Conference
2007
07 June 2007
Postal Workers Back Strike Action
Results announced at our annual conference in Bournemouth:
Royal Mail Pay:
Yes: 66,064 (77.5%)
No: 19,199
Post Office Ltd (Counters):
Yes: 2740 (73%)
No: 993
Cash In Transit:
Yes: 545 (66%)
No: 283
Postal workers have voted strongly in favour of taking industrial action
over pay, in what would be the first national postal strike since 1996.
The CWU is in dispute with the Royal Mail over its 2.5% pay offer. A
series of walkouts will now be held by about 130,000 CWU members unless
new talks can lead to a breakthrough in the dispute.
Deputy General Secretary, Dave Ward, said:
"This yes vote shows absolutely clearly that Royal Mail workers
have rejected the company's business plan, the company's leadership
and the unacceptable pay offer. Royal Mail leaders say they listen to
people; this is the clearest message they have ever had. Royal Mail
has to listen and return to serious negotiations."
Statement by Dave Ward – Deputy General Secretary (Postal):
Chair, conference – today postal workers across the Royal Mail
group have had their say – not through the company’s discredited
employee involvement programmes – but in the most powerful way
of all – through a democratic ballot for strike action.
Postal workers have rejected the company’s arguments – rejected
their plans for the future – and delivered overwhelming votes
in support of their union.
The key issue in this dispute remains the unacceptable cuts in postal
services – cuts in postal jobs - and attacks on our members’
terms and conditions.
We say to the public the threat to the very future of your postal services
is real.
Royal Mail’s plans include 40,000 job losses – later deliveries
- reductions in collections – reductions in weekend service.
The closure of delivery offices and mail centres – and the destruction
of the rural and crown office post office network.
The public know
postal workers are decent people – they just want to get on with
their jobs - but they really have had enough of the way they are being
treated by Royal Mail.
All we want is decent well paid jobs and the ability to provide the
public with the highest possible service standards.
Because we care about the service there will be no immediate announcement
for strike action – we want an agreement – not a strike
for the sake of it.
So we will give Royal Mail a further opportunity to back-off from their
cuts and come back to the negotiating table with a fresh approach.
However - if Messrs Leighton, Crozier and Cook choose to ignore the
workforce and press on regardless with their plans we will see the first
national postal strike in over 10 years.
Conference the size of the yes vote and Royal Mail’s hostile behaviour
makes this an even more serious dispute.
You can be proud of your efforts – and proud that our members
have so publicly put their faith in this union.
The CWU is ready for the challenge.
We will provide responsible and determined leadership.
We will win
this dispute – defend postal services – and build a successful
future for our members.
Conference
Motions and Decisions
1
A Conference acknowledges the improvements in terms and conditions that
the union have secured for CWU members employed in the MDEC Network
since the inception of address interpretation in 2001. During the intervening
period however the job description/skills contained in annex D of the
National Agreement have changed significantly and no longer reflects
the actual keying tasks being performed at MDEC's
In view of the above, Conference agrees that the Postal Executive is
instructed to negotiate an agreement with Royal Mail to Review the current
Grading. Should any subsequent evaluation identify that the level of
skills required to perform their role has increased, the PEC will use
this as the basis to seek further improvements in the terms and conditions
of MDEC Grades.
Furthermore if significant progress has not been made by October 2007
then the PEC will consider an industrial action ballot of the entire
MDEC membership.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Plymouth & East Cornwall
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
2
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that in light of
the recent announcements concerning the Post Office Pension Scheme Conference
agrees that any attempt to increase employee contributions above the
current percentage or reduce employee benefits will be resisted by a
national ballot for strike action.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South Wales & South West Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: Eastern No.6
Branch supported: carried
3
A Conference notes we have talked about the 35 hour working week and
never achieved it. Now is the decisive year! The incoming PEC is instructed
to engage with Royal Mail immediately at finish of Conference 2007.
If these talks prove to be fruitless by November 2007, then the membership
will be balloted for action up to and including a strike.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Merseyside Amal
Not carried
4
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to look at the
best way to harmonise pay and conditions for the benefit of all members
in the Parcelforce call centres, part of this process will look at the
grading structure within the call centres with a view to equalisation
of pay and conditions without detriment to our members.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: carried
5
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that whilst not
interfering with the ongoing negotiations over the 35 hour week. As
soon as the roll out of Flat sorting Machines and Walk Sequencing Machines
commences the PEC should seek an immediate one hour reduction in the
working week.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South Central No.1
Branch opposed: not carried
6
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to secure a reduction
in the hours worked by members employed by Parcelforce to a standard
contract of 35 hours excluding Meal Relief entitlements.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South Central Wales & West Parcels Committee
Branch supported: accepted
7
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that should any
POL proposals on the future of the Crown Office network fail to secure
adequate protection of employment, pay terms and Conditions for those
workers who wish to remain within the industry, then a ballot for industrial
action be called, on either a national or branch by branch basis.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East London Postal & Counter
Branch supported: accepted
8
A Conference instructs the incoming PEC to secure an agreement on the
introduction of a 35 hour gross working week as part of the wider negotiations
on the Royal Mail letter strategy.
The introduction may be phased and linked to the introduction of change
within the industry, but must be introduced in full by no later than
April 2012.
Failure to achieve agreement will result in a national industrial action
ballot.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Newcastle Amal
Motion fell
COMPOSITE MOTION
9
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that in line with
motion E2 carried at C&CH Conference 2006 the Executive is instructed
to ensure that “Multi-Skilling” should be considered as
an additional Pay Progression route within Sales and Customer Services.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Plymouth & East Cornwall Amal
To be seconded by: Birmingham & District Amal
Branch supported: accepted
Note by SOC
E2
Conference agrees that no "Multi-Skilling" should be introduced
in Sales and Customer Services until this have been negotiated at a
National Level as to how this fits in with the Works Skills Agreement
and the Pay Structure.
10
C Conference agrees that Composite Motion 49 carried at Conference in
2006 must remain the policy of the CWU.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West No.1
Branch supported: accepted
Note by SOC
Motion 49
Conference notes with concern the attack being made by employers on
workers' final salary pension funds. Conference therefore agrees that
if Royal Mail Group attempt to worsen the conditions and the benefits
of the current pension schemes for existing or future members then this
will be opposed by all means possible including consideration of national
rule 13 (Industrial Action Ballot).
COMPOSITE MOTION
11
A Conference recognises that Royal Mail’s plans for the future
represent the biggest attack on terms and conditions ever.
In addition conference condemns Royal Mail’s current policy of
refusing to pay for change.
Conference therefore calls on the PEC to ballot the membership under
Rule 13 in order to force Royal Mail to address the policies which the
Union has on pay, working time and family friendly matters.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: London Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: London West End Amal
Northern/North West London
South East London Postal & Counter
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
12
A Conference applauds the Recognition Agreement between CWU and Capita.
Conference further notes with concern that the first pay agreement since
the recognition agreement did not achieve parity in the pay settlement
between the TUPE members and Capita Contract members due to the stance
taken by Capita in those negotiations.
The Postal Executive is instructed to mount a campaign that will culminate
in an equal settlement for all Capita members, irrespective of contract,
in the 2007 pay negotiations due in October.
The campaign will take the form of an immediate, comprehensive recruitment
and information campaign amongst all Capita Contract non members, particularly
in Darwen and in the Field Force. This campaign will highlight the vast
differences in TUPE terms and conditions compared with the exploitative
Capita Contract terms and conditions and the fact that this will only
change if they join the union and are prepared to support Industrial
Action to improve their terms and conditions.
