WEEKLY INFORMATION FROM THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION
Volume 7 Number 06. Paragraphs 100 - 115 15 February 2002
SUMMARY
GENERAL
100 CWU Focus Fund
(Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [1]
101 CWU Focus Fund
(Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [2]
102 CWU Focus Fund
(Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [3]
103 Union Motor Mileage
and Car Insurance
104 Local Government
Elections - May 2002
POSTAL
105 Transaction Services
Payment Problem
106 Royal Mail: Trial of
Reducing Packet Sorting
107 Dyson Call &
Collect Trial
TELECOMS
108 Planning and Delivery
- Resourcing and Early Leaver
109 Network Transport
Field Operations - Resourcing and Early Leaver
110 Safety Report on Edge
Sealant for Pole Re-instatements
111 Resourcing in Network Build
112 Managing Resource
within Network Access - Early Leaver
113 BT Fleet Strategic
Plan - Press Speculation
114 Recruitment Drive for
Pole Test Resource
HEALTH & SAFETY
115 Health & Safety
Conference Motions
LETTERS TO BRANCHES
LTB/60 Outsourcing of Rep. Care (Ian Cuthbert)
LTB/61 Customer Management Pay: October 2001 (Andy Furey)
LTB/62 Central Arbitration Committee Appointments (Billy
Hayes, G.S.)
LTB/63 Outsourcing of D&DS (Ian Cuthbert)
LTB/64 Number not used
LTB/65 RMSD Ballot Result (John Keggie, DGS{P})
LTB/66 CH&D Review of Terms and Conditions (Andy Furey)
LTB/67 CWU Rule Book: 2002 Edition (Simon Sapper)
LTB/68 Consignia Pension Scheme (John Keggie, DGS{P})
LTB/69 Project Newgrid: Hours Reduction for Job Sharers
(Jeannie Drake, DGS{T})
Back to the top
GENERAL
100 CWU Focus Fund (Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [1]
At the Induction and Counter Schools held at the Elstead Hotel, CWU
Education Centre, during the week commencing 7 to 11 January 2002,
with some assistance from the Regional Secretaries and Customer
Management Representatives, a collection of £220.00 was made for
the CWU Focus Fund. Many thanks to everybody who contributed so
generously to this worthwhile cause.
Any enquiries on the above paragraph should be addressed to Miss
Sally Bridge, Assistant Secretary, quoting Reference No.1.6.
Back to the top
101 CWU Focus Fund (Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [2]
At the Induction School held at the Elstead Hotel, CWU Education
Centre, during the week commencing 28 January to 1 February 2002, a
collection of £200.00 was made for the CWU Focus Fund. Many
thanks to everybody who contributed so generously to this worthwhile cause.
Any enquiries on the above paragraph should be addressed to Miss
Sally Bridge, Assistant Secretary, quoting Reference No.1.6.
Back to the top
102 CWU Focus Fund (Formerly CWU Blind Babies Fund) [3]
At the Induction School held at the Elstead Hotel, CWU Education
Centre, during the week commencing 4 to 8 February 2002, a collection
of £117.13 was made for the CWU Focus Fund. Many thanks to
everybody who contributed so generously to this worthwhile cause.
Any enquiries on the above paragraph should be addressed to Miss
Sally Bridge, Assistant Secretary, quoting Reference No.1.6.
Back to the top
103 Union Motor Mileage and Car Insurance
It has been necessary to tighten up on our advice to Branches on the
subject of motor mileage in view of the fact that there have been a
number of insurance cases recently which have emphasised that people
using their own cars, on anything other than an occasional basis for
Union purposes, must be in possession of the appropriate 'Business
Use' insurance. This will inevitably attract a higher insurance
premium and consequently the upper rate (currently 40 pence) of Union
motor mileage is designed to reflect this arrangement.
Those who only use their cars occasionally for Union purposes e.g.
once a month for a Branch meeting or travel to Annual Conference are
probably adequately covered with their normal domestic insurance and
consequently entitled to receive only the lower rate of 22.5 pence
under Inland Revenue rules. It is obviously the responsibility of the
appropriate Branch Officers to check the insurance cover of those who
use their cars on a regular basis on Union work, to ensure that they
have Business Use cover. Likewise where any claim is submitted at the
higher rate to Union Headquarters, we shall on the first occasion
require evidence that business cover for the car in question is in place.
Finally I would advise all Branches that the NEC at its meeting on 13
December endorsed a recommendation of the Finance &
Administration Committee that there would be change in the Union
motor mileage rate at this point in time in view of the Union's
current financial position.
Any queries on this paragraph should be addressed to the Finance Department.
Back to the top
104 Local Government Elections - May 2002
Local Government Elections will be taking place in May 2002 and
Branches are requested to provide to the Political Fund Management
Committee the names of CWU members standing as Labour Party
candidates in those Elections.
Please forward details to Ian Wingfield, Political Officer (Acting)
as soon as possible.
Back to the top
POSTAL
105 Transaction Services Payment Problem
Branches were advised by my department in a letter dated 7th February
2002 of the above problem, which is reproduced below:
"Our Ref: BM/P.PA2/02/jm
7 February, 2002
To All Postal Branch Secretaries
Dear Colleague
Transaction Services - Payroll Problems
It has been brought to my attention that Transaction Services have
had a payroll problem in the payment of wages to our members within
Logistics Solutions and Packages and Express.
It would appear that the variable pay (VPAY) payments have been made
from the calculations due to be paid in last week's wages instead of
the actual payments which were due for this week's wages.
The consequence of this is that some individuals will be paid
different levels of overtime or bonus payments than they are actually
entitled to which could cause the effect of an under or overpayment
being made. Both businesses have agreed that where a significant
underpayment has been made that an imprest payment will be allowed
for those individuals and this matter should be taken up locally as a
matter of urgency.
It will of course be my intention to raise the issue of payroll
problems once again with the businesses however it has to be
remembered that the CWU does in fact have a significant number of
members at Transaction Services who carry out this work and the issue
will have to be dealt with sensitively. I would appreciate you
relaying this information as soon as possible to our members so that
they are aware of this problem.
