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Changes to Rules
Conference passed decisions that any proposed rule change should achieve a two – thirds majority in each constituency, that rule changes would be operative from the close of conference and an updated rule book provided to branches within six months of the conference
Executives
Rules changes carried to change the sizes of the executives:
NEC - 19 members (11 postal, 8 Telecom /FSC)
PEC - 17 members (15 postal, 2 Postal Technical Services) including chair and vice chair
Also any vacancy arising on the NEC will be left vacant or balloted for, based on recommendation to the NEC from the General Secretary
Conference
Conference will now be 5 days including 3 days postal every consecutive year starting 2012, with ad-hoc single day sectional conference in between years
(The Branch delegation split 5-4 against)
A proposal from the NEC that the PEC should be responsible for the timetable each session instead of the standing orders was lost with the branch voting against
Financial
A proposal was carried that 0.25% of the branch rebate should be paid into a Regional Learning Committee Fund.
This motion was originally down as an NEC ‘accept’ which would have meant no debate. This was challenged by a number of branches including our own.
The debate centred mainly on the good work that the ULR’s were carrying out
rather than the financial aspects of the proposal.
(The Branch delegation mandate was to oppose)
A proposal that branches with over 12 months equivalent rebate in their funds
should have their rebate held in a central account for membership growth and
union employee VR packages was lost. This proposal had originally been accepted
by the NEC but this was challenged.
(The Branch delegation was mandated to support)
Other Proposals
Motion on AV voting for non-occupational candidates (NEC opposed) was lost
Motion on the Death Grant being frozen for five years (NEC supported) was lost
(The Branch delegation voted against both these motions)
Comment
There was an issue with the branch mandate of opposition to consequential rulebook changes to carried rule changes that the branch opposed.
When the principle motion had been carried it meant the branch was initially voting against the enabling rule change and was becoming the only branch to vote against. It was generally felt by the delegation that the correct position to adopt would be abstention from these rulebook enabling proposals.
Political
An Emergency Motion condemned the Governments attacks on employment and workplace discrimination rights it called on the NEC to launch a campaign to ensure the Labour Party is committed to restoring trade union rights equality rights and promotes a positive agenda on this. It also called for a campaign with other unions and the TUC
Another motion condemned the attack on workers rights and public services to pay for the crisis caused by bankers not workers. It called on the NEC
To work with other unions and organisations to fight cuts locally
To call on the TUC to hold a 24 hour strike against spending cuts, wage attacks and pensions
Branch Regional and national levels of the union to co-ordinate campaigns and strikes with other unions.
Social
A motion calling for a ‘Society for Protection and Care of Older People’ to protect people in care homes was carried.
The NEC opposed this because people had the choice of which home to go to! A
motion calling for a debt advice service to be offered through the unions
solicitors was lost
(The branch delegation abstained as the vote was split)
Pensions
A motion was carried calling on the NEC to ensure that retention of RPI for pensions is in all pension agreements It was pointed out that the difference between CPI and RPI was between 1-1.5% Over ten years this would amount to a 30% reduction in pension
An Emergency Motion was carried for a campaign with the RMAC against any reduction in winter fuel allowance given the RPI level being at 4.4%
Subscriptions
A motion calling for a review of the Branch Rebate System was carried. This should include level of rebates required to maintain and improve representation and take into account all aspects of branch expenditure
Views would be sought from branches and a report made to branches by 31st January.
An Emergency Motion critical of the fact that part timers (30-34 hours) subs were increased from Plan 4 (£1.90) to Plan 1 (£3.11) instead of the maximum 3% laid down by the NEC. It stated that blaming Royal Mails deduction system was unacceptable. This was carried
A motion calling for an increase in mileage rate from 30p to 40p was carried. The NEC opposed this; the branch was mandate to support.
Ballots
A motion calling for ballot papers to be sent separately as opposed to going out with the Voice was withdrawn after it was explained that figures indicated a higher return with the Voice postings
Training
A motion calling for reps to receive training within three months of taking office, if necessary by local officers or reps was lost. It also called for consideration of such training to the industrial department. The NEC opposed this.
(The branch was mandated to support).
A motion calling for a Reps Charter for training to be ready by the 2011/12 branch elections was carried. This would include a welcome pack and development plan.
This was originally a joint motion (Tyne and Wear Clerical/NE Regional) but was split, one with the inclusion of ‘mandatory’ the other without.
