Volume 9 Issue 10 Paragraphs 135-161. 12 March 2004

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WEEKLY INFORMATION FROM THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION
SUMMARY

Attachments or LTB's can be emailed or downloaded from the National Site


SUMMARY
GENERAL
135 Meetings with CWU Supported MPs
136 CWU Annual Conference Dates & Venues 2004 - 2006
137 CWU 10th Anniversary Conference 13 - 18 June 2004; Conference Guide
138 Love Music Hate Racism
139 Legal Services Department - CWU Helpline - Personal Injury Claims
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
No items this week
HEALTH AND SAFETY
140 New Royal Mail TV Advert
TELECOMS
141 BT Exact Data Centre Hardware Media Review
142 Use of Contractors for Rigging/Supervision Works
143 BT Disciplinary Procedure: Audio Taping of Formal Disciplinary Hearings
144 Monteray Pay Claims 2004
145 TFS - Change of Officerial Responsibilities
146 Cable & Wireless Redundancy Terms
147 BT Exact - Newstart New Leaver Terms
148 Network Operations - Capital Work Team
149 BT Exact - Desktop Support
150 Project Goodwood
151 Network Build Transformation - Update
152 Contract Management and Street Works Consultancy People Move to Network Build
153 HOAN Project - Use of Contractors
154 Telewest - Sick Absence Policy and Sick Absence Review
155 Network Build - Back Office Selection Process
FINANCIAL SERVICES
No items this week
POSTAL
156 POL 'Banking on You' Campaign
157 Transport Review Changes to NDN Phasing Plan
158 Interim Productivity Scheme in Mail Centres/Distribution Units - Staff Hour Costs
159 Interim Productivity Scheme - Progress Report Week 47
160 Individual Performance Standards - Branch Ballot
161 Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre International
LETTERS TO BRANCHES
85 03.03.04 Sales and Customer Services - Work Skills Assessment National Agreement - Andy Furey
86 03.03.04 Agency Briefing - 31/03/04 - Sally Bridge
87 04.03.04 Residential Education Project Working Group Report - Trish Lavelle
88 05.03.04 CWU Delegations - GS
89 08.03.04 BT Service 45 Day' Notice on Monterey Contract - Simon Sapper
90 08.03.04 Satellite sights CCC programme - Sally Bridge
91 09.03.04 BT Strategic Partnership with Hewlett Packard - Billy McClory
92 09.03.04 Unofficial Industrial Action - Birmingham Mail Centre - GS
93 10.03.04 BT London Weighting - Grace Mitchell
94 10.03.04 National agreement - Easter Good Friday 2004 - Martin Collins
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GENERAL
135
Meetings with CWU Supported MPs
BOB paragraph 558, 10 October 2003, reported that regular liaison meetings with the CWU Group of MPs had been established and gave details of dates and attendees up to March 2004. The meetings from April to July 2004 have now been arranged and for your information I list below the dates of the meetings and those nominated to attend.
16 March
South East Regional Secretary/Political Secretary
Steve Fishwick, Manny Blake, Jimmy Reid
20 April
South West Regional Secretary/Political Secretary
Sharon Hogarth, Andy Kerr,
Jimmy Reid
18 May
North West Regional Secretary/Political Secretary
John Holmes, Chris Murphy, Graham Colk
15 June
Scotland Regional Secretary/Political Secretary
NEC members tbc
20 July
Northern Ireland Regional Secretary
NEC members tbc.
Billy Hayes, General Secretary
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136
CWU Annual Conference Dates & Venues 2004 - 2006
Conference 2004
As previously advised the Rules & Annual Conference this year will be held at Bournemouth from 13 - 18 June 2004.
Conference 2005
We have received correspondence from the Bournemouth International Centre advising us of a proposed BIC redevelopment scheme. The work on the first phase commences in July 2004, the second will commence in November 2004 and the target date for completion is October 2005. On this basis BIC tell us it will be impossible to host our conference in June 2005.
Given the current size of our conference and the requirements for halls to accommodate all the industry/constituency conferences our options for alternative venues are very limited. The Winter Gardens at Blackpool has only one week available during the whole of May and June, that date is 12 to 17 June 2005.
The NEC has therefore agreed to this date & venue for 2005, which has been booked.
Conference 2006
We have a confirmed booking at Bournemouth for 21 to 26 May 2006 when we will hopefully see the benefit of the refurbishment which includes the addition of a fourth hall which will reduce the need to hire extra hotel accommodation for the sectional conferences.
Any enquiries concerning this paragraph should be directed in the first instance to Peter Dodd on 020 8971 7331
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137
CWU 10th Anniversary Conference 13 - 18 June 2004; Conference Guide
The Union will this year be publishing a special Conference Guide to mark the occasion of the 10th anniversary conference of the CWU.
Fraternal Greetings
We are once again inviting Branches and Regions to insert fraternal greetings adverts in the Conference Guide. For full details contact Pete Dodd on 020 8971 7331.
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138
Love Music Hate Racism
In line with national TUC policy on Anti-Racism, the Merseyside Coalition Against Racism and Fascism have booked the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool to stage a music event entitled "Love Music Hate Racism" which will take place on Thursday 15th April 2004 from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 pm.
Tickets for the event will be £5 and it is hoped that Branches will purchase tickets to distribute to their members. Anyone wishing to obtain tickets should contact Alec McFadden at the Merseyside Coalition Against Racism and Fascism on 0151 728 2200, email dbernard@tgwu.org.uk
Any enquiries on this paragraph should be addressed to the General Secretary's Department quoting the reference GS 15.3
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139
Legal Services Department - CWU Helpline - Personal Injury Claims
Branches will be aware that publicity was given in the March 2004 issue of the Voice, detailing the use of the CWU Helpline, in order to capture any potential personal injury claims that had not been reported to this Headquarters, via the normal channel, i.e. the Local Branch Secretary.
The article was in response to a fall in the number of new claims received at Headquarters during the past 12 months and it was feared that some of our members were going to outside firms of solicitors, as a result of the massive media advertising campaign offering personal injury services on a no win no fee basis.
