TO: ALL BRANCHES WITH POSTAL MEMBERS 
Dear Colleague,

 
RE: New Conduct Agreement Update

 
Further to the positive vote in the ballot, the launch of the new Conduct Agreement will take place on Monday, 3 August 2015. 

 
Branches will be aware the new agreement has been developed jointly to support a different approach with an emphasis on informal resolution and is corrective rather than punitive. Another key change in the process is the new approach to precautionary suspension.

 
The new agreement also clarifies the definitions of delay. 

 
As with the Attendance Procedure we will be issuing booklets to Branches in due course. 

 
For information purposes please find the Royal Mail Communications to their managers attached to this LTB. 

 
Any conduct case that is instigated on or after the 3 August 2015 will come under the new agreement. 

 
Please find below a link to the agreement and the associated guides. These have also been uploaded to the website.  

 
http://www.cwu.org/conduct-code-2015.html

 
Any enquiries should be addressed to PTCS department, quoting reference PTC/CM/dj/414. 

Email address: djeffery@cwu.org  

 

Yours sincerely

Carl Maden                                 

A/Assistant Secretary                   

          

• CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY (POSTAL) – 2015 

Following the election of Terry Pullinger to the CWU Deputy General Secretary (Postal) the CWU Assistant Secretary (Postal) position is now vacant and therefore in accordance with the rules of the union the NEC has agreed the arrangements for the subsequent election

1.​CWU Assistant Secretary (Postal)  

The responsibilities of all CWU Assistant Secretaries shall be to carry out and discharge under the direction of the GS such Union duties as they may be deemed required to perform.

CWU Assistant Secretaries are subject to election in accordance with the CWU national rule that requires election every 5 years.

The above position is currently responsible for dealing with the following Royal Mail Group businesses; Mail Centres, Distribution Units and Royal Mail International Parcelforce Worldwide, Royal Mail Logistics, Quadrant & the Isle of Man.

The timetable for the election will be as follows:

 

Nominations Open:​3 August 2015

Nominations Close:​28 August 2015 (14:00)

Dispatch ballot material from:​10 September 2015  

Close of ballot:​6 October 2015 (first post)                

Result:​8 October 2015

 

The Election Regulations stipulate that a copy of the regulations for the election must be distributed to all branches in advance of the nomination process. A copy is therefore attached and I would be grateful if you could ensure that these are brought to the attention of the members of your branch.

 

 

 

The regulations will also be published on the CWU website and a copy will be issued to all candidates nominated to stand in the Election.

 

Further information regarding the election, including the CWU assistant Secretary (Postal) Nomination Form, will be despatched to all relevant branches on 31 July 2015. However branches are reminded that in order for nominations for the above position to be valid then they will need to be submitted on the appropriate CWU HQ issued nomination form.

 

 

2.​Elections Prize Draws

 

Branches are reminded that in order to protect the integrity of these very important national election’s and more importantly, ensure that the union is legally compliant with the relevant legislation covering such elections, that election prize draws should not be conducted under any circumstances unless written authorisation has been given by the Senior Deputy General Secretary.

 

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department, CWU HQ, for the attention of Peter Metcalfe. Telephone: 0208 971 7368, or email: pmetcalfe@cwu.org.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary

COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

 

ELECTION REGULATIONS AND CANDIDATE GUIDELINES – AUGUST – OCTOBER 2015

 

 

ELECTION OF:

 

▪ ASSISTANT SECRETARY (Postal)

 

1. These regulations have been determined by the National Executive Council in accordance with the Rules of the Union to govern the election for the above position. The election will take place in August – October 2015 and the successful candidates will take up office in October for a period of five years.

 

2. Nominations open on 3 August 2015. The Senior Deputy General Secretary will provide formal notice of when the election will take place.

 

3. All eligible Branches shall be sent a nomination form for this election. All branch nominations must be agreed at properly constituted Branch meetings. Each Branch shall return the nomination form to the Senior Deputy General Secretary, CWU to arrive no later than 14:00 on 28 August 2015. Nominations received after that date will not be accepted. Each Branch shall be responsible for the correct completion of the nomination form. Further copies of the nomination form may be applied for from The Senior Deputy General Secretary.