Failure to achieve parity in the 2007 pay settlement will result in
a ballot for Industrial Action of all Capita TVL members.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Bristol & District Amal
To be seconded by: Glasgow & District Amal
Branch Supported:carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
13
A Conference agrees that the principle of consolidation to enhance basic
pensionable pay remains our priority. Therefore the CWU will use every
means at our disposal to ensure that any productivity payments/phantom
shares are consolidated into basic pensionable pay.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South Wales & South West Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: Bristol & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
14
A Conference agrees that MDEC pay rates have risen significantly in
recent years.
However, Conference further agrees that the gap between MDEC Keyer
and OPG has grown during that same period.
Conference agrees that in the event that agreement cannot be reached
to assimilate MDEC pay rates with that of an OPG by 1st October 2007,
then the affected membership will be balloted for Industrial Action.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North West Central Amal
Branch supported:motion withdrawn
15
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that agreement
is reached with the employer for an assimilated pay scale that flows
through from the minimum CSA rate to the maximum Postal Officer rate
as has been agreed in S&CS.
Furthermore, inferior terms and conditions that affect the entire CSA
grade such as, Saturday Premium payments and sick pay during the first
year of service, be addressed as a priority.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
London North Western C&C
Branch supported: accepted
16
A Conference agrees that the previous Efficiency, Approach to Pay 2006
Agreement establishes a number of sound principles with regard to our
future pay policy. It is further noted by this Conference that there
has been problems in keeping a robust audit on the savings made. Therefore
any future scheme/agreement that the national union secures with Royal
Mail that captures savings from change that goes towards a national
scheme to uplift basic pay. At the commencement of that scheme then
the CWU will establish its own process, independent of the employer
where Branches will forward savings made to a central CWU point. The
union will then establish a process of recording and auditing those
savings.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Branch supported: carried
17
A Conference agrees that the Efficiency Agreement was, in principal,
a breakthrough agreement, in that it sought to improve pay by capturing
a percentage of the value of the savings into basic pay. However, it
is recognised that the inclusion of a national ‘pot’ in
the original agreement was virtually impossible to police. Further It
was difficult for the membership to appreciate the benefits of the agreement
because they saw no direct benefit at the time they agreed to efficiency
savings in their unit.
Conference agrees that any future Efficiency Agreement will contain
the facility for payments to be made immediately in the unit where the
savings are made. There will then follow, on predetermined dates, a
mechanism to consolidate elements of the payments into basic pay.
Each division will assign somebody to oversee the operation of any
agreement and provide a direct report to CWU HQ in order that we can
properly police the scheme.
Conference also agrees that we should resist any proposed savings which
do not result in an increase in basic pay by all means at our disposal
up to and including strike action under national Rule 13.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North Wales/North West Divisional Committee
Branch supported: motion withdrawn
18
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that Conference
deplores the imposition of the pay 2006 pay rise on P&ODS without
agreement. It is therefore essential to ensure that in the event of
a further pay imposition, that members in P&ODS will be balloted
on whether they agree with the pay rise/deal or not, If necessary a
consultative ballot on pay will be held, similar to the consultative
ballot held in P.O.L. on pay in 2006.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South Yorks & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
19
A Conference agrees that the efficiency agreement has not returned the
monetary gains that it should have. Therefore this conference instructs
the incoming PEC that if it negotiates a further efficiency agreement
then it’s main tenet shall be that it will be based on overall
cash unit savings rather than just hours saved. This will harmonise
any efficiency agreement with the other functions within Royal Mail.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Merseyside Amal Motion carried
20
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that it is not
in the best interest of the Parcelforce members to remain on the common
1st April pay date, therefore instructs the national officer to negotiate
a move back to 1st September pay date for our parcelforce members.
This pay date should be effective from 1st September 2008.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Parcels Committee
Motion withdrawn
COMPOSITE MOTION
21
C Conference re-affirms the acceptance of motion 7 of section one Postal
Group conference 2006.
To be moved by: Hull & East Riding
To be seconded by: York & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Darlington Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
North East Divisional Committee
South Yorkshire & District Amal
Branch supported: accepted
Note by SOC
Motion 7
Conference agrees that we now need to build on this agreement and ensure
that milestones are built in at various stages of the introduction of
walk sequencing machines/new technology or any savings that can be identified
from Royal Mails letter stategy.
The PEC are instructed to negotiate an agreement that will identify
savings from the introduction of walk sequencing machines year by year
until full introduction of them, that will ensure our basic pay catches,
matches and overtakes the national average basic pay.
The formula for savings would be a simple comparator of the previous
years costs of areas that have had new technology introduced or effiency
changes introduced that have decreased business costs from the previous
year.
This agreement will ensure that the following are achieved over the
same time period
Reduction in the working week,
Maximise full time working with new inovative ideas.
Ensure that members are motivated and fully trained on the duties that
they perform.
Increased annual leave and more flexibility around being able to take
annual leave.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
22
A Conference agrees that the current bonus scheme relating to Romec
Cleaning member's is no longer fit for purpose. The scheme now rewards
the few and not the many as in the last 12 months at best 25% of our
members received payments.
Conference further agrees that the time is right to negotiate a new
agreement that adequately rewards our members for their efforts. The
move from an Input Specification to an Output Specification has resulted
in less hours to do the job with an expectation of higher standards.
Royal Mail has reduced its payments to Romec year on year meaning that
many SPC's can not meet their target and the net result is no bonus
for our members.
The current scheme needs to be wound up recognising that areas that
have been in receipt of bonus need a mechanism to protect the level
of bonus that has been paid in the last 12 months.
Conference agrees that a National Working Group will be immediately
established to explore the options available including consulting Branches
views. The Group are to also construct a report that can be used to
inform the future negotiations on a new bonus scheme.
The exact composition of the National Working Group will be decided
by the Assistant Secretary, however as a minimum there will need to
be at least 1 Divisional Representative and 1 Area Representative as
part of the Group.
Any final agreement reached will be subject to membership endorsement.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
Coventry Area
Branch supported: Carried
23
A Conference agrees that Parcelforce bonus payments are to be revised
and be paid out as an individual bonus, which will replace any existing
bonus scheme.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Clyde Valley Amal
Branch opposed: Not carried
24
A Conference agrees that in light of the poor payments being generated
from the Depot Reward and Recognition Bonus Scheme, that consideration
be given to cease the scheme and incorporate any savings into basic
pay.
Furthermore the Postal Executive are instructed to enter into negotiations
with regard to a new bonus incentive scheme that is not reliant on managerial
budgets and targets.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Central Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
25
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the current
bonus scheme does not reflect the earnings it was envisaged to achieve,
as a matter of urgency a joint working party be set up to look at creating
a new bonus scheme to replace the current one. Furthermore the scheme
should not look to utilise individual or route based targets. Any new
scheme should be placed before the membership to vote on and before
roll out a full joint training package be given to all unit reps and
respective managers.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Merseyside Amal
To be seconded by: London & South East Regional Parcels Committee
Motion accepted
26
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that this conference
agrees that all Transport DRP's be included in the special Responsibility
Bonus Scheme.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
South East No.5
Motion withdrawn
27
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that in Post Office
Ltd any bonus/incentive targets will have CWU involvement and be made
realistic by being more relevant to a particular office so as to be
more achievable.
Where major change has a direct influence on these targets they will
be revised accordingly for the following or third quarter with compensation
for any interim failed quarter. All revised targets to be subject to
local CWU agreement.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
London North Western C&C
Motion withdrawn
28
A This Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to ensure
that any future depot bonus / incentive scheme for Parcelforce members
has a clause that prevents the members from being penalised for traffic
failures that are a result of events beyond their control, this should
also include the cost of additional resource needed as a result of such
events being excluded from staff costs for bonus purposes.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: carried
29
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to secure an agreement
from Parcelforce Worldwide that the cost of resourcing and employing
Agency against release for CWU representatives acting within their elected
role within the CWU will not have a detrimental effect on any current
future bonus scheme.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Ireland Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: carried
30
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that if monthly
pay is brought in as a last resort then the PEC will negoiate a minimum
of £1,000 non refundable and this would be paid out to all employees
affected by monthly pay.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Wales Amal
Branch opposed: Motion carried
31
A Conference agrees that all matters regarding pay arrangements (monthly
pay) should be communicated to the membership well in advance of the
payment date. Furthermore the Postal Executive are mandated to securing
early Christmas payments without the membership having to obtain wage
advances.
