Report for Scotland & Northern Ireland W/C 7th December 2020

[Woody Guthrie]

Postal Executive Member Report for Scotland & Northern Ireland W/C 7th December 2020

Much of the calls this week were mainly centred around industrial matters, but rather than dismiss them from this report, I believe it only right and proper for these issues to be highlighted within this report because it will demonstrate the severe pressures our members and reps continue to face on a daily basis throughout this most difficult period.

I suppose the biggest topic of debate was around January 2nd and January 4th 2021. There is historic information on this topic dating back to 2009 and 2015, and there is a difference of opinion between the CWU and management on how this should operate. The Divisional Reps have been in consultation with the Branches (as has happened in the past) and will also be seeking guidance from the DGS(P) department. The outcome of discussions will be communicated in due course.

There is serious congestion in units, yards and Mail Centres where it is claimed by many that it’s an accident waiting to happen. This has obviously been brought about by the increase in online shopping where people have been restricted in their movements because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Nonetheless, with the lack of space in offices to accommodate the influx of parcels and packets, this is creating dangerous hazards although our industrial and H & S Reps are doing their utmost best to overcome these difficulties, sometimes with little or no success, so much so that some of the diversions that continue to flow into the Glasgow MC have to be diverted back from whence they came, not only because of the lack of capacity, but it would be almost impossible to process the mail no matter how hard they tried. The same problem of lack of capacity also relates to the inside of offices, where staff are trying to maintain Social Distancing (SD), and at the same time clamber through the maze of parcels, York’s and pallets. Regarding pallets, these are causing an added problem and risk, as they seem to be strewn everywhere and anywhere with no obvious universal plan in sight to get rid of them. There needs to be a greater effort from management to have these removed or sent to wherever they came from (that’s if they can).

It is true to say that our members are facing the most difficult period they have ever had to deal with; they are becoming fatigued and stressed out with the demands these unprecedented times are placing upon them. I totally respect the work our members are performing for the business, and I would hope and expect that management, of whatever level, also respect the hard work their employees, our members, are doing for this company, and that whatever rewards they may benefit from a National Agreement is well deserved. That brings me on to what is happening nationally.

I know from my calls with the representatives within the Division there are frustrations and impatience amongst everyone on wanting to know where things are with national talks, but I would like to take this opportunity to try and explain the difficulties I believe are occurring within the talks.

The Divisional Reps and I explained to all those on our conference calls that the CWU National Negotiating Team still had some grey areas and fine tuning to do with the agreement, and the negotiators were given some more breathing space (by all Divisional Reps throughout the Divisions), to ensure things were got right. I know that members were expecting some sort of communication from HQ, but then, what is the point in a communication with little or nothing to add from the previous week. That said, while writing this report, and following a PEC meeting, the DGS(P), Terry Pullinger, went live on Facebook to offer whatever information he could, but this was to ensure our reps and members understood the complexity of the negotiations, and also to ensure you stayed with us throughout these difficult talks so that we can bring about a satisfactory agreement we can all support and appreciate. We must all remember, it is not only pay and conditions at stake here, it’s about protections against technology at work, job security and the right visionary future we all aspire to. I ask that you to remain patient, and we will deliver this agreement.

In regard to the above paragraph, I don’t mind offering my opinion on what I believe may also be delaying the talks, and it is purely my own personal opinion; it seems that the Royal Mail negotiating team still haven’t got over the regime change from the previous CEO, to the current temporary CEO and Chairman of the company. Some of them just can’t let go of their previous plans on the direction they wanted the company to take, and we may well now be dealing with ‘Hawks and Doves’ so to speak. I believe the Chairman of the company does sincerely want an agreement with the union, but then, I am not so sure all his negotiating team are in line with his aspirations and views.

I have every confidence in the strength of our negotiators, and I am well aware that we will never be able to please everyone, no matter what agreement we reach, but in thanking you for your patience, we will come through with a deal that will be satisfactory for your approval. If Royal Mail continue to hold on to the ever so distant coattails of the previous CEO. then I am sure we can rely on you to take this struggle in an alternative direction.

On the COVID front, PPE and SD is good in most places, and at the same time it is not so good in other places. Face coverings/mask are generally being worn. We have received reports of further positive COVID 19 cases in some offices. Eleanor Hipson continues to update the Division where there are enhanced cleans, deep cleans and intense cleans, and we that her for her continuous work and updates.

There were reports of cardboard (off the York’s) separators in the IPS frames in some Mail Centres. Photos of these were shared. The H & S Reps dealt with this matter by preventing our members working in this unsafe environment. Perspex should be used instead of cardboard.

Thank you for all for your hard work and support of your union, and I know there will be good days for these bad ones.

Stay Well - Stay Safe

Bobby Weatherall
NEC / PEC Member

[SpacePhoenix]

so much so that some of the diversions that continue to flow into the Glasgow MC have to be diverted back from whence they came, not only because of the lack of capacity, but it would be almost impossible to process the mail no matter how hard they tried.

