RML Joint Territorial "Slips, Trips & Falls" Re Watford rep

[POSTMAN]

Dear Colleagues


RML Joint Territorial "Slips, Trips & Falls" Safety Events (Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol and London - 21, 23, 27 and 30 April) - Suspension of CWU Area Safety Representative (Watford Area)


LTB 273/09 announced agreement to run the above joint events, involving Royal Mail Letters, HSE, CWU and Unite CMA and requested nominations from CWU Regional Health and Safety Forums of ASRs to attend the 4 Joint Territorial Safety Events to discuss a concerted campaign approach to reducing 'slips, trips and falls' accidents sustained by our members, representing nearly a third of all accidents in Royal Mail Letters (RML) amounting to 415,000 days lost a year at a cost of £50 million to Royal Mail. A significantly important Safety subject which generated a high level of interest in participation from Safety Reps.


However, sadly a series of events have unfolded over the last 10 days which culminated in the suspension of the CWU Area Safety Representative for the WD Area by the Watford Mail Centre Manager and this has led me to regrettably reconsider CWU participation in the 4 Joint Territorial Safety Events at this point in time. Late last night, after continued daily efforts to get Bob Kennedy reinstated failed, I informed the RML Director of Safety that I was withdrawing CWU participation in the events and called for the cancellation of the four events in totality.


I know this will come as a disappointment to many as it greatly disappoints me to take this action but I also know all ASRs will join me in supporting our ASR who has been subjected to a campaign of bullying and harassment simply because he went about his job as a Safety Rep very diligently and dogmatically, strongly challenging local management again and again and again on issues he felt strongly about. In the end, 10 days ago, charges, of which I have seen no supporting evidence were concocted and Bob was later suspended pending disciplinary action.


I have been in constant contact with Bob Kennedy over the last 10 days and likewise in constant contact with RML HQ making behind the scenes attempts to restore Bob to duty ASAP in order to enable the 4 Joint Territorial Safety Events to go ahead and avoid any adverse publicity of this nature, casting a slur on the Health and Safety 'community' in RML. Due to Local Management "dragging their feet" and RML HQ IR Managers not helping matters along more quickly, this has not been possible. Although efforts will continue on all fronts, we are now within 4 days (2 working days) of the events and it's too late to gamble on a positive result occurring at this very late stage. I have held on and avoided publicity as long as possible in order to afford RML maximum time to sort the matter but can wait no longer. I'm sure you will acknowledge and appreciate that. The Safety Director and Head of CSR did agree that Bob Kennedy could in fact attend the London event despite the suspension by his MCM. Had this been agreeable to Bob I would have suported the idea and highlighted his case at the event but on reflection and in discussion with Bob he declined this option and I support his decision which ever way he decided to go on it.


The history goes back six months to November 2008 when a very long list of Health and Safety issues at Watford which were not being dealt with expediently enough were drawn to my attention and Enforcing Authority Inspectors from the HSE, Watford Council and the Fire Service were involved in several visits to Watford Mail Centre and WD1 Delivery Office. Extensive correspondence has since then taken place with RML HQ and the AGM agreed to initiate remedial action after a meeting with the Safety Director. It was also agreed that a joint site visit and Investigation would take place involving myself as the CWU National Health and Safety Officer and Royal Mail Letters Safety Director. That visit was pending at the time of the suspension. Also pending is a Bullying and Harassment case complaint which Bob Kennedy has lodged against the Mail Centre Manager supported by extensive documentation. Another CWU Safety Representative had also lodged a Bullying and Harassment complaint against the MCM.

With the above pending, our ASR Bob Kennedy was determinedly pursuing complaints in relation to the misuse of Equipment at Watford Mail Centre which had also been flagged up via myself to RML HQ Central Postal Control, who were investigating when what, on the face of it, clearly appears to be some what "spurious" allegations were made against Bob and 5 days after the alleged incident he was subsequently suspended? This, I'm informed, was despite assurances beforehand being given to another senior CWU Divisional Rep that it would not happen!



I must stress that this whole affair has nothing to do with safety management in the organisation, it has everything to do with the MCM at Watford and his 'underlings'. They claim that the action taken against Bob has nothing to do with Health and Safety. However, what is clear is that is that Bob has been singled out for "personal attention" and the action taken against him is directly connected to him as an active Safety Rep, challenging, challenging and challenging again, unsafe working with some dodged determination.


I very, very much regret having to convey this news to you and it's a sad state of affairs that a single MCM can cause so much damage to Health and Safety working relationships across the country, jeopardising national safety initiatives jointly planned and supported by the HSE's involvement. Late last night I expressed these strong views to RML and urged them to reinstate Bob Kennedy again. The case continues with the Branch and the Postal Department dealing with the Industrial Relations issues emanating from this case, including consideration of Industrial Action Ballots etc.