Yours sincerely
Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary"
Following discussions with the businesses the following letter was
sent to branches on 12th February 2002 advising them as follows:
"Our Ref: TP/P.PA2/02/lm
12th February, 2002
Postal Branch Secretaries
Dear Colleague
Transaction Services - Payroll Problems
You will recall I wrote to you last week on 7th February 2002
regarding the above subject. On pursuing this issue I have now been
advised by the business as to how Transaction Services intends to
deal with the under and over payments and is as follows:
Employees underpaid -
For employees who have been underpaid by £10 or more:
A supplementary T&S run will credit employees' bank accounts
tomorrow (Tuesday 12th February). A payslip will be produced with the
T&S run and will include a message informing the customer what
the payment relates to.
For employees who have been underpaid by less than £10:
The correction will be processed with this weeks pay.
Employees overpaid -
Repayment will be by the following method:
Overpayment of up to £20 will be recovered in one week
Overpayments between £20 - £50 will be recovered in two
equal installments
Overpayments over £50 will be recovered in four equal installments
A letter to each individual will be dispatched informing them how the
recovery will be made. These will go out early this week.
Perhaps you would be good enough to advise our members affected of
these arrangements as soon as possible so they are fully aware.
Should there be any members that have particular cases of hardship
due to this error then their case should be taken up locally where
they should be dealt with sympathetically. Anyone encountering any
difficulties regarding this issue please contact my department and I
will endeavour to assist.
Yours sincerely
Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary"
Any branch enquiries regarding this matter should be addressed to
Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary, quoting reference P.PA.2.
Back to the top
106 Royal Mail: Trial of Reducing Packet Sorting
Branches were advised of developments associated with the above
mentioned trial in BOB number 3 dated 25th January 2002, paragraph 46 referred.
Branches are advised that a meeting was held with Royal Mail on
Monday 12th February to discuss the above-mentioned trial. The
meeting was attended by myself, Tony O'Grady and Phil Waker from the
Postal Executive. The meeting concluded with Royal Mail agreeing that
a further trial should take place at the three original sites;
Edinburgh, Watford and Southampton Mail Centres. A Terms of Reference
for the trial is currently being finalised and will be published to
branches is due course.
The trial is scheduled to commence on the 25th February 2002 and will
run for a period of 4 weeks. The Area Representatives at the trial
sites will attend a meeting at CWU HQ where the details of the trial
will be explained to them prior to its commencement. They will also
be involved in the evaluation of the trial that will take place
before any agreement is given to roll out of any changes. The trial
will be overseen by Tony O'Grady and Phil Waker, and they will be
visiting each of the trial sites to view the operation in addition to
getting input from the staff involved.
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be
addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary quoting reference
L.600.38 copied as appropriate.
Back to the top
107 Dyson Call & Collect Trial
The union has been advised that a trial is being undertaken to
provided a Call & Collection service for Dyson engineers, similar
to the service provided to British Gas engineers.
The trial which involves two business units, Service Delivery and
Logistic Solutions, is being carried out in the Midlands. The
containers carrying the spare parts will be in their own sealed box
(although there may be the occasional loose item), will be
transported via the RDC Network to Mail Centres in the 1st class
network and then transferred to Delivery Offices via the normal
network. Dyson Engineers will collect the items from the Delivery
Offices and will be required to produce their ID and sign for the
item. A return system will also operate, with sealed boxes accepted
in DOs for onward transfer back to the customer's premises in
Malmesbury, Wiltshire, via the MC and RDC Network. All boxes will
have a maximum weight of 14kg, any loose items will have a maximum
weight of 11kg and they have been assessed as a one person lift.
The locations where the trial is being carried out are:
Derby Mail Centre - Hatton DO
Leicester Mail Centre - Leicester Central, Loughborough & Swan
House DOs
Nottingham Mail Centre - Clifton, Eastwood, Glaisdale Park, Mansfield
& Newark DOs
Coventry Mail Centre - Leamington Spa, Nuneaton DOs
By association the RDCs that feed the above Mail Centres will also be
included in the trial, as are the three Parcelforce Depots, the
location of which we are still awaiting confirmation. In the meantime
would Branches/Representatives at all the trial locations forward to
the appropriate department any comments they may have on the new product/operation.
Your co-operation and assistance to this request is appreciated.
All enquiries on the above paragraph should be addressed to either
Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department (Mail Centres)
quoting reference number L.840.01 or Dave Ward, Assistant Secretary
Outdoor Department, Ref 530 (Delivery Offices), Terry Pullinger,
Assistant Secretary P&E/Logistic Solutions (PDOs/RDCs).
Back to the top
TELECOMS
108 Planning and Delivery - Resourcing and Early Leaver
Management have responded to the issue of how the work will be
carried forward and executed with possible levels of reduced
staffing. They have stated that there is a level of 'optional' work
within Planning and Delivery relating to circuit and equipment
optimisation which is associated with reducing the capital
expenditure. Management will initially be reducing work in this area
but intend to recover the situation during 02/03 by changing the FTE
profile driven by the efficiency challenge.
Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
Judy Griffiths
Elected Assistant Secretary [C]
Back to the top
109 Network Transport Field Operations - Resourcing and Early Leaver
As with previous Branch Officials Bulletins, similar information has
been sought from Field Operations and I attach* for the information
of Branches, a copy of a briefing being released today. There is no
time embargo and the briefing may be released on receipt.
Further information and discussions are being sought on the
consequential impact on operations and also as to why management
believe there is a pent-up interest. The Union believes that this is
a mistaken view as the compensation arrangements are not as
attractive as VR2000, although there is recognition that it may be
attractive to some on an individual basis.
Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
Judy Griffiths
Elected Assistant Secretary [C]
Back to the top
110 Safety Report on Edge Sealant for Pole Re-instatements
In the circulation of Engineering Safety Memo 50/2001, I reported
that the Executive would seek further information regarding the
Health and Safety report, the detail of which is in the attachment of
the advance electronic distribution of this BOB.
