GO BACK TO BRIEFINGS INDEX

Volume 8 Issue 35. Paragraphs 493 - 512 12 September 2003
SUMMARY
GENERAL
493 Tobin Tax Day on Sunday, 2 November 2003.
494 Rules Revision Conference (I)
495 No Sweat
496 Equal Opportunities II: Bullying & Harassment
497 Royal Mail Guidance on ULRs
498 Health & Safety at Work Stage II
499 Headquarters Printing and Reprographic Services
500 Rules Revision Conference (II)
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
No items this week
HEALTH AND SAFETY
501 OHS in BT
TELECOMS
502 BT Global Services: Maximising Performance
503 Network Build - Banding of Customer Engineering
504 Accenture HR Services - Travel and Expenses Policy
505 ND&I Business Management Review
506 Telewest Vehicle Policy
507 Telewest - Box Collector's Bonus Scheme
508 HOAN - Supplementary Planning Resource
509 BT Wholesale Banding Review
FINANCIAL SERVICES
No items this week
POSTAL
510 Aviation Security X-Ray Scanning/Screening
511 Proposed Transfer of Cleaning from Romec to Quadrant
512 Rehearsal and Revised Interim Network due to Train Cessations - September 2003
LETTERS TO BRANCHES
LTB/535 Reorganisation and Structural Changes within Client Logic (Sally Bridge)
LTB/536 Age Discrimination: BT Retirement Policy (Bill McClory)
LTB/537 Network Rehearsal (Martin Collins)
LTB/538 Banking on You Campaign, Scottish Parliament Lobby (Andy Furey)
LTB/539 Portable Membership Subscriptions (Steve Baguley)
LTB/540 TDS Royal Mail Latest Unagreed Savings Target (Noel McClean)
LTB/541 Web Log (Billy Hayes, G.S.)
LTB/542 Royal Mail Pay and Major Change (Dave Ward, DGS{P} Elect)
LTB/543 Eurest Pay 2003 (Sally Bridge)
LTB/544 POL Contribution Based Incentive Scheme (Andy Furey)
LTB/545 Pay and Major Change Dispute: Intimidation of Temporary Contract Staff (Dave Ward, DGS{P} Elect)
LTB/546 A New Partnership Agreement Between Eurest and the CWU (Sally Bridge)
LTB/547 Catering Agreements in BT/Eurest (Sally Bridge)
LTB/548 Enterprise Sealed Services/Grading and Attendance Package (Ian Cuthbert)
LTB/549 Employment Tribunals Members Rights of Access (Jim Moher)
LTB/550 Fixed Term Specific Event Contract (Dave Ward, DGS{P} Elect)
LTB/551 Royal Mail Pay Ballot (Dave Ward, DGS{P} Elect)
LTB/552 Branch Analysis Assistant Secretary Postal Outdoor Election(Billy Hayes, G.S.)
LTB/553 Catering Arrangements in BT Buildings (Sally Bridge)
LTB/554 Global Marine Seafarers (Grace Mitchell)
LTB/555 All Hands to the Phone Incentive (Keith Griffiths)
LTB/556 Royal Mail Pay 2003 and Major Change (Dave Ward, DGS{P} Elect)
Back to the top
GENERAL
493
Tobin Tax Day on Sunday, 2 November 2003.
Gone are the days when we imagined we could defeat poverty by putting money in a charity box. We now know that to help the world's poor, major changes are needed to the way the world is run. Poor countries' debts have to be removed. Rules governing trade between countries have to be drastically improved. And more aid from rich governments to poorer ones is urgently required. The Tobin Tax Network is a coalition of over 50 charities, campaign agencies, faith groups and trade unions whose combined membership amount to many millions of UK citizens.
The Tobin Tax is a uniquely important initiative in this war against poverty. Named after the Nobel-prize winning economist, James Tobin, the Tobin tax is a small levy on large currency transactions. The money market where dollars, euros and pounds are traded is of such an astronomical size - valued at more than $1,200 billion a day - that even a tiny tax would raise massive revenues. This income could be spent on the world's poor, making an enormous difference to their lives. The tax would also reduce the worst excesses of currency trading, which have led to recent economic crises in several poor countries.
In the year 2000 the countries of the United Nations signed up to the Millennium Development Goals to halve world poverty by the year, 2015. Yet these goals cannot be realised unless an extra $50 billion for overseas aid is found each year. Our Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has publicly stated he is "open-minded" to new sources of financing international development, including currency transactions taxation. We need to persuade him that a Tobin tax is a viable, innovative way of raising the funds necessary to transform the lives of millions of the world's poorest people. So this Tobin Tax Day - Sunday 2 November - please play your part as we launch a nationwide petition and postcard campaign.
For more information please contact David Hillman at the Tobin Tax Network:
email: dhillman@waronwant.org tel: 020 7620 1111;
website: www.tobintax.org.uk

