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NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
FRIDAY 19th – SUNDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2010 COVENTRY
Women’s Conference this year was again well attended with the South East Regional Women’s Committee well represented with eight delegates attending. Twenty one motions were debated in conference with motions from the South West Regional Women’s Committee and Birmingham Black Country and Worcester being voted forward for National Conference.
Tony Kearns attended representing Billy Hayes and came with sombre news about
the Unions financial position and the fact that Equality Conferences had over
60% of Branches not sending delegates could affect the way in which the
Conferences were structured in the future, for example all Equality Conferences
together. This was soundly opposed by Conference and we wait to find out what
will be proposed.
Bernie Moffatt
South East No.5 Women’s Officer & Chair of the Women’s Regional Committee
Terry Jackson Regional Secretary and Branch Organiser writes about the forthcoming action:
The postmen and postwomen are poised to take strike action in a bid to defend their employment rights and to have a legitimate voice in the modernisation of the postal industry. They have had no pay rise this year, they have had their pensions eroded, there are threats to their job security with full-time jobs routinely going part-time or disappearing, they are being asked to perform to unreasonable unagreed standards and to cap things off delivery staff have been instructed to work longer hours for nothing. They are asking the CWU to achieve an agreement with Royal Mail that addresses these issues and backed their union with an overwhelming 3 to 1 result in the recent ballot on strike action.
The strike action consists of one day's action for each postal worker, either on Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd October, depending on location. Intensive talks are continuing to avert industrial action, but at this time Royal Mail is still refusing to negotiate change with the CWU making the chance of a settlement at the eleventh hour unlikely. We have even asked the Government to get Royal Mail into meaningful discussions. To date decisions on any further action or escalation have not been made.
The postal network will unfortunately come to a grinding halt. The CWU and all postal workers regret any inconvenience to both business and domestic customers. We do not lose a days pay and disrupt the service except as a last resort. We hope strike action is not necessary and the consequent loss of business does not happen. The public should be aware that job cuts, office closures, later deliveries and part-time posties are a recipe for a permanently fractured service. We would ask the public to join us to stop this happening.
Royal Mail is Misleading the Public
(To download this leaflet right-click and select "save target as" on the PDF icon above)
UNION LEARNING IN THE SOUTH EAST REGION
ULRs and South East Regional Learning Committee
Most branches in the region now have a Union Learning Representative (ULR) whose role is to promote and facilitate learning in the workplace. ULRs in the South East are supported in their work by advice on learning from the South East Regional Learning Committee and from the CWU South East Regional Project Worker, Tracey Bent. The Regional Learning Committee Officers are Joe Showler (Secretary) Kevin Murray (Chair) and George Hannah (Assistant Secretary). Every year during the autumn the Committee writes a regional learning strategy for the year which is put to the Regional Committee for ratification in the Spring. Through the strategy, the Committee promotes and facilitates CWU driven learning projects across the region.
Recent Events: National Learning at Work Day
In recent weeks a series of promotional learning events have been run by ULRs in their workplaces to celebrate Learning at Work Day. Seven branches in the region ran such events. The events typically involve setting up a stand in a prominent area of the workplace where ULRs provide workers with advice on learning, conduct learning surveys and generally promote the fact that ULRs can work with local colleges to set up courses in the workplace, at times to suit workers. Most importantly, these events also provide the opportunity to raise the profile of branches and to recruit new members. In the South East, 7 Learning at Work Day events were organised by ULRs with the support of their branches and/or funding from South East Unionlearn. In most cases local management also supported the events either by donating money for prizes or by helping to advertise the event. Across the region, the events resulted in over 1000 workers having face to face contact with a ULR, over 800 learning surveys completed and returned to ULRs, 44 people expressing an interest in becoming an activist and 18 new members being recruited.
Congratulations to all ULRs who organised these events which proved hugely popular with workers, helped to raise the profile of their branch in the workplace, and in most cases resulted in new members being recruited to the union. Well done to everyone involved!
Dave Warren (Branch Secretary and NEC Officer) presents
Branch Learning Survey Prize to Neelam Kaur (HWDC postal worker).
Terry Jackson opened the meeting and the first thing to be agreed was a date for the AGM – 03/04/2009.
Dave Curtis put his name forward for Chair and Nathan Brennan’s name was put forward for Secretary.
We had a debate on whether we should have a combined meeting with Youth, Women’s and Retired Members Committees – it was agreed that we need to discuss this further and maybe hold a meeting in July.
It was agreed to hold 4 meetings a year.
Dave Curtis would produce a SE Regional Equality newsletter with the help of the Committee. The date for this would be 27/03/2009. It was also agreed to have 1 newsletter a year.
