6 April 2001 Volume 6 Issue 13 Paragraphs 135 - 149
SUMMARY
GENERAL
135 Branch Magazine Competition
136 'Creche Facilities' CWU Annual Conference —
3rd to 8th June 2001
137 Union Accounts for 2001
TELECOMS
138 Pole Claw Re-Design
139 New/Concept Ladder Rack
140 Workplace Learning Representatives (WLRs)
POSTAL
141 CHD Customer Satisfaction
142 Royal Mail Service Delivery Pay 2000 'Added
Years' Lump Sums
143 Delivery Offices - EP 95/5 day Week - A Response
to Royal Mail
144 General Secretary's Annual Report for the Postal
Constituencies, Part 2, 2000/2001 Para 9.12 Royal Mail: Containerisation
145 TV Documentary Seeks Problem Dogs
146 Election of Quadrant Area Representatives
HEALTH & SAFETY
147 Health and Safety Issues
148 Noise Interference Reporting Process
149 Workers' Memorial Day 28 April 2001
SPECIAL BRIEFINGS
SB/149 Transfer of RMSD Distribution to L&CD (John Keggie, DGS(P})
SB/150 Annual Conference 2001 (Derek Hodgson,G.S.)
GENERAL
135 Branch Magazine Competition
Can your local branch magazine match or even top previous winners for
presentation, style and content?
This year Hamilton Direct Bank is once again offering prizes of
£200, £100 and £50 in software vouchers for the three
entries judged to be the best of the pack by a panel of leading media professionals.
Nominations are now open - so now's the time to decide which was your
best issue of the last 12 months, the one you think will really get
the 'opposition'running for cover!
Please send in three copies (of the same issue) to:
Irene Harwood
Communications Department
150 The Broadway, Wimbledon,
London SW1 9 1 RX.
The winners will be announced at Annual Conference.
Don't delay — the deadline for entries is Friday May 4.
136 'Creche Facilities' CWU Annual Conference - 3rd to 8th
June 2001
We shall be making arrangements for the provision of creche
facilities at this year's Annual Conference in Bournemouth. If your
delegation would like to use these facilities I should be grateful if
they would complete the attached form and return to Wendy Wooldridge
at CWU Head Office as soon as possible and not later than Friday 4th
May. We require this information as early as possible to ensure that
arrangements can be made to provide the correct number of staff to
look after the children.
Eric Lovett, National Organising Secretary. ATT : G7
137 Union Accounts for 2000
The initial audited National Accounts of the Union for the financial
year ended 31 December 2000 are now being circulated on a one per
Branch basis. The final copy of these Accounts, incorporating Audited
Branch accounts, when received, will be issued to Branches in due course.
As usual, it will be open to any Branch to raise any question on matters of detail in the General Fund Accounts for 2000, provided that they do so, in writing or by e-mail, to the General Treasurer to be received no later than Friday 4 May 2001. Written answers will be circulated in the customary manner to delegates at General Conference. E-mails should be sent to thealy@cwu.org
Any queries on this paragraph should be addressed to David Norman,
General Treasurer; quoting reference FA. 5/2.1
ATT: G.6
TELECOMS
138 Pole Claw Re-Design
As previously reported in CWU Briefing No.10, paragraph 178 (2000) a
review of the redesign of the Pole Claw on the Lightweight Atlas PEU,
was undertaken with a view to make the auger more accessible to the
pole when drilling. BT Fleet made some modifications to a trial PEU
vehicle and the claw was removed and quick release hydraulic
couplings provided, so that the claw could be easily attached and
removed if required.
This design was trialled in Worcester, Cardiff and York and was met
with very mixed opinions. However, in general it was felt that not
having the claw in position was a significant improvement. It was
also felt that a V-block was required to steady the pole whilst
planting. A proposal was presented to the National Poling Forum
recommending that all new PEU be supplied with a V-block and without
a claw, which will make a saving of approximately £860 on all
future PEU'S. BT Fleet has been instructed to amend the specification
accordingly and all future vehicles will have this facility.
Brian J Healy Assistant Secretary
139 New/Concept Ladder Rack
The launch of a project set out to source a design of ladder rack
suitable for use by any size of BT Engineer and able to carry any BT
ladder including the long Ladder 1A was previously reported in CWU
Briefing No.10, paragraph 162 (2000) The benefits sought included the
reduction of ladder loading/unloading accidents and injuries,
particularly involving overstretching and slipping off the rear step
of the vehicle.