 

4. Members who are nominated as a candidate will be sent a letter confirming receipt of a nomination, and the appropriate forms to be completed giving their acceptance of nomination, biographical details and the election address together with a copy of these Regulations. Acceptance of nomination and completed forms for biographical details and the election address, together with a recent photograph must be received by 14:00 on 28 August 2015 by the Senior Deputy General Secretary, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX. Any biographical details or election addresses or photographs received after that date will not be accepted.

 

5. Each candidate must receive the nomination of five Branches by the close of the nomination period in order to be eligible for election. The five nominations must include the nomination of the candidate’s own Branch. 

 

6. Only candidates will be entitled to contact the Senior Deputy General Secretary during the nomination period and ask whether 5 Branches have nominated them. Candidates will only be entitled to ask about their own nominations.

 

7. The Senior Deputy General Secretary will receive the Branch nominations. Each candidate will be entitled to choose which five nominations are published. This list of nominations will also be published with the personal statement/biography outlined in Rule 9.7.7.

 

8. The full list of all Branch nominations received will be published in alphabetical order to all the unions Branches via a Letter to Branches (LTB). Candidates shall undertake not to include the full list of their nominating Branches in their election address, and the Senior Deputy General Secretary may delete any list, which is included in the election address.

 

9. Each candidate shall have the right to prepare an election address of not more than 500 words and to submit a recent photograph. The Senior Deputy General Secretary shall delete words in excess of 500. The content of the election address is the responsibility of the individual candidate and the Union will not be held responsible for any defamatory or libellous statements contained in the address.

 

 

10. The election addresses and individual photographs for all candidates will be published and distributed with the ballot papers to all members. Other than Branch publicity restricted to the membership of their individual Branch any other publicity or canvassing such as handouts, posters etc. for any or all candidates will be the responsibility of the individual candidate who shall fund any such publicity. 

 

11. The method of recommending support for candidates to its own Branch members will be a matter for each Branch. No Branch officer or other workplace representative shall have any responsibility for the circulation of publicity for any candidate other than the candidate recommended by the Branch. All material produced by a Branch must include the name of the Branch and the printer’s name and address where appropriate.

 

12. The Independent Person, in accordance with all legislation, designated as the printer of all ballot material is under instruction to refer any request from a candidate or Branch to undertake printing on their behalf, to the Independent Scrutineer and General Secretary. Printing for a Branch, or candidate, can only be undertaken by the Independent Person with the written authority of both the Independent Scrutineer and the General Secretary.

 

13. Candidates may not use information held by the union on its national records for workplace or home addresses for members for the purposes of distributing any publicity material. Any complaint that a member has used such information may be investigated by the Independent Scrutineer, and if as a result, the complaint is upheld, may take appropriate action in accordance with para.22 of these Regulations.

 

14. Voting will be by individual member by the marking of a ballot paper by the member entitled to vote. The ballot will be fully Postal in accordance with current legislation.

 

15. Each member entitled to vote shall be allowed to do so without interference, constraint or undue pressure, in secret, and so far as is reasonably practicable, without incurring any direct cost to the member.

 

16. So far as is reasonably practicable, all members entitled to vote will receive a ballot paper at the address notified in writing to the CWU. The ballot papers will be dispatched, so far as is reasonably practicable, from 10 September 2015. For votes to be valid, members must mark the ballot paper in accordance with the instruction, and return it sealed in the prepaid envelope provided to the address nominated by the Independent Scrutineer and appearing on the envelope.

 

17. All eligible members included in the Register maintained by the Union as at 24 August 2015 are entitled to vote. Every effort will be made so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure that each member will receive a ballot paper through the post. It is not possible to issue duplicate ballot papers unless this is authorised by the appointed scrutineer. To request a duplicate ballot paper the eligible member will need to send a written request to the appointed independent scrutineer (ERS). The request must contain the following information; CWU membership number, correct postal address and the reason why a duplicate ballot paper is being requested. 