It was agreed to have 2 campaigns, the first would be a Black History Workers presentation to be held at the BT building, City Place, Gatwick on 18/03/2009 and also at the Gatwick Mail Centre on 19/03/2009. There will also be one held at HWDC Langley, a date in October is yet to be confirmed.
It was agreed to have 2 Regional Training days to be held at Headquarters.
Bullying & Harassment Training day - to be arranged for w/c 05/05/2009. Discrimination & Equality Law in the Workplace – no date fixed.
DAVE WARREN RE-ELECTED TO NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
Our candidate Dave Warren has been re-elected to the National Executive in the ballot which closed in April 2008.
Commenting on the result Dave stated "It is going to be a tough year for all of us wherever we work in the Postal Industry. I would like to thank all of those who supported me in the election this year, I will continue to work on your behalf fighting for a fair deal".
The full results are: -
| Phil BROWN | 10,553 | ELECTED |
| Mick KAVANAGH | 9,876 | ELECTED |
| John FARNAN | 9,172 | ELECTED |
| Pete KEENLYSIDE | 8,925 | ELECTED |
| Lesley McLEAN | 8,891 | ELECTED |
| Mark BAULCH | 8,790 | ELECTED |
| Noel McCLEAN | 8,515 | ELECTED |
| Dave WARREN | 8,475 | ELECTED |
| Ian WARD | 8,445 | ELECTED |
| Joe MALONE | 8,389 | ELECTED |
| Carl MADEN | 8,267 | ELECTED |
| Davie ROBERTSON | 7,885 | ELECTED |
| Katrina QUIRKE | 6,750 | ELECTED |
| Huw DAVIES | 6,310 | |
| Dennis KILGARIFF | 5,787 | |
| Sean TAIT | 5,565 |
Dear Colleague
ROYAL MAIL PAY & MODERNISATION AGREEMENT - BALLOT
You will shortly be receiving a ballot paper for the above Proposed Agreement and your Branch is urging you to vote NO.
We have considered carefully the contents of this deal and feel strongly that it does not measure up to our aspirations for you the membership who have taken eight days of Industrial Action in support of the dispute.
The Union nationally will no doubt be writing to you outlining an alternative view but we ask you to consider the following facts:
Finally there are no commitments to maintaining full-time jobs, a shorter working week, progress towards the average wage of a manual worker or negotiations with the Union on the future Mail Centre Network.
The proposed Agreement was not supported by the three CWU National Officers responsible for Royal Mail Operational Grades or a substantial minority of our Executive. Many Branches like our own feel it should be rejected and we urge you to join with us and vote NO.
Send a message to Royal Mail and Wimbledon that we deserve much better.
Yours sincerely
Dave Warren Branch Secretary
Dear Colleagues,
Once again I find myself writing to you reporting that during a National Briefing held in London yesterday it was made clear that all areas of the country are having difficulties with our employer. We all understand that we are working in a rapidly changing environment and that changes need to be made, it is not the question of change that your Representatives at a Local, Area and National level are having difficulties with it’s the method of that change that has once again led us to a position where the future of the industry and our jobs are in question.
A number of offices around the country have been reporting that they have been experiencing problems with managers recruiting new staff on less than full-time contracts. Delivery recruits that have been employed on 30-hour contracts are sent out on full deliveries, with pressure being applied for them to complete within the new hours. If extended hours are necessary they will only be paid at basic pay rates up to the 40-hour basic week. Managers view this as an acceptable way to reduce hours your union do not. An increasing number of offices have taken industrial action over this issue but our employer is choosing not to accept that this is a problem.
A large number of drivers working in Logistics, Network and Distribution will soon be limited on the number of hours that they can work due to the Road Transport Directive. I can report that some of our members will have their earnings potential massively reduced by this legislation unless we can achieve a suitable pay increase for them. The business solution to this is to demand flexibility from our drivers to cover the work but offer a derisory pay deal to compensate the affected members indicating that an element of this deal must be self-financed. We must not let this business hide behind new laws we must get them to recognise the impact on our members and compensate them in a fair way.
The business is also determined to pursue its own agenda recently Reading Mail Centre was informed that Royal Mail was planning to close Reading and Gloucester then transfer this work to an extended Swindon Mail Centre. The Representatives and our members were only informed a few days before planning permission was due to be submitted in Swindon. This shows a blatant disregard for National Agreements that we support.
Meetings have been scheduled with Royal Mail to express our disappointment for the disregard the employer has shown to you and your union, our National Officers are seeking to resolve all of these outstanding issues and get an undertaking from the business that our future relationship will be constructive with full involvement at all levels.
Given that the Road Transport Directive needs to be introduced in only 10 weeks time our National Executive Committee will be meeting next week to assess any progress that has been made with the employer and to decide if it will be necessary to take the matter further by conducting a National Ballot on these major issues.