Branches may wish to note the additional information which is not in
the main body of the report.
1.Three commercial products were considered:
Quarrypack Bitukold RS Spray
Instarmac Ultracrete SCJ
Instarmac DP027
The products approved for purchase are the Quarrypack Bitukold RS
Spray and
Instarmac Ultracrete SCJ. Instarmac's DP027 product is NOT approved
as it has constituents which invoke Risk Phrase R65 and this was not
considered acceptable.
2.The report suggests that exposure tests should be carried out. This
was discussed with OHG consultants Diamond Environmental who stated
that, with regard to the duration (<2mins) and periodicity
(<6/day) of use, there would be insufficient sample to monitor.
Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
Back to the top
111 Resourcing in Network Build
Network Build have now advised the Union of the approach that it is
taking with regard to the latest developments on resourcing. Branches
were previously advised that the resourcing activity has included
rebalancing people from Network Transport, in particular into Build
vacancies, taking people from FirstCall, moving Build people into
Network Access Poletesting vacancies, together with offering Build
people on Pay and Pension Protection the opportunity to fill a role
at their substantive NewGRID band.
Whilst this has been successful to a degree Network Build, along with
other Wholesale units, will be offering about 100 people the
opportunity to leave BT on Newstart leaver terms by 31 March 2002.
People will be allowed to leave units where the impact on quality of
service will be minimised. It is not intended to run this scheme in
Field Operations and within the Repayments organisation.
The process of inviting expressions of interest in leaving BT will be
launched on 7 February 2002 and a copy of the briefing is attached to
the electronic distribution of this BOB paragraph.
Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
Judy Griffiths
Elected Assistant Secretary [C]
Back to the top
112 Managing Resource within Network Access - Early Leaver
As with other operational units within BT Wholesale, Network Access
has advised the Union of the approach that it will be taking
regarding the application of Early Leaver.
In view of the number of individuals who left the Network Access unit
on Newstart Leaver terms in September of last year, management
envisage that the number of departures from the unit between now and
the end of March will be relatively low. They will however take the
opportunity to offer a limited number of Newstart Early Leaver terms
to those individuals who can be released without undue impact on
quality of service. Discussions will take place over the quality of
service issues and will be reported upon further if necessary.
There is one area that will be ring fenced and this is in Asset
Assurance Pole Testers. Whilst everyone within the Network Access
will be advised of the intention, interest will only be actively
sought from within the Planning North and South functions as well as
Newsites. Cases will be considered on an individual basis, based on
operational requirements.
Line managers are being issued with an information pack which details
the process for registering interest and an 'all people briefing' has
been issued throughout the unit. This is attached for the information
of Branches. Branch Officers may find the line managers information
pack of value, particularly when answering queries from members
across a range of subject areas.
Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
Judy Griffiths
Elected Assistant Secretary [C]
Back to the top
113 BT Fleet Strategic Plan - Press Speculation
This weekend has seen further press speculation about the future
direction of BT Fleet.
The purpose of this note is to set the press speculation in context
and to offer what reassurance we can to BT Fleet members.
The press speculation has seriously told us nothing new at all. All
the stories cover the same main points:
· BT Fleet partners is seeking a strategic partner.
· The partner is being sought to inject fresh capital and/or
vehicles into the operation.
· BT Fleet partners have selected Society Generale as their
financial advisors.
· An announcement is expected in around 6 weeks.
This information is entirely in keeping with what BT Fleet have been
telling us for a number of months. We know they are looking for a
financial partner and we know why. We know they have appointed
Society Generale as their financial advisors and we know they have
given a commitment to the main BT board to produce a report by the
end of the financial year - which is around 6 weeks away.
You will also recall that we have clear conference policy on this
matter - we understand that the business rationale for BT Fleet
seeking an injection of fresh capital, but our primary concern are
the terms and conditions and job security of our members.
BT Fleet partners to date have been honourable in terms of the
commitments they have given on consultation on their strategic
direction. The fact that they have not yet come to us to seek dates
for meetings to progress these discussions suggests to CWU head
office that the end of financial year timescale will be relaxed.
In any event, the commitment to the BT board was only to provide a
plan of what BT Fleet would like to do - the timetable for them
actually doing it is another matter entirely.
Any queries on this matter should be directed to my office at CWU Headquarters.
Simon Sapper
Glynis Winestein
Assistant Secretaries
Back to the top
114 Recruitment Drive for Pole Test Resource
Branches will know from previous Branch Officials Bulletins, that
Network Access had been trying to recruit additional resource for the
Pole Test function, up to the additional 119 vacancies authorised,
plus 8 vacancies, earlier this financial year. During this exercise
management have looked to resource substantive C1s from the following areas:
· Volunteers within Network Access
· Volunteers within Network Build
· Job matches from Network Transport
· Job matching against B2 individuals in Network Build who
currently hold pay and pension protection to C1.
Following the above exercises the current situation is that Network
Access has now filled 72 of the vacancies, with 55 remaining.
Management now state that they believe they have exhausted the
various routes to C1 resource from within BT Wholesale.
To enable them to manage the Pole Test programme effectively,
management state that they have considered alternative ways of
filling the remaining posts by 31 March 2002.
In view of the fact that they are no longer looking to the C1
population within BT Wholesale, they have decided to open up
opportunities, in the locations where vacancies exist, to all BT
Wholesale people below the C1 band. Management state that in view of
the current headcount challenges they are unable to extend the
opportunity beyond Wholesale, without subsequently removing
equivalent numbers from Wholesale. This is clearly not an acceptable
option from a BT Wholesale management position; quite clearly the
ritual end of year fixation with headcount is creating this problem
and consideration is being given as to how this can be addressed at
group level.
In light of the fact that they are seeking to fill significant
vacancies simultaneously, and from a diverse pool of potential
candidates, they have proposed to introduce a development programme,
rather than the more traditional interview and selection approach.