 

18. The last time for receipt of ballot papers at the address nominated by the Scrutineer will be first post 6 October 2015. Any ballot papers received after that time will not be counted.

 

19. Returned ballot papers will remain unopened in their envelopes until the close of ballot. Two lay CWU members (who do not hold any elected or appointed position) will be selected as observers. The Observers together with the Senior Deputy General Secretary will attend the start of the count of the ballot papers. Their sole responsibility will be to ensure that the envelopes are unopened prior to the commencement of the count, after which the Scrutineer shall arrange to count the number of valid votes cast for each candidate. The Scrutineer will declare the results of the election as soon as possible after the completion of the count. 

 

20. The CWU is committed to free and democratic elections and will actively oppose racism and sexism and all forms of discrimination based on race, creed, religion, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation in industry, the Union and Society. Members and candidates must not behave in a discriminatory manner or circulate any material that may be offensive to any other member or candidate.

 

21. No full time officer of the Union as defined under the rules, shall publicly endorse, at any official Union organised meeting or conference or in writing, any candidate for election.

 

22. A member, candidate or Branch may make a complaint regarding the ballot on the grounds that there has been a breach of Union Rules or of these Regulations. The complaint must be submitted in writing to the Independent Scrutineer no later than four weeks of the declaration of the results. The Scrutineer shall investigate the complaint, and if as a result, the complaint is upheld may declare the election void or the election of any particular person void or any appropriate candidate disqualified. In addition they may invalidate any vote or any number of votes previously counted, or include any vote or any number of votes not previously counted and thereby re-determine the results of the election. The decision of the Scrutineer shall be final and binding.

 

23. These Regulations shall be distributed to all Branches in advance of the nomination process for the purpose of being brought to the attention of the membership. The Regulations shall be sent to each candidate on receipt of their nomination, and to any other individual member who applies to either the Union or to Electoral Reform Services Limited.

 

24. Any matter not covered by the Rules of the CWU, or by decision of the NEC prior to the ballot, shall be determined by the Scrutineer.

 

25. The Scrutineer appointed in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1992, as amended, shall be Electoral Reform Services Limited, The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N8 ONW. In addition to carrying out duties in accordance with the Act, the Scrutineer shall make whatever enquiries or investigations they consider appropriate in order to ensure that, as far as possible, the ballot has been carried out in accordance with these Regulations. The decision of the Scrutineer on any matter in these Regulations shall be final.

Candidates Guidelines – 2015

 

 

 

ELECTION OF:

 

▪ ASSISTANT SECRETARY (Postal)  

 

Please Note: That in line with the policies of the union, where they have not already done so all candidates will be required to undertake CWU Equality & Diversity training.

 

Biographical Details:

Each member nominated as a candidate will be entitled to complete the appropriate forms giving the following biographical information:

 

▪ Branch

▪ Date started employment relevant to CWU

▪ Date of joining CWU (or relevant predecessor union)

▪ Job Title

 

Union Record/Other relevant service to the Union and Labour Movement

Additionally candidates are entitled to submit a maximum of 100 words, for inclusion in the booklet to be sent to every member with their ballot paper. This should include information on positions held in Branch, District, Region NEC etc. together with appropriate dates and information on representation at Conferences e.g. TUC, PTTI, C.I. UNI, membership of other unions, political parties, any education or training relevant to this election.

 

Election Address

Each candidate is entitled to submit an election address of up to 500 words. Words in excess of 500 will be deleted after the 500th word. The election address can be submitted on disc or by e-mail to pmetcalfe@cwu.org. The preferred format for this is MS WORD.

 

Alternatively the election address should be typed or written in clear manuscript and signed by the candidate when submitting to the union. Please do not send photocopies to avoid misreading of your statement. Any errors will be reproduced – so proof read your text carefully prior to submitting it.

 

Use of formats such as underlining, text in bold, bullet points etc. may be used and it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that any instructions regarding the layout are clear.

