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Communiction Workers Union Amalgamated Branch for the SS and CM postcode Areas

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This short film can now be viewed on the ‘Sony Production Awards’ website until 7th April. It would be great if anyone interested in cycling, film or just willing to help a colleague, could vote and help this film get viewed by some very talented filmmakers… Please click the link below, vote, then check your emails to verify your vote, or it won’t count… http://www.productionawards.sony.eu/embed2014/728/ The documentary follows life long CWU member and dedicated cyclist Keith Elgar on a day of preparation and training one early morning away from life at work. Keith has competed in many cycling events around the UK and into Europe. He even manages to find time to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support and other charities through some interesting and slightly odd cycling ventures as noted at http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Elgar Keen filmmaker and Director of ‘Endurance of Road Cycling’, Kirk Gaydon has made a few films over the years and even features on the film website IMDB showcasing some of his film production roles.

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We are pleased to announce that CWU members have returned a resounding yes vote on both the Agenda for Growth and Pensions National Agreements from postal workers who agreed a ground-breaking agreement with Royal Mail to significantly boost pay, (via AGENDA FOR GROWTH & PENSIONS BALLOT RESULT)

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All CWU members should now have received the ballot paper for the ‘Agenda for Growth’ National Agreement. Following a briefing by the National Negotiator’s, attended by all Branch Officers and Area Reps, your Branch have unanimously agreed to vote YES...

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CWU SERVES NOTICE FOR ROYAL MAIL STRIKE BALLOT

-         Notice served on the 20th September 2013 -         Ballot opens on the 27th September 2013 -         Ballot closes Wednesday 16th October 2013

This is the first national strike ballot in Royal Mail since 2009 and will affect 115,000 postal workers in Royal Mail and Parcelforce (but not the Post Office, which is a separate company). The dispute is over pay, pensions and the impact of privatisation on job security, terms and conditions.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary said: "The government's privatisation agenda has destabilised everything. Postal workers are rightly concerned about their future so we want a legally-binding agreement on protections for jobs, terms and conditions - regardless of who owns the company. We don't want a race to the bottom in the postal industry where companies compete on poverty pay, few employment rights and poor services simply to maximise payouts to wealthy shareholders. Without an agreement strikes are inevitable."

"Royal Mail and Parcelforce workers deserve a fair pay rise and one that is not attached to unacceptable strings that include changes to pensions and a no-strike deal. The company made £403 million profit last year so it's not about affordability - especially when the government says the company would pay out £133 million to shareholders next year if privatised.

"We want the company to recognise its main asset - its workers - who literally deliver the success of the business. This union still wants an agreement and we are hoping this strike ballot will focus the minds of Royal Mail and bring us to a legally binding deal that will protect the interests of postal workers for the long-term foreseeable future."

Legal Protections

Regardless of who owns the company, postal workers need protections for their terms and conditions.The union is determined to achieve a ground-breaking agreement that provides legally binding protections for terms and conditions for the foreseeable future and ensures any changes are negotiated with CWU.

Dave Ward said: "Attacks on terms and conditions and the threat of new employment models in a potential race to the bottom with competitors are a real risk for postal workers and we intend to achieve legally binding protections that mean the future of postal workers jobs are secure and Royal Mail continues to set the benchmark for pay and conditions in the postal industry."

Pay and conditions

CWU has already rejected a below-inflation pay offer for 2013 which was linked to accepting major pension changes and a no strike deal. CWU is demanding a straightforward, above inflation, no-strings pay deal which 99% of workers voted for in a ballot in June.

Dave Ward said: "Royal Mail continues to prepare for privatisation with relentless rounds of budget cuts and there is no understanding that the pace of change can really only be led by how hard people can work. Postal workers are being driven to absorb absences, carry increasing amounts of mail and work harder than is possible in many cases. We have to change that culture and establish a new consensus on what constitutes a fair day's work for a fair day's pay."

Pensions

Royal Mail has created more concern for its staff by announcing new problems with its pension scheme. Despite the government taking control of the assets in 2012 to pave the way for privatisation, the company wants to use remaining assets to reduce its own contributions. The company completed a formal consultation in August and the union is calling for an agreed process to protect members' benefits.