I can report to Branches that the initial response from the article has been good and we have put a process in place, whereby, members contacting the Helpline with a potential personal injury claim will have their details passed on to Union Headquarters, who in turn will send a LS3 claims form direct to their home address. The member has been requested to complete the form and return to this Headquarters for processing. It will be at this stage that Headquarters will notify the local Branch of our involvement in the claim and all future correspondence will go via the Branch, in the normal way.
I do of course recognise this is a break from our normal means of communication. However, this will only apply in circumstances where potential personal injury claims are raised via the CWU Helpline.
Branches should note that members can still use the CWU Helpline for free legal advice on non-work related issues. The free phone Helpline number is 0800 804 6674.
Any enquiries regarding the above subject should be made to Tony Rupa, Legal Services Department at CWU Headquarters.
Tony Rupa, Legal Services Officer
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
140
New Royal Mail TV Advert
Branches may be aware of the new Royal Mail TV Advert which was screened on Monday night, 1 March. The Health, Safety & Environment Department was concerned about what the advert portrays in relation to the postman making a delivery whilst surrounded by a number of barking dogs. As a result I have written to Allan Leighton, Chairman, Royal Mail asking him to consider discontinuing this advert. The letter is reproduced below.
"Dear Allan
I happened to see the new Royal Mail TV Advert, screened on Monday night 1 March and was frankly appalled by the content which can only be described as demeaning to Delivery Postmen and Women.
The TV Advert shows a Postman up to his knees in water but worst of all making a delivery whilst surrounded by a number of barking dogs as he steps into their midst. Dog attacks on UK Postal Workers are a serious problem for our members and getting such matters taken seriously can be difficult. Some years ago CWU campaigned for a dog registration scheme as some protection for our members against dog attacks.
Too often, especially in the press, dog attacks are portrayed as some sort of joke. It now appears that Royal Mail itself is portraying the issue as a joke.
Our Legal Department deals with thousands of cases of dog attacks each year and it is very difficult to prosecute the owners of dangerous dogs. In many cases it is only possible when the dog in question is involved in more than one attack. If you had seen delivery workers mutilated by dogs or delivery workers whose mental health has been destroyed by traumatic incidents you would never see it as a joke and would not have endorsed this latest TV advert. For example, Barnsley Postman Noel Harrison needed 56 stitches to his face following a dog attack and more than 5000 of our members, your employees are bitten every year.
The sums of money being spent on these appalling TV adverts, which I assume is the best part of £100K, is an insult in these troubled financial times. Hardly a "Great Place To Work"!
I find it hard to believe Allan that your advertising people didn't bother to check with your people in Corporate Social Responsibility and Safety about the content of this TV advert prior to it going out at peak viewing times.
I hope therefore, that on reflection, you very promptly discontinue this particular TV advert and give more careful consideration to future adverts."
Any enquiries should be addressed to Dave Joyce, National Health, Safety & Environment Officer quoting reference No.P18
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TELECOMS
141
BT Exact Data Centre Hardware Media Review
Union Head Office has been informed of an initiative that has commenced which is looking at ways to refresh technology in Computing Media Hardware estate across all Data Centres.
Following the outcome of the Reigate feasibility study, which has enabled movement of mainframe CPUs and DASD into a Comms Room freeing space for the NHS London Local Service Provider (LSP) and other potential customers, it became very evident to operational management the need to extend the project to include other solutions which would offer as much contiguous first class air conditioned space as possible for future workloads.
The existing media hardware around the Data Centre estate accounts for a very significant amount of floor space and most of the technology is pre-year 2000 (not Strowger) and in some cases hardware in excess of ten years old!
At this point in time IBM and STK have been approached and are responding to a Request For Information (RFI) to scope possible solutions. Management are looking at how they can manage media hardware more efficiently within BT Exact Data Centre Services and yet offer seamless changes to existing customers and cater for the anticipated growth in overall customer base.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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142
Use of Contractors for Rigging/Supervision Works
The following is a summary of works for the period October 2003 to February 2004. This is continuing the commitment as reported in Branch Officials Bulletin No.41, paragraph 610 (2003), to provide tracking information. For this period most of the use of the contract has been associated with a Telereal project to refurbish the exterior of the radio tower in Birmingham. This also includes an item listed as "other" which was for specialist rope access to the outside of the tower, something our riggers are not equipped to carry out.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
Attachment
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143
BT Disciplinary Procedure: Audio Taping of Formal Disciplinary Hearings
TIC Conference 2000 accepted Proposition 140 which contained, among other things, the instruction to the Executive to ensure that disciplinary interviews are taped.
After a disjointed series of negotiations, and following a trial in the Midlands, the Executive is pleased to have been able to signal its agreement to a proposal to enact this from BT. The procedure to be used is outlined in the attached documents which have been produced by Accenture HR Services.
BT's proposals have been accepted with a caveat that they are reviewed in January 2005.
Branches who believe that the way in which this procedure is implemented causes undue stress or concern to individuals or representatives are asked to escalate such matters to my office for attention.
Any queries on this paragraph should be addressed to my office at CWU Headquarters.
Simon Sapper, Assistant Secretary
 - Attachment 1