The branch delegation agreed to support the inclusion of mandatory but this was withdrawn and the other motion carried
Health and Safety
A motion critical of managements attempts at avoiding RIDDORS and calling for the NEC to coordinate information on such cases was carried with the NEC remit/oppose
A motion calling on the NEC to work with the TUC to achieve the inclusion of Road Traffic accident deaths in RIDDOR was accepted
Honorary Membership
National Honorary Memberships included Martin Collins, Dave Warren and the late Jayaben Desai from the Grunwick dispute
A further motion bestowed Honorary Membership on eight members who the NEC believed had been wrongly disciplined by the union at the time of the Grunwick dispute for their practical support of the strike.
The Postal Conference included two Emergency motions covering the future of Royal Mail and the current London Proposals
The debate in Europe on the postal sector was being led by the private competition who is seeking a reduced service level. This could threaten the future of the USO in Britain. It was estimated that approval for the transfer of pensions to the Government by the EC would not be before March 2012 and no sell off likely before then. The pensions were not however immune from further attack and legal challenges may have to be considered.
The motion called for
Job Security – no compulsory redundancies
Business Transformation to be back on track – realistic revisions based on
manpower resource
Protection of Pension Rights – based on RPI
New governance of Royal Mail
If necessary industrial action to secure these demands
The Emergency motion on the London closures highlighted the people issues around managements dealing of the issue. Apart from the reduction in the number of jobs and low number of vacancies, Part timers were told that would have to work weekends, the preference exercise was simply VR or not with no clear options, if members did not attend clear choice told forfeited a job, seniority was being carried out by shift, affecting long serving shift transferees. The announcement had been heard on the news media first.
The motion called on a link of the TUC strike, the National Issues and the London issues
Pay Issues
Motions were carried calling for:
An increase in overtime rates to be a priority
A review of Part Timers terms and condition (unam)
Equalisation of TPM and Shift Allowances for Part Timers (unam)
(Branch down to oppose – changed to support)
Agreement on payment for severe weather non -attendance by October 2011 (SE
Div) Engineering Bonus Scheme lost on Card Vote (41,470 – 64,320) (Branch
mandate support)
Aggregation of reduced hours carried (branch 5-2 in support) Effects on
pension of taking early retirement, info to members (unam)
Personal Procedures
Finishing BT Agreement on personal procedures to stop suspension of members
Grievance Procedure as part of the procedures (SE Div) (Unam)
Review of Bullying and Harassment Gateway procedures (Unam)
Reps Training
Motions carried on campaign to fill rep vacancies with a programme of training and a training programme on relevant agreements and procedures (unam)
Mail Centre Framework
Review of the agreement with input from local, area and Div. reps to provide information on strengths, weaknesses, and improvements. If not achieved by 1st August no agreement on further agreement on regional reviews
MTSF
Motions on an increase in mileage payment and an agreement on car sharing carried (Unam)
World Class Mail
A motion was carried calling for a Union structure for keeping track of World Class Mail with National Divisional Local interface. A Verification process of initivies and shared information. Integration of OPG and engineer grades and pay reward.
OMV Maintenance
A motion carried for agreement that work only carried out by trained staff with an allowance similar to TPM
Down Stream Access
A motion was carried umam for a campaign to increase the pricing level
and for long term re-nationalisation of DSA
The debate pointed out that ex Royal Mail managers are working for DHL and some
areas are losing up to 50% of work to DSA
Health and Safety
Motions were carried on
ROMEC Cleaners Reps
A motion was carried calling for smaller representation areas and an
increase in release time for reps by the end of October.
(This was opposed by the PEC. The branch delegation was split 4-3 in favour)
Delivery Best Practice
A number of motions the branch were supporting in relation to negotiating a new revision process and workload tool were withdrawn or fell. The motion carried called for a document to branches detailing throughput assumptions on Manual IPS, Prep Rates and Cleardown, to help reps negotiate.
Sign Off Of Delivery Revisions
A motion that the branch supported that called for a revisit of the six phases with Area Delivery Rep sign off at stage 4 was lost. The PEC opposed this motion.
RCS
A motion was carried calling for reps training on the RCS system to aid resourcing meeting involvement. The RCS should be a specialist OPG/OOR duty and any process or code changes agreed nationally.
Monday – Friday Delivery
A motion opposed by the PEC and branch calling for Monday to Friday working was lost. It was pointed out by the PEC that the Jersey post office has recently cut out Saturday working and this has led to a 15% cut in jobs. The national equivalent would be 12,000 jobs going.