 

The CWU cannot take any responsibility for text that cannot be read, or instructions on layout that cannot be understood. 

 

Photograph

Each candidate is entitled to submit a recent photograph that will be printed with the election address. The photograph should be black and white and have head and shoulders of the candidate only. Photographs containing more than one person are not acceptable, and will not be printed in the booklet. Candidates should note that black and white photographs will reproduce to a higher quality in the booklet, and the CWU cannot take any responsibility for inferior quality if a colour photograph is supplied. Photographs must be received by the CWU by the appropriate closing date for acceptance of nominations and cannot be returned after the ballot.

 

Please note: Instructions to refer to those printed in previous years, photocopies of a previous election address or extracts cut out from printed copy in previous elections, including photographs, are not acceptable, and only the submissions received for this election will be printed.

 

In accordance with current legislation, the CWU shall secure that no modification is made to any election address other than where it is necessarily incidental to the method adopted for producing the copy.

Mandatory Fair and Equal Training – Motion 31 – General Conference 2014 

Branches will recall that Motion 31 from General Conference 2014 was remitted to the NEC. Motion 31 read as follows:

 

“This conference welcomes the proportionality report and the debate that is has started. But conference is also concerned at the lack of any sanction regarding reps who refuse to attend the mandatory one day equality and diversity training.

 

Whilst we appreciate that a one day course is not a format suitable for every rep, we believe it the responsibility of branches to ensure that every option is made available to branch reps to ensure they are able to undertake this course. However, we also believe it is time for this union to demonstrate it is serious about the equality agenda and any rep who refuses to attend the one day equality and diversity course should be referred to the National Discipline Committee as per national rules, for an investigation with the potential for the removal of that reps credentials.

 

The NEC is instructed accordingly.”

 

In response to the concerns expressed in the Motion, the NEC reviewed the format and provision of equality and diversity training.

 

This lead to changes to that training which were described in LTB 99/15 issued on 16 February 2015. A further copy of the LTB is attached for ease of reference.

 

Despite the debate at conference and the revised and refreshed arrangements as set out in LTB 99/15, the NEC remains concerned to receive largely anecdotal reports of the somewhat patchy understanding of and compliance with the requirement for all CWU representatives to undertake training in this area.

 

Branches will recall that the union is under some obligation in this matter. That obligation comes not only from provisions of our own rulebook (in particular Rule 2), but also from an agreement with the then Equal Opportunities Commission more than ten years ago. The NEC believes that there can be no grounds for complacency and that ensuring that there is universal take-up of this mandatory training is a priority area.

 

Branches are therefore advised that over the coming months, the NEC will be conducting an audit across the whole union to understand the latest position with regards to take-up

of the mandatory “Fair & Equal” training by representatives in each branch.

 

The audit will take the form of an individual letter to each branch seeking certain key information which the branch should be easily able to provide.  

 

Branches will then have a limited opportunity to put in place any necessary training to ensure that all their representatives are compliant with necessary standards.

 

However, it will be important for branches and representatives to be aware that this window of opportunity for those who have not yet taken the necessary training will not be infinite.

 

It is intended to make a comprehensive report to the first NEC meeting of 2016 on this subject, in which I will make further recommendations as required.

 

Any queries on this Letter to Branches should be directed to the General Secretary’s office quoting reference GS 2.4.

 

Yours sincerely

 
 

Dave Ward

General Secretary

 

RE: LABOUR PARTY LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS 

The National Executive Council has today discussed the forthcoming Labour Party Leader and Deputy Leader election.

 

Following an extensive debate the NEC agreed to nominate and recommend to members that they vote for Jeremy Corbyn MP, for Leader of the Labour Party.

 

In making this decision the NEC agreed the following rationale:-

 

1. A belief that if the party needs a fundamental change of direction away from the new Labour era, then Jeremy Corbyn MP is the most likely candidate to assist this process. That there is a need to finally loosen the grip of Blair and Mandelson’s market driven politics on the Party. This is the single most important issue in this election.  