Additionally to enable continuity of pay, the Postal Executive is instructed
to obtain agreement from the Business for monthly pay be be spread over
a 13-month period.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Central Regional Parcel Committee
Motion withdrawn
32
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that as a matter
of urgency, to commence negotiations to cease the current monthly pay
arrangements for members in Parcelforce and the Professional Driver
Grade within Royal Mail Network and to have them replaced with an arrangement
that provides a pay every four weeks instead.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Parcels Committee
Branch opposed: Not carried
33
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that when negotiating
pay increases across all businesses no overtime rates will be less than
the basic hourly rate.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.5
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
34
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to reach agreement
with Royal Mail that all Overtime rates are brought in line with the
professional drivers’ grade as found at 3.2 and 3.3 of the said
agreement.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Hull & East Riding
To be seconded by: York & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Darlington Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
North East Divisional Committee
South Yorkshire & District Amal
Motion withdrawn
35
A This Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate
an increase in the Saturday overtime rate for Parcelforce grades. This
increase should be no less than £12.50 per hour.
This would replace both the current SA/overtime arrangments and the
rates payable.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West No.1
Branch supported: Not carried
36
A Conference agrees that any special payment and overtime, earned during
the Christmas period be paid three weeks after 25 December each year.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Clyde Valley Amal
Branch opposed: Motion fell
37
A Conference agrees that the early shift allowance is an integral part
of our member’s wages particularly in delivery offices. Conference
therefore agrees that this money needs to be captured and placed into
basic pay at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bristol & District Amal
Branch supported: Motion withdrawn
COMPOSITE MOTION
38
A Conference agrees that Royal Mail is seeking to implement a new delivery
structure model by stealth, which includes later starts that do not
attract either of the early shift allowances, and this approach must
be resisted. Conference agrees that if Royal Mail does wish to introduce
a new delivery model then this must be subject to national negotiations
and a national agreement. Conference further agrees that any such agreement
must ensure that if delivery attendance times are significantly altered
that the current early shift allowance is protected on permanent basis
by incorporation into basic pay for delivery members.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Leicestershire
To be seconded by: Anglia Divisional Committee
Eastern No.6
Essex Amal
Midlands Divisional Committee
Northamptonshire Amal
Northern Home Counties Postal
Branch supported: Motion withdrawn
39
A Conference agrees that no agreement to be given to late starts times
in delivery offices until the Dawn and two Early Shift allowances are
consolidated into weekly pay.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Wales Amal
Motion fell
40
A Conference agrees that there is a need to secure increases to the
weekday SA rate in PFWW.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bristol & District Amal
Branch supported: accepted
41
A Conference agrees that our members in N.Ireland have seen a dramatic
increase in the cost of living which has seen property prices rise by
a staggering 37%- the highest in Europe. This increase in the cost of
living is having a detrimental effect on all CWU members within the
N.Ireland Region, especially our young members.
Conference therefore instructs the pay negotiators in all sections
to achieve a 'cost of living allowance' for members in N.Ireland to
reflect this new financial burden.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Ireland No.1
Motion withdrawn
42
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that no agreement
is to be given to late finishing times on Saturday mornings until a
premium payment for Saturday working is agreed.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Wales Amal
Branch opposed: Not carried
43
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to reach agreement
with Royal Mail that removes the difference between ex PHG and ex Postman
shift allowances. This to be achieved by raising the level of the allowances
to the higher rate.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
York & District Amal
Branch supported: Not carried
44
A Conference notes the financial recognition now provided to many of
our drivers who are responsible for operating Royal Mail’s fleet
vehicles.
The incoming Postal Executive is instructed to reach an agreement, now
the above principle has been established with the employer to reward
all employees that drive on the public highway for Royal Mail. This
will be paid as a skills allowance that is also pensionable.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Branch supported: Not carried
45
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate an
allowance that would be paid to all delivery staff who work in all weather
and who are responsibility for safeguarding the mail.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Wales Amal
Branch opposed: Not carried
46
C Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to pursue the existing
policy as a matter of urgency that all night shift allowances be 100%
pensionable for members working within Royal Mail.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Newcastle Amal
Branch supported: accepted
48
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the enabler
for payment of the area distribution professional drivers pay should
be paid as a week minimum (for periods of 7.5 tonne & above driving
worked), as opposed to daily differentials.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Branch supported: Not carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
49
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to enter into immediate
discussions to replace the current meal relief arrangements for the
Professional Drivers Grade within Royal Mail Network, with an agreement
that only the legal minimum requirement of 45 minutes is unpaid. All
other additional meal breaks will be paid time.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Glasgow & District Amal
To be seconded by: Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Parcels
Committee
Branch supported: carried
50
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to enter into immediate
negotiation on the re-introduction of enhanced, hourly rates of pay
for attendance on Bank Holidays for the Profesional Driver Grade in
Royal Mail Network. In addition an additional lump sum payment should
be achieved for attendance on Christmas and New Years Day.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Glasgow & District Amal
Motion withdrawn
51
A Conference agrees that the overpayments recovery procedure (2004)
represents a major improvement in the position previously adopted by
Royal Mail in respect of overpayments.
Conference notes however, that the agreement still affords the business
the ability to recover monies unilaterally and that in some cases this
is creating extreme hardship for CWU members.
Conference therefore agrees that the agreement be renegotiated to include
the following:-
1. That in cases of overpayments of less that £25 (pro rata for
Part Time Employees), the current ability to automatically deduct from
the next pay date be removed.
2. That the Maximum recovery of overpayments be 5% of the individual’s
gross basic pay per pay period.
3. That all overpayments discovered after a period of 12 months be automatically
waived.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North West Central Amal
Branch supported: carried
52
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to achieve an agreement
securing improved pay for annual leave based on average earnings over
an appropriate reference period preceding the annual leave.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Newcastle Amal
Branch supported: carried
53
A Conference instructs the PEC to pursue and achieve for less than full-time
staff an average payment when on annual leave for the excess hours performed
above their contracted hours.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Greater Manchester Amal
Motion fell
54
A Conference agrees that sick pay in Royal Mail is a contractual right.
Conference notes however that Royal Mail are deliberately imposing unagreed
conditions upon the payment of this money to decide which people qualify
to receive sick pay. Conference therefore agrees that the Union will
do everything in its power to reverse this trend.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bristol and District Amal
Branch supported: carried
55
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to ensure any person
entitled to sick pay will not have their sick pay ceased.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Kent Invicta
Motion fell
56
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the Parcelforce
business policy of payment of all allowances and O/T payments being
withheld and paid in the following months salary is not in the best
interest of CWU members. These monies have been earned in the previous
month. Therefore the PEC is instructed to negotiate an agreement that
all allowances and O/T payments worked up to 1 week prior to the cut
off date for monthly paid staff will be paid in that months salary.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Leeds No.1 Amal
Branch opposed: Not carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
57
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to achieve agreement
regarding repayments to the employer of attachment to earnings orders,
similar to the criteria for overpayment of wages.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Darlington Amal
To be seconded by: South Yorkshire & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
Newcastle Amal
North East Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
58
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that it is not
in the best interests of the membership to continue not to have elections
for Divisional Reps, Territorial Reps and Parcel Organisers. Conference
instructs the PEC to ensure elections take place without delay following
annual conference.