"There is a great hypocrisy in the way the scheme is being managed by Royal Mail" said Dave Ward. "The company wants to keep its contribution rate to 17% whilst maintaining managers' benefits at 40%. They can afford higher contributions to protect postal workers' benefits."

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GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SHARE OFFER

We have received numerous enquiries as to whether CWU members should opt out of the Government offer of free shares, which is dependent on the privatisation of the Royal Mail Group.

The CWU position on this matter has been consistent since the Government first announced their plans.  It would be wrong for the Union to advise members to opt out of receiving free shares.  This is a matter for individual members to determine.

The CWU continues to be fundamentally opposed to privatisation.  It remains our view that legal protections, pay, pensions, workplace issues and a strategy for growth, are all far more important to the future of CWU members than free shares.

On the question of any impact of the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 and the potential surrender of employment rights, the advice of our Lawyers is that employment rights are not affected by this scheme.

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STRIKE BALLOT & THE DETAILS: PAY CONDITIONS & FURTHER PENSION CHANGES

CWU, the union representing postal workers, has announced it will ballot for a national postal strike this month, if current ongoing talks with Royal Mail do not bring agreement. CWU is planning for ballot papers to go out on 20 September to 125,000 Royal Mail workers in what would be the first national strike ballot since 2009.

The union is iN dispute regarding the settlement of its 2013 pay claim, further changes to workers' pension scheme, the impact of possible privatisation on job security and terms and conditions, and the company's future strategy.

CWU will give notice for the ballot of all Royal Mail and Parcelforce (but not Post Office) workers to commence on 20 September with a result to be announced on 3 October. If there was a yes vote, the union would then be able to give 7 days' notice for strike action, with the earliest strike action possible from 10 October.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, who is leading the current talks for CWU, said: "We are dealing with a company that is preparing for privatisation with relish. While the union continues to fight privatisation we are also dealing with the potential realities for workers if there is a change of ownership.

"We are looking to reach a groundbreaking agreement on terms and conditions that sets unprecedented legally binding protection for workers in the event of a sale, and regardless of who owns the company. Postal workers know franchising, break up and sale of mail centres, distribution hubs and Parcelforce, along with the introduction of a new workforce on lower terms and conditions, are real threats in a race to the bottom with mail competitors for any new company.

"We want Royal Mail and the government to put protections in place that are both meaningful and lasting" he added.

Strike "inevitable"

CWU believes a strike is inevitable unless the company meet the needs of the workforce regardless of ownership.

"Talks continue but while we talk, the company presses on with privatisation, pension changes, another round of budget cuts and an approach to parcel and packet growth that ignores the real issues and problems in workplaces. This culture of mis-management has to stop and our members need and deserve a decent pay increase, protections for terms and conditions, protection of their pension benefits and manageable workloads" concluded Dave Ward.

Pay and conditions

The union has already rejected a below-inflation pay offer for 2013 which is linked to accepting major changes to working conditions and pensions. CWU is demanding a straightforward, above inflation, no strings pay deal which 99% of workers voted for in a consultative ballot in June. In addition, CWU is seeking an agreement on terms and conditions being protected for 10 years in the event of change of ownership.

Dave said: "Royal Mail continues to prepare for privatisation with relentless rounds of budget cuts in offices across the UK. There is no understanding that the pace of change can really only be led by how hard people can work and CWU members are being driven to absorb absences, carry increasing amounts of mail and work harder than is possible in many cases. We have reached breaking point, particularly in delivery offices and the culture has to change."

Workplace stress

There is a range of local disputes and strikes, either close or already in progress, as Royal Mail continues annual rounds of budget cuts in workplaces that are stretching workers to the limit.CWU is looking to address these issues by agreeing working practices that are manageable and take into account for the first time, the growth in parcels and packets in the mail.

"Royal Mail has announced it is a parcel company that carries letters but has no clue how to manage that change" said Dave, adding: "We need an agreement that recognises the change in profile of the mail and puts in place an infrastructure to carry more packets and parcels, while rewarding workers properly and delivering a manageable workload."