Probably a fair chance of the diversions that they're diverting back being diverted straight back to them as the originating office won't have the room to accept the diversions back

[portadown]

The aggressive manger is going no were in royalmail if u dont have ur men and women behind u if u have a manager thats straight with u ur going to respect him and do that wee bit extra but if they continue beening dicks they are making hard work for them selfs

[aiden01]

Cardboard still separating the ips frames in our mc and area hs rep is there on shift everyday someone is telling porkies bobby. Also yourself and branch secretary were in mc last week hardly spoke to any staff members. Or was this just a gimmick to announce a free xmas dinner for all cwu members in mc.

[justapostman]

Postal Executive Member Report for Scotland & Northern Ireland W/C 7th December 2020

Much of the calls this week were mainly centred around industrial matters, but rather than dismiss them from this report, I believe it only right and proper for these issues to be highlighted within this report because it will demonstrate the severe pressures our members and reps continue to face on a daily basis throughout this most difficult period.

I suppose the biggest topic of debate was around January 2nd and January 4th 2021. There is historic information on this topic dating back to 2009 and 2015, and there is a difference of opinion between the CWU and management on how this should operate. The Divisional Reps have been in consultation with the Branches (as has happened in the past) and will also be seeking guidance from the DGS(P) department. The outcome of discussions will be communicated in due course.

There is serious congestion in units, yards and Mail Centres where it is claimed by many that it’s an accident waiting to happen. This has obviously been brought about by the increase in online shopping where people have been restricted in their movements because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Nonetheless, with the lack of space in offices to accommodate the influx of parcels and packets, this is creating dangerous hazards although our industrial and H & S Reps are doing their utmost best to overcome these difficulties, sometimes with little or no success, so much so that some of the diversions that continue to flow into the Glasgow MC have to be diverted back from whence they came, not only because of the lack of capacity, but it would be almost impossible to process the mail no matter how hard they tried. The same problem of lack of capacity also relates to the inside of offices, where staff are trying to maintain Social Distancing (SD), and at the same time clamber through the maze of parcels, York’s and pallets. Regarding pallets, these are causing an added problem and risk, as they seem to be strewn everywhere and anywhere with no obvious universal plan in sight to get rid of them. There needs to be a greater effort from management to have these removed or sent to wherever they came from (that’s if they can).

It is true to say that our members are facing the most difficult period they have ever had to deal with; they are becoming fatigued and stressed out with the demands these unprecedented times are placing upon them. I totally respect the work our members are performing for the business, and I would hope and expect that management, of whatever level, also respect the hard work their employees, our members, are doing for this company, and that whatever rewards they may benefit from a National Agreement is well deserved. That brings me on to what is happening nationally.

I know from my calls with the representatives within the Division there are frustrations and impatience amongst everyone on wanting to know where things are with national talks, but I would like to take this opportunity to try and explain the difficulties I believe are occurring within the talks.

The Divisional Reps and I explained to all those on our conference calls that the CWU National Negotiating Team still had some grey areas and fine tuning to do with the agreement, and the negotiators were given some more breathing space (by all Divisional Reps throughout the Divisions), to ensure things were got right. I know that members were expecting some sort of communication from HQ, but then, what is the point in a communication with little or nothing to add from the previous week. That said, while writing this report, and following a PEC meeting, the DGS(P), Terry Pullinger, went live on Facebook to offer whatever information he could, but this was to ensure our reps and members understood the complexity of the negotiations, and also to ensure you stayed with us throughout these difficult talks so that we can bring about a satisfactory agreement we can all support and appreciate. We must all remember, it is not only pay and conditions at stake here, it’s about protections against technology at work, job security and the right visionary future we all aspire to. I ask that you to remain patient, and we will deliver this agreement.

In regard to the above paragraph, I don’t mind offering my opinion on what I believe may also be delaying the talks, and it is purely my own personal opinion; it seems that the Royal Mail negotiating team still haven’t got over the regime change from the previous CEO, to the current temporary CEO and Chairman of the company. Some of them just can’t let go of their previous plans on the direction they wanted the company to take, and we may well now be dealing with ‘Hawks and Doves’ so to speak. I believe the Chairman of the company does sincerely want an agreement with the union, but then, I am not so sure all his negotiating team are in line with his aspirations and views.

I have every confidence in the strength of our negotiators, and I am well aware that we will never be able to please everyone, no matter what agreement we reach, but in thanking you for your patience, we will come through with a deal that will be satisfactory for your approval. If Royal Mail continue to hold on to the ever so distant coattails of the previous CEO. then I am sure we can rely on you to take this struggle in an alternative direction.

On the COVID front, PPE and SD is good in most places, and at the same time it is not so good in other places. Face coverings/mask are generally being worn. We have received reports of further positive COVID 19 cases in some offices. Eleanor Hipson continues to update the Division where there are enhanced cleans, deep cleans and intense cleans, and we that her for her continuous work and updates.

There were reports of cardboard (off the York’s) separators in the IPS frames in some Mail Centres. Photos of these were shared. The H & S Reps dealt with this matter by preventing our members working in this unsafe environment. Perspex should be used instead of cardboard.