 - Attachment 2
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144
Monteray Pay Claims 2004
The T&FS Executive has today (02.03.04) endorsed claims of between 4% and 5% for the four companies that make up the Monteray Consortium - Haden, Mitie, Reliance and Carillion.
Formal Recognition Agreement only exists for our members in Carillion so a claim has been made to the companies concerned. Where we do not have recognition but significant membership interests, we have made a pay submission.
The details are as follows:
General Background Information
Inflation - estimates for 01.04.04: 2.8%
Wages - increase in service sector
for last 3 months: 3.2%
Engineering Employer's Federation
- average settlement for last 3 months: 2.3%
Company Performance
No figures are available for any part of the Monteray organisation. It is not a publicly listed enterprise. Information relates to parent companies.
Monteray Wales and West
Haden Building Management is part of Balfour Beatty Plc, but their financial performance is not provided separately.
Interim results for the half-year to June 2003 (the latest available) for Balfour Beatty show an increase in pre-tax profits of 6% and an increase in the interim dividend paid of 11%.
This suggests a claim in excess of inflation and current average settlements.
We have made a submission for an increase of 5% on pay and associated allowances.
Monteray South East
Carillion Plc's interim statement for the six months ended 30 June 2003 contained the expectation that "the Group (will) deliver full year profit&ldots; of not less than that achieved in 2002."
Additionally, significant restructuring of the company is currently in progress, with some CWU represented members at risk of redundancy. Earnings per share and dividend are static.
We have therefore tabled a claim of 4%. We propose to table a separate claim for a realistic level of London Weighting.
Monteray Central
Reliance Security Group Plc's interim results for the six months to 31 October 2003 show an impressive improvement in performance.
Profit before tax increased 15.6%, and dividend per share rose by 10.1%. Despite compulsory redundancies in Monteray Central in the autumn, new recruitment is now taking place.
We have made a submission for an increase of 5% on pay and related allowances.
Monteray North and Monteray Enabling Organisation
See comments on Monteray South East above.
However, there is no scope for a regional weighting to be applied.
We have tabled a claim of 4%.
Monteray Scotland and North East
Mitie's interim financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2003 cited pre-tax profit increases of 15.1% and earnings per share increasing by 5.7%. There was strong optimism for the full-year profits.
We have made a submission for an increase of 5%.
Any queries or concerns should be addressed to my office at CWU Headquarters.
Simon Sapper, Assistant Secretary
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145
TFS - Change of Officerial Responsibilities
In order to provide more efficient resource allocation, there will be a slight adjustment to Officerial responsibilities. From 15 March onwards, Simon Sapper will have responsibility for all Engineering issues within Global Services, and will remain the lead Officer for Global Services. Simon's responsibilities for all members in BT Fleet Limited will migrate to Ian Cuthbert.
All other Officerial responsibilities remain unchanged.
Jeannie Drake, DGS(TFS)
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146
Cable & Wireless Redundancy Terms
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has written to Cable & Wireless (copy letter attached) to urge them to drop possible changes to their redundancy processes. The company has proposed dropping what they call the 'twelve week redeployment period' during which employees in posts being made redundant have this period before working their notice. This is known to be helpful for employees who are actively searching for alternative employment. Union members in C&W wish to retain the scheme which is a considerate measure that can ease a difficult transition.
The UK telecoms market is highly competitive, with constant changes in technology and customer demands. CWU members are therefore arguing that it is better to keep a helpful tool to assist staff if the company ever goes through another bad patch. The union is also arguing that it is vital to maintain the confidence of staff. The danger for the company is that the removal of the twelve week period may be interpreted as another cost reduction measure - at the expense of people losing their jobs.
The company is consulting its Employee Consultation Forum and has comprehensively briefed its employees. We strongly urge our members to make their views known and for the company to take account of the strong staff opposition to this detrimental proposal.
Any enquiries relating to this should be addressed to Donald MacDonald.
3rd March 2004
Mr Paul Rodgers
Group HR Director
Cable & Wireless Communications
124 Theobalds Road
London WC1X 8RX
cc: Francesco Caio - Chief Executive Officer, Cable & Wireless Communications
Kevin Loosemore - Chief Operating Officer, Cable & Wireless Communications
Dear Mr Rodgers
UK Redundancy Terms - Review of 12 Week Redeployment Period
I am writing on behalf of our members who are employed by Cable and Wireless within the UK.
Over the last few days we have received a number of calls from members who have expressed their concern about the company's proposal to remove the 12 week redeployment period from the current Redundancy Terms and Conditions.