A mechanical design-operated from ground level was one initial
concept, thus removing the need to stretch up to lash or secure the
ladder onto a 'static' roof mounted design.
A 'mechanical' design produced by Bri-Stor Engineering has been
trialled in 'single' and 'double' ladder versions. The whole of the
rack slides off the rear of the van allowing the ladders to be
loaded, unloaded or secured from ground level.
The trial of the double unit has run for 6 months and has been in
daily use. The unit appears to be robust with no reported mechanical
failures. The only negative comment from early trialists is the
restricted access to the rear of the van when the rack is in the
'unload' position. The trial results have confirmed the benefit of
the design for 'ground level' access for Engineers who struggle when
loading or unloading ladders.
The price of the units makes the single mechanical rack less cost
effective than the double — so only the double rack is to be
made available.
Branches and members should be aware that there will not be approval
specification change and in order to obtain the new ladder request,
requests and authority for retrospective fitting will only come if
line managers authorise.
Brian J Healy Assistant Secretary
140 Workplace Learning Representatives (WLRs)
The Union has had discussions with BT over introducing the concept of
WLR's into BT, their initial response was not rejection.
BT has already a number of good processes in place to ensure that
learning and development are embedded into business, such as
Investors in People. The Newgrid agreement also gives an indication
to the commitment with its emphasis on learning.
However, BT on further reflection believes that the company does not
wish to be complacent in this criteria. It recognises the great
emphasis that the UK Government and the CWU has placed on life long
learning. It has stated that it further recognises the very
legitimate-and welcome-interest of the Trade Union in furthering
these aims in the nation as well as in the company. It also
understands the compelling evidence of the basic skills problem in
the UK so dramatically illustrated in the Moser report which the
Union drew out its original presentation on the need for BT to create
a learning and development culture.
They have stated they believe therefore that there is the opportunity
to work in partnership, moving ahead from the excellent platform
provided by Newgrid and through other programmes such as the QMW
partnership degree. That the key area to develop is a shared approach
to the development of learning, particularly as a "cultural"
issue in encouraging people to take on the skill of learning and to
embrace new skills to equip them better for work in a fast moving
industry. They also see value in the union, through its branch
support helping people to overcome some of the barriers to learning.
These may be such issues as diversity and the reasons why capable
people who have not attained basic skills do not draw attention to
their lack of confidence or desires to overcome these barriers. The
attainment of these skills would not only improve their capability at
the BT workplace, but flow through to a more enriched and fulfilled
life in society as a whole.
The local Branch also has a key role in maintaining the impetus of
the learning culture through peer support. In particular this will be
valuable in the area of basic skills and encouragement of people to
take on new skills.
BT has stated that in any future approach or developments this will
not over-ride existing commitments to staff and the strong link
between learning and development and normal good management. In this
context the ownership by the line management of the Development
Action Plan and other learning activity must remain paramount.
Therefore they see the role of any WLR as being supportive to this
role and is very much in the remit of normal partnership approach to
managing people.
They therefore do not see any need for any formal use of allocated
facility time beyond that already agreed. The Company will discuss
with the Union further how any WLR could account for their time.
In this context they see the role of the WLR in its widest meaning as
very much one that managers will also be expected to carry on with,
as discussed with the Union, in the Learning and Development
discussions under Newgrid. They invite and would value the support of
the Union in achieving support to people in areas such as:
Supporting those who wish to improve (or attain) basic skills and
help them to achieve the best method of bridging the skills gap.
Increasing the confidence of people who may see training/development
as daunting, especially if there has been a gap of some years since
their last opportunity.
A promotional role in helping colleagues identify the best
opportunities to develop their personal skills.
Bringing to the attention of managers any perceived gaps in the
development portfolio offered either geographically of functionally
to our people.
To progress the matter further they have proposed the following:
1. To agree, within the existing facilities agreement, the role of WLRs in the BT workplace.
2. To evaluate how best to utilise existing procedures, which have
already enabled BT to attain liP, to further develop the learning and
development philosophy that lies behind the idea of WLRs.
3. To develop within the framework agreed under Newgrid the way forward for Learning & Development and how all parties optimise their contribution.