Consequently, selection for the programme alone will not guarantee
re-banding to C1. The approach they intend to take is out with the
normal procedures used to fill a vacancy. However, management state,
that with over 50 vacancies to fill, the potential for in excess of
150 individual interviews would delay further the filling of the Pole
Test vacancies. Management believes that given the number of posts,
they can deliver a bespoke programme on this occasion, which has the
advantages of delivering the right candidate and in addition giving
individuals the opportunity to see if they like the job. This will
only happen once the individuals have successfully completed the
development programme. Management propose that any individual who is
selected initially, but is unable to complete the programme
successfully will remain in Network Access, but moved to work
appropriate to their skill band. Network Access management has been
challenged on this, as it is not fair and inappropriate to have
members displaced by the fact they did not complete a development
programme successfully. Their response is awaited.
All candidates who complete the programme successfully will be
rebanded to C1 and assume the full responsibilities of a Pole Tester.
This means, in effect, that the selection criteria which is normally
applied at the point of seeking promotion, will be used, on this
occasion, when applying for the programme.
Management intend to invite individuals to apply to attend an
assessment day, which would be a half day event covering a range of
practical exercises - e.g. a short exercise to demonstrate IT
literacy and risk assessment awareness, together with an outline of
what the pole test job entails. Qualification to attend the
assessment day, will be based upon a paper sift and profiling to
ensure they meet the personal specification for the Pole Test job.
BT's normal rules concerning Equal Opportunities will apply. Once
again aspects of this approach have been challenged, as all
individuals currently can expect specific training if they are weak
in particular areas and to have that training after they have been promoted.
If the individual demonstrates the attributes being looked for during
the assessment day they will be placed on the development programme.
The duration of the development programme is dependant on possession
of overhead skills i.e. those with no skills would progress through a
6 month programme and those with overhead skills should complete the
programme at 4 months. The programme will include all the current
range of training courses required for Pole Testing, along with
buddying with an experienced person.
Management state they are currently finalising the design of both the
assessment day and the subsequent development programme, in
partnership with Firstcall. They will share the detail with the Union
once they have received the final specification, which will be
available late next week. In the mean time they are intending to
release the briefing material shortly with a view to the first
assessment day being delivered in early March. Nationally
representations are being made to ensure that this does not happen
without the concerns of the Union being enacted upon.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
Back to the top
HEALTH & SAFETY
115 Health & Safety Conference Motions
Branches are updated on progress on Conference 2001 motions relevant
to Health, Safety & Environment
General Conference
111 Conference recognises that asbestos related deaths will
soon outstrip motor accidents as a cause of premature death owing to
the indiscriminate use of asbestos in workplaces during the last
century and the subsequent exposure to unconfined fibres caused by
building alterations, repairs and other works. The usage of asbestos,
it's condition, identification, recording and control in workplaces
throughout the various businesses in which Communication Workers
Union has members, is not up to the standard required by the current
Asbestos regulations. The Communication Workers Union recognises that
all employers are legally bound by the Control of Asbestos at Work
(Amendment) Regulations of 1992 and the Control of Asbestos at Work
(Amendment) Regulations 1998, which stipulate that emphasis is placed
on assessment to exposure, exposure prevention, reduction and
control, adequate information, instruction and training for
employees, monitoring and health surveillance. The National Executive
Council is instructed to immediately enter into negotiations with
each respective business in which it has representation, to ensure
compliance with the regulations as a matter of the utmost priority,
ensuring that the following is complied with:-
1.That each building has a suitable Asbestos register, which must be
compiled by a licensed and accredited professional. A copy of the
building Asbestos register for an identified building will be
available at that building.
2.All such registers to be checked and updated, at least annually, by
the employer.
3.All identified asbestos remaining in situ, must be encapsulated to
the required legal standard.
All identified asbestos remaining in situ, must have warning notices
displayed on it. Warning notices to be checked and maintained
annually by the employer.
Composite Motion 111 was carried at the 2001 Conference instructing
the NEC to enter negotiations with Employers to ensure compliance
with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. The Motion called
for each building to have a suitable Asbestos Register, which is
available on site. That it is checked and updated annually and is
compiled by a licensed and accredited Asbestos professional. All
Asbestos remaining in situ to be encapsulated to the legal standard
with warning notices displayed. The Motion was presented to both
Consignia and BT and has been subject to ongoing discussions. The NEC
has additionally joined with the TUC and a lobby of other Trade
Unions in pressing the Government and HSE to bring forward amendments
to strengthen the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. Government
ministers have responded that the Government is moving to deal
effectively with the problems of Asbestos. Meetings have taken place
Government Health & Safety Minister Alan Whitehead and separately
with Bill McDonald HSE Head of Asbestos Policy Unit. During the last
year the HSE launched two Guidance Manuals entitled "Introduction
to Asbestos Essentials" for Managers and "Asbestos
Essentials Task Manual" for workers in the buildings maintenance
(Facilities Management) and allied trades. This was accompanied by a
training Video "How Are You Today". The Manuals are part of
a HSE campaign to highlight the dangers of Asbestos and to provide
guidance on how buildings maintenance work can be carried out safely.
These were brought to the attention of Consignia and BT. More
importantly perhaps are the planned amendments to the Control of
Asbestos at Work Regulations and Approved Code of Practice. The new
legislation would introduce a new "Duty To Manage" and
"Asbestos Register" requirement. This would place a new
duty on employers, building owners, managing agents, occupiers and
those responsible for building maintenance. The duty entails a
requirement to register the whereabouts and condition of all Asbestos
in the building and requires the passing of information on location
and condition of Asbestos-containing materials to "every person
liable to disturb it". The Legislation will also require
suitable and sufficient Risk Assessments to be undertaken. A Plan
setting out how the Asbestos is to be managed plus an implementation
plan. It is also requires that all materials will be presumed to
contain Asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not.