While we welcome your intention for the focus "be on growth and job creation and not on exiting people", it nevertheless remains the case that Cable and Wireless operates in a highly competitive UK marketplace. Technology is changing constantly, as are the needs, requirements and expectations of customers and clients. Under these circumstances we believe that it would be wise for the company to reserve all of its options for assisting staff when making difficult transitions. Our members consider that the 12 week redeployment period is helpful in assisting them at a difficult time, and that this process has been to the benefit of the company's reputation as a responsible employer.
Although the Communication Workers Union (CWU) is not recognised for purposes of collective bargaining by Cable and Wireless we have, over the years, had fairly regular contacts with the company on individual cases. In our experience, Cable and Wireless has fully taken into account the representations made by the union and its members in some quite difficult personal cases.
It is with this positive approach in mind that we urge the company to reconsider its proposals. If, as you say, the company intends to build rather than "downsize", then the financial cost of maintaining the 12 week redeployment period will in fact be negligible. However, the possible removal of the scheme may well be damaging as it could be interpreted by staff as being designed to continue the process of head count reduction, but without terms that are as favourable to individual employees. We very much trust that this is not the case.
The CWU is fully aware that the company is consulting the ECF on this matter and that it has comprehensively briefed the staff as to its intentions. It is our view that the staff will be opposed to the removal of the 12 week period and we very much urge you to take their views into account.
Yours sincerely
Donald MacDonald,
Assistant Secretary
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147
BT Exact - Newstart New Leaver Terms
Attached for the information of Branches is a copy of the communications released within BT Exact.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
Attachment
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148
Network Operations - Capital Work Team
Following discussions on the conduct and execution of key programmes on Broadband and HOAN, it became very clear that a conflict was taking place between delivering day to day activities which was extremely customer driven and time critical, and capital programmes which had longer lead in times.
This conflict has in the opinion of the Union led to resourcing pressures building up, which has led to management requesting the use of third party supply. The Union has suggested a more focus based organisation, similar to that which created the national Poling organisation.
Management have arrived at similar conclusions and will be setting up a national structure to deliver key programmes and will not be based on previous ad hoc project structures. The intent is to secure volunteers in the first instance and to make the working arrangements flexible and attractive. Attached for the information of Branches is the associated briefing for management which has been released. Further discussion will be taking place with management on the delivery of the capital programme.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
Attachment
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149
BT Exact - Desktop Support
BT Exact has been continuing to review activities within the business in order to identify ways to achieve cost reductions as well as optimising and maximising its resources.
As part of this ongoing strategy the CWU have been advised that BT Exact have identified significant savings within BT Exact's Desktop Support Team based at Adastral Park.
In April 2001, BT outsourced its Internal Desktop Support Teams to Computacentre, leaving a few specialist teams within lines of business to undertake specific support roles. Since then BT Exact state the service and capabilities of Computacentre has grown, alongside year on year cost reduction. As a result, management are now able to realise further efficiencies by migrating the roles of the remaining Desktop Support Team into Computacentre.
This approach will ensure further reductions of overhead costs and also provide an opportunity for the three individuals based at Adastral Park whose work is transferring, to be upskilled and moved into higher value work within the wider Customer Technical support team within BT Exact.
Details of the bandings, job descriptions of the current individuals and of the new functions are being sought.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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150
Project Goodwood
Branches were advised in Branch Officials Bulletin No.4, paragraph 59 that notice was given on possible work coming into BT Wholesale.
Attached for the information of Branches is a copy of an internal management briefing and slides detailing the elements of work that is being taken over from Global Services.
The actual increased resourcing requirements are in fact quite small, nor will there be a grading issue as members already work in the main on the same technology and with the same level of responsibility.
Further reports may be issued as the project progresses and as and when any issues arise.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
- Attachment 1
 
