IT'S TIME TO MAKE A STAND - Coverage of BT, Openreach and EE strike ballot inside
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Spring 2021
BT Count Me In
Campaign
P4/5
Royal Mail Pathway
to Change
P7/8/11
Equality Special
Conference preview
P16/17
Trans awareness
P22/23
IT’S TIME TO
MAKE A STAND
Coverage of BT, Openreach and EE strike ballot inside
GS COLUMN DGS (T&FS)
GET IN TOUCH...
CWU HQ – all enquiries
150 The Broadway,
“The latest from We must now prepare for the dispute to come
O
Wimbledon, London ur ongoing dispute with BT over Their highly principled stand is an
SW19 1RX T: 020 8971 7200
In most cases your branch should be
Dave Ward, your compulsory redundancies and
multiple attacks on terms and
inspiration to us all and goes to the heart of
what being in a trade union and working as
your first point of contact. Details are
General Secreta conditions is drawing to a head, with a collective is all about. Please take a look at
on your membership card.
Harassment Helpline
ry BT showing no signs of backing down in
negotiations.
the article about our fantastic RPE members
further on in this edition. (P9)
0800 090 2303 We have had no alternative but to take the
Have you changed your address, decision to hold a nationwide industrial action ‘Our ongoing
workplace or hours? ballot and, when that ballot takes place, the
Please inform CWU about any
It is just over a year since the first deaths from coronavirus dispute with BT
telecoms and financial services executive is
changes to your membership details. were recorded in the UK and it’s been a year when we’ve been unanimous in urging you to vote YES. over compulsory
There are three different ways to
update your membership details: reminded about whose work is really valuable to society. There’s a full and detailed article on the
redundancies and
issue on the following pages, but for now, I
Option 1 – Log into the members’ There’s no doubt that CWU members have proved themselves want to express how much we appreciate the multiple attacks on
only section of the CWU website
(www.cwu.org), using the username to be absolutely essential in keeping the country connected. full support of the whole union in our struggle terms and conditions
and password you have previously and ask every one of you to prepare for the
been sent, and change your own dispute to come. is drawing to a
I
details. n these circumstances, when key workers have What is crucial in the Pathway to Change head, and we must
Option 2 – Contact your branch been applauded for their efforts and there’s a agreement, is the commitment from Royal Mail to
secretary with your new details. growing consensus that we must build a better working with us on a new strategy; to growing in new prepare for the
Option 3 – Contact CWU HQ on society for the future, expectations on employers areas, to providing new services and to tapping into dispute to come.’
020 8971 7447 or email your new de- change. They must live up to their responsibility to the knowledge of our members on the frontline in
tails to membership@cwu.org and we the country and their workers. order to do this. Of course taking industrial action in
will make the necessary changes. In BT, we are now seeing the opposite. For the Expanding the role of postal workers in their Covid times it not a decision we take lightly,
Please help us help you – keep your past nine months with the Count Me In campaign, communities, providing new products for local particularly due to the impending impact the
details up to date. our members have been taking a stand against a huge businesses and investing and innovating is the way pandemic has and will continue to have on
cost-cutting programme of compulsory redundancies, Royal Mail stays relevant and has a future. future jobs and the economy. Almost all of private homes and it’s vital that the trade
attacks on terms and conditions and site closures that As negotiators, we know that this agreement was our telecoms and financial services members union movement seeks safeguards that protect
is just getting started. only possible because of the magnificent support have worked throughout the crisis – keeping privacy and ensures surveillance isn’t used in a
The 97.9 per cent yes vote in last year’s of our members and our representative structures. the UK connected, delivering fibre broadband discriminatory way.
consultative ballot sent a clear message to BT – our We now have the platform to create our future and and providing contact centre help and advice, We must also recognise, that those who
CWU Legal Services: UNIONLINE
members won’t accept this and we are not backing we must continue to work together to seize this including vital financial support to people simply can’t work remotely – often the least
0300 333 0303
down. In Openreach, engineers are already taking opportunity. and businesses. We’re proud of the resilience well-off and those living in cramped or shared
UNIONLINE is the CWU’s very own strike action and we will now be balloting for Finally, in this edition of The Voice there is a and bravery they’ve shown. Our members’ accommodation – stand to be the worst
law firm offering members and their industrial action across the whole of BT in the focus on the union’s equality and proportionality Of course, we all hope that the company contribution over the past year should be affected by any widespread shift to ‘expected’
families a fast route to free, coming weeks. agenda, something that has become all the more will see sense and move away from compulsory recognised and rewarded. or ‘enforced’ homeworking.
comprehensive legal advice.