Back to the top

494
Rules Revision Conference (I)
The BIC has been booked for the days of Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2004. Below is the timetable for the conference.
Friday 20th February 2004
09.00 Conference opens
12.45 Conference adjourns
14.00 Conference re-opens
17.45 Conference adjourns
Saturday 21st February 2004
09.00 Conference opens
12.45 Conference adjourns
14.00 Conference re-opens
17.45 Conference adjourns
Sunday 22nd February 2004
09.00 Conference opens
13.00 Close of conference
As conference is closing at lunch time there will be no subsistence paid to delegates out of the general fund for overnight accommodation on Sunday 22nd February without prior permission from the Finance department.
Any queries please contact either the General Secretary's department or Finance department.

Back to the top
495
No Sweat
The CWU has recently taken the decision to affiliate nationally to an organisation called "No Sweat". No Sweat is an international campaigning organisation that aims primarily to campaign to put an end to sweatshop labour throughout the world. It does this by direct action such as organising pickets of some of the major companies, e.g. Nike, Gap.
Additionally, it campaigns with Trade Unions (The Knitwear Footwear and Apparel Trades) in this country to tackle issues such as low wages and health and safety issues in clothing factories within the UK. Its wider aim is to make all companies found to be using child labour to be made to fund work-learn schemes and provide educational facilities for the children they exploit. Basically, the organisation campaigns for an end to exploitation and sweatshops across the world.
Attached to this BOB is a leaflet identifying the aims and aspirations of No Sweat and also a model resolution downloaded from the organisation's website.
At national level we will be exploring through future documentation how we can become more involved in the campaigning work of the organisation. However, it is hoped that Branches will also consider affiliating to this organisation. For further information their email address is admin@nosweat.org.uk or you can visit their website on www.nosweat.org.uk
Any enquiries on this paragraph should be addressed to the General Secretary's Department quoting the reference GS 15.23
www.nosweat.org.uk

Back to the top
496
Equal Opportunities II: Bullying & Harassment
The Communication Workers Union has organised an Equal Opportunities II: Bullying & Harassment Course, to be held at the union's Education & Training Centre at Alvescot Lodge.
The course will be held from 20 - 24 October 2003.
This course is targeted in the first instance, at Branch Officers and Senior Reps, who feel they need training in bullying and harassment issues. Priority will also be given to Branch Equality Officers.
We particularly encourage branches to nominate women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and young members who are often under-represented on the CWU Education and Training Programme.
The objective of the course is to equip Senior Reps, Branch Officers and Equality Officers with a thorough grounding in handling Bullying and Harassment at work.
Bullying and harassment at the work place has been on the increase in recent years. Almost every senior union rep will have to deal with this issue at sometime during the course of their union duties. As we move into the new millennium, almost everyone would agree that there is no place in the work environment for Harassment, Bullying and Intimidating behaviour. These are all forms of behaviour which are discriminatory and have a negative impact on individuals and organisations.
Prejudice and power are the roots from which these behaviours arise. There is a growing requirement for trade union reps to comprehend and understand the nature of Harassment, Bullying and Violence in order to eradicate these behaviours and their damaging effects at the work place.
This important course will cover the following issues:

Areas that will be covered with particular reference to Harassment are:

All courses at Alvescot are residential. The cost of tuition, food and accommodation will be met from the General Fund. Branches requiring financial assistance from the General Fund to enable them to send students to the course, must submit the request with the nomination, to enable the Trustees to consider the request in time.
The Education Centre can offer child-minding facilities for a maximum of three under school age children at any one time. If any applicant from your branch would like child-minding facilities, can you please advise the age and sex of the child on the application form. Further information on the child-minding arrangements will then be sent to successful applicants.
Application forms should be addressed to: Trish Lavelle, Head of Education & Training, CWU Education & Training Centre, Alvescot Lodge, Alvescot, Bampton, Oxon OX18 2PY. Telephone: 01993 843373 Fax: 01993 840960; email: mtodd@cwu.org

Back to the top
497
Royal Mail Guidance on ULRs
Further to LTB 395/2003 regarding Union Learning Representatives Rights, we would draw your attention to the following.
It has come to our attention that Royal Mail has issued guidance on Union Learning Representatives to their managers. This guidance has led to attempts by management to set limits on the number of ULRs in offices/areas of the business.
We would make it clear that this guidance is solely the property of Royal Mail and in no way constitutes an agreement between the CWU and Royal Mail - at the time of writing this LTB we are still awaiting a response from Royal Mail regarding negotiating such an agreement. Accordingly, the statutory entitlements that came into effect on April 27th 2003 are the only guidelines that apply at present and any attempt by Royal Mail to prevent or obstruct our appointed ULRs from undertaking ULR training, or carrying out their role and function as an accredited CWU ULR will be challenged. This includes any refusal to accept the accreditation of a CWU appointed ULR.
Please inform my Policy Assistant, Patrick Styles of any problems encountered relating to release for ULRs. He can be contacted on 020 8971 7441, or by email at pstyles@cwu.org or by post at HQ.
Trish Lavelle,
Head of Education and Training

Back to the top
498
Health & Safety at Work Stage II
A Health and Safety at Work Course Stage II has been organised to be held at the Elstead Hotel, Bournemouth. This course is accredited with the National Open College Network. This is a fully integrated course.
The course will be held from 13 - 17 October 2003.
Please submit application forms ASAP.
Applicants for this course will have already attended the Union's Health & Safety Stage I course.
We particularly encourage branches to nominate women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and young members who are often under-represented on the CWU Education and Training Programme.
All courses at the Elstead are residential. The cost of tuition, food and accommodation will be met from the General Fund. Ex-NCU Branches are expected to meet the cost of travelling and subsistence payments. Branches requiring financial assistance from the General Fund to enable them to send students to the course must submit the request with the nomination, to enable the Trustees to consider the request in time. Special leave with pay will apply.
Nominations should be made on an 'application for Union courses' form and returned to Alvescot Lodge by the closing date shown. If a member is refused a place, due to oversubscription, then indicate this on a subsequent application for another date.
Application forms should be addressed to: Trish Lavelle, Head of Education & Training, CWU Education & Training Centre, Alvescot Lodge, Alvescot, Bampton, Oxon OX18 2PY. Telephone: 01993 843373; Fax: 01993 840960; email: mtodd@cwu.org

Back to the top
499
Headquarters Printing and Reprographic Services
Branches and Representatives will wish to know that CWU Headquarters have recently acquired new reprographics equipment. The purpose of broadcasting this information is to inform you that we are now able to offer a print service to branches that we believe will be within a price range that you will find competitive. Amongst the services we can provide are colour or black & white posters, leaflets, booklets etc. It is not possible to produce a price list as prices will vary dependent on each individual job based on quantity, timescale, delivery requirements etc. If you would like more information about this service or wish to receive a quote for a particular piece of work then please ring or email Jacquie Winter, Acting Head of Post & Reprographics. 020 8971 7218
jwinter@cwu.org.