Not surprisingly Employers and Building owners have called for a lead
in period to enable them to come to grips with these more onerous
obligations that will be placed on them. Bearing in mind that by 2020
the number of people who will die because of Asbestos is expected to
peak at 10,000 a year, the NEC has welcomed the proposed new
Legislation and has responded to the latest Consultation Document by
calling for as short a lead in period as possible. The NEC has called
upon employers where our members work to comply with the new
requirements ahead of the amended Law's introduction date.
112 This Conference notes the TUC report entitled "Gender
Sensitive Health and Safety" which shows that Health and Safety
legislation is failing women at work, that there is a lack of
research into women at work and a neutral approach by the Health and
Safety Commission and the European Commission. Conference welcomes
the initiatives that have come out of the TUC's work on women, work
and health to redress the balance and instructs the NEC to follow
these initiatives e.g.
· Involve women's committees in the CWU Health and Safety Committees.
· Give special focus to women's health and safety.
· To establish women as a special focus in campaigns on Musculo
Skeletal disorders and violence.
· To produce guidance for safety representatives to assist in
getting women's health and safety dealt with in a better way through
risk assessments.
· New forms of work, many of which are undertaken predominantly
by women, (such as Teleworking and new time patterns) must be
assessed particularly in their impact on the balance of work and
family life.
· Further investigation into work and the menopause.
The National Health, Safety & Environment Committee continues to
raise the profile of women's health and safety issues, and as
outlined in motion 122, has established women's officers in each of
the 10 regional health & safety forums to promote women's health
and safety issues. Having produced a Men's Health Pack, the dept.
will be producing a Women's Health Pack, in consultation with the
Dept. of Health, WAC, and the newly elected women's officers. It will
be a source of information and advice on a range of issues, and is a
timely initiative, as supplies of the current women's health pack are
exhausted. The Health and Safety Department also funded this pack.
Meetings have been held at CWU HQ and it is intended to launch the
Women's Health Pack at Annual Conference 2002.
113 Conference agrees that there are rare occasions when it is
necessary to cease normal daily work activity, due to the risk of
"Serious and Imminent Danger". This may involve a partial
cessation of work or a restriction of the services normally provided
by the respective employer. This could involve small localised
situations or wider effects, depending on the nature of the risk
involved and the possibility of the risk of "Serious and
Imminent Danger" not being able to be contained. Conference
further agrees that senior accredited Safety Representatives from
each respective business should have the right to advise members to
cease working in any areas or work location where there is a self-evident
risk of "Serious and Imminent Danger". The National
Executive Council is instructed to commence negotiations with each
respective business with a view to achieving agreement along the
lines stated above before the end of 2001.
Motion 113 Carried at last years' Conference called on the NEC to
negotiate for Safety Representatives an agreement whereby they had
the right to advise members to cease work or "Stop the Job"
in situations of "Serious and Imminent Danger". Motion 113
and the whole question of "Serious and Imminent Danger"
procedures was subsequently raised with both Consignia and BT.
Although the terms of Motion 113 have been achieved in full in three
Consignia businesses, others like Royal Mail Service Delivery remain
unprepared to meet the terms of the Motion. These problems manifested
themselves during the height of the 200 Anthrax attack scares in
Consignia (The Post Office) towards the end of 2001 into early 2002.
From these incidents a test case is likely to proceed to an
Employment Tribunal later this year. In the incident concerned Royal
Mail stopped members pay after refusing to accept that the group of
Royal Mail workers concerned had removed themselves from a situation
of serious and imminent danger. Consignia corporately have however
agreed to open discussions with the Union regarding a new Serious
Incident investigation procedure. This would see Safety
Representatives having an input into new investigation panels and the
proposal is the subject of negotiation with Consignia. The outcome of
which will be reported to Branches in due course. Ultimately however,
the Union continues to call upon the Government to amend the Safety
Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations so as to establish
in Law new rights and powers for Trade Union Safety Representatives.
Among these are the right to "Stop the Job" on the basis of
their own judgement in circumstances where work is being undertaken
in unsafe or hazardous conditions and an unacceptable hazard or risk
of injury is identified. In other EU Countries such as Sweden and
Norway Safety Representatives already are empowered to take such
action. Additionally we are calling for Safety Representatives to be
empowered to issue Legally enforced Provisional Improvement Notices
"PINs" on employers who they believe are breaching Health
& Safety Legislation.
114 Accepted This Conference condemns BT's lack of commitments
to the Noise Interference Project. This Conference believes that BT
pay lip service to identifying and resolving the concerns of the CWU
and its member on this extremely serious and continued noise health
hazard. Furthermore, Conference deplores the actions and inactions of
the BT Noise Project Team in their failure to involve this Union and
its expertise in furthering the work of the project even thought the
CWU has openly offered a "working in partnership" approach
on this matter. In view of the lack of CWU involvement and
recognition that this is not solely a BT issue, Conference instructs
the incoming National Executive to:
1.Establish a cross constituency CWU Noise Interference Project
Investigation Forum as a matter of urgency.
2.The forum to consist of the CWU Assistant Secretary and lay H&S
representatives from across all constituencies that have an
understanding of the issues associated with Noise Interference.
3.The forum should initially meet on a monthly basis to establish in
full an agenda and programme of action.
4.The aim of the forum would be to investigate Noise Interference on
a cross constituency basis with a view to establishing common ground
on which to progress this important safety issue forward.
5.The forum must be pro-active in attempting to seek early resolution
of this extremely serious problem.
6.The forum will also ensure that all businesses where the CWU have
members affected or potentially affected by this hazard are invited
to fully participate in the work of the forum.
7.The forum will provide regular reports for publication in the CWU
Voice magazine and via Letters to Branches to keep branches and
members fully updated and ensuring that Noise Interference remains
high profile within the union.