4. To determine how management roles are developed to support any
gaps identified from the above.
5. To agree clear guidance on how initiatives developed by WLRs
working in an ex-officio role-such as basic workshops-can be used
within the Learning & Development framework. To this end they
will continue its involvement with the pilot programme in the North
West and will further offer support to the programme being developed
in York with a view to establishing the best way to gain involvement
of its people who would benefit from such a scheme within the
parameters of BT policies.
The Union is prepared to explore further BT's position and how it can
be developed to meet the Union's objectives.
Brian J Healy Assistant Secretary
POSTAL
141 CHD Customer Satisfaction
The following correspondence has been received from CHD. Branches
will note that it is CHD intention to extend the Customer
Satisfaction feedback system to external customers. This process
already takes place between CHD and PON.
"Dear Tony,
CHD Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)
I thought you would want to be aware that CHD intends to gather
feedback from external CIT customers on services provided. This
feedback will be obtained nationally, and will involve all external
customers. It will be an ongoing process based on a customer
questionnaire which will ask customers to 'score' their level of
satisfaction against five questions. The five questions are currently
being finalised. The purpose of introducing a CSI for external
customers is to better inform CHD of our customer level of
satisfaction on services provided and help provide a focus for
service improvement activity. (You will no doubt be aware that there
is a CSI process already in place with CHD's largest internal
customer — Post Office Network).
Involvement of CHD's staff will be very limited. Each customer site
will be provided with a questionnaire every six months. Our preferred
option is to have the crew member hand the customer the questionnaire
whilst making a scheduled delivery/collection. Questionnaires will be
issued on a rolling basis and, in terms of CIT crew involvement, will
broadly equate to one per CIT vehicle route per week.
We hope to introduce the CSI for external customers towards the end
of April and we will seek the co-operation of our CIT staff before
introduction. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Yours sincerely
Alan Carman
Service Delivery Deputy Director"
Any enquiries should be addressed to Tony Kearns Assistant Secretary
C&CH Dept quoting ref B.427
142 Royal Mail Service Delivery Pay 2000 'Added Years' Lump Sums
A number of enquiries have been received from branches in connection
with the criteria for payment of the lump sums referred to in the
Service Delivery Pay Agreement 2000.
To clarify the position for branches: A non-pensionable lump sum
payment of £250 (pro rata to conditioned hours) is due to be
paid in April 2001 to employees who, on both 31 January 2000 and 2
April 2001, were POSSS members and held a fixed night shift job and
had a contract to purchase 'added years' on a weekly instalment basis
of at least £5. A similar payment of £100 on the same basis
to employees in the same position who held a fixed late shift job
(attracting the late shift payment) or a job consisting of a rotation
of late and night shifts only.
We have been advised by Service Delivery that calculations relating
to these lump sums are being made with a view to payment to eligible
individuals at the end of April 2001.
The payments are being made to eligible staff in compensation for an
additional increase in contribution rates in relation to the purchase
of pension plan 'added years' following pay restructuring.
Any branch comments concerning this paragraph should be addressed to John Keggie, Deputy General Secretary (Postal) quoting reference number 60000.
143 Delivery Offices - EP 95/5 day Week - A Response to Royal Mail
Further to CWU Briefing No.47, paragraph 626, published on 8th
December, 2000, a response has now been received from management to
the document entitled "A Fair Day's Work for a Fair Day's Pay".
This has led in turn to an exchange of correspondence on the whole
question of the national productivity standard being raised to 95
E.P. and related issues. An attachment to this Briefing has therefore
been prepared which includes complete details of the up to date position.
Any enquiries to Billy Hayes's Department, Ref. 150.0 1(B)
ATT: PE16
144 General Secretary's Annual Report for the Postal
Constituencies, Part 2, 2000/2001 Para 9.12 Royal Mail: Containerisation
Would Branches please note that following an appeal the Standing
Orders Committee (Postal) have agreed that the above paragraph will
be Upgraded from Category B to Category A.
Phil Duffy, Chair Standing Orders Committee (Postal)
145 TV Documentary Seeks Problem Dogs
The union has been approached by Granada TV to see if we can help
them identify problem dogs.
Emma Hawley of the documentary unit asks, "Do any of your
colleagues currently experiencing problems on their rounds with dogs?"