To all our members in BT my message is simple – important with the issues exposed by the pandemic. redundancies – but we must all be prepared for For our members who have been fortunate The CWU will be watching closely and
To register a claim or for any now is the time to stand together and the union will But I also want to say this; bringing equality action if this does not happen. to keep their family and loved ones safe by standing firm to ensure our members privacy
legal advice call UNIONLINE back you all the way. We have built a machine that can into the mainstream and ensuring our key political I’d also like to express once again my being part of the giant ‘experiment’ in working is protected and those who are unable to
on 0300 333 0303
deliver and we will mobilise all of the resources of the and industrial campaigns reflect all our members’ huge admiration for our repayment project at home, this is now throwing up profound work at home aren’t faced with compulsory
More information at union to do so. priorities and experiences is fundamental to us as a engineers in Openreach who, by the time of questions over the future world of work. redundancy.
www.unionline.co.uk The dispute with Royal Mail, and the agreement union. reading, will have taken 10 days of strike action While some, but not all, employers
Editor The Voice the union secured last year, is an example of what It is what allows us to bring people together and in the absence of any management rethink of have embraced new ways of working that
Karl Stewart we can achieve. For years, the company had seen it underpins collective action. With the challenges imposed changes to the grading of the RPE seemed inconceivable pre-pandemic there’s
kstewart@cwu.org the key to its future as becoming a low-cost parcels we face across the movement, there has never been a role. no doubt that employers are also waking up
Design CWU operator, abandoning the USO and joining the race more important time for this. to potential benefits for their bottom line.
Cover image © Max Miechowski to the bottom in order to compete. It was clear this Already it looks probable that some companies Andy Kerr
would never secure our members’ jobs and terms and will never return to an entirely office-based DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
conditions for the future. model. Instead, more and more companies (T&FS)
CWU DEATH BENEFIT are contemplating a ‘new normal’ based on a
In accordance with the terms ex- hybrid of remote and office working.
pressed in CWU Rule 4.1.11, branches Hybrid working could work for many
Dave Ward
are advised that from the 1st October
2020 the CWU Death Benefit payment ‘BT members: Now GENERAL SECRETARY
members and it’s an area we’ve pursued
increased to £857. in BT, asking them to consider this as an
Any enquiries regarding this letter is the time to stand alternative to redundancy for people whose
should be addressed to the senior offices are closing. However, whilst it may
deputy general secretary’s department together and this work for some, trade unions need to approach
on telephone number 020 8971 7237
or email sdgs@cwu.org union will back you all the potential new way of working with
trepidation. Widespread homeworking has
the way.’ massively increased the level of surveillance
and workplace monitoring taking place in
2 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 3
COUNT ME IN COUNT ME IN
BT BOSSES: YOU WANTED
A FIGHT– YOU’VE GOT ONE!
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ACTION BALLOT CALLED ACROSS BT, OPENREACH & EE
BT Group’s refusal to properly negotiate with the union or halt its brutal compulsory
redundancy programme has left the CWU with no choice. A nationwide strike ballot
has been called and we’re preparing for action...
T
he first national industrial action negotiators unanimously agreeing that, one by one, simply because a new breed of security, terms and conditions, grading and The consequences of an arrogant and stand, it seems management have chosen the
in BT in 34 years is now a racing without any apparent company willingness management wants to stamp its mark by career progression erupting across BT – and confrontational management approach, which latter, and that’s something the CWU can
certainty, with the CWU poised to go to negotiate meaningfully on the key areas of making compulsory redundancies as a matter initial announcements associated with the refuses to accept questioning of its high- never stand for.”
to war over an unprecedented and sustained disagreement, the time for talking is over. of warped principle. Better Workplace Programme and different handed diktats even when they are plainly Deputy general secretary Andy Kerr agrees,
company-wide assault on job security and Just hours earlier, top-level talks – a last- “If BT don’t want us to ballot, then they divisions’ location strategies raising the wrong, came to a head this month, with the saying: “My message to management at this
hard-won terms and conditions. ditch bid to avert the need for the ballot – had can have us back round the negotiating table spectre of mass staff displacement – the CWU union’s small but fiercely loyal membership momentous moment is simple. If they think
Barring a dramatic 11th-hour about turn broken down without tangible movement by just as soon as they want. Our door is still launched the union’s Count Me In fight back. of repayment project engineers in Openreach they can take BT’s transformation forward
from a belligerent new senior management the company on the key issues the CWU has open, and we want to resolve this dispute, but Since then, hostile salvoes from the commencing the first industrial action in that without taking the workforce with them they
team which has now spent more than been highlighting in the union’s Count Me In this will require a huge shift in attitude from company have rained down, set against a division since 1987. (RPE dispute article P9) do so at their peril.
a year pursuing a brutal and needlessly campaign of resistance. the company. At this point in time, that doesn’t steady stream of distressing forced exits. Last That, however, now looks certain to be just “Strike action is always the last resort, but
confrontational agenda – despite incessant Lashing out against the race-to-the-bottom look as if it’s going to happen – and that’s why September, BT revealed its intention to slash the precursor of something much bigger. ultimately we have to challenge an arrogant
union appeals for meaningful talks to avert a strategy being pursued by a management team we’re gearing up to fight.” maximum redundancy payments from June Speaking in a special Facebook Live session and dismissive attitude towards team member
full-scale industrial relations meltdown – the that has lost the confidence and respect of its this year, with several divisions following that that announced the decision to hold a BT employees by senior managers who seem to
first national industrial action ballot in BT workforce, deputy general secretary Andy Kerr Multiple provocations bombshell up with further compulsory job loss Group-wide industrial action ballot, CWU think they have a divine right to treat staff
since 1987 will commence within weeks. told a specially convened BT branch forum The looming conflagration in BT has been announcements – some stemming directly general secretary Dave Ward insisted that appallingly and without any dignity or respect.