Conference also agrees that the current Industrial Relations Framework
agreements are still the recognised Framework for Representatives and
Royal Mail PLC to engage in negotiations with the CWU. If Royal Mail
fail to recognise the successful candidates in any election then the
PEC are instructed to take ANY action necessary to ensure that sucessful
candidates are fully recognised by the business and afforded the correct
facilities, pay etc accordingly.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Hull & East Riding
To be seconded by: North East No.1
Cleveland Amal
North East Divisional Committee
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
59
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the current
practise of Royal mail of deploying punishment tactics following Official
Industrial action is unacceptable to the CWU and its members. This practice
includes the removal of CWU facilities and the excessive use of casuals
to reduce members’ earnings opportunities irrespective of the
reasons for the action.
This Conference instructs the PEC to immediately begin negotiations
with the business with a view to eradicate this punitive practise. The
PEC is further instructed to use all means at its disposal to achieve
a satisfactory conclusion.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South West 7
To be seconded by: South Wales & South West Divisional Committee
Gloucestershire Amal
South Central Divisional Committee
South Central No.1
South East No.5
South West No.1
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
60
A Conference agrees and notes with concern Royal Mail's attacks on a
number of our Branch Secretaries and senior officials.
Belfast, Exeter , Plymouth, Portsmouth and Stoke have seen these attacks
first hand, therefore the Postal Executive is instructed to :
1. Instigate an immediate review into the above and any other known
cases.
2. Explore ways in which Branch Secretaries can become independent of
the employer.
3. Make it clear to the employer that as a Union we will not tolerate
this assault on our senior representatives and that we will use all
means at our disposal to defend them now and in the future.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South West No.1
To be seconded by: Midland No.7
Branch changed mandate from opposed to support: carried
61
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that any future
IR Agreement will contain the following: Than an Area Rep for Logistics
be created who must work in Logistics and will be elected by the members
in Logistics as per the National Rule on Area Rep elections.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Glasgow & District Amal
Motion withdrawn
62
A That this Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to reach
agreement with POL for a minimum level of prescheduled release time
for all Branch Counters Secretaries.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
South East No.5
Motion withdrawn
63
A Conference agrees that in the event of any new industrial relations
framework being negotiated, facility time must be set aside for shift/Unit
representatives. This facility time must be over and above the current
levels of facility time afforded to Industrial Relations Representatives.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
Gloucestershire Amal
Branch supported: carried
64
A Conference agrees that within any future IR Framework Agreement, Area
Safety Representatives are part of the IR Framework disagreement procedure.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Solent Amal
Motion withdrawn
65
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to secure from
the respective businesses an agreement which will ensure that no CWU
Representative suffers any financial loss as a result of carrying out
their CWU roles and responsibilities.
Furthermore this agreement will ensure that all scheduled overtime,
pre-listed overtime, door to door and bonus payments normally due to
the Representative will also be paid.
The incoming Postal Executive are instructed to ensure that no Representative
on CWU trade union activities will suffer any financial loss and will
be fully compensated.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Ireland No.1
Motion withdrawn
66
A Conference notes the lack of progress with Motion 56 concerning CWU
structure and IR carried at 2006 Postal Conference.
Conference therefore instructs the incoming PEC to carry out the terms
of the motion, and present a report to a special Postal Conference no
later than January 2008.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Newcastle Amal
Branch supported: accepted
Note by SOC
Motion 56
Conference views with concern the lack of progress made by the National
Officers and Postal Executive on producing a workable structure/interface
to deal with IR at all levels within the CWU.
Conference therefore instructs the incoming PEC to produce a report
to Branches by no later than the 30th September, outlining their views
on a new structure which looks at all levels of the Union.
The report shall include the following as a minimum:-
1. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each representative
layer.
2. Defined numbers of representatives within the IR structure above
Unit Representative level.
3. Renumeration for representatives.
4. Defined involvement process on policy making.
5. Clearly defined minimum training for each level of the representative
structure.
The report shall form the basis of a discussion document within the
Union via the Branches, and then via a Special Joint Business Based
Co-ordinating Meetings being held during November, the purpose of these
meetings will be to formulate a concensus on the report for dealing
with IR in the future.
The meetings will also provide the PEC with sufficient information
to produce a rule change for Annual Conference should that be necessary
to deal with any internal changes.
The information will also be used to pursue a more effective IR structure/interface
with a view of securing an agreement for ratification no later than
2007.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
67
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that it deplores
the continued attacks on CWU activists who take part in lawful, legal
industrial action and reaffirms the policy as outlined in composite
motion 55 carried at conference 2006.
Conference therefore instructs the DGS(P) to carry out the full terms
of the policies contained within composite 55 and a full report on progress
to be sent to all Postal Branches by 31 July 2007.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northamptonshire Amal
Motion fell
Note by SOC
Motion 55
Conference recognises that any group of CWU members within the Post
Office Group have the legal right to request and organise official,
lawful, industrial action.
Against this background, any attempt by the employer to attack any
Branch or Unit requesting industrial action by the way of withdrawing
facilities or any 'punishment' tactics will be resisted by the National
Union by all means at its disposal.
In addition if attacks do start then talks will be held with Government
and the TUC around the harassment and discrimination of trade union
members in carrying out the democratic and lawful right of taking legal
industrial action.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
68
A This Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that all Postal
Executive members will spend at least Five days every year carrying
out OPG tasks including one day on delivery.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.5
Branch opposed: Not carried
69
A Conference notes with concern that the introduction of ERICA, Electronic
Reporting of Incidents Collation and Analysis system by the Post Office
Group has subsequently led to inconsistent reports to our representatives
regarding injuries to our members and has seriously hampered our ability
to advise and protect our members.
Therefore, the relevant Executive/National Officer is instructed to
conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of ERICA and make robust
representation to employers regarding addressing any issues identified
by this review.
In addition, these issues where unresolved should be pursued via closer
liaison with the Health and Safety Executive, and other enforcing authorities
on an individual case basis if necessary.
A report updating branches should be published no later than 31 December
2007.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Home Counties
Branch supported: carried
70
A Conference agrees that the recent introduction of the “Walk
Safe” violence at work policy within Royal Mail delivery is a
major step forward in protecting our members, putting in place an agreed
framework to initially prevent the risk of assault and offer assistance
when necessary.
Therefore the relevant National Officer/Executive is instructed to
ensure that the principles within this policy are applied to protect
all of our customer facing members in whatever Post Office Business
they work in, including Logistics, POL, etc and that this is reinforced
by the negotiation and introduction of similar policies and agreements
where required.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Essex Amal
Branch supported: carried
71
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the National
Health and Safety Officer seek urgent talks with Parcelforce to reinstate
the Joint Health and Safety Forums in the Northern Regional Parcel areas
as a matter of urgency.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: accepted
72
A Conference notes the contents of the Royal Mail Group Stress Safety
Policy National Agreement.
Conference further notes with concern that Post Office Limited own
statistics reported a seventy per cent increase in stress levels and
consequent sick absence since the introduction of new working practices.
That stress may not be a mitigating factor in deciding a stage one-
(1) warning is reprehensible.
The EC is therefore instructed to set up a joint working party with
POL to investigate the issue of this increase in stress. This shall
involve the involvement, input and participation of representatives
and members at all levels within the CWU.
Particular emphasis shall be placed upon the ful implementation in
POL of all aspects of the National Agreement.
A comprehensive report of all findings and recommendations shall then
be openly published to the membership at the earliest opportunity.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
London North Western C&C
Branch supported: carried
73
A Conference recognises the constant threat of injury to our members
and customers from the unlicensed and uninsured use of mobility vehicles
on Royal Mail Group premises.
Conference therefore instructs the PEC to negotiate within the Royal
Mail Group a safety policy of the use of these vehicles, to include
displayed notices in callers offices/queuing areas informing mobility
vehicle users of their responsibility of safety towards others.