Motions supported by the branch but withdrawn
Branch Motions
The branch motion on excess equipment in offices was classed as category D which can be dealt with in correspondence. It was therefore decided to withdraw the motion.
The branch motion in relation to staffing of callers offices on extended hours was opposed by the PEC partly on the basis of an LTB on the issue recently sent out. On this basis this motion was also withdrawn.
This briefing was held to effectively relaunch the Keep the Post Public campaign against the Coalition Government plans to privatise Royal Mail. The determination of the government to privatise the business is seen by the rushed Hooper II report and the intention of Ed Davey (Minister for Royal Mail) to bring legislation by next summer.
Billy Hayes (General Sec.) began by quoting from Peter Mandlesons book where he bemoaned the unions campaign against privatisation which ‘used every political tool it could think of’ to oppose the Hooper proposals. Mandleson claimed the Labour Government were not privatising but simply bringing in a private partner!
Billy explained that the campaign this time centred on targeting the 71 marginal seats where the opposition have less than a 10% majority over Labour. With tensions already in the coalition over voting reform and spending cuts the position was volatile. Opinion polls still suggested the public were against Royal Mail privatisation including 51% of Tories and 63% of Liberal Democrats. The aim was to work with other Unions and Political Parties to win public support
The fact was that much of the underlying issues in the first Hooper report – CWU opposition to modernisation, the pensions issue and lack of foreign expertise(!) had been resolved to some degree by the Business Transformation Agreement and the appointment of Myrna Green from Canada Post to Royal Mail management. Some of the restrictions on Royal Mail by the regulator Postcomm had been relaxed, although not as far as necessary. All that remained in the argument for Privatisation was the Tory/Liberal Democrat ideology for privatisation and breaking the strength of Trade Unions
It was important to stress, especially to members, that if privatised the business would not be kept as an integrated network but split up with Parcels and other sections hived off. This would make it harder for the union to win agreements in future. Despite the Government trying to ‘soften the blow’ with pension protection assurances there was no doubt that the pension scheme would be further eroded under privatisation
Dave Ward (Deputy General Sec) also explained the difference between Hooper I and Hooper II. The first report claimed the CWU and Royal Mail would never agree on modernisation or the future. The Business Transformation agreement had destroyed that argument. He said in terms of funding, it was possible for the Government to approach the EC for agreement to allow Royal Mail to borrow private capital, which was the only technical argument left in the report.
Some members were concerned that if the pensions and regulation issues were resolved it would make it easier to privatise. It was important, however, to fight on these issues as part of the campaign. It was not guaranteed the Government would bail out the pension as part of their spending review, but they would have access to the £25billion of assets in the Pension Fund if they take on this responsibility. The proposal for employee shares would undermine the ability to achieve a decent wage increase. He said it should also be borne in mind that Post Office Counters are under attack with no agreement on this years pay deal and the current agreement on Post Office closures ending in 2011.
Natalie Jacottet of the CWU Research Dept gave a presentation on the changes to regulations by Postcomm which although welcome were ‘too little too late’. This was partly due to the uncertainly over the future of Postcomm under the last Governments Postal Services Bill. Royal Mail now has less than 20% of bulk letter postings due to competition and has lost around £800 million due to price controls.
Changes planned from April 2011 included: Deregulation of Parcel Packets from price control, change in Condition 7 (Royal Mail notice period of three months for price changes) and Access pricing (but only limited). Ongoing work was: Market Studies (that have never taken place under Postcomm), Accounting Separation within Royal Mail, and a review of the USO
Lee Baron (Lead Regional Campaign Organiser) stated that over the summer MP’s and other groups had wanted to wait for detailed information from the Hooper II report due to be published, before committing themselves to the campaign. Despite this, Ed Balls had achieved publicity by his active support for campaign events during the Labour Party leadership contest. Lee said he felt it would be important to have targeted material for the campaign as well as billboards and door to door material in the 71 target areas.
Speakers from the floor raised the importance of linking with other Union campaigns through the Trades Councils, and the Labour Party that is looking at winning back seats. The affect of privatisation on special services such as Santa letters and Mail for the Blind should be promoted and work in rural areas where Tory/Liberal Democrat Parish Councils could be won over by the affects of privatisation on their communities.