[brothermagrew]

It's a war of attrition brothers and sisters. Respect to D Joyce our National Officer for taking IMHO the right decision he could in all honesty do know less. Respect also to Bob Kennedy for his dogged stance pertaining to all health and safety matters at Watford Mail Centre.

Singled out for special attention - it is abundently clear that CWU representatives whether IR or H&S are being targetted by RM Management.

[brothermagrew]

CWU Statement on non-participation in the Royal Mail Letters ‘Slips, Trips and Falls’ Safety Events (Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London) due to the suspension from work of the CWU Area Safety Representative for the Watford Area.


CWU Area Safety Representatives across the UK have decided collectively to very reluctantly withdraw from the four Territorial Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Events due to the improper treatment of the CWU Area Safety Representative for Watford Bob Kennedy who was wrongly suspended two weeks ago and is being illegally prevented from discharging his Safety Representative's functions as provided for in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977.

CWU Area Safety Representatives wish to fully participate in joint efforts to reduce Slips, Trips and Falls Accidents in Royal Mail Letters but feel strongly that participation in the 4 territorial events at Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol and London during April 2009 would be wrong whilst Royal Mail Letters HQ and the HSE allow the management at Watford to break the law and victimise a Safety Representative. We hope and trust that everyone will fully understand our serious concerns.

It is the role and function of a Trade Union Safety Representative to challenge poor safety standards and bad, unsafe working practices without the fear of victimisation and bullying, regardless of how unpopular the Safety Representative may make themselves to some managers. Any Safety Representative could find themselves in the position currently being faced by Bob Kennedy if the matter isn't addressed by Royal Mail HQ and recurrences prevented.

The CWU will always be willing to work with Royal Mail and the HSE to improve the health, safety & well being of all employees, by debate, activities & campaigns jointly, being involved as an equal partner with Royal Mail Letters & other business functions and units.

The CWU will always welcome the involvement of the Health & Safety Executive on topical & timely campaigns, such as Slips Trips and Falls, again on an equal participatory basis with Royal Mail.

We expect Royal Mail now and in the future to fully recognise the role, legal rights and functions that all CWU Safety Representatives under current legislation and welcome HSE support in assisting and facilitating improved involvement and working relations at all levels of the Royal Mail Letters business and Union structure, working within the tripartite Large Organisation Partnership (LOP).

It is clear the working relations of our respective health and safety departments have suffered due to the Watford incident and we would welcome the opportunity to hold open honest discussions with the full involvement of both Health & Safety managers, operational managers and the HSE on the need to manage all aspects of working safely and provide a clear, concise process defined to resolve problems at all levels of safety representation and management structures in a timely manner to prevent further occurrences.

HSE supports the vital contribution health and safety representatives and trade unions make to maintaining and improving health and safety in the workplace.
HSE places great importance on worker involvement and consultation, which has proved to be key factor to improving health and safety in the workplace.
HSE has recently published new and revised, strengthened legal guidance on safety representative involvement and consultation and good practice guidance along with guidance to HSE and LA Inspectors. In spite of this, the Watford CWU Area Health and Safety Representative is being prevented from discharging his legal functions such as:

• Inspecting the workplace
• investigating accidents, hazards and workers complaints
• representing the workers, he was appointed to represent
• receiving health safety representative information

These points are recognised in the Royal Mail Letters/CWU National Agreement on Safety Representation and Consultation 1997 but have been totally ignored by Royal Mail Watford Management.

As with all employers Royal Mail have a legal responsibility to provide support that will enable Safety Representatives to participate fully and effectively in any consultation and health and safety representation of the staff they are elected to represent. Royal Mail has failed in that responsibility in respect of Bob Kennedy since he was suspended.

HSE state that workers who are represented by Union Safety Representatives and Joint Health and Safety Committees at work are far safer and healthier than those who do not. Royal Mail Watford Management has demonstrated a total disregard to this fact and to the law.

HSE strongly supports measures which protect safety representatives from any form of victimisation. Royal Mail has failed to meet the HSE's requirements in that respect in relation to Bob Kennedy.

Managers, workers and Trade Union Safety Representatives have a responsibility to look after health and safety at work together. CWU remains fully committed to working with Royal Mail to improve safety, occupational health standards and to reduce accidents. Royal Mail have failed to honour that responsibilities in the case of Bob Kennedy CWU Area Safety Representative and the CWU Area Safety Representatives from across the UK, from all Postcode Areas call upon the HSE and Royal Mail HQ to ensure that Bob Kennedy is reinstated and to conduct a joint investigation into health and safety management at Watford in order to restore proper and effective involvement and consultation as required by the Law and the Royal Mail Letters/CWU National Agreement on Safety Representation and Consultation 1997.


Communications Workers Union.
April 2009

[brothermagrew]

To: All Branches

LTB 340/09 dated 21st April 2009.

Dear Colleagues,

CWU Statement on non-participation in the Royal Mail Letters 'Slips, Trips and Falls' Safety Events (Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London) due to the suspension from work of the CWU Area Safety Representative for the Watford Area.