 

2. That Jeremy Corbyn MP has consistently been the most aligned candidate to existing CWU policy, ranging from opposition to Royal Mail privatisation, unfair competition and closing the loophole on agency workers, to wider issues such as the anti trade union laws, equality and opposition to the Government’s austerity programme.

 

3. That a Jeremy Corbyn victory is the most likely way to force a proper debate on an alternative to the Government’s austerity programme and the need for Labour to seriously challenge the Government’s anti trade union laws.

 

4. That the union rejects the notion that what Labour needs to do is move back to the centre ground of British politics. That this is a recipe for more of the same and is focused on the need to gain power, rather than the policies we believe in – and what is in the best interest of the people we represent. The real debate is for Labour to redefine what the centre ground of British politics should stand for with policies that bring about fairer wealth distribution, create decent jobs, terms and conditions for workers, remove inequality and provide substantially more affordable housing for working people. There was a time when this type of agenda would have been seen pretty much as the centre ground, not an extreme left wing agenda. This is the challenge for Labour.  

 

The NEC further agreed that Andy Burnham MP would receive the union’s recommendation as second preference in the transferable voting process.

 

In respect of the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party election, the NEC agreed to nominate and recommend to members that they vote for Angela Eagle MP. The NEC further agreed that Caroline Flint MP receive the union’s recommendation as second preference in the transferable voting process.

 

 

 

A press release outlining the NEC’s decisions was issued this afternoon and this is below for your information.

 

Branches are reminded that only Political Fund paying members who have registered as Labour Party ‘affiliated supporters’ will get a vote in this election.

 

Therefore, it is important that branches publicise to political fund paying members that they must register to vote on-line by 12th August 2015. This can be done by the using the following link.

 

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/your_chance_to_choose

 

Full details of the CWU ‘Sign-up Campaign’ can be accessed through the CWU website

 

http://www.cwu.org/your-chance-to-choose-the-next-labour-leader.html

 

Political Fund paying members who register as an ‘affiliated supporter’ will receive their ballot papers from 14th August 2015 onwards – either by email or in the post.

 

Members should be strongly encouraged to vote for Jeremy Corbyn MP as Leader of the Labour Party and Angela Eagle MP as Deputy Leader.

 

If you have any enquiries on this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS14.0/LTB 501/15.

 

 

Yours sincerely

​​​ ​​

 

Dave Ward​​​​​​

General Secretary
PRESS RELEASE

 

Immediate release

30.07.15

 

CWU backs Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leader

 

The Communication Workers Union is today (Thursday) announcing its endorsement of Jeremy Corbyn MP to be the next leader of the UK Labour.

 

Please see here for a video of Dave Ward announcing the decision: http://youtu.be/W_b3Vh-EkSg

 

Speaking after the decision, the General Secretary of the CWU, Dave Ward, said:

 

“I am delighted to announce that the CWU will be backing Jeremy Corbyn MP to be the next leader of the Labour Party.

 

“There are no quick fixes for the Labour party, but there are some easy decisions and choosing Jeremy as its leader should be one of them.

 

“We think that it is time for a change for Labour. The grip of the Blairites and individuals like Peter Mandelson must now be loosened once and for all. There is a virus within the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn is the antidote.

 

“We reject the notion that Labour needs to move to the centre ground of British politics. The Centre ground has moved significantly to the right in recent years. We do not see arguing for fairer wealth distribution, decent jobs with good pay, terms and conditions and a substantial increase in affordable housing for the next generation as a left wing agenda.

 

“Jeremy agrees with the vast amount of CWU policy, ranging from opposing the selling off of Royal Mail, to offering a real alternative to austerity, and repealing anti-trade union laws.

 

The CWU will be also recommending that members vote for Andy Burnham as their second preference in the leadership election.

 

In the Deputy Leadership Election the CWU will be recommending that members vote for Angela Eagle as first preference and to vote Caroline Flint as their second preference.

 
 
           

MENTORING FOR WOMEN ACTIVISTS – YORK 

Branches are reminded that places are still available for the Mentoring for Women Activists course in York.