Since Conference the Executive have been involved in a great deal of
work on Acoustic Shock and Noise Interference. The CWU has amended
the HSE Document HELS 94 (rev) to include a more comprehensive
paragraph on noise in call centres and has met with employers to
discuss issues. In addition to this information being publicised in
Branch Officials Bulletins it has also been made available on the
CWU's web site. A revised noise interference reporting procedure is
being discussed in BT and the HSE report into noise in call centres
has been published. A cross constituency CWU Noise Interference
Project Investigation Forum has been established and consists of the
CWU Assistant Secretary, the Telecom Health and Safety Officer and
lay representatives from each constituency.
116 Accepted This Conference instructs the incoming National
Executive Council to fully support the Worker's Memorial Day
Campaign. This campaign has two main objectives:
1.To remember those workers, and the families of those who have died
or been seriously injured or permanently disabled by accidents at
work, or work related diseases.
2.To put the safety of workers above profit. Stop all companies
compromising workers' health and improve and maintain the welfare of
all workers.
This instruction is to include full publicity in the Voice, taking
part in demonstrations, marches and memorial events and lobbying
Parliament and the Health & Safety Executive until all of the
above objectives have been achieved.
The National Health, Safety & Environment Committee has fully
supported and publicised the Worker's Memorial Day Campaign. This
year Worker's Memorial Day is on 28th April 2002 and it is proposed
to place publicity in the Voice, Branch Official Bulletins and the
CWU Web Site. There is much local action on this campaign that CWU
members take part in and members are being encouraged to support
these events.
117 Accepted This Conference instructs the incoming National
Executive Council to make available NEBOSH certificate courses for
ASRs/RSRs (Post Office) and USRs (Telecom) to be held at the union's
training centres.
It is important that progress is made on delivering integrated H&S
courses as part of the CWU education and training programme. This
should include a range of courses, including NEBOSH courses. Meetings
are being arranged with the newly elected National Organising
Secretary to progress this important issue.
Telecom Industry Conference
104c That this conference notes the failure of the Telecoms
and Financial Services Executive to find a solution to the continuing
problem of working in high risk areas. This conference instructs the
incoming T&FS Executive to meet again with BT to find a practical
and effective solution encompassing all lines of business. In the
event of a failure to reach an agreement by 1st September 2001, the
Telecoms and Financial Services Executive will undertake any action
necessary to ensure BT comply with their statutory duty.
The T&FSE Health Safety and Environment Committee has met with
the Company several times since Conference. BT reported that
technical problems were delaying the implementation of the software,
which would allow this information to be input onto CSS and Work
Manager. CWU have strongly pointed out that in addition to the
immediate risks other businesses employing field staff did not use
these systems at all. This was a long-standing problem, which was
potentially putting BT staff at risk. Paul Hancock, Wholesale Safety
Manager, has taken ownership of the issue for BT and further meetings
are planned.
105c That due to the high levels of stress in BT and
subsequent sick absence caused by unrealistic targets and pressure
from managers this conference urges the T&FS Executive to
negotiate with BT, higher awareness of the symptoms of stress so
management can be more pro active, supportive and sympathetic to our members.
The T&FSE Health Safety and Environment Committee held a further
meeting on 4th October in BT Centre with Dr Paul Litchfield who gave
a provisional report back on the Stress Pilot in BT Call Centres. BT
and the CWU are working to develop a stress risk assessment tool that
will fully meet the terms of the proposition. The Risk Assessment
Tool is currently being externally validated and results are awaited.
106c Conference notes that the proliferation of laptop PCs
throughout BT's workforce has caused problems for some CWU members,
due to the fact that portable apparatus is not covered by the DSE
regulations, and who may now need prescription spectacles. The
Executive is instructed to negotiate with the Company for the
introduction of voluntary eye tests for all laptop users, and payment
in full by BT, for any prescription spectacles that result from the
eye tests.
BT have confirmed that BT's DSE policy does cover laptops and that
laptop users would have the same entitlement to eye tests and the
provision of basic spectacles. These provisions are not confined to
people classified as DSE Users, but are available to anyone who
experiences visual problems when using DSE equipment.
107c That this Conference instructs the incoming T&FSE
that any introduction of new equipment or working practices or
training (or changes to existing equipment, working practices, to
include risk assessments, or training) including those introduced via
the Quality Audit Scheme has potential Health & Safety
implications for our members and as such should be notified to the
CWU National H&S Committee and cascaded through the appropriate
Regional Safety Committees to branches. Any trials that take place
locally must include a USR nominated by the local branch. All
relevant information & documentation must be supplied to the
local Branch before any trial can commence.
The T&FSE Health, Safety & Environment Sub-Committee have
corresponded with and met BT on this proposition BT have confirmed in
writing that it is already established BT policy to consult fully on
trials, particularly where there are health and safety implications.
109c That this Conference instructs the incoming Telecoms and
Financial Services Executive to pursue the issue of hearing tests
with the employer, as there is already an obligation on the employer
to provide free sight tests and vouchers for eyewear.
Dr Paul Litchfield, BT's Medical Advisor has informed the union that
he was currently compiling the specification from which an
independent organisation would carry out audiometry tests on a sample
of 200-300 Call Centre people. The intention was that the tests would
be carried out early in the new year. In the meantime people who
experienced Noise Interference could be referred to OHS for a hearing
test under the current procedures. The tests were cumbersome and the
equipment was limited to specialist centres so the company was
reluctant to make tests more generally available or incorporate them
into Call Centre selection procedures until further research had been
done to establish whether or not there was a problem in Call centres.
Paul Litchfield is to send a comprehensive letter to the unions
updating them on the situation.
110 That this conference notes that despite the carrying of
proposition 131/2000, a stress survey of call centre staff has yet to
be carried out in BT. Conference therefore calls on the incoming
T&FS Executive to seek a full and conclusive stress survey in
BT's call centres to be conducted by a properly qualified outside
body with the results published to branches. In the event that BT
fail to agree to conduct such a survey by September 2001, then the
CWU will commission it unilaterally.