Any agreement reached should be with the full involvement of CWU Health,
Safety & Enviromental Department and if necessary in consultation
with Branches and Local Authorities
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Kent Invitca
Branch supported: carried
74
A Conference deplores the actions of individuals/groups that use the
postal system for the delivering of suspect packages and that the CWU
ensure that the membership is fully aware of the safety provisions and
mechanisms in place when dealing with such devices.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Branch supported: carried
75
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate an
agreement with all our recognised employers to deal with the serious
issue of Post Natal Depression, PND, and the sometimes tragic consequences
faced by our members who suffer from this. Conference also recognises
the excellent work undertaken by the CWU EOC in bringing such issues
to the fore and promoting the Sex Discrimination Act as an effective
piece of legislation. However our employers do not deal with the issues
in an appropriate manner and therefore a new agreement which provides
full, professional and specialist support to the member is required.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Shropshire & Mid Wales
Branch supported: carried
76
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to mount a campaign
on doing the job properly.
The campaign should concentrate on issues such as starting on time,
taking of meal reliefs etc and should highlight the health and safety
dangers of not doing the job properly, the cost of unpaid work given
by individuals etc.
The campaign should utilise all relevant bodies in seeking to achieve
its aims including full use of the communications department and full
involvement of all Branches.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bradford & District Amal
Motion deleted
77
A Conference recognises and acknowledges that the ban on smoking in
the workplace will have an affect to many CWU members and that the employer
has a responsibility to those people to make the change with as little
impact on them as possible. The Postal Executive Council are instructed
to make an agreement with the employer so that every office will have
a smoking area and where practical provide a smoking shelter. The employer
will also provide every support for those members who wish to give up
smoking including counselling and stop smoking aids.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bournemouth & Dorset Amal
Branch changed mandate from oppose to support: carried
78
A Conference recognises that a greater number of our members continue
to work beyond the age of 60, either through choice or by necessity.
It is also recognised that many such members choose not to receive their
pension at age 60 but opt to continue paying contributions in order
to maximise their pension benefits. Given the influence of outside factors
including the rising cost of living and the Age Discrimination Bill
this trend is highly likely to continue, with even greater numbers working
into later life. Against this background the current Managing the Surplus
Framework agreement is no longer fit for purpose with regard to our
members over the age of 50. Therefore Conference instructs the incoming
executive to negotiate with the employer that the upper age limit of
60 for protected pensionable allowances is abolished and that pensionable
pay for employees over the age of 50 be protected for a maximum of 10
years or until the employee retires/collects their pension, whichever
is the sooner.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3
Motion withdrawn
COMPOSITE MOTION
79
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to ensure that
any revised pensions arrangements are in the best interests of current
scheme members. Conference welcomes Royal Mail's consideration of de-risking
our investments. It is also noted, however, that the employer may seek
to increase scheme members' contributions. Therefore, no agreement shall
be reached on a revised pensions scheme until the PEC has given a full
explanation of what it contains to scheme members who shall then be
balloted to accept or reject.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Darlington Amal
To be seconded by: Bradford & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
80
A Conference agrees that the current MTSF agreement discriminates against
employees on the basis of the new age discrimination laws particularly
those members between the age of 50 & 55.
Conference therefore instructs the PEC to update the current MTSF agreement
to take into account any age discrimination.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Darlington Amal
To be seconded by: Cleveland Amal
Hull & East Riding
Leeds No.1 Amal
North East Divisional Committee
Motion withdrawn
COMPOSITE MOTION
81
A Conference agrees that the current MTSF agreement discriminates against
employees on the basis of loyalty to the company for their length of
service, especially for the resign of duties etc.
Conference therefore instructs the PEC to negotiate a satisfactory
agreement that enshrines service loyalty and rightfully rewards employees.
Any agreement will be put to the membership in an individual ballot.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South Yorks & District Amal
To be seconded by: Hull & East Ridings
Motion withdrawn
COMPOSITE MOTION
82
A Conference notes that in all businesses major change continues unabated,
with many of our members having to move location to remain in Royal
Mail Group employment. In many cases these moves of location are of
such a distance that the current £15,000 maximum three year entitlement
under Excess Travel Expenses (ETE) as contained in the MtSF Agreement
does not in reality cover the costs of 3 years excess travel. Conference
agrees that this trend will in all probability increase in the future.
Conference therefore agrees that it is now timely to seek from Royal
Mail Group Plc a review of the £15k maximum entitlement ceiling
on ETE payments with a view to negotiating a substantial increase in
a revised maximum entitlement ceiling.
The PEC is instructed accordingly
To be moved by: Coventry Area
To be seconded by: Midlands Divisional Committee
Leicestershire
Branch supported: accepted
83
A Conference notes with concern that the Royal Mail are increasingly
abusing the ill health retirement procedure in order to harass and ultimately
terminate the employment of our members, without considering application
of the Disability Discrimination Act.
Furthermore, it appears as if Royal Mail are ignoring the advice of
General Practitioners and refusing the return to work of our members
following certified sick absence on the basis of pending “Business
Referral” to their occupational Health services or senior managers
unqualified medical opinions.
In addition, our members are also being bullied back into work contrary
to the medical advice of their GP’s on the basis of similar opinions
of these same senior managers.
Therefore, the Postal Executive are instructed to make robust representations
regarding these abuses to the relevant parties and consider supporting
all such abuses through relevant channels up to and including Employment
Tribunal.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Home Counties
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
84
A Conference instructs the incoming PEC to secure changes to the ill
Health retirement agreement to ensure that it complies with Age Discrimination
legislation.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: York & District Amal
To be seconded by: South Yorks & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
Newcastle Amal
North East Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
85
A Conference instructs the Postal Executive to address the current policy
taken by Royal Mail, in regard to the applications for retention of
our members agreed over 65 years old.
Conference recognises that Royal Mail is refusing the majority of these
applications under the new Age Legislation.
Conference therefore instructs the Postal Executive to open negotiations,
and conclude a process for this policy at the earliest opportunity with
the employer.
If the Postal Executive is unable to achieve an agreement the matter
should be placed before Conference 2008, in the form of a policy or
motion by the Postal Executive.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Solent Amal
Branch supported: carried
86
C Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate the
reinstatement of the Pre-Retirement Seminars for affected CWU members.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Glasgow & District Amal
Branch supported: accepted
87
C The incoming Postal Executive is instructed to negotiate with Romec
the introduction of retirement seminars for members prior to their 60th
birthday in order gain knowledge on how to prepare for retirement, the
age profile within Romec would suggest this would be well received over
the next few weeks.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Greater Manchester Amal
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSTE MOTION
88
A Conference agrees that the announcement by Royal Mail in late September
2006 of their preferred options to close the current Mail Centres in
Gloucester, Coventry and Reading and replacing these centres in newly
extended Mail Centres in Swindon and Northampton is a serious breach
of the National Pay and Performance Agreement, Annex C- Processing Network
and Structural Changes. This has seriously inhibited the abilities of
the branches affected to influence these decisions and to submit viable
alternative options.
Furthermore this Conference believes that Royal Mail are developing
a Mail Centre closure strategy in isolation of the National Union which
constitutes further breaches of the national agreement. Conference instructs
the Postal Executive to force the employer to halt the current closure
programme until Royal Mail’s strategy has been shared and agreed
with the CWU.