 

Do you like to support and encourage other women activists in the CWU? Do you like to share your experience and knowledge with others? Would you like to be able to “give something back” to the union? Would you like to find out more about mentoring?

 

If the answer is yes then you will be the ideal person to attend our new CWU course, which is designed to:

 

· Give you an understanding of the role of mentor in the CWU
· Consider how you can apply mentoring in your Branch
· Develop a personal plan for mentoring new activists
· Register to become a mentor for other women activists across the whole of the CWU
Dates and Venue

 

• Tues 13th – Wed 14th October 2015 – York

 

Who is this course aimed at?

 

Women activists with at least three years’ experience in a CWU role. We would like to develop mentors from a variety of roles and this could be IR, Equality, Learning or Health and Safety. We are particularly keen to enrol women who have taken up leadership roles at either Regional, Branch or National level.
Release

 

Paid release for this course has been applied for and we are awaiting a response from the employers.

 

To Book your Place

 

Your Branch will have to approve your application, so contact your Branch Secretary to ask for an application form. 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

If your Branch nominates you for this course they will usually cover your travel and subsistence costs and release costs from work if applicable. This can vary, so always check with your Branch Secretary in advance.

 

Completed application forms should be addressed to: Trish Lavelle, Head of Education and Training, CWU Education and Training Centre, Alvescot Lodge, Alvescot, Bampton, Oxon, OX18 2PY, faxed to 01993 840960, or emailed to mtodd@cwu.org

 

Best wishes,

 

 

 

Trish Lavelle

Head of Education and Training

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 Facebook: Dave Ward CWU @DaveWardGS

 

 

 

 

Revised Revision Process – Health & Safety Checklist 

Branches and Representatives will be aware that we have been in dialogue with Royal Mail for some time regarding the inclusion of H&S Representatives in the 6 phase revision process. LTB 142/15 was issued in March informing Branches that ASRs were now included in the 6 phase sign off process at stages 1, 3, 4 and 6 of the process and that this was agreed with Royal Mail.
Since then we have received a number of queries from H&S reps asking what it is that they are supposed to be signing off. As a consequence the Walk Design Group was asked to identify some H&S requirements in the form of a checklist which is attached to this document. The checklist of issues to be dealt with are not definitive as they may vary from office to office but it does provide a generic list of ‘core’ issues that should be checked off before deployment at phase 4. Also attached is the Joint Revision checklist identifying where the involvement of the ASR takes place in the revision process, and the Delivery Revision Revised 6 Phase sign off document.
It should be noted that the SAC3 (attached) as previously agreed by Dave Joyce still holds the field.
However it remains imperative that CWU Representatives responsible for IR issues and those responsible for H&S issues retain a collaborative approach to the deployment of ongoing delivery revision activity to ensure we are deploying revisions that are sound, reliable, workable and safe for our members regardless of the associated checklists.
Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 230.05 / 600

Email address: hnutley@cwu.org or Mstewart@cwu.org

 

Yours sincerely​

​

 

Bob Gibson ​

CWU Assistant Secretary​

 RE: MR GARRY BARKER – BRANCH ASSISTANT SECRETARY NORTH ANGLIA BRANCH

 

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Garry Barker, Assistant Secretary of the North Anglia Branch of the CWU, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning at West Suffolk Hospital. Garry had been battling cancer since the start of this year.

 

Garry served the union for many years having been active in the Union since 1976. He became a Branch Officer in 1985 and held many other positions at branch and regional level. Over the years he also played an instrumental role in bringing the branches together in the area through mergers.

 

He was a very well respected branch officer within the branch and also at CWU Headquarters. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues in the union.

 

At this sad time our thoughts are of course with Garry’s wife and his children – and close family and friends. I have on behalf of the CWU conveyed our deepest sympathy and condolences to them.

 

When further information becomes available regarding funeral arrangements, branches will be informed.

 

If you have any enquiries on this LTB, these should be addressed to the General Secretary’s Office at gsoffice@cwu.org quoting the reference GS1.3/LTB 489/15.