In summing up Dave Ward said that Tory MPs were vulnerable on the issue of Post Office closures and the undermining of the Postal Service. One of the aims of the campaign would be to unite the left of the Liberal Democrats and the right of the Tories, in support. The Post Office Bank Campaign should also coordinate with the Keep the Post Public Campaign.
He warned that some in Royal Mail will attempt to use Hooper II to undermine the Business Transformation Agreement. No other Trade Union, however, could boast activists in every part of the country due to the nature of the job. The CWU has had to battle under every Government over the decades, especially in 1994, 2005 and 2009, but had won every time.
Although he welcomed the support for the campaign from the Parliamentary Labour Party, we could only rely on our activists to galvanise the membership into campaigning and the public into opposing the Governments plans.
September 2010
SEVERE WEATHER
A number of members across the area were stopped pay or expected to take Annual Leave or Special Leave during the bad winter last year.
There appeared to be an inconsistent approach by Management nationally on this and our Branch submitted a motion to the CWU Annual Conference on the issue.
Although our Motion fell due to an earlier Motion being carried, it was made clear that the Union should seek an agreement whereby wages will be paid to those genuinely unable to attend work due to severe weather conditions.
Any dispute over whether absence is genuine should be looked at on an individual case basis with the business required to demonstrate why, in their view, an individual had not made an effort to get to work, before deduction of pay or any alternative is concerned. This process would be dealt with by an interview with an appropriate Independent Manager and Union representation.
POUCH WEIGHTS
A number of offices in the area are not following the procedure for pouch weights.
The current matrix used has graduated weights (1st & 2nd pouches 16kgs, 3rd pouch 12kgs, 4th and 5th pouches 10kgs and the 6th and any additional pouches 8kgs).
The new matrix under the Walk Risk Assessment Platform (WRAP) Standards has changed to the 1st pouch at 16kgs with any additional pouches at 11kgs.
Both these have a common factor – a MAXIMUM weight of 16kg for the 1st pouch.
Pouches should be weighed before you go out and there will be more stringent checks to monitor this and ensure overweight pouches are not leaving the office.
Individual Walk Risk Assessments should identify if there are significant hills or stairs where the maximum weights should be reduced to 8kg or 5kgs accordingly.
CARDBOARD SLEEVES
The continued use of Cardboard Sleeves being received from Mail Centres is still a problem. The business issued yet another directive in 2009 that packets should either be sent out in ALP sleeves or bagged.
It is the responsibility of the local management to raise this with the Mail Centre concerned, and if you see them being used this should be reported to your Line Manager.
It was clear from an ergonomics study carried out in Swindon in 2007 that sorting from cardboard sleeved Yorks led to increased back problems due to bending and twisting. If packets are wrongly received in cardboard sleeves, they should be transferred from these into ALTS or Mini-Yorks before sorting to drop bag fittings takes place.
ACCIDENT TRENDS
There has been an increase in the number of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) in the recent period, many of which have been caused by the public.
Some have however occurred in the office yard where space has become more restricted due to the increase in the number of vans. A risk assessment of the yard should have been carried out prior to the introduction of Car Derived Vans (CDV) to ensure safe systems of work.
The Union is concerned that often members are taken off driving after an RTA. In some cases this would be correct because of the possible trauma after an RTA, but in other cases it is a knee jerk reaction by Managers.
The business is embarking on a series of driving workshops in some offices, which are aimed at those who may want a refresher course on van driving. In some areas this has identified vision problems and where this has been the case, they have been provided with free eye tests in line with our agreement.
There have also been an increase in dog attack cases and Members are reminded not to deliver where a dog is loose on the property and to check walk logs if covering an unknown walk.
If you think an incident was an accident, it should be recorded as an accident.
WALK RISK ASSESMENT PLATFORM (WRAP)
New standards for recording risks and maintaining walk logs are being introduced.
This will also set new standards for Dog Attack Risk Control with reporting forms, risks recorded on the frame and awareness material supplied for WTLL.
CWU SOUTH EAST NO 5 BRANCH – BRANCH CHAIRMAN
JOE LONGWORTH
14/01/1947 – 05/08/2010
It is with great sadness that we have to report that after a 15 month illness with cancer our friend and colleague Joe passed peacefully away in the Sue Ryder Hospice on the evening of 5th August 2010. Joe was a staunch member of the Union and held a number of Representatives posts in the UCW/CWU during his 29 year period with Royal Mail which included: -
Reading Outdoor Secretary 1986 - 1991
POUC Delegate 1986 - April 1992
Reading Area Delivery Rep 1991 - 1994
Area Distribution Rep 1994 - 1995
Area Processing Rep 1996 - 1997
Branch Health & Safety Rep 1997 - 2006
RG Area Legal & Medical Secretary 2006 - 2010
Branch Chairman 2001 - 2010
Joe will be sadly missed by all of the Branch Officials as a work colleague but most of all as a good friend and our thoughts are with his lovely family at this very sad time.