Back to the top
500
Rules Revision Conference 2004 (II)
Branches will wish to note the following revised Standing Orders Committee preparatory timetable for the above conference as follows:
Despatch of Motion Forms - Week ending 7 November 2003.
Closing Date for receipt of Motions - 24 December 2003.
Closing Date for Appeals/Reference backs - 11 February 2004.
Any queries on this paragraph should be addressed to Carmel McCudden at CWU Headquarters or email conference@cwu.org
Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary

Back to the top
HEALTH AND SAFETY
501
OHS in BT
Branches are advised that Bob No.27 paragraph 387 is being re-issued. The reason for this is that replies sent electronically were lost when our server was upgraded at CWU Headquarters. Please can I therefore ask people to re-send these as the meeting has now been re-scheduled. (Please see below paragraph 387).
The Health Safety and Environment Department is continuing to receive complaints from Branches over the way members are dealt with when referred to BT's OHS.
The Department is compiling information on the problems our members face and the issue is to be discussed in the near future when the BT Unions meet with BT.
I would ask Branches, as a matter of urgency, to please send direct to Steve Mann, Telecom Health and Safety Officer, smann@cwu.org any experiences of members who have dealt with BT's OHS and BMI.
Any enquiries on this briefing should be addressed to Dave Joyce, Assistant Secretary quoting reference NS140.

Back to the top
TELECOMS
502
BT Global Services: Maximising Performance
CWU Head Office has become aware that members in Global Services have been distributed with a fairly glossy looking booklet entitled "Maximising Performance". The subtitle is "A Simple and Complete Framework for Business Success".
This document has caused no small amount of confusion because it refers to changes in the way individuals are rewarded with a particular emphasis on bonus schemes.
CWU first became aware of this initiative at a meeting of the BT European Consultative Committee on 19 August and promptly asked for copies of the material to be forwarded to us in order that we could, in turn, brief local representatives. Clearly and unfortunately this did not happen.
However, we can confirm that there will be no changes to remuneration or reward for NewGrid represented grades as a result of the Maximising Performance initiative.
Indeed, there are some in Global Services who feel that NewGrid grades would be totally unaffected, but as the whole point of "Maximising Performance" is to improve the quality of person-management, we hope and expect that NewGrid grades will notice a change for the better in that regard.
Any queries on this paragraph should be directed to my office at CWU Headquarters.
Simon Sapper, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
503
Network Build - Banding of Customer Engineering
The BT Wholesale Executive team has been in discussions for nearly two years with regard to the banding of what is currently known as the Customer Engineering Solutions Team. This operational team began life as a temporary one and within an experimental unit whose objective was to win and manage orders which was external revenue creating for Network Build, as well as project management and delivery of the larger internal orders for operational customers within BT Wholesale.
Assessment of the function by the BT Wholesale Executive team indicated that the function should be that of a D1 and not C3, however given the temporary nature of the role at that time, management were opposed to the creation of substantive D1s. The BT Wholesale Executive team is pleased to report that management nationally agreed to the permanent creation of D1 posts (approximately 20 nationally) and further discussions will take place shortly to resolve how these posts are resourced.
Attached for the information of Branches is a copy of the associated Job Description which complies with the policy of Proposition 37 passed at Annual Conference 2002.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
504
Accenture HR Services - Travel and Expenses Policy
Accenture HR Services have released the attached policy document via its intranet. The policy has not been subject to prior consultation with the Union and arrangements have been made to discuss this further with the company.
Branches wishing to comment upon the policy should do so as soon as possible.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
505
ND&I Business Management Review
The Union has been notified that Senior Management have asked for business planning processes to be reviewed, to find efficiencies that improve the effectiveness of delivery to the end customer.
The objective of the work is to deliver a set of recommendations and improvement project definitions to maximise the effectiveness of ND&I through excellent business management. These recommendations are expected to include a review of end-to-end processes, end-to-end ownership, effective co-ordination and team working, and finally, the value add of business management.
As this is at the business planning end of ND&I functions, no major impact is foreseen for CWU members, at least not at this early stage of this initiative.
Yours sincerely
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
506
Telewest Vehicle Policy
Telewest has recently launched a consultation exercise with regard to its current thinking on arrangements to apply on the use of and purchase of vehicles for business use.
Members in the CWU/Telewest Bargaining Unit are not affected by the suggested changes, although a number of members who are not Broadband Engineers are affected. The proposed changes may financially impact on some members severely and as a consequence Telewest has stated it is prepared to listen to what the CWU has to say on the matter. It has further responded most positively in that it would be its objective to respond sympathetically to cases where there may be financial difficulties. This will be reported upon further in due course.
Yours sincerely
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
507
Telewest - Box Collector's Bonus Scheme
A request has been made to Telewest to discuss issues arising out of proposed changes to the Box Collector's Bonus Scheme, even though the function is outside of the Bargaining Unit.
The Company has responded positively and has agreed to discuss this with the Union; arrangements are in hand to set up a meeting with the company which will be reported upon in due course.
Yours sincerely
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
508
HOAN - Supplementary Planning Resource
As previously reported to Branches, it has been the stated intent to find supplementary resource for back fill activity in the planning function.
Network Operations are providing C3 resource in 3 sites, Liverpool (9), Sheffield (3 moving to 8) and Worthing (8).
The work in question relates to A1024 open joints for which on the job training has been given. The work is envisaged will last to the end of the year, by then the work will be automated.
Yours sincerely
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary

Back to the top
509
BT Wholesale Banding Review
Please see attached.
Brian Healy

Back to the top
POSTAL
510
Aviation Security X-Ray Scanning/Screening
Branches were advised of developments associated with the above subject in BOB 28 dated 25th July 2003, para 409 refers.
I can now report that further discussions have taken place with Royal Mail on the 26th August 2003. Phil Browne and Jane Loftus attended on behalf of the CWU Headquarters and following this meeting an exchange of correspondence took place.
I have reproduced below a letter sent to RMUK, which details the CWU's position on the issue, the content of which is self-explanatory.
Dear Mr Kier
Mail Scanning Equipment.
Thank you for your letter dated 27th August 2003 in respect of the above.
There are some slight omissions however in your letter that need to be added to reflect our discussions, even though I accept that your letter was only a brief summary. I have therefore made the necessary amendments for your consideration.
Terms of Reference for the Implementation of Scanning Equipment within Mail Centres.
Due to current legislation, RMUK must comply with the introduction of scanning equipment. RMUK and the CWU have been working together to ensure that the introduction of this equipment is in accordance with the Department for Transport (DfT) timescales and guidelines.
Staffing Implications.
Each scanning machine will consist of one OPG and two mail screeners. The duty is a core duty and as such will be resourced in the normal way under the Way Forward Agreement.
The OPG will be responsible for loading mails at the front of the machine, with the two mail screeners being responsible for scanning the items and unloading the mails. The two mail screeners shall alternate between screening and offloading the mail.
The reason for this rotation is to allow screeners breaks from the X-ray equipment in line with DfT recommendations.
OPGs will not be required to provide coverage for the ML5s for meal reliefs etc. However, the duty holder may volunteer to act as a reserve for the ML5 and cover during periods of annual leave/sick absence for which they will receive the normal appropriate substitution/remuneration arrangements.
OPG's who volunteer to provide for coverage, as screeners (as mentioned above) will be required to achieve the DfT standards for screeners, this included passing spatial awareness and colour blindness tests. Screeners will also have their backgrounds checked for security purposes because this is required under the DfT regulations relating to counter-terrorism.
Ideally those OPG's duties loading the machine would act as mail screener reserves however this is not a pre-requisite. In the event of an OPG being unable to cover according to DfT specifications, the individual will still be able to perform the OPG loading task.
Where OPG loaders do not wish to, or cannot operate as a reserve screener then the reserves will be sought from other suitable OPGs.
Mail Centre employees.
Where the requirement for attendance may be less than full time hours and/or recruitment is difficult, attendance may be built into existing or new full time duties. Other effective ways of ensuring the correct resource is available may be introduced such as scheduled attendances.
Employees who will be performing this work will be required to attend a four hour security awareness training session. These sessions will be set up locally.
CWU Involvement.
RMUK and local CWU should commence negotiations in order to provide coverage for the resources that are required. RMUK will provide all necessary information to assist in the smooth transition for the introduction and staffing of the equipment.
Due to the legislation and the DfT timescales/guidelines, any disagreements should be dealt with in line with the IR Framework. CWU HQs should also be advised immediately of any disagreements.
Health and Safety.
Risk assessments will be undertaken at all sites due to receive the Mail Screening Equipment to ensure safe working practices are in place, including lifting and handling training for all employees employed on this work who have not undertaken such training.
I would appreciate your early confirmation that the above amendments to the document are acceptable because as I advised you earlier I need to communicate these details to branches as soon as possible. It would also be appreciated if your future correspondence is sent direct to Martin Collins (and copied to myself) as he has now returned from annual leave.
Yours sincerely
Phil Browne, A/Assistant Secretary
Royal Mail have now confirmed that the content of this letter accurately reflects the discussions that took place and the agreement we reached. In addition to the above they have confirmed there will be no adverse effect on ICS/PBS payments due to the additional staffing. Representatives who receive proposals to introduce Aviation Security X-Ray Scanning/Screening Equipment into their office should use the content of the above letter as guidance in their negotiations. Any issues which arise that have not been clarified by the agreement should be brought to the immediate attention of the Indoor Department.
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.100.10.