Until this policy has been achieved any attempt to close a Mail Centre/RDC
or announcement of further Mail Centre closures will invoke a national
industrial action ballot.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Midlands Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: Gloucestershire Amal
Anglia Divisional Committee
Coventry Area
Eastern No.6
East London Postal
Essex Amal
Leicestershire
Northamptonshire Amal
South Central Divisional Committee
South Central No.1
South East No.5
South Wales & South West Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSTE MOTION
89
A Conference welcomes the decision by the Labour Government not to support
Alan Leighton’s plans to privatise Royal Mail Group. Furthermore,
it congratulates the National Union for its successful campaign to stop
the backdoor introduction of privatisation through a full employee share
issue scheme.Conference now recognises that the biggest threat to the
future of Royal Mail and our members jobs comes from Alistair Darlings,
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, decision to support Royal
Mails 5 year programme of reform and the Commercial Agreement between
Royal Mail and the Government which prioritises so called ‘Phantom
Shares’ above pensions and will result in massive job losses and
worse pay and conditions for our members. Conference calls on the Postal
Executive to mount a massive campaign of opposition to these policies
similar to the anti-shares campaign and to oppose Royal Mail’s
plans by all means necessary.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: London Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: London West End Amal
Northern/North West London
South East London Postal & Counter
Branch supported: carried
90
A The political and industrial campaign to defend the industry from
the damaging policies being imposed on Royal Mail Letters by Postcomm
and the campaign to protect the counters network are inextricably linked.
The Postal Executive will ensure that the campaigns will be co-ordinated
and linked to defend all sections of Royal Mail Group.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East London Postal & Counter
Branch supported: accepted
91
A Conference agrees that the announcement by Royal Mail in late September
2006 of their preferred options to close the current Mail Centres in
Gloucester, Coventry and Reading and replace these centres in newly
extended Mail centres in Swindon and Northampton is a serious breach
of the National Pay & Perfromance Agreement Annex C - Processing
Network and Structural Changes. This has seriously inhibited the abilities
of the Branches affected to influence these decisions and to submit
viable alternative options.
Furthermore this Conference believes that Royal Mail are developing
a Mail Centre closures strategy in isolation of the National Union which
constitutes further breaches of the national agreement. Conference instructs
the Postal Executive to force the employer to halt the current closure
programme until Royal Mail's strategy has been shared and agreed with
the CWU.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West No.1
Motion fell
COMPOSTE MOTION
92
A Conference recognises that the RDC’s and fleet network are being
deliberately downsized and that managerial apathy has led to continual
revenue and contract loss which has been compounded by totally unfair
regulatory and competition rules.
The Network business Unit, through lack of managerial vision, have
failed both to maintain a major market share in what is a highly profitable
bulk/non-USO market as well as failing to expand its product portfolio
to that in which the original Logistics Business Unit was set up for.
In order to fully protect a successful, publicly owned and fully integrated
postal service, the National Officer must engage in a high profile and
aggressive campaign with the employer, and all stakeholders, with a
vision to expand existing products beyond just letter traffic that fully
utilises its fleet and warehousing capability.
Any failure by the business to respond to the CWU vision, or indeed
halt this continued revenue/contract loss, will result in:
• A high profile public campaign to expose the business in their
deliberate move to propel this business into Joint venture.
• A consultation exercise with our members which educates them
to the managing down tactics of Royal Mail.
• Consideration of a Rule 13 Industrial Action ballot of the all
members affected.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Northern Home Counties Postal
To be seconded by: Essex Amal
Eastern No.6
Northamptonshire Amal
Branch supported: carried
93
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to establish a
joint working party on the operation of the National Hubs, the working
party should examine the following:-
Whether the Hubs are fit for purpose.
The Possibility of Regional Hubs.
Industrial Relations.
This list is not exhaustive.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Kent Invitca
Motion withdrawn
94
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that in the event
of Royal Mail considering or introducing any compulsory redundancies
action will be taken to mount a major campaign against such compulsory
redundancies and consideration shall be given to the use of all means
at the disposal of the union to oppose such action by the business.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
95
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate with
Royal Mail an extension to or a new agreement on the moratorium of outsourcing
of any part of the business where we have members.
If no agreement can be reached and RM attempt to outsource any part
of the operation then a ballot for industrial action will take place.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.5
Branch supported: accepted
96
A Conference instructs the PEC to open immediate discussions with the
Post Office about bringing back ‘in house’ work currently
undertaken by Romec grades i.e. cleaning, technical services and administration.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Greater Manchester Amal
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
97
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that there is growing
concern of Royal Mails abuse of the current Bullying and Harassment
Procedure against CWU Representatives.
The PEC are instructed to carry out a review of all cases brought against
CWU Reps in the past 2 years with a view of making representations to
Royal Mail and the EOC to ensure that CWU Reps are entitled to carry
out their roles within the workplace without fear of being charged with
bullying and or harassment for performing their role effectively.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Leeds No.1 Amal
To be seconded by: Cleveland Amal Branch supported: carried
98
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive should negotiate
an independent appeals process to deal with all bullying & harassment
cases with all appeals heard by a manager who is out of line, out of
function and from a different site location.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.5
Branch supported: carried
99
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that full support
will be provided to any person who complains of harassment, on the grounds
of unnecessary contact made by a manager or managers, while that person
is away from work as a result of sickness or personal family issues
requiring special leave of absence.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
100
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to reach an agreement
with the employer that defines the role of the CSA Independent Harassment
Investigator, due the confidentiality clause.
The Postal Executive is additionally instructed to reach an agreement
that changes the role of the case investigator insofar as to be responsible
to handle any resultant conduct code cases that may emanate out of the
investigation.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Motion withdrawn
101
A Conference notes the absence of a renegotiated agreement on the Royal
Mail Attendance Procedure.
Conference further agrees that the continuation of the current agreement
does not serve the interests of the members and severely inhibits our
ability to mount successful Employment Tribunal Claims.
The PEC is therefore instructed to withdraw from the current procedure
until a new agreement is reached.
This decision to be communicated to the business at close of Conference.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North West Central Amal
Branch opposed: not carried
102
A Conference agrees that any final agreement on a revised Attendance
Procedure must remove the current practice of ‘Double Jeopardy’.
Therefore Conference instructs the Postal Executive to seek agreement
from the employer on the following:
1. Any absence/s where mitigation has been accepted, as part of a Formal
Interview under the procedure, will be clearly identified and cannot
be subsequently counted towards the next trigger point in the process.
2. Any absence/s that result in the issuing of a 1st and 2nd stage warning
to a ‘Trialist’ will become ‘Time Expired’ on
the individuals date of confirmation therefore cannot be counted again
towards the trigger point for a stage one interview for substantive
employees.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Suffolk Amal
Branch supported: carried
103
A Conference agrees that the Postal Executive negotiate an amendment
to the Attendance Procedure, whereby hospitalisation and resultant medically
authorised convalescence, will appear on the attendance record, but
will be discounted from penalty warning absences.
The PEC in instructed accordingly.
South East No.5
Motion withdrawn
104
A Conference notes that the Royal Mail Grievance Procedure needs improvement,
therefore the incoming Postal Executive are instructed to negotiate
a change of the process at stage 2 of the procedure, which directs the
complaint to either the PO&S Gateway team or via the Area Management
Team PODA so their complaint can be monitored as a way to make sure
the timescales are adhered too.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.4
Branch supported: carried
105
A Conference agrees it is not acceptable that members who have been
to the EHS have to ask their manager for a copy of the report that is
generated from the referral. Therefore conference instructs the PEC
to achieve an agreement that ensures that members are provided with
a copy of any report produced by the EHS as a matter of course.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North Wales/North West Divisional Committee
Branch supported: carried
106
A This Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that in view
of the business's reluctance to deal with conduct cases in a speedy
manner, any final agreement on the conduct code should have a maximum
timescale, similar to that included in the current Parcelforce conduct
code for bringing cases to speedy but fair conclusion.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Parcels Committee
Branch supported: accepted
107
A The recent moves by Royal Mail Management to eradicate by stealth
the Quadrant Canteens from the workplace, due to efficiency savings
is a blatant attack on our members jobs in Quadrant, therefore the CWU
shall seek an agreement with Royal Mail to ensure Quadrant Jobs are
not used as quick fix savings in units. The Postal Executive shall ensure
that the widest publicity is given to all CWU Representatives at Local
and at Area level within Royal Mail to ensure that our members’
jobs in Quadrant are not placed at risk by short term efficiency fixes.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Kent Invitca
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
108
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the current
CWU policy on a shorter working week should be expanded to include time
off from work as an option and not just a reduction in working time.