 

 

Yours sincerely

​​​ ​​

 

Dave Ward​​​​​​

CWU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Conference – Saturday 3rd October 2015 

The CWU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Conference will be held on Saturday 3rd October 2015 at the Grand Central Hotel, Victoria Suite, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SL

Delegates/Observers

Branches are entitled to send two delegates to the Conference but branches have no restriction on the number of observers that can attend.

 

Branches are asked to register delegates and observers using the online registration process. Most branches should be familiar with the system now but anyone that has any difficulties please contact conferences@cwu.org.  

 

The link to access this is http://conference.cwu.org

Motions

Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.

 

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the conference standing in their name.

 

Motion forms must be returned by midnight on Tuesday 2nd September 2015. All sections of the form must be completed.

 

Branches and the Advisory 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.

As with previous Equality Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be two 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 with the carriage of Composite Rule Amendment 126 at General Conference 2013, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit two motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference and one motion to the Postal Group and Telecoms Industry Conferences. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be considered for General Conference they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.

 

As with previous Equality Conferences, the motions for submission to the General Conference, Postal Group and Telecoms Industry agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the motions will be held at the Conference and further information will be contained within the conference standing orders.

 

Please note that all correspondence must be sent to conferences@cwu.org and no other personal email address.

 

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

 

 

OFCOM ANNOUNCEMENT – FUNDAMENTAL REVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF ROYAL MAIL 

As you may be aware, last Friday Ofcom published a discussion document setting out a fundamental review of the regulation of Royal Mail.

 

While Ofcom has presented this to the press as part of its work to secure the universal service, it is conducting the review in the wake of Whistl’s withdrawal from the letter delivery market and in the light of its concerns that Royal Mail is exploiting its position to prevent competition and new entrants like Whistl getting a foothold. It is therefore clear to us that Ofcom’s agenda in conducting the review is restricting Royal Mail’s commercial freedom, and putting greater pressure on it over efficiency.

 

As you may have seen in the media, Ofcom’s announcement led to a 4% drop in Royal Mail’s share price. The CWU has already expressed serious concerns in respect of Ofcom’s attitude towards Royal Mail and our member’s terms and conditions and we believe that the impact on Royal Mail’s share price is a further example of the lack of care and consideration on Ofcom’s part for protecting the universal service and a delivery to every address in the UK six days a week. This goes against the very purpose of Ofcom’s existence.

 

The CWU is passionate in ensuring that the ‘People’s Post’ is protected and does not become the victim of a deteriorating relationship between Royal Mail and Ofcom, with Ofcom seemingly indifferent to the effects that its actions can have on the company’s performance.

 

Against that backdrop the CWU will be considering the review that has been announced in further detail and submitting our views and comments for consideration.

 

Any queries about the contents of this LTB should be addressed to the DGS (P) Department quoting reference LTB 485/15.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Pullinger​​Dave Ward

Deputy General Secretary (Postal)​​General Secretary

 

 
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

 Facebook: Dave Ward CWU @DaveWardGS

 

 

Amazon Doorstep Scanning – Final Deployment

Further to LTBs 483/14 and 661/14 which covered both the initial trial and the subsequent extension to further Delivery Offices scanning all Amazon RM 24/48 (1c/2c untracked) items at the delivery point, we have continued discussions with Royal Mail regarding the final extension of this service to all remaining units/postcode areas who will remain subject to the original TOR. The key sections of the TOR are reproduced in italic below for ease of reference.

The deployment to the remaining Postcode areas is as detailed in the matrix below, in line with their relevant deployment date. Those postcodes highlighted in green have already deployed. In addition we have agreed a full communications and training plan which will commence from w/c 27th July, which is also attached and included in the ZIP file below.