Thank you for all for your hard work and support of your union, and I know there will be good days for these bad ones.

Stay Well - Stay Safe

Bobby Weatherall
NEC / PEC Member

blah blah blah talks talk, its time to get"generals " to trenches to smell the gun powder

[renrag40]

Postal Executive Member Report for Scotland & Northern Ireland W/C 7th December 2020

Much of the calls this week were mainly centred around industrial matters, but rather than dismiss them from this report, I believe it only right and proper for these issues to be highlighted within this report because it will demonstrate the severe pressures our members and reps continue to face on a daily basis throughout this most difficult period.

I suppose the biggest topic of debate was around January 2nd and January 4th 2021. There is historic information on this topic dating back to 2009 and 2015, and there is a difference of opinion between the CWU and management on how this should operate. The Divisional Reps have been in consultation with the Branches (as has happened in the past) and will also be seeking guidance from the DGS(P) department. The outcome of discussions will be communicated in due course.

There is serious congestion in units, yards and Mail Centres where it is claimed by many that it’s an accident waiting to happen. This has obviously been brought about by the increase in online shopping where people have been restricted in their movements because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Nonetheless, with the lack of space in offices to accommodate the influx of parcels and packets, this is creating dangerous hazards although our industrial and H & S Reps are doing their utmost best to overcome these difficulties, sometimes with little or no success, so much so that some of the diversions that continue to flow into the Glasgow MC have to be diverted back from whence they came, not only because of the lack of capacity, but it would be almost impossible to process the mail no matter how hard they tried. The same problem of lack of capacity also relates to the inside of offices, where staff are trying to maintain Social Distancing (SD), and at the same time clamber through the maze of parcels, York’s and pallets. Regarding pallets, these are causing an added problem and risk, as they seem to be strewn everywhere and anywhere with no obvious universal plan in sight to get rid of them. There needs to be a greater effort from management to have these removed or sent to wherever they came from (that’s if they can).

It is true to say that our members are facing the most difficult period they have ever had to deal with; they are becoming fatigued and stressed out with the demands these unprecedented times are placing upon them. I totally respect the work our members are performing for the business, and I would hope and expect that management, of whatever level, also respect the hard work their employees, our members, are doing for this company, and that whatever rewards they may benefit from a National Agreement is well deserved. That brings me on to what is happening nationally.

I know from my calls with the representatives within the Division there are frustrations and impatience amongst everyone on wanting to know where things are with national talks, but I would like to take this opportunity to try and explain the difficulties I believe are occurring within the talks.

The Divisional Reps and I explained to all those on our conference calls that the CWU National Negotiating Team still had some grey areas and fine tuning to do with the agreement, and the negotiators were given some more breathing space (by all Divisional Reps throughout the Divisions), to ensure things were got right. I know that members were expecting some sort of communication from HQ, but then, what is the point in a communication with little or nothing to add from the previous week. That said, while writing this report, and following a PEC meeting, the DGS(P), Terry Pullinger, went live on Facebook to offer whatever information he could, but this was to ensure our reps and members understood the complexity of the negotiations, and also to ensure you stayed with us throughout these difficult talks so that we can bring about a satisfactory agreement we can all support and appreciate. We must all remember, it is not only pay and conditions at stake here, it’s about protections against technology at work, job security and the right visionary future we all aspire to. I ask that you to remain patient, and we will deliver this agreement.

In regard to the above paragraph, I don’t mind offering my opinion on what I believe may also be delaying the talks, and it is purely my own personal opinion; it seems that the Royal Mail negotiating team still haven’t got over the regime change from the previous CEO, to the current temporary CEO and Chairman of the company. Some of them just can’t let go of their previous plans on the direction they wanted the company to take, and we may well now be dealing with ‘Hawks and Doves’ so to speak. I believe the Chairman of the company does sincerely want an agreement with the union, but then, I am not so sure all his negotiating team are in line with his aspirations and views.

I have every confidence in the strength of our negotiators, and I am well aware that we will never be able to please everyone, no matter what agreement we reach, but in thanking you for your patience, we will come through with a deal that will be satisfactory for your approval. If Royal Mail continue to hold on to the ever so distant coattails of the previous CEO. then I am sure we can rely on you to take this struggle in an alternative direction.

On the COVID front, PPE and SD is good in most places, and at the same time it is not so good in other places. Face coverings/mask are generally being worn. We have received reports of further positive COVID 19 cases in some offices. Eleanor Hipson continues to update the Division where there are enhanced cleans, deep cleans and intense cleans, and we that her for her continuous work and updates.

There were reports of cardboard (off the York’s) separators in the IPS frames in some Mail Centres. Photos of these were shared. The H & S Reps dealt with this matter by preventing our members working in this unsafe environment. Perspex should be used instead of cardboard.

Thank you for all for your hard work and support of your union, and I know there will be good days for these bad ones.

Stay Well - Stay Safe

Bobby Weatherall
NEC / PEC Member

blah blah blah talks talk, its time to get"generals " to trenches to smell the gun powder

Hahahahahahaha..... good luck with that one...... no chance of seeing that happen.