- Attachment 2
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151
Network Build Transformation - Update
eCOM has been rolled-out across all of the Controls in Network Build and over 93,000 e-business orders have been processed by eCOM since May 2003.
There was a major upgrade to the eCOM system in December/January. As a result of this upgrade the system is now running much faster. If there are any users who are still experiencing problems these need to be reported to the Helpdesk as they are now down to eCOM, but may be down to other network problems.
Network Build are on target to complete roll-out of MCRS to all patches, except for NBF8, by the end of March 2004. The delay in NBF8 is purely down to the geography and sheer size of the patch. By mid-May MCRS should be embedded to all patches, with NBF8 following a few weeks later.
Some of the issues which have been fixed or are being worked on as a result of information flagged up are:
Ironwork used - to be ordered and sent individually for each pole. Now it is ordered by the crate, resulting in savings with no hanging around waiting for the items.
New Fuel Cards - so engineers can fill up from a closer garage saving time.
Provision of Tow Hitches on Transit 604 Vans - enabling Cable Trailers to be used, increasing safety and reducing costs.
Provision of Broadband connection in TECs - so that engineers can save time on the laptops.
Management Walking Tours highlighted the lack of correct tools and mechanical aids within teams and highlighted incorrect fuel cards within groups. Teams were found to be travelling excessive distances to obtain fuel. New cards were obtained for local suppliers.
The e-TASK pilot commences at the beginning of March 2004 in Scotland, North East and Yorkshire. Initially 150 Internal engineers will be involved in testing the eTASK system.
Ian Dabson (GM Operations) and Dave Longstaff (Operational Excellence) have been in the North and Scotland running roadshows with all of the 150 people in the pilot.
Training for eTASK starts week commencing 16 February for the Control People, with the Internal Field pilot people having their training the following week. Management state that the pilot will last a minimum of three months, but it will take as long as it takes to get it right.
The Front Offices in Liverpool and York are now up and running. Up and running so far are the Back Offices in Purley and Orpington where they took on Reception and Jeopardy functions for Eastern RDA on 26 January and South West RDA on 2 February. The Southern CSC is now 80% complete and the Preference Exercise for Back Office posts will begin shortly now that the Newstart Terms are clear and available.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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152
Contract Management and Street Works Consultancy People Move to Network Build
On 1 April 2004, 200 people will be moving from ND&I to Network Build. The reasons for the move are:

How precisely Network Build will manage other suppliers, when it is itself a lead supplier is an issue which the Union would want to discuss further. This will be reported upon in due course.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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153
HOAN Project - Use of Contractors
The Union has been advised that there are backlogs in the compression programme and work has been completed to scope the requirement for resource to get this back on track.
Network Build have committed to increase their resource from 60 to 222 by 18 February 2004 and Network Operations will increase to 300 by 4 February and 339 by 3 March. Despite these increases there will still be a backlog of 60k lines. It is therefore intended to deploy further contract resource from early February through to the end of May and to focus their use in geographies where the resource availability internally is insufficient to meet the project requirements. It is the intention to use Marconi to complete 40k lines and to extend Ericssons from 30k to 50k lines. It would appear that these suppliers are already deployed on similar work.
The Union is seeking further detail on the geographies of the gaps. The resource planners will be requested to re-confirm the requirements to ensure that all internal labour is being exploited.
Branches with examples of under-utilisation should inform Head Office immediately.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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154
Telewest - Sick Absence Policy and Sick Absence Review
Branches reported to Union Head Office, that Telewest Team Managers were briefing out an absence management approach with the description of "three strikes and out".
Divisional management has rejected this approach which is inaccurate and at odds with what they are trying to achieve. They say the focus of absence management is to bring people back to work, and that they have been successful in reducing the absence levels seen in 2003.
Management state they have further to go to achieve industry comparable levels. Frequent cases of short term absence may lead to dismissal, but on grounds of capability, and only once it was clear that there was no reasonable prospect of the employee carrying out their duties effectively.
For ease of reference I enclose a copy of the company policy which Branches and or sections may wish to use in any individual cases.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
Attachment
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155
Network Build - Back Office Selection Process
Further to Branch Officials' Bulletin No.7, paragraph 97, I can confirm that 46 people in the Network Build Control who have been performing cover continuously for more than 2 years will be substantively promoted to the grade they have been covering with effect from 1 February 2004.
I can also confirm that Network Build people in the Controls have the opportunity of applying to leave BT on Newstart terms under either the existing or new terms. As with other applicants, the applications must be made by 31 March 2004, with likely leaving dates in 2004/05. The precise dates will be advised to people by their manager but are likely to reflect the completion dates of eTASK implementation. When the dates for the Back Office preference exercise have been clarified, further information will be sent out on the details of the outcome of this exercise.
In a separate report, details of the consequential knock on effects of STC resolutions in the field will follow.
Brian Healy, Assistant Secretary
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POSTAL
156
POL 'Banking on You' Campaign
A letter was sent by Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary to Stephen Timms, Minister for Commerce and Competitiveness on 26 February 2004, following a meeting, which was held on 22 January 2004.
The letter is set out below:
Dear Stephen
CWU 'Banking on You' Campaign: Direct Payment
I am writing to thank you for meeting with my colleagues and I, on 22 January 2004, to discuss the CWU's concerns in relation to the Direct Payment of Benefits and other related Post Office issues. I found the meeting extremely helpful and hope that you found it similarly useful.
As discussed at our meeting the CWU does not oppose the move to the Direct Payment of Benefits in principle, however our members have some serious concerns in relation to the implementation of these changes in practice. To reiterate some points made at our meeting, firstly, we remain extremely concerned that the process of opening a Post Office Card Account is unnecessarily onerous, which may prevent some of those who wish to open such an account from utilising this option. Secondly, we are concerned that a number of Banks and in particular three key High Street banks, namely the Royal Bank of Scotland, Halifax & Bank of Scotland and HSBC - have yet to allow their customers to use Post Offices to access their current account. As we discussed at our meeting, the CWU believes that these shortcomings may have a significantly adverse impact on revenues across the Post Office network at a time when the network is already undergoing a programme of far-reaching change.
We were therefore extremely interested to hear of the enhancements which are being considered to the process of opening a Post Office Card Account, which may involve Post Office employees assisting those wishing to open these accounts through the use of pre-populated forms or similar measures. Our members would enthusiastically support any simplification of the process that would effectively enhance take up of the POCA, and we would of course be keen to offer any practical assistance or advice to ensure a problem-free roll-out of this improvement. In addition, as discussed at the meeting, we also intend to maintain pressure on the three aforementioned High Street banks to ensure that post offices are able to offer the widest choice of banking options to the greatest number of people. A concept that the Government must surely support in principle in order to make Universal Banking a reality for all.
Unfortunately, the CWU do not entirely accept your assessment of the current situation with regard to Direct Payment. We are keen to continue with our 'Banking on You' Campaign and in view of the ongoing nature of the Direct Payment programme and the impact, which it may have on a range of related Post Office network issues, I believe that it would be extremely helpful to continue a dialogue in this area. I would therefore like to suggest holding a further meeting at your convenience in May of this year so that I can update you on the views of our membership in relation to the progress of this programme and to our ongoing 'Banking on You' campaign to persuade the remaining High Street banks to offer their accounts through the Post Office Network.
With regard to Network Re-invention, the CWU welcome the written statement you provided to the House of Commons on 6th February 04, to extend the consultation process to eight weeks for Directly Managed Branches which are closing. However we would welcome this extension being provided to Directly Managed Branches, which are being franchised. Perhaps this could form part of our discussions in the future.
In conclusion, I am particularly keen to learn if the initiative that we discussed relating to the POCA application form is likely to be introduced, how this will be implemented and if there are any timescales in relation to this. Additionally I am also keen to learn whether you have any further information on the three High street Banks, who have not done so already, signing up to, allowing their customers to use the Post Office to collect their cash. Your comments on these matters would be very much appreciated.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary
cc: David Mills, Chief Executive Officer, POL
Branches should note that Stephen Timms has discussed simplifying the application process for opening a Post Office Card Account which may involve helping customers fill out forms. The CWU welcome this change. We have asked Stephen Timms for confirmation of this.
Further developments will be reported.
Any comments concerning this BOB Paragraph should be addressed to Andy Furey, Assistant Secretary C&CH Dept quoting ref B.138.