Against this background conference instructs the PEC to develop a strategy
that delivers reduced time from work with more annual leave, less working
days per week and better overall attendances which result in members
enjoying a better work/life balance.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Eastern No.6
To be seconded by: Northamptonshire Amal
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
109
A Conference agrees that following the changes which came into force
on 1st April 2007 Conference instructs the PEC to negotiate with all
employers where this Union has recognition to seek parity with regard
to maternity and adoptive leave entitlements of 39 weeks paid by the
relevant business concerned, this to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
The PEC is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Essex Amal
To be seconded by: Eastern No.6
Branch supported: carried
110
A
Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate an agreement
with Royal Mail, for people who are covered under the DDA definition
of a disability, a more friendly culture in relation to Sick Leave procedures
and look at the model initiated by the RNIB, to which disability associated
sick leave is counted as Disability Leave or Rehabilitation leave and
not held against them in any Attendance Procedure interviews or Stages.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
York & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
111
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate improvements
to the current Paternity Leave Entitlements within the Royal Mail Group.
The Postal Executive will seek to increase the entitlement to at least
two weeks full pay, from its current arrangement of one week full pay
for those members that have more than one years service.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.5
Branch supported: carried
112
A The incoming Postal Executive is instructed to ensure that all Romec
members with 20 years service receive the full 6 weeks Annual Leave
entitlement across the board irrespective of grade.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Greater Manchester Amal
Motion withdrawn
113
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to establish a
Joint review between the CWU, Royal Mail and Quadrant of the products
on offer in Quadrant Canteens. The review should take into account the
kind of food and drinks on offer and the quality, nutritional value
and dietary health aspects of those products.
This list is not exhaustive.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Kent Invitca
Branch supported: carried
114
A Conference agrees that Quadrant have not done anywhere near enough
to promote the use of Fair Trade produce in their outlets. Conference
therefore calls upon the PEC to redouble its efforts to ensure Quadrant
take this matter seriously and negotiate contracts accordingly with
suppliers where ever possible.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West No.1
115
A Conference instructs the incoming PEC to enter into negotiations with
Royal Mail to secure a route of progression from part-time employment
to full-time employment when vacancies occur within a workplace. The
normal resourcing method of Royal Mail seniority will apply.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Merseyside Amal
Motion carried
116
A Conference notes with concern the effect that tupe legislation may
have on members both in Romec Ltd and RSL should Romec lose a contract
to an external company, as witnessed in the recent loss of the Johnson
Diversy contract.
The incoming NEC are therefore instructed to reach an agreement with
romec that in as far as is practicable ensures no member is forced to
transfer to an external company against their will.
Consideration should be given to the following:
• in as far as is practicable a cap is placed on the amount of
‘non RMG’ work undertaken by an individual in order to protect
them from TUPE transfer.
• ensures that members are made aware of the consequences of
working on ‘non core’ contracts should Romec subsequently
lose that contract.
• protects members terms and conditions secured by the union
when Romec Ltd was set up.
This list is not exhaustive.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West Engineering
Motion withdrawn
117
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the current
practice of deducting £1 per week admin fee from weekly paid members
for collecting CSA payments and then passing them on to the CSA once
a month is unethical and needs addressing as a matter of urgency.
The incoming PEC is instructed to negotiate an immediate cessation
of this tax on our members who are already in financial difficulty.
This administration fee should be scrapped altogether or reduce to £12
per year (in line with monthly paid staff) across all Royal Mail pay
groups.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
East London Postal
Branch supported: carried
118
A The PEC is instructed to achieve an agreement for Area Distribution
Drivers to be given priority to progress to any driving vacancy within
Royal Mail Network before these vacancies are externally recruited.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Northern Home Counties
Motion withdrawn
119
A Conference is concerned that Romec members employed on external contracts
could find themselves being re-employed by another company under the
TUPE legislation.
The Postal Executive is therefore instructed to take the appropriate
steps to ensure that any member faced with the prospect to being transferred
to another company, is given the option to continue employment within
Romec on similar type work, e.g. an engineer on engineering work.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
London Postal Engineering
Motion withdrawn
120
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to negotiate with
the employer to remove the £10 charge to our members for copies
of their personal records.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Merseyside Amal
Motion accepted
121
A Conference agrees that the national event held in Newcastle was a
success as a first stab and demonstrated the ability for there to be
an effective alternative method of decision making as a supplement to
annual conference.
Given the general consensus is that the event was a success conference
instructs the PEC in conjunction with field officials to develop the
idea into a regular (or as required) event as a supplement to annual
conference.
The Postal Executive is therefore instructed to produce a report, outlining
the format and structure of any future seminars, bestowing upon it the
ability to make policy decisions. The report will be presented to the
forthcoming special conference on Industrial Relations.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
North Wales/North West Divisional Committee
Branch supported: motion accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
122
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that day to day
communications from the Postal Department at CWU HQ are getting progressively
worse. This often results in even the most basic updates and information
not being available and cannot continue. Conference therefore agrees
that the Postal Executive urgently needs to find ways to reverse this
trend and implement an agreed action plan at the earliest opportunity.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South West 7
To be seconded by: South Wales & South West Divisional Committee
Bristol & District Amal
Motion withdrawn
123
A Conference instructs the incoming PEC to produce a Conference update
report each quarter following conference.
The report shall be produced as a Letter to Branches, and shall detail
the progress made on all motions carried at Postal Conferences.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Newcastle Amal
Branch supported: carried
124
A Conference welcomes the Postal Executive Reform Consultation Document.
Conference recognises the need for accountability of the Postal Executive
to the CWU Membership.
Therefore Conference instructs the following information is circulated
regularly to branches, at the earliest opportunity.
1. A Precis of the PEC Meeting Minutes.
2. The individual breakdown of the voting of Postal Executive Members,
on all agreements.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Solent Amal
Branch supported: not carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
156
A Conference acknowledges that Royal Mail’s plans for delivery
are incompatible with maintaining full time jobs.
Conference therefore instructs the National officer and the PEC to
enter into immediate discussions which achieves the following:
• Securing a commitment that delivery will remain predominately
a full time job
• Maintaining and enhancing reasonable average earnings.
• A Door 2 Door agreement
• Mechanisms to deal with weight on delivery
• Removal of cars on delivery
• Protection of start times
This list is not exhaustive
To assist the PEC and the National Officer a national seminar will
take place to discuss how best the Union’s strategy will go forward.
Conference further agrees that should Royal Mail attempt to impose
their delivery strategy by executive action then the delivery members
will be balloted for strike action under Rule 13.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: London Divisional Committee
To be seconded by: London West End Amal
Northern/North West London
South East London Postal & Counter If Carried 158 Falls
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
157
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that it is not
in the best interests of the membership for CWU HQ to agree to the use
of the Indoor Workload Tool and therefore no agreement will be given
to the use of Royal Mails Indoor Workload Tool for Indoor workload revisions.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Darlington Amal
To be seconded by: South Yorks & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
North East Divisional Committee
Branch opposed: not carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
158
A Conference instructs the relevant national officer that in any future
agreement on a new delivery model that there should be agreement that
the use of private cars on delivery will be banned.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Essex Amal
To be seconded by: Northamptonshire Amal
Eastern No.6
Northern Home Counties Postal
Motion fell
COMPOSITE MOTION
159
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that it is not
in the best interests of the membership for Pegasus revisions to continue
without a National Agreement. This Conference agrees that it is a very
dangerous precedent for the future to allow the use of Pegasus as a
revision tool without a National Agreement.