Region Delivery Director Delivery Director Area Postcodes Date

North Adrian Fielding North West England BL, BB, LA, FY, PR, M, OL, SK 27th July

 Gerry J McAuley West Scotland G, ML, PA, KA, DG, CA

 Simon Scott West / South Yorkshire BD, HD, HX, WF, LN, DN, S, HU

 Mark Wilkinson North East England NE, TS, SR, DL, DH, LS, HG, YO, TD

 Tony Bicknell East Scotland and NI EH, KY, TD, BT

 Deborah Rodger North Scotland AB, IV, HS, KW, ZE, DD, FK, PH

West Estelle Baillie South Coast BH, DT, PO, SO, SP

 Steve Crossley South West EX, PL, TA, TQ, TR 10-Aug

  Eddie Phipps South Wales & Gloucester CF,GL, LD, NP, SA

  Shiona Rolfe Great Western BA, OX, RG, SN

  Kevin Doyle Bristol BS

 Tony Baxter Cheshire & Merseyside CW,L,WA, WN + CH LL SY

  Karen English West Midlands B,DY, WS, WV + HR ST TF WR

East Steve Molloy East Midlands DE, NG, CV, LE, NN, MK, 24-Aug

 Doug Neal Anglia CB, CO, IP, NR, PE

 Steve Selby London EC, NW, SE, SW, W, WC

 John Maher Home Counties North AL, EN, HA, HP, LU, SG, SL, WD, UB

 Andy Downes South East BN, BR, CR, CT, DA,ME, RH, SM, TN

 Mike Devanny Essex CM, E, IG, N, RM, SS

 Kam McKinley Guildford GU, KT, TW

All of the items posted will be sent via RDCs (as per the current flow for the Amazon traffic) The RDCs affected are PRDC, NDC, NWDC, SWDC, NHC, SDC and NWDC. There is no scanning required at this stage.

Operational Impact

The operational impact is relatively straightforward, Amazon will apply a label at the time of posting within Royal Mails agreed barcode range and these items will travel through the normal standard Royal Mail 24/48 (1C/2C) pipeline.

The items will arrive into the Delivery Offices with the rest of the un-tracked parcels and large letters and will not be segregated into the tracked pipeline.

 

There is therefore no scanning required in RDCs or Mail Centre’s.

A doorstep scan will be undertaken on delivery routes at the point of delivery, no signature is required. The scan will be the standard delivered or undelivered scan in the PDA.

First Time Delivery – Delivery to Neighbour is also an extremely important factor in this trial, it is a key measure for all customers, and delivery to a neighbour should therefore be attempted in line with the national agreement. If the item is delivered to a neighbour the scan should be undertaken at the point of delivery and a P739 card left at the original address in line with normal practice.

 

If items are undelivered they will be scanned back into the Delivery Office and scanned again using the existing PDA facility if collected from the Enquiry Office.

Communications & Training

Staff at the final deployment sites will receive a WTLL w/c 27th July and information on Delivered Scanned items displayed. A follow up WTLL will be given a week later where handouts will be given to support the training. This will be repeated for the remaining sites from the 10 August and 24 August.

Staff in all affected delivery offices will receive training from local management on the process and how to distinguish the labels with support from the Central Deployment team.

Each unit will have a point of contact with a member of the central deployment team on the go live day to reinforce the training and answer any questions. The absolute emphasis of the training in Delivery Offices is that the items must be scanned on delivery.

Workplace coaches will be utilised the week before deployment and on go live dates to ensure staff are confident with the requirements and the processes.

Posters will be displayed in units to help staff understand the change.

Labels

Key learning from the pilot sites has resulted in the change of name from ‘Delivered Tracked’ to ‘Delivered Scanned’ (see label examples below) The term ‘Scanned’ resonates with our customers as it is a commonly used word in day to day life including ‘scanning’ in supermarkets and use of smart phones.

This support Royal Mails strategy moving towards all items being bar-coded in the near future.

 New Delivered Scanned label (24/48) Existing Tracked label (24/48)

Finally Branches will be aware that most competitors now offer Track & Trace on most of, if not all of their products and Royal Mail will be continuing to look to improve their offering to customers as they look to introduce more products into the market with barcoding to retain market share, and stave off any potential loss of contracts to the competition.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 530

Email address: hnutley@cwu.org or mstewart@cwu.org

Yours Sincerely

         

Bob Gibson

CWU Assistant Secretary – Outdoor