Many of your local Union activists have been experiencing problems with the employer once again it is up to you our members to provide the support for these Representatives so that they can support you.
I will continue to keep you informed as this situation unfolds.
Thank You for Your Support.
Wayne Levy
Branch Letters Secretary
South East No5
Our candidate Dave Warren has been re-elected to the National Executive with an increased share of the vote.
Joe Longworth commenting on the result said ‘the result is good news for the Branch and the Union as a whole’. I am sure Dave will continue as a voice for our members in what will be a challenging year ahead’.
The full results are: -
|
Our Honorary Branch President Martin Collins has been re-elected to the National
Officer post dealing with Mail Centres with over 60 Branch nominations.
Dave Warren commenting on the news said ‘The Branch offers its congratulations on this success. It is a vindication of the tireless efforts on behalf of CWU members and an indication of the progress made by the Indoor Department in the five years Martin Collins has been the Officer’.
The number of Branches nominating is one of the highest ever recorded for an Election to a Postal Officer Post and include all regions of the country.
The full list of Branches that nominated Martin is as follows:
|
Birmingham & District Amal |
Merseyside Amal |
NATIONAL OFFICER ELECTION
This year sees the completion of Martin Collins’ five year term as the National Officer responsible for Mail Centre issues.
Martin is seeking re-election to the post and the Branch will be campaigning hard to ensure he is successful.
Dave Warren speaking on behalf of the Branch stated “It has been my pleasure to work alongside Martin Collins for a number of years. He is an excellent negotiator and has done a first class job on behalf of the members throughout his time as a Union Representative. I had no hesitation in agreeing to head up the campaign to secure Martin’s re-election as a National Officer”.
Martin’s initial letter seeking nominations is reproduced below:-
Dear Colleague
ELECTION OF CWU ASSISTANT SECRETARY – INDOOR
You will have recently received LTB 09/06 advising you that an election for the above position is scheduled to take place in spring this year.
The reason for my letter is that I wish to confirm that I will be putting my name forward for re-election to the post which I have held for the last five years. You will be aware that under the regulations that cover this election I require the nomination of five branches from the Postal Constituency and I would appreciate your Branch considering supporting my re-election and submitting my name as your nomination.
Since I assumed responsibility for the Indoor Department I have always carried out my duties with diligence toward the members who work in the Mail Centre Network and the other business units that I have responsibility for e.g. Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre, Manual Data Entry Centres, The National Return Centre and Royal Mail Admin Grades.
I have always recognised the importance of the early involvement of Branch and Field Representatives when progressing the issues that I have had to deal with such as Flats Automation, Address Interpretation, Wand, Transport Review, Cessation of TPO’s, Pay and Major Change to name a few. In addition I have strived to provide up to date information on the current issues and agreements reached via LTB’s, BOB’s, email, CD Rom or Consultative Meetings/Briefings. I believe my record of involvement is one of the best the Indoor Department has ever had and I am fully committed to continue with this approach.
In the impending future we now have new challenges to face up to, liberalisation/deregulation, further new technology and a breed of management, whose attitude to the union is “get on the train or stay on the platform”. I believe I have a proven track record and the ability to meet these and any other challenge that comes our way by securing meaningful National Agreements.
I trust therefore that your branch will give due consideration to my request for your support and nomination and please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any issues you wish to discuss or need clarification on regarding future policy.
Yours Sincerely
Martin Collins
The Branch has placed its support fully behind the campaign to secure the future of the Post Office as a publicly owned and fully funded industry.
Political Officer Ian Warrick stated “The Branch will be ensuring a strong presence at the rallies organised in London and Brighton. We have also sponsored the London event on 7th September and plant to add our voice to those who want to send a clear message to the Labour government of no sell off.”
The current campaign builds on the activity already organised by the national union around Delivery Quality but despite being successful in obtaining a manifesto commitment from the Labour party the statements by Post Office Chairman and numerous press reports that a share option is being considered puts the future ownership of our industry to doubt.
The CWU has recognised for some time now that the Post Office faces new challenges not least from competition in an area where a monopoly previously existed. However this competition cannot be fought by in managing the decline approach whereby we are starved of the investment and at the same time the business continues with a drive for increased productivity accompanied by the Job losses.
The only sensible approach is for the government to provide the funding required in new equipment and buildings. At the same time the regulator has to be removed from the scene and the ability to raise additional revenue through increase postal pricing restored.
The argument is fairly simple we are a Public Service and should be treated as such. The difficulty will be convincing a government increasingly committed to the free market that the answer is public ownership.
We believe we can win by using the tried and tested campaign method of mobilising both people who work in the industry and those who are served by it of our case.
That is why we are supporting the various activities taking place this autumn.
If you agree with us send us a message via email or better still contact your MP.