Joe’s funeral service is being held on
MONDAY 23RD AUGUST 2010
in the SOUTH CHAPEL at Reading Crematorium All Hallows Road Reading
At 10.00am
Family flowers only but donations can be made payable to:
MESOTHELIOMA UK
All cheques to be sent to the funeral directors
A. B. WALKER & SON LTD ELDON ROAD READING RG1 4DL
The conference started with the NEC’s motion on the principle of replacing the death benefit with a death in service benefit being voted off the agenda after reference back.
The NEC were also heavily defeated on allowing the NEC carte blanc action if the financial circumstances determine.
The principle of biennial conferences was defeated, however biennial elections for the NEC and industrial executives, which the delegation supported was carried and rule changes will be presented at earliest opportunity.
A motion calling for an independent review of the running of headquarters which the delegation supported was lost. The main argument against the motion was the cost of bringing in a financial body, to carry out a review of reducing spending. If the motion had referred to a review under the auspices of the TUC it may have been carried.
There will a review of the number of officers and salaries with a report to branches called for by December 2010.
A motion calling for a review by October 2010 on improvements to the H/Q legal services was carried. Areas included were a 28 day turnaround of assessment from the receipt of the ET 3, more advice and support. The NEC asked for remit or opposed and the delegation also opposed.
There was a card vote on a motion stating that the timetable for the Postal and T&F was not abiding by rule 10.1.1 and this should not be the case in future. The NEC opposed this motion; the branch delegation supported it which with 5,865 votes was a deciding factor
The card vote was
For -88463
Against - 85528
A motion to carry out a review of the political rebate with input from branches and regions was accepted by the NEC
This motion suggested that additional rebate should be based on the number of Labour MP’s in then branches/region. My view is that any additional funding should be directed on the basis of marginal constituencies that Labour need to regain.
An emergency motion which was critical of the NEC for reducing the size of the equal opportunities advisory committees without consultation was opposed by the branch but carried.
Pay Issues
A motion opposing the principle of winners and losers in future agreements was lost on a card vote. The delegation was split evenly on this and therefore abstained, which did not affect the decision
The card vote was
For – 50,158
Against – 64,982
The delegation supported motions carried on:
Bonuses and annual leave for part-timers based on average hours not contractual hours
Compensation for rest days that fall on non-service days
Payment of a language allowance (Welsh) at Bangor Customer service Centre
Personal Issues
The PEC accepted motions on:
Representation at Return to Work interviews and Definition of Wilful delay and non willful action in delay of mail delivery
The delegation supported a motion on Appeal hearings on dismissals concluding in 28 days not unagreed 90 days which was carried
The delegation agreed 6-2 to oppose a motion excluding epidemics and pandemics from stage warnings. This motion was opposed by the PEC but carried.
The delegation had been mandated to support an earlier motion on Severe Weather Policy as our own motion would fall. This motion itself fell to the first motion on the issue which called for payment of wages as a default and the delegation supported this.
The branch motion on Bullying and Harassment appeals being heard by a manager from outside the postcode area was carried unanimously
Union
The delegation opposed a motion calling for a branch ballot on any changes to the IR Framework. The PEC opposed this motion but it was carried.
The delegation supported a motion for a review of roles and responsibilities of Postal executive that had been carried the previous conference. This was carried
A motion calling for a vote of no confidence in assist sec (postal) was only supported by the moving branch (Merseyside) and a handful of neighboring delegates.
An emergency motion was carried calling on the PEC to negotiate union facilities in all new build offices, which the business have been attempting to exclude.
Outdoor / Indoor
Motion were carried on the following issues which the delegation supported
Protection of the social and small business collection network from future changes. In particular ensuring the ability for same day reply and an equal level of service across the country.
Delivery Offices to remain open until all deliveries are complete in order for members to contact a manager.
The delegation opposed a motion calling for the option of units or areas to introduce Mon-Fri attendances with Saturdays either overtime of Sat part time staff. This was opposed by the PEC and conference.
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: -
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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:
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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.