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157
Transport Review Changes to NDN Phasing Plan
Reproduced below is a copy of correspondence emailed on the 24th February 2004 to all Area Distribution/Processing and Divisional Representatives, the content of which is self explanatory. Would Branch Secretaries please ensure that the content of this paragraph is brought to the attention of all appropriate representatives.
Dear Colleague
The union has been formally advised today that the phasing programme for the deployment of the Neighbouring District Network (NDN) has been changed. It has been stated that this change is because of teething problems following the deployment of the rail changes introduced on the 12th January 2004, which have delayed some of the more detailed work on NDN.
Reproduced below (See Table 1) for your information is an overview of the revised target deployment dates, which has been shared today with the Transport Review Area Planners. Any further amendments to the deployment programme will be sent to you as soon as they are received.
Representatives should continue with their negotiations in accordance with the Terms of Reference.
Yours sincerely
Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary
cc: Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary RM Logistics
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.600.07(e).
Attachment

Table 1

NETWORK HUB

MAIL CENTRES WITH NEIGHBOURS CONNECTIVITY

IMPLEMENTATION DATE

South West DC

B;BH;BS;CF;EX;GL;OX;PL;RG;SA;SN;SO;TR;WR;

22 March 2004

Manchester MC

BL;CA;M;OL;PR;SK;

22 March 2004

Warrington RH

BD;BL;CH;CW;DL;L;LS;M;OL;PR;SK;SY;WV;

22 March 2004

Perth RH

AB;EH;G;IV;

22 March 2004

North East RH

CA;DL;EH;G;NE;TS;

22 March 2004

Yorkshire DC

BD;DL;DN;HU;LS;M;NE;PR;S;TS;YO;