Back to the top
511
Proposed Transfer of Cleaning from Romec to Quadrant
As reported previously, Royal Mail wish to transfer the work of cleaning in restaurant associated areas from Romec to Quadrant.
At a meeting held on 13th August with representatives of Property Holdings and Romec, Noel McClean (on behalf of Postal Outdoor) and Martin Akerman (on behalf of Terry Pullinger), discussed the project.
A list of cleaners was presented which indicated that 17 individuals have more than 50% of their time spent on this work and in management's view they should be transferred to Quadrant under TUPE. There are a further 30 who have between 30% and 50% in this category, who they think might be considered for TUPE, even though it was not legally required. A further 229 had amounts up to 30%, which management want to deal with through a buy down of hours.
Our negotiators responded by stressing that the Union regarded the whole concept with concern and great reservations, however, as a minimum we required to know how Quadrant would deal with the remainder of the contracted hours. The onus was therefore on Quadrant to produce proposals which would be considered by Terry Pullinger's department. Management's representatives agreed to discuss this with Quadrant and no further steps will be taken until this point is cleared up.
Any enquiries to Bob Gibson, Postal Outdoor Department, reference 110.01, or Terry Pullinger, Parcels, Logistics and Quadrant Department, reference 320.

Back to the top
512
Rehearsal and Revised Interim Network due to Train Cessations - September 2003
Reproduced below for the information of branches/representatives is LTB 537/03 dated 4th September 2003 in respect of the above. The two agreements in respect of RMUK members attached to the original LTB are also reproduced below, the other information contained within the LTB, which includes the operational services and the agreement regarding Logistics members are published as an attachment to this BOB.
Branches will be aware that there are a number of train cessations due to effect on the 15th September 2003. In preparation for this the Business have proposed a rehearsal for one day only on the 8th September 2003 to establish the arrangements required to transport this traffic from Mail Centres from the 15th September 2003.
A meeting was held with the Business on the 3rd September 2003 to clarify the affect on RMUK members for the 8th September and the interim arrangements to be put in place from the 15th September until a final agreement has been reached on the Transport Review.
The details of the agreements reached and the Logistics road services proposed for the 8th September are attached to this letter for your information. RMUK representatives should now enter into discussions to confirm the arrangements locally and ensure the terms of the agreements are being adhered to.
Separate discussions will also be taking place in parallel with representatives in respect of Logistics members in line with the agreement circulated by Terry Pullinger Assistant Secretary on the 3rd September 2003 (copy attached). We trust representatives will liaise together to ensure all parties find the local arrangements acceptable before agreement is given.
In the event that agreements cannot be reached please contact the relevant department as a matter of urgency.
Yours sincerely
Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary
Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary
Second Class Network Rehearsal/Imminent Train Cessations
Due to the train cessations which take effect on the 15th of September 2003 it is proposed by the Business that a rehearsal should take place on the 8th of September 2003 of the road services that will be required to carry this traffic.
The intention will be that Logistics will provide a road service from all Mail Centres affected by the cessations of the trains on the 15th (with the exception of Scotland and Northern Ireland) to the new National Distribution Centre at Daventry.
The following points have been agreed between Royal Mail UK and the Communication Workers Union in respect of this rehearsal.

Royal Mail UK

Back to the top