A Stress Pilot has been undertaken in BT's Call Centres, with the
support of the BT Unions, to produce a risk assessment tool. The
results of the survey will be validated by an independent qualified
outside body and the results will be published to Branches. The
T&FSE Health Safety and Environment Committee held a further
meeting on 4th October in BT Centre with Dr Paul Litchfield who gave
a provisional report back on the Stress Pilot in BT Call Centres. BT
and the CWU are working to develop this stress risk assessment tool
that will fully meet the terms of the proposition.
111 That this conference instructs the incoming Telecoms and
Financial Services Executive to urgently negotiate with BT the
implementation of a jointly agreed 'Health and Safety
Responsibilities Under the Law' training package for managers, and
their substitutes. This training package to emphasise the Line
Manager's 'Duty of Care' responsibilities, and to specifically
include Risk Assessments; DSE; Violence at Work Procedures; and the DDA.
BT stated to the unions that the subject is comprehensively covered
in the Health and Safety Handbook and specific safety training is
available as required. The unions noted this statement and that the
precise arrangements for safety training varied from Business to
Business but was always mandatory. BT undertook to write to the
unions summarising the current situation.
112 That this conference instructs the incoming Telecoms and
Financial Services Executive to remind BT & other Telcos in which
we have members, of their legal obligation to ensure access of the
Union Safety Rep. to all areas where their members work for the
purpose of safety inspections. Also to reiterate the right of Union
Safety Reps to network, speak to members and to managers on the
members' behalf on matters of health, safety and welfare. In
furtherance of this policy, members of the T&FSE are instructed
to use every opportunity to push for the inclusion of roving union
safety reps in the new Health & Safety Regulations.
At a meeting with BT on 28th September 2001 BT stated that they are
currently reviewing their policy on USRs and will contact CWU with
their proposals from each Line of Business. Further meetings are
being arranged to progress the issues.
113 That this conference recognises the likely break-up of BT
into separate lines of business and the problems this will cause for
CWU representation at Branch level. The T&FS Executive is
instructed to secure an agreement with BT plc that effectively ring-fences
the existing health and safety representation that exists at local
level. It is imperative that the Union is able to utilize existing
expertise. The imposition of boundaries of representation based on
lines of business will result in the subsequent loss of this
experience. Furthermore, the joint safety structure should be
protected and maintained, and the Union must be allowed to utilize
our expertise on health and safety in order to protect the health,
safety and welfare of CWU members within the separate lines of business.
BT has stated to the T&FSE Health, Safety & Environment
Sub-Committee that there are no changes proposed to the joint
approach to health and safety as result of BT restructuring.
Individual businesses will concentrate on issues peculiar to them but Group-wide
issues will continue to be discussed and resolved on a Group-wide
basis. BT Lines of Business are currently reviewing their policy on
consultative arrangements and will contact CWU with their proposals.
114 That this conference instructs the incoming Telecoms and
Financial Services Executive to enter into urgent negotiations with
BT to ensure their immediate compliance with Health and Safety law,
by implementing a procedure for recording all 'near misses'. In so
doing, this will need to include a review of the current BT Incident
Reporting Procedure.
In correspondence and at a meeting with BT they stated that ISIS
SFY/LAP/A011 para. 3.3 lays a clear emphasis on individuals to report
"near misses" and the obligation on managers to investigate
and escalate them where appropriate. Where an incident has serious
safety implications further action is taken. BT's Incident Reporting
Procedure is under the day to day control of Affinitis. CWU have
raised a number of concerns with Dave Fitzgerald, Head of Employee
Relations, and he informed the unions that he is committed to
ensuring that the agreed procedures are correctly carried out.
115 That this conference is extremely concerned that, having
sold off FMS under Project Jaguar, BT are now failing to carry out
their own internal procedures regarding the Health and Safety reports
completed by Union Safety Representatives. BT will now no longer
forward information regarding the clearance of faults to USRs but
will pass this to the contractor who has no obligation to carry on
this function. Conference therefore, instructs the National Executive
Council to urgently hold talks with BT to clarify the position and
bring back this crucial procedure.
T&FSE Health, Safety & Environment Sub-Committee have held
meetings with BT on this issue. BT's Incident Reporting Procedure is
under the day to day control of Affinitis. CWU have raised a number
of concerns with Dave Fitzgerald, Head of Employee Relations. A full
presentation is due shortly to the CWU Executive on dealing with this issue.
116 Accepted That this conference notes with extreme concern
the introduction of Section 4 "Display Screen Equipment" of
BT's Health and Safety Handbook (SFY/HSH/C020). This has replaced
ISIS documents SFY/LAP/A024 and SFY/LAP/A025. The new document is not
definitive and leaves much of the DSE Regulations open to
negotiation. This document does however meet regulations, but is
minimalist. This Conference instructs the Officer concerned to
immediately negotiate the maximum advantages possible for all members.
A full review of the Health and Safety Handbook item on DSE was
undertaken involving the BT Unions. BT undertook to send proposals
arising from the policy review to the unions. BT have again been
urged to send these proposals.
117 That this conference is mindful of Prop.94 of '96,
Prop.138 '99 and Prop.127 2000, concerning the issue of electronic
monitoring and the increasing stress and illness it can cause to our
members. Whilst these props were all carried, conference is concerned
that no progress has been made with the employer. Whilst conference
is mindful that the union's Stress Working Party is dealing with the
issue of stress induced by the electronic monitoring, the demands of
these props have not been implemented. Conference insists that this
is an occupational issue and that the terms of these propositions
require direct intervention by Divisional management by removing
unrealistic targets and outlawing the use of electronic monitoring as
a punitive and oppressive tool used against our members. They further
demand the reduction of the use of this form of monitoring to the
absolute minimum. Conference therefore instructs the T&FS, in
line with the terms of the above propositions, to urgently pursue
this issue direct with Divisional management. Urgent negotiations
must take place following conference, in order to reach an agreement
on the use of electronic monitoring which ensures minimum use and
removes the ability of line management to use it in a punitive and
threatening manner. The T&FS must also report back to Branches
within three months of the progress made.