22 March 2004

Scottish DC

CA;

22 March 2004

Hereford RH

CF;SA;SY;

5 April 2004

PRDC

BH;CB;CM;CR;CT;DA;FA;GL;GU;GW;HA;HP;IP;LNC;LNE;
LNP;LNS;ME;MK;NN;OX;PE;PO;RG;RM;SG;S;SO;SS;TW;WD;

5 April 2004

Gatwick MC

CR;CT;FA;GU;GW;ME;TN;TW;

5 April 2004

East London RH

CB;CM;CR;CT;DA;FA;GU;GW;HA;HP;LNC;LNE;
LNP;LNS;ME;MK;NR;OX;RG;RM;SG;SS;TN;TW;WD;

5 April 2004

Greenford MC

FA;GU;HA;HP;LNP;MK;OX;RG;SL;TW;WD;

5 April 2004

Chelmsford MC

CB;IP;NR;RM;SS;

5 April 2004

West Midlands MC

B;CW;SY;WV;

5 April 2004

NDC

B;BD;CF;CH;CM;CV;CW;DE;GL;HP;LE;LS;M;MK;
NG;NN;OX;PE;S;SA;SK;SL;SY;TW;WD;WR;WV;

19 April 2004

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158
Interim Productivity Scheme in Mail Centres/Distribution Units - Staff Hour Costs
Further to my BOB 7, para 108 dated 20th February 2004 in respect of the above we have made representations to the Business regarding the exclusion of UPAP in the base and actual cost. The reason for this is that we felt it was disadvantageous in respect of the savings targets to be achieved.
I can now confirm that the Business has agreed following our representations to change the definition on this particular aspect, therefore UPAP should now in future be included in the base and actual cost.
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.300.42.
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159
Interim Productivity Scheme - Progress Report Week 47
We are monitoring the introduction of the new productivity schemes nationally and within that process we have requested progress reports. Please find attached the latest progress report I have received on the deployment of the Mail Centre/Distribution schemes for your information.
It should be noted that all of the Business' planned head count reduction figures are subject to agreements being concluded locally on how the financial savings should be achieved. In addition, actual head count reductions stated include members who have resigned, etc.
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.300.42.
Attachment: PE8
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160
Individual Performance Standards - Branch Ballot
Reproduced below is a reminder for branches of the timetable for the above ballot. Would those branches who have not yet returned their ballot paper, please note the closing date for the return of ballot papers is Wednesday 17th March 2004 (1st post).
Branches and representatives are advised that the timetable for the above ballot is as follows:
Ballot papers despatched from CWU HQ - Monday 23rd February 2004
Ballot papers to be returned to CWU HQ - Wednesday 17th March 2004 (1st post)
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.140.24(m) or Bob Gibson, Assistant Secretary Outdoor Department quoting reference number 950 as appropriate.
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161
Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre International
Reproduced again below for ease of reference is the content of BOB 2, para 38 and BOB 3, para 46, published in January 2003.
Branches will be aware that the new international centre at Langley is due to commence operations in the near future and in view of the fact that the office is fully automated each piece of kit needs to be commissioned in the normal way prior to going live. I have made it clear to the business that should they need to divert traffic for commissioning purposes from any International Office/Mail Centre, the local CWU should be consulted prior and the appropriate agreement to facilitate this, put in place.
Although management have agreed this, it has been brought to my attention that on occasions management have said the diversions have been agreed at national level, therefore there is no need for a local arrangement. Following my representations, I do not expect there will be any reoccurrence of this, but any branch that does experience difficulties as outlined should contact headquarters without delay.
Royal Mail have now advised the union that they wish to divert International Flat mail into HWDC to enable testing of the Flats machines installed at the site to take place. I can confirm that the Union's national position remains as detailed in the above paragraph, i.e. the local CWU should be consulted prior to any diversions taking place and an appropriate agreement concluded.
In addition to the above the Business have advised us that they are exploring the potential for the early transfer of International Export Mail from units in close proximity to HWDC. The union again informed management that any proposals for transfers of this traffic will need to be negotiated and agreed at local level.
All enquiries regarding the content of this paragraph should be addressed to Martin Collins, Assistant Secretary Indoor Department, quoting reference number L.640.20(o).

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