Conference agrees that with immediate effect all delivery offices will
withdraw from all revision activity that involves Pegasus. If the business
persist in continuing with the use of Pegasus without a National Agreement
the PEC are instructed to give consideration to a National ballot of
Delivery Offices.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: South West 7
To be seconded by: South Central Divisional Committee
South Central No.1
Branch supported: not carried
160
A Conference agrees that should a national agreement be negotiated in
relation to later start times in delivery it will contain a clause allowing
local branches/units to have the ability through negotiation to retain
shorter Saturday attendances.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Bristol and District Amal
Branch supported: accepted
COMPOSITE MOTION
161
A Conference agrees that the placement/siting of Walk Sequencing Machines,
Intelligent LSMs and all other new equipment should be a negotiable
issue.
Against this background the National Officers are instructed to ascertain
the preffered locations/sites for this automation.
The National Officer and Postal Executive will establish a policy for
the siting of these machines that will best serve the best interests
of the membership and the business.
Once locations are agreed then the Nationally agreed I/R framework
will be used for local discussions on staffing/duty structures etc.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Essex Amal
To be seconded by: Northamptonshire
Northern Home Counties Postal
Eastern No.6
Branch supported: carried
162
A Conference recognises with urgent concern that Royal Mail are continuing
to recruit part-time employees against full-time vacancies.
Conference instructs the Postal Executive to achieve assurance that
all current national agreements are adhered to by Royal Mail, by all
means possible, up and to include a rule 13 ballot.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Solent Amal
Branch supported: carried
163
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that the current
Professional Drivers Agreement is not complete in that there are unfinished/unacceptable
elements of the agreement to be finalised, which are as follows :
Resourcing of Vacancies
Accident Management Policy
Minor Repairs
Sick Absence / Attendance
Savings from DMS - Telemetry etc
This list is not exhaustive
Therefore, the PEC are instructed to negotiate a satisfactory outcome
to all outstanding issues which will be put to the membership in an
individual ballot.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Hull & East Riding Amal
Motion withdrawn
164
A Conference agrees the current practice of Royal Mail using Cardboard
Sleeves other than for the Amazon contract is unacceptable.
Therefore the PEC is instructed to negotiate with the employer at the
earliest opportunity to cease this practice, in doing so greatly reducing
the risk of injury to our members.
The PEC is instructed accordingly
Gloucestershire Amal
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
165
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to mount a campaign
on doing the job properly.
The campaign should concentrate on issues such as starting on time,
taking of meal reliefs etc and should highlight the health and safety
dangers of not doing the job properly, the cost of unpaid work given
by individuals etc.
The campaign should utilise all relevant bodies in seeking to achieve
its aims including full use of the communications department and full
involvement of all Branches.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: York & District Amal
To be seconded by: Cleveland Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
Newcastle Amal
Branch supported: carried
166
A Conference agrees that the concept of “job and finish”
is not in the best interests of our members. Conference also recognises
that “job and finish” is in direct conflict with the policy
of protecting the maximum number of full time jobs. Conference therefore
instructs the PEC to achieve the cessation of “job and finish”
at the earliest opportunity. Additionally Conference instructs the PEC
that no agreement be given to “job and finish” in any future
agreements affecting CWU members. It is further agreed that the Union
will conduct a campaign amongst its members explaining the need to cease
this working practise.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3 If Carried 167 Falls
Branch opposed: motion withdrawn
167
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that job and knock
in its current form is not in the best interests of the membership and
leads to abuse of health & safety and is used by the employer to
validate some of its business plan savings. The PEC is instructed to
seek an agreement on this issue that removes job and knock in its current
form and is replaced by an agreed system that is fair to all and fits
in with the principles of fair and balanced workload and fair reward
for increased effort and efficiency.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
York & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
168
A Conference re-affirms CWU policy that all mail on delivery should
where ever possible be carried by other means than bags over the shoulder.
If a postal worker has to carry a pouch over their shoulder then the
PEC is instructed to reach agreement with Royal Mail that the first
delivery bag should be a maximum of 16 KG's and all bags after that
should be a maximum of up to 11KG, these weights are subject to ongoing
examination/scrutiny.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: Darlington Amal
To be seconded by: South Yorks & District Amal
Cleveland Amal
Leeds No.1 Amal
North East Divisional Committee
York & District Amal
Branch supported: carried
169
A Conference recognises that distractions whilst driving such as mobile
phone use or satellite navigation equipment are dangerous. Therefore
this Conference instructs the incoming PEC to enter into immediate negotiations
with the employer to stop the dangerous and illegal practice of Royal
Mail managers contacting drivers by mobile phone whilst on collection
and delivery duties.
Furthermore Conference instructs the incoming PEC to evaluate the use
of satellite navigation equipment in relation to any health & safety
implications that may arise from its use and reach an agreement with
Royal Mail using that evaluation.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Merseyside Amal
Motion carried
COMPOSITE MOTION
170
A Conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive that Conference
recognises the excellent work performed by the National Officer &
his department on the introduction of the New Royal Mail Anti-Violence
& Assault Policy, However given the increasing number of members
who suffer attacks or bites by animals and caused by the failure of
the animals owners to adequately control these animals, we believe that
these attacks /bites need to classified as assaults.
Therefore conference agrees and instructs the PEC in conjunction with
the National Officer to reach agreement with Royal Mail that these attacks
/bites are included under the New Royal Mail Anti Violence & Assaults
policy
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
To be moved by: York & District Amal
Newcastle Amal
Motion withdrawn
171
A Conference recognises that the retention of a mainly full time delivery
work force will become increasingly difficult with the current delivery
model. Conference also rejects the employer’s vision of a delivery
model utilising a predominantly part time work force. Measures such
as the pursuit of a Monday to Friday only delivery specification or
the re-introduction of six day working with shorter daily attendances
may be required to retain full time employment within the delivery function.
Conference therefore instructs the PEC to fully examine all alternative
delivery models that maximises the protection of full time jobs within
delivery. Such an examination must consider all alternatives with a
“nothing ruled in, nothing ruled out” approach and should
include all representative levels within the Union.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3
Motion withdrawn
172
A Conference notes with concern that in some areas of the country the
management are using the prioritisation of mail whilst out on delivery
as a budgetary control measure, instructing delivery personnel to filter
out items of mail to prevent the payment of overtime. This practise
is becoming increasingly prevalent and has a serious, detrimental effect
on Royal Mail’s quality of service figures and exposes our members
to accusations of wilful delay of mail and the business to punitive
fines from the regulator. Conference therefore instructs the PEC to
engage with the employer to bring an end to this nefarious practise
and to issue a joint statement detailing the correct procedures to follow
should it not be possible to complete a delivery within the time scheduled
within the duty span.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
Eastern No.3
Branch supported: carried
173
A Conference agrees that with the introduction of SDD and the 5 day
deliveries. All delivery staff are disadvantaged in comparison to colleagues
in the Mail Centre, regarding the relaxation allowance were the additional
grace break has been extended to 20 minutes.
This conference instructs the incoming Postal Executive to re-negotiate
the relaxation allowance to bring delivery offices in line with Mail
Centres, with no detrimental effect on mail centre staff.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South East Wales Amal
Branch opposed: not carried
174
A Conference applauds CWU HQ for promoting the TUCs Work Your Proper
Hours Day. Conference agrees that this initiative should be raised with
our members each year.
Furthermore Conference notes that in many Delivery Units some of our
members are being pressured and bullied into working beyond their hours
despite what Royal Mail might say, leaving Royal Mail to behave as if
offices are overstaffed. Conference therefore agrees that a questionaire
, similar to the one put out in respect of cars on delivery, should
be sent out to our members early next year or at a time agreed by the
PEC to ensure the maximum impact on our members.
The Postal Executive is instructed accordingly.
South West No.1
Branch supported: carried