Pensions

In addition, Royal Mail has created more concern for its staff by announcing new problems with its pension scheme. Despite the government taking control of the assets in 2012 to pave the way for privatisation, the company wants to use remaining assets to reduce its own contributions. The company completed a formal consultation in August and the union is calling for an agreed process to protect members' benefits.

"There is a great hypocrisy in the way the scheme is being managed by Royal Mail" said Dave Ward. "The company wants to keep its contribution rate to 17% whilst maintaining managers' benefits at 40%. They can afford higher contributions to protect postal workers' benefits."

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London postal workers delivered a giant postcard to Royal Mail’s national headquarters on Friday 23 Aug, along with a petition with thousands of signatures, in opposition to the company’s plans to change their occupational pensions.

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ROYAL MAIL PUMPS £90m INTO BOSSES PENSION SCHEME

ROYAL MAIL has set aside an extra £90m for an executive pension scheme while asking rank-and-file workers to accept reduced retirement benefits.

The additional payments, disclosed in the state-owned company’s annual report, have increased tensions between management and the workforce ahead of the planned £3bn stock market listing this year.

The report reveals that the executive final salary scheme was closed to future accruals in December. In return, Royal Mail made a “special” one-off “deficit-correction” payment of £19m, compared with the £8m paid in 2012 and £6m in 2011.

In March it also put £20m into an investment fund “established to provide security to the Royal Mail Senior Executive Pension Plan”.

Also, despite closing the plan to future accruals, Royal Mail has agreed to pay a £10m annual cash contribution until March 2018 — amounting to £50m.

Little is known about the scheme, closed to new entrants in 2008.

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CWU AGREES SEPTEMBER BALLOT FOR POSSIBLE ROYAL MAIL STRIKE

The Communication Workers Union has agreed to hold a national strike ballot of Royal Mail workers unless protections for jobs and services can be secured.

Around 500 CWU reps met at the union's policy forum in London today and voted unanimously in favour of holding a national strike ballot in Royal Mail no later than September 2013. If the ballot goes ahead it will include 115,000 postal workers in Royal Mail (excluding Parcelforce and the Post Office) and would be the first ballot for national strike action in Royal Mail since September 2009.

"CWU is committed to holding serious negotiations with Royal Mail to achieve settlement on these issues, but efforts to date do not bode well.

Dave Ward, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "The current situation cannot go on. Postal workers are being squeezed in their workplaces, facing an uncertain future and changes to their pensions. There hasn't yet been a pay rise for staff this year despite healthy company profits of £403 million. But most importantly, we want protections for job security and terms and conditions and these are sadly lacking.

"The company only began to seriously negotiate with us following our consultative ballot in June, which showed 99% of postal workers back the union's position on pay, 96% are opposed to privatisation and 92% are willing to take part in a boycott of competitors' mail and to withdraw cooperation on workplace changes.

"We do not take the decision to hold a strike ballot lightly. However, we will stop at nothing to ensure the future of our members' jobs - and of the services they deliver - are protected."

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EMPLOYEE SHARES - GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE ACT 2013

We have received a number of enquiries about the potential impact of Employee Shareholder provisions within the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013.  These enquiries relate to a part of the Act which sets out that under certain conditions employees who receive free shares do so on the basis of accepting fewer employment rights.

We have raised this directly with the Government, the company and our own Lawyers and the advice that we have received from all these parties is that the provisions of the Act would not apply in this case.

The Government has now stated in writing that any shares subsequently offered to Royal Mail employees will be covered by an approved HMRC Share Incentive Plan and that any such scheme is exempt from the provisions of the Act.  We are aware that there is still some scepticism about whether or not this is the correct interpretation of the Act and the Union will continue to check this information with our Lawyers.

It has also been confirmed by the Government in writing that if employees were to receive free shares in the future, eligibility will be on the basis of automatic enrolment i.e. they will be deemed to want to receive free shares, unless the individual chooses to opt out of the scheme.  As such there is no requirement for a registration process.

