LTB 202/21 – Joint Statement between Royal Mail Logistics and the CWU on Deployment of Further Gas Motive Units
No: 202/21
14th May 2021 (LTB released on 17th May)
For the Immediate Attention of All:
Postal Branches
Divisional Representatives
Area Distribution Representatives
LGV Representatives
Fleet Representatives
Dear Colleagues
Joint Statement between Royal Mail Logistics and the CWU on Deployment of Further Gas Motive Units
Branches and representatives are advised that Royal Mail have today issued a Press Release in relation to the use of low emission gas powered trucks for Parcels and Letters (copy at Annex A).
Historically joint trial activity in relation to the use of gas powered vehicles in the National Distribution (Network) function has been taking place under an agreed Terms of Reference since 2017. This activity has centered on evaluating developments in new technology which could deliver benefits in regard to cost, fleet efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint.
The business recently requested that the trial activity was extended to include a further 29 vehicles at Chorley and Preston Vehicle Operating Centres and Warrington Parcel Hub.
Discussions have therefore taken place in relation to a Terms of Reference for the activity, which have resulted in the attached agreement being concluded and endorsed by the Postal Executive (Annex B).
In summary the document ensures the following:
- Full involvement of the CWU IR, Fleet and H&S departments in the activity.
The continuation of discussions in respect of bringing maintenance work of the gas powered vehicles into the Royal Mail Fleet workshops.
Vehicles will only be driven by suitably trained drivers, who will be trained during normal working time by Advance Driver Coaches.
Only suitably trained drivers will fill the vehicles.
Routes that the trucks will be deployed on will be agreed with the CWU locally prior to deployment.
Review of duty times to ensure appropriate time is allocated for refueling of the vehicles.
During this trial activity areas of the operational site population affected by these vehicles will experience no adverse impact on employee earnings, SA’s, duty times etc.
Joint review of the trial activity and should the development of the trial be considered a success it will be subject to discussion and agreement at National level prior to further deployment.
National Distribution: Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 214.15.
Fleet: Carl Maden, Assistant Secretary (Acting), email khay@cwu.org quoting reference: 420.
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
Carl Maden
Assistant Secretary (Acting)
Annex A – CNG Trucks Release FINAL
Annex B – JS Deployment of Further Gas Motive Units 13.05.21