divisive populist far-right rhetoric has become normalised by politicians such as Nigel Farage and other so-called political commentators.

Our Union has always been proudly anti-racist. The politics of division must, without fail, be challenged. That is why we are encouraging our reps and members to join the CWU on Saturday 27^th July in Russell Square, Central London (nearest station is Russell Square) to oppose Tommy Robinson, who has called yet another rally in central London.

Collectively, we must say no to the politics of hate. Look out for the CWU pink and join us at midday. Along with the CWU, many other trade unions will all be unified in our message of hope and unity.

You can find more information here.

Any queries relating to this LTB should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org

Yours sincerely,

Dave Ward
General Secretary

Kate Hudson
Head of Equality, Education & Development

LTB 250-24 – Important Anti-Racism Rally Saturday 27th July Russell Square – Central London

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ROYAL MAIL: THE COLLECTIVE PLAN – TRUSTEE COMMUNICATION TO MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL MAIL PENSION PLAN (RMPP) REGARDING CLOSURE

Further to LTB 241/24 dated 12^th July.  As a consequence of the commencement of the new Collective Plan from 7^th October, letters of closure and associated leaflets from the RMPP Trustee to all RMPP members in the various sections of the scheme (excluding the Post Office section) are due to arrive at home addresses over the next couple of days.

The purpose of these communications is to highlight to RMPP members that due to the launch of the agreed new pension scheme, The Collective Plan, on 7^th October,contributions will stop being paid into RMPP from 6^th October and instead, both the employee and employer will start to contribute to The Collective Plan.  This will happen automatically when the RMPP closes on 6^th October.  The benefits members (current employees) have built up will remain in the RMPP.

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)

As the RMPP is closing, the current AVC arrangements linked with the RMPP will not be able to continue.  However, you will be able to set up a new AVC linked to The Collective Plan.  The deadline for applications for a new AVC is 13^th Septemberfor the first contribution payment to be made from the 7^th October launch date.  Members should visit the People App for more information.

If members have any questions about RMPPbenefits, they should either visit www.royalmailpensionplan.co.uk, email pensions.helpline@royalmail.com or call the Pensions Service Centre on 0345 603 0043. These contacts are for the RMPP only.  

The Collective Plan – as we progress towards the launch date of 7^th October further developments will be reported.

Yours sincerely

Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)                                                

Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary 

LTB 248.24 ROYAL MAIL THE COLLECTIVE PLAN TRUSTEE COMMUNICATION TO MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL MAIL PENSION PLAN (RMPP) REGARDING CLOSURE

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Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

Please find attached the July 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 08131-your-voice-BTG-issue-7-July-2up.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Karen Rose
Deputy General Secretary (T&FS) 

Chris Webb
Head of Communications

24LTB Your Voice in the Workplace – July 2024

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BT PENSION SCHEME: MEMBER NOMINATED DIRECTOR VACANCY  

I am writing to advise that there are two vacancies for a Trustee of the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS). Trustees of the BTPS are known as Member Nominated Directors or MNDs. The vacancies have arisen because two MNDs, Beryl Shepherd and Ben Marshall, have decided not to seek a further term of office. Beryl’s term of office ended in May 2024 and Ben’s will end in January 2025.    

Applications for the vacancy must be submitted by 10am on 26th July 2024. The CWU, Prospect and the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP) are all advertising this position.  

Member Nominated Directors  

The Directors of the BTPS are responsible for running one of the UK’s largest private sector pension schemes which has around 260,000 members and assets of over £35 billion. It is a role with wide ranging responsibilities and one that requires a high degree of personal commitment. The role includes responsibility for the administration of the BTPS, the investment strategy, dealing with personal dispute cases and agreeing funding arrangements with BT.  

There are nine Directors of the BTPS as follows: four MNDs are nominated jointly by the CWU and Prospect (following consultation with the NFOP); four nominated by BT; and an independent Chair nominated by BT following consultation with the Unions. The MNDs are selected according to the procedure attached to this LTB, by a panel comprising representatives of the CWU, Prospect and NFOP.  

To become an MND an individual must satisfy one or both of the following criteria:  

• Membership of the BTPS, current or past, and have a good knowledge of and commitment to occupational pension schemes  
• Have direct responsibility for or direct involvement in occupational pension scheme matters and have a good knowledge of and commitment to occupational pension schemes.  

MNDs are expected to devote sufficient time as necessary to carry out their duties. This is expected to be around thirty to thirty-five days a year. The time commitment in the first year following the appointment may be higher as the MND may require time to familiarise themselves with the rules and operation of the Scheme. Director meetings are normally held in central London.  

Further information about the BTPS and the current trustee arrangements can be found at: http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/trustees/ 

 Further information about the BTPS and the current Directors can be found on https://www.btps.co.uk 

 Applications  

Any CWU member who wishes to self-nominate themselves for this position must send the following to CWU HQ, having first read the nomination and selection procedure attached below:  

• A CV of no longer than two A4 pages  
• A statement no longer than two A4 pages outlining why they would be suitable for this position and how they satisfy the criteria.  

Potential applicants should note that there are legal restrictions on who can be an MND. Individuals cannot serve as an MND if they are: an undischarged bankrupt; have an unspent conviction involving dishonesty or deception; or have been disqualified from being a company director or a Trustee.  

In the event of multiple nominations, the selection panel will consider all applications and if appropriate conduct formal interviews. Interviews will take place in London on a date agreed in conjunction with Prospect and the NFOP. Applications should be sent by post to Karen Rose at CWU HQ or by email to ebell@cwu.org to arrive no later than 10am on 26th July 2024. 

Yours sincerely 

Karen Rose
DGS T&FS 

LTB 159.2024 BTPS MND Process 2

Nomination & Selection of Member Nominated

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