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CWU - SUN SMART, SKIN SAFE CAMPAIGN

Exposure to Sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation  Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year and 2000 deaths. UV radiation should be considered an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors.  Over the past 20 years numbers of skin cancer have more than doubled. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is usually easily and successfully treated. Malignant melanoma (melanoma) is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can be successfully treated if it is detected sufficiently early. It is estimated that four out of five of all UK skin cancers are preventable and that around 80% of melanomas are caused by exposure to the sun. By enjoying the sun safely, taking care not to burn and by also avoiding sunbeds, people can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

So the simple message to all CWU Members is "Be Sun Smart and Skin Safe" - Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Don’t let sunburn catch you out - whether at work, at home, on holiday or abroad, use shade, clothing and a factor 30 sunscreen applied generously and regularly to protect your skin from sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer." Would all CWU Health and Safety Reps and All CWU Branches pass this message on to members.

How to be Sun Smart and Skin Safe.

Stay in the shade as much as possible between 11 and 3 when the Sun is most dangerous in the middle of the day – find shade under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.

Make sure you never burn - sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer.

Always cover up - wear a t-shirt, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too).

Use a Sunscreen/Sunblock Cream SPF15 minimum - SPF30 preferably. Apply it generously 15-30 minutes before you go outside (it doesn’t work immediately), and reapply it often - as directed on the container.

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KEVIN MARTIN - CANDIDATE - CWU ANGLIA DIV SUB

As an Area Delivery Representative, I am only too aware of the importance of having an in touch, organised and strong leadership at CWU Divisional level. If elected, I commit to grow this Divisions influence within all businesses that we represent and within the wider Union.

The key to an in touch, organised and strong leadership is the inclusion of our member’s voices who do the job day in day out, only then can you truly say that you “talk on behalf of the members”. Whilst my particular area of expertise is within delivery the same principles must apply throughout all businesses and functions.

I have a proven track record in engaging at grass roots level to identify the key issues of concern and have exploited national agreements to secure the very best deal at local and area level. It is essential that members are aware of what’s going on and also that they receive a vote in any local change, if elected I will ensure these fundamental principles are at the heart of my approach. 

Whilst the future of our industry is uncertain, we must ensure that we elect strong and willing Divisional structure that will face up and not face away from tough decisions. Once again, if elected I commit to take these decisions based on feedback from members and if necessary lead from the front in any dispute.

Finally, your vote is important in this election. It is important because whoever you vote for will carry the CWU Anglia Division through unquestionably the toughest times that we will ever face. The jobs that we all hold are not ours to give away, we are custodians of them for future generations.

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PRIVATISATION – GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Branches will be aware that the Government has today updated their plans for privatisation.  The detail of their announcement remains to be clarified but effectively this consists of:

1.    A share flotation of the company which has no clear figure on the percentage to be sold.

2.    10% of shares to be distributed free to the workforce.

3.    No definitive timetable for the sale.

The lack of overall clarity on the Government plans demonstrates a nervousness and reflects that our campaign is having an impact.  On the subject of employee shares, up until very recently the Government had told us that employees would have to buy shares at a discounted price.  The move to free shares is a direct reaction to both our campaign and the result of the CWU consultative ballot.

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ROYAL MAIL PAY AND CONDITIONS OFFER - REJECTED

It was reported previously that as the Consultative Ballot concluded, the Union received a three year closed pay and conditions offer from the company.  The purpose of this LTB is to confirm the detail of the offer and explain why it has been rejected.

THE ROYAL MAIL PAY AND CONDITIONS OFFER

1.  Pay

Year One (April 1st 2013 to March 31st 2014) – 2.6% basic pay increase + £300 lump sum payable December 2013 (subject to Industrial Action clause) *

Year Two (April 1st 2014 to March 31st 2015) – 3% basic pay increase (subject to review if inflation is below 2.3% or above 3.3%) * 

Year Three (April 1st 2015 to March 31st 2016) – 2.8% basic pay increase (subject to the same review of inflation) *

* All basic pay increases to flow through to Overtime/Scheduled Attendance rates, all allowances including Shift, London Weighting and Scottish Distant Island Allowance.

2.  The pay offer is conditional on acceptance of:

Acceptance of the previously rejected pension proposals currently out to consultation.

Three year protection of existing contracts of employment and some other terms and conditions, alongside a commitment to no outsourcing for the three year duration of the deal.