The T&FSE Health, Safety & Environment Sub-Committee, has
resolved that it will deal with the Stress items within Proposition
117, but has asked the T&FS Executive Committee to arrange for
the Operational Officers to deal with the operational issues of the
Proposition. It can be reported that the T&FSE Health, Safety
& Environment Sub-Committee has corresponded with BT on this
issue and has had two meetings, the last on 4th October 2001 with BT
to progress the proposition. Dr Paul Litchfield, BT's Medical Advisor
was at both meetings and progress on dealing with Stress in BT is
being made. A full report on these meetings and the progress with
developing a stress risk assessment tool within BT will be made
shortly. BT and the CWU are already looking at the whole question of
stress. Our intention is that once the risk assessment tool has been
validated it can be used in individual workplaces, and if it emerges
from this that electronic monitoring is a direct cause of stress the
appropriate action can be taken. In the meantime, any specific
problems related to monitoring should be taken up with operational
management at the appropriate level.
208c Accepted That this Conference instructs the incoming
Telecoms and Financial Services Executive to look at the incidence of
BT engineers falling from poles or ladders that are erected against
poles with a view to establishing whether or not these type of
accidents are increasing. If an increase is detected the Executive is
further instructed to investigate the possible causes.
This proposition was submitted to BT and has been discussed with
them. BT has now produced statistics that show no increase in these
accidents. This was discussed by the Telecoms and Financial Services
Executive Health Safety and Environment Sub Committee who have
requested a further meeting.
Any enquiries should be addressed to Kevin Shaw, Assistant Secretary,
quoting reference AC1.
Back to the top
EVENTS BULLETIN
Saturday 16th February 2002: CWU Black Workers Conference in
London. For more information contact your branch.
Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th February: 2002 Scottish Labour Party
Conference in Perth. Contact your branch for more information.
Wednesday 27th February 2002: Keyworker Conference at Church
House Conference Centre Westminster. This Conference will examine the
housing crisis for key workers in South-East England. Housing
Minister Sally Keeble and London Mayor Ken Livingstone will make
keynote speeches. For more information contact Camilla John,
Commercial Events & Conferences Department on 020 7713 4961 or
email camilla.john@guardian.co.uk
Thursday 28th February 2002: NEC Meeting at CWU HQ, London.
Thursday 28th February 2002: TUC Pre-Budget Conference at the
Millbank Media Centre, Millbank Tower, London, SW1P 4GT, 10:00-12:30.
There is no charge for attendance and you are invited to a free
buffet lunch immediately after the conference. Places are limited so
please complete and return the registration form link http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-4110-fo.cfm
contact: Sophie Bowden 020 7467 1258, Email: sbowden@tuc.org
Friday 1st to Saturday 2nd March 2002: TUC Youth Conference in
Eastbourne at the TGWU Centre. 'Reaching the Missing Millions 2001' a
report from the TUC's promoting trade unionism task group found that
young people are not joining trade unions! This conference is for
young delegates from affiliated trade unions to meet and discuss the
TUC's policies, campaigns and to shape the programme of work for the
TUC Youth Forum. If you want to attend this conference please ask
your CWU Branch. For information email ssapper@cwu.org
telephone: 020 8971 7487 Yutte Erasmus or email the TUC rjethwa@tuc.org
about conference details.
Friday 8th March 2002: Deadline for Work Life Balance
Challenge Fund Applications. The DTI has allocated funding
specifically to encourage applications from employer/union
partnerships to win funding for consultancy services on implementing
work life balance policies. It is also open to unions as employers.
Details Jo Morris Tel: 020 7467 1260 or email jmorris@tuc.org.uk
Saturday 9th March 2002: Capital Woman at the Institute of
Education, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H OAL. Hosted by Nicky Gavron,
Deputy Mayor of London and Dianne Abbot MP and Ken Livingstone, Mayor
of London. Enquires Telephone: 020 7983 4100, Minicom: 020 7983 4458,
Email: capitalwoman@london.gov.uk
Fax: 020 7983 4089.
Saturday 9th March 2002: Making Unions Matter a Unions 21
Conference at Congress House, London, WC1, 09:30 - 15:30. This
conference will examine the fundamental task of making unions matter
to their employers and the Government. Speakers include: John Monks
General Secretary TUC, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt Secretary of State,
DTI, Ed Balls, Chief Economic Advisor to HM Treasury. For more
information: Tel: 020 7278 9944, Email events@unions21.org
Website: www.unions21org.uk/eventregistration.htm
Saturday 16th March 2002: Trade Union Conference on TUC
Composite Motion 1 at the Bonnington Hotel, 92 Southampton Row,
London, WC1, 11:00-16:00. The aim of this Conference is to stimulate
debate and mobilise UK trade unions around developing a Charter of
Worker and Trade Union Rights. Speakers include Barry Cramfield
T&G and Tony Dubbins GPMU. From more information contact George
Wake. Telephone: 01268 411952 [Liaison Committee for the Defence of
Trade Unions].
Saturday 30th March 2002: Star Wars - What is it Good For?
March and rally organised by Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
Assemble 12 noon in Hyde Park and march to rally in Trafalgar Square.
For more details contact the CND office on 020 7700 2393 or visit
their website www.cnduk.org
Saturday 6th April 2002: A Rally for a Sustainable Britain
organised by Socialist Environment and Resources Association to
explore how to make sustainability a reality in Britain in Labour's
second term. Workshop topics will include, transport, energy,
international trade and recycling. For more information and booking
forms Telephone: 020 7263 7389, Email: seraoffice@aol.com
website: www.serauk.org.uk
Saturday 13th April 2002: A Labour Research Department
Conference Information and Consultation - new rights at Work at the
NAFTHE Conference Centre, Britannia Street, London, WC1, 10:30-16:30.
The LRD will present a report at this conference on the extent to
which employers currently inform and consult their employees.
Speakers include Sarah Veale TUC Senior Policy Officer on trade union
employment law and representatives from Germany and Spain. For more
information Telephone: 020 7928 3649, Email: info@Ird.org.uk