Feedback was received in the Health, Safety & Environment Department at CWU/HQ yesterday regarding misinformation being peddled by certain operational managers in certain parts of the country, questioning the CWU's interest and commitment to Health and Safety, due to our decision not to participate in the above events because of the suspension of a CWU area safety representative. It was also reported that management at some locations had approached area safety reps as well as workplace safety reps directly, encouraging them to attend the events.

In order to counter the misinformation the attached statement has been issued today to coincide with the first RML/HSE Slips, Trips & Falls Safety Event which the Officer was informed on Sunday evening were now going ahead, after RML initially indicated cancellation. RML said that they had decided to go ahead on the basis that the venues and the events organising company were all booked.

The point was made to RML that the events would have been better postponed until later dates as they will be hugely devalued as a result of the non-involvement of CWU area safety representatives.

The RML MD Mark Higson and Safety Director Norman Smith have been told that the CWU remains fully committed to improving Health and Safety Standards, positive involvement, consultation and partnership in health and safety working and that no one should question that.

Would area safety reps ensure that the attached statement posting above is well publicised locally to counter any local management misinformation should it occur in your area.

Best Regards

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[fedup postie]

I'm sure you are aware, Bob is still suspended. This is an outrage for him performing his role as a safety rep. Why after 6 weeks have no charges been put to him. Does anyone have any more information on this?

[POSTMAN]

LTB:Date: 18 May 2009


Further to earlier communications through various channels, this LTB is to set out the CWU position in relation to the National Royal Mail Group Safety Event on 20th May and a short update on the current situation regarding Bob Kennedy ASR (Watford) who's case is being dealt with locally and by the Postal Department at CWU HQ, supported by the Health, Safety & Environment Department. As a result of the continued suspension from duty of Bob Kennedy following a meeting on 15 May, I regret that the CWU will not be supporting or attending the Royal Mail Group Celebrating Safety Event on 20th May at Coton House Rugby. Invitations will not be distributed to ASRs by the Health, Safety & Environment Department. Any invitations received locally should be declined in support of Bob Kennedy. We very much regret being forced to adopt this position but feel we are left with no alternative. The letter reproduced below to Keith Scott Head of Safety Royal Mail Group is self explanatory.

[fatherchristmas]

update on this issue nearly 60 days since bobs suspension and still no charges, watford yesterday returned a yes for strike action with regards this case. bring it on :mfo :cfo :cfo :mfo

[brothermagrew]

Respect then to the Watford brother and sisters

[fedup postie]

Sorry to hear this. 60 days no charge! Unacceptable!
Good on you guys, hope all goes well.

[k979aaa]

Is this man being hung out to dry by royalmail for just doing his job!. THIS IS WHY ROYALMAIL STINKS!. :cfo £1MILLION :cfo £1MILLION!. :cfo :cfo :cfo

[POSTMAN]

Postal staff in Watford vote to strike

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/4 ... to_strike/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Postal staff in Watford have voted to strike in support of a union health and safety representative who was suspended nine weeks ago.

More than 600 workers at the Ascot Road mail centre could now walk out, alongside workers in Rickmansworth and Borehamwood.

They were balloted after Bob Kennedy was suspended on full pay and has yet to face any formal charges.

The dates of any industrial action are still to be agreed, but the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) has until June 21 to notify Royal Mail.

Officials, however, are hopeful the situation can be resolved before that date.

CWU branch secretary Alan Walsh said: “Industrial action is our last resort. We're still trying hard to get Bob back to work and I have met with officials over the last two days. We are keen to get things resolved.”

A Royal Mail representative said: “Royal Mail has not been notified of any industrial action in Watford. Royal Mail and its people strictly follow disciplinary procedures agreed with staff and unions in all cases and strike action will only disrupt the service to which our customers are entitled.”

[stokes11eg]

I love the way R/M always talk about'The Service to which our customers etc' what about the treatment your staff are ENTITLED too R/M/?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I love the way R/M always talk about'The Service to which our customers etc' what about the treatment your staff are ENTITLED too R/M/?

There is probably somewhere in HQ a computer that "spokesmen" from RM have to sit at when answering questions from the press:

You must not deviate from the following answers.

1. Postal Workers in RM are paid more than the industry average.
2. Postal Workers are less efficient than are competitors, but they do work hard.
3. X Delivery Office is clear there is no backlog.
4. We have robust plans in place.
5. We always talk to our people and keep them informed.
6. There will be no disruption to the service (usually in the same statement as) Strikes will only disrupt the service our customers are entitled to.

To really confuse them all the press have to do is praise the Union and the service and as there is no formallic response they get confused.

[stokes11eg]

Having just read the post on services being 'pared to the bone' you are right . Managemnt just ECHO,echo,Echo--
the same old answers all the time. must be in the trainig--now, repeat after me-There is no backlog,we talk to our people
Blah blah.

[brothermagrew]

Teebs

You could have added

7. The health and safety of all RM employees is of paramount importance to the business.