"We hope to start filming in a couple of weeks, so I need to
know as soon as possible whether there is someone we can interview
and film about the hazard that dogs present to staff."
If you feel you can help out, please either contact Chris Proctor in the Communications department, or go directly to
Emma Hawley
Producer/Director
Documenatries Dept
Granada TV
Manchester
Tel :0161 827 2224
Fax:	0161 827 2883
146 Election of Quadrant Area Representatives
Nominations are invited for all the Quadrant Area Representative
positions, which are as follows:
North and South Midlands
London (2 representatives)
Anglia
Southdowns
South West
East Pennines
West Pennines
Scotland and Northern Ireland
South East
Nomination forms can be obtained from the Organising Department on
request. Completed forms, signed by the Chair, Secretary and nominee
must be returned by no later than first post on Wednesday, 2nd May2001.
Any enquiries should be directed to Eric Lovett, National Organising Secretary.
HEALTH & SAFETY
147 Health and Safety Issues
Detailed below are a number of Health & Safety items addressed in
a recent letter sent out to all Area Safety Representatives in the
Post Office.
1 Cycle Safety Helmets
2.SPDO Working Party
3.Workers' Memorial Day 28 April 2001
4.Twelfth National Hazards Conf 2001:Revitalising Safety Representatives
5.South West Middlesex Branch
6.Post Office First Aiders.
All Branch Area Safety Representatives within the Post Office should have received a copy of this letter dated 21 March 2001. If you have not received a copy please can you contact the Health & Safety Department.
148 Noise Interference Reporting Process
The Noise Interference Reporting Process has now been in place for
over six months in BT.
The role of the Union Safety Representative was documented in
Paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 of the Process:
Para 2.1 Report the incident immediately to the Accident and Incident
Group irrespective of whether an injury has or has not been
sustained. The Line Manager or person in charge must ensure
completion of the BT Incident Report and the BT Incident
Investigation Report on the day of the incident. The local Union
Safety Representative should also be informed
Para 2.2 Report the incident to the CSO Help Desk/Technical Support
Group (08702 405060) to undertake an investigation and provide a
report of their findings. This assessment should cover all equipment
in use at the time. A copy of the report to be made available to the
local Union Safety Representative.
I would ask Branches and their USR's for feedback on the Process. In
particular are USR's being informed of Noise Interference/Acoustic
Shock incidents and are they receiving copies of the reports of the investigations.
I welcome all input and information from Branches and USR's on how
the Process is being used and if they feel that USR's are being
properly involved in the Noise Interference Reporting Process
Any enquiries on this matter should be referred to Kevin Shaw, Assistant Secretary quoting Ref. NS.38
149 Workers' Memorial Day 28 April 2001
Mourn the dead - fight for the living
The CWU's National Health Safety and Environment Committee calls on
members to support this years Workers' Memorial Day events.
Every 28 April, trade unions and workplace health and safety
campaigners in over 100 countries focus on the issue of workers'
health and safety. Workers' Memorial Day is the day when we 'mourn
for the dead, fight for the living', drawing attention to the plight
of the 335,000 workers worldwide who die every year as a result of
their work, but also campaigning to prevent further deaths, injuries
and diseases. For more information about global events, visit the
ICFTU health and safety website at www.icftu.org/focus.asp?Issue=ohse&Language=EN
Asbestos is the theme for 2001 Every year, asbestos kills over 4,000 people in Great Britain, and by 2020, that number may rise to 10,000! The TUC's priorities are:
a global ban on asbestos.
On Workers' Memorial Day, the TUC will launch a report detailing how many workers have died because of asbestos in England, region by region and county by county, since the last General Election. The Wales TUC, the STUC and the South East Regional TUC (SERTUC) will issue similar reports for Wales, Scotland and London. The TUC are highlighting a number of activities around Workers' Memorial Day:
the TUC is holding a national rally in Congress House on Saturday
afternoon, 28 April, with Safety Minister Michael Meacher MP Tickets
are free but must be booked in advance - call Liz Wood on 020 7467
1250 or e-mail her at Iwood@tuc.org.uk
Up to date information can be obtained at the these TUC Unks:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-2794-f0.cfm
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-2920-f0.cfm
Any enquiries on this matter should be referred to Kevin Shaw, Assistant Secretary quoting Ref. NS124