The development of an agenda for growth and stability with a commitment to a workplan to take this forward.

CWU Reasons for Rejection

In considering the offer the Executive recognise that in today’s climate the pay element will be seen as significant, but the offer must also be viewed as an overall package and in the context of our major concerns over the company’s future strategy, pensions, privatisation and end to end competition.  Further reasons for rejecting the offer are as follows:

The pay element in isolation does not meet with the terms of CWU policy and we will be seeking a higher, more straightforward settlement.

Neither does the pay element address our claim for significantly improved overtime rates and new bonus arrangements.

As well as a higher basic pay award, the Union will be seeking more certainty in any long-term deal, rather than inflation reopener clauses.

The linkage to the previously rejected pension proposals is unacceptable. 

The protection of some terms and conditions included in the offer is a key Union agenda item.  However, the protections attached to this offer are neither extensive enough, explicit enough nor adequate in their longevity.  Neither are they legally enforceable and would not offer CWU members any protection in the event of a change in ownership.

An agenda for growth and stability is something the Union has wanted and will support if the conditions are right.  However, this offer lacks clarity over the future and is not a substitute for a proper agreement over the company’s future parcels strategy. 

Next Steps

All in all, although this offer has been rejected, it does demonstrate that the company now appear to be serious about resolving issues that have been on the Union’s agenda for some time.

The Union is committed to further negotiations and a meeting has been arranged with the company later this week.

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PENSION CHANGE PROPOSALS REJECTED

The CWU Postal Executive has rejected the formal proposals from the Royal Mail Group and Post Office Limited for further pension changes.

  The Union communicated this position to both companies and reaffirmed that any attempt by either company to take executive action on pensions will be met with a national industrial action ballot across the postal constituency.

  The CWU has agreed that once the companies trigger the legal consultation process we will arrange a Special Conference. By recognising the linkage between all of these issues we will place ourselves in the best possible position to protect our members and the future of UK postal services.

  The Union has met with lawyers to consider the legality of the proposals and the actions of the Trustee Board and Government.  Lawyers are also looking closely at the European Commission’s ruling on the granting of state aid.   Finally, we will be seeking support from political parties to raise this issue in parliament and ensure there is a thorough enquiry into the whole question of this latest pension development, its linkage to the previous Government settlement and European state aid.

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CWU CONSULTATIVE BALLOT - THE RESULT

CWU members have massively rejected Government and associated company plans to privatise Royal Mail.

By supporting overall CWU policy our members have shown their determination to protect and promote their jobs, terms and conditions and the future of UK Postal Services.

In direct response to our Consultative Ballot we can also advise of two important developments from Royal Mail. Firstly, the company has initiated legal proceedings against the Union in relation to the Boycott. The Union is consulting with our Lawyers on this matter.

Secondly, the company has confirmed an offer for a 3 year Pay Deal linked to previously rejected pension proposals and other associated conditions over the future.

The company has insisted this is a closed offer that means we cannot divulge any more detail at this stage.

We would like to thank all CWU Branches, Representatives and members for their efforts in undertaking the Consultative Ballot and returning an overwhelming vote in favor of CWU policy.

In terms of our next steps, the CWU Postal Executive will meet to consider the following:

The company’s written proposal on pay and other associated conditions.

How we take forward the views expressed in the Consultative Ballot.

Where we are on all outstanding national talks and positions we intend to take to a Special Conference in the very near future.

How we now engage Parcelforce members in their own Consultative Ballot and plans in support of overall Union policy.

There is no doubt that the Consultative Ballot has been an extremely successful exercise in demonstrating the strength of feeling and this will boost the fight against privatisation and unfair competition. Furthermore it will strengthen our ongoing negotiations with the company and Government.

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CONSULTATIVE WORKPLACE BALLOT - ONLINE ACTIVITY

The Consultative Workplace ballot seeking the views of all Royal Mail members on pay, privatisation, non-cooperation and the mail boycott gets underway today.
In additional to the printed material that has been issued to home addresses and to workplaces, to coincide with the launch we have dedicated a large proportion of our websites homepage to promote the ballot. Also, check out the SAVE OUR ROYAL MAIL website.