Just as soon as final membership data that bosses only have themselves to blame for a long time coming. In fact, anger has been from cost-cutting decisions to offshore work bosses are reaping the consequences of their “That’s something that the CWU has
checks have been concluded – allowing the the gathering tidal wave of workforce fury that mounting for almost 18 months at multiple to India and Hungary. own disgraceful behaviour. never accepted in BT before – and we have no
CWU to be sure it can fend off inevitable legal is about to engulf them. different manifestations of an aggressive new Just before Christmas, members across “Even by the most basic standards of how intention of doing so now,” Andy concludes.
challenges by the business over the validity “We didn’t pick this fight,” he stressed. management approach that is sweeping across BT, Openreach and EE delivered the clearest a big employer like BT should be treating its
of the ballot – members across every part of
BT, Openreach and EE where the CWU is
“In fact, we’ve provided management with
every possible opportunity to step back from
every line of business.
It was way back in October 2019 that BT
possible warning that they had simply had
enough. In what should have been a wake-up
workforce the company’s actions have been
completely unacceptable,” he stressed.
VOTE YES!
recognised for collective bargaining purposes the brink, consistently offering to work in Enterprise provided what was, in retrospect, call to BT’s top- brass, workers who had given “It’s quite clear management’s plans are ‘It’s quite clear management’s
will be asked to confirm their willingness to partnership with the business to address the first foretaste of an all-out assault on their all to keep the company going and the all about compulsory redundancies, attacking plans are all about compulsory
take industrial action. whatever challenges it faces – just as we’ve time-honoured employment practices based country connected throughout the pandemic terms and conditions and carrying out site redundancies and attacking
Ballot papers will be accompanied with done on numerous occasions over the decades on fairness, negotiation and voluntarism in job voted by 97.9 per cent on a 74 per cent turnout closures without any consultation with the
terms and conditions and that’s
an unequivocal: ‘Vote YES’ recommendation since privatisation. loss situations. for the principle of taking industrial action union or the workforce.
from the union’s telecoms & financial services “But what we’re not prepared to accept, Following that division’s announcement of unless the company changed tack. “It doesn’t need to be this way, but something the CWU
executive. however, is seeing members’ cherished what quickly became the first-ever compulsory Sadly, however, that warning has gone BT needs to decide whether it wants can never stand for.’
The momentous decision to trigger the job security and terms and conditions redundancy exercise affecting team member unheeded by a senior management team that to change and transform with the Dave Ward
ballot was taken with branches, executive being attacked on multiple fronts – with grades, Technology swiftly followed suit. instead seems intent on smashing 34 years of workforce, or against them. As things
members and the union’s lead BT Group longstanding colleagues being picked off By July last year, with new attacks on job industrial peace based on partnership working
with a recognised trade union as a matter of
‘We won’t accept our members’ job security and terms and conditions being attacked principle.
on multiple fronts – that’s why we’re gearing up to fight.’ Andy Kerr
4 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 5
DGS (P) INDUSTRIAL SUMMARY
Real opportunity for a more positive era in Setting out on the change
Royal Mail Group – thanks to all of you pathway in Delivery
A
s I draft this article, I have a strong Just look at what is happening to CWU Delivery members will be involved in either
sense of hope that from a Royal Mail members in BT having to take strike action for ‘structural’ or ‘table-top’ duty revisions over
Group perspective we are entering a the first time in years and I would like to record
far more positive era. Having spent the last massive solidarity and respect from the postal
the next few months, with a completion
few years fighting our employer for the right side of our union to those members. deadline of October 31st – which will trigger an
to shape a mutual interest future and honour Look at what is happening to the NHS hour off the working week
our agreements, we are indeed now back in workers in respect of a 1 per cent pay increase
the room. If we had failed in our struggle, we after all they do and especially have done this
would have only been talking about RMG in year. It is hard to imagine how a government
A
a historical context, something that used could have been more insulting. round two-thirds of UK delivery not to restrict parcels to just a small proportion Shorter week, attendance
to exist. offices will be in the latter category, of large specialist sites. We want Royal Mail to patterns, efficiency
and CWU outdoor secretary Mark deliver products across the day, with core USO As well as becoming shorter, the ‘new normal’
‘Massive solidarity Baulch explains: “In these units, some 850 to deliveries in line with current arrangements, but working week – from when units introduce their
900, it’s essentially an under the roof, local with parcels and new products from 7am-7pm. revisions – is likely to look different from the
and respect from the table-top exercise, with implementation of “We’ve made real progress on this and we’re ‘old normal’ in other ways too.
postal side of this new products, dealing with parcels growth determined to push forward further. It’s vital “There are going to be opportunities for
and a robust review process to ensure we’re in our view that this arrangement becomes an new, innovative shift and duty patterns, which
union to our fellow staying on the right track. integral part of the whole delivery function, local areas will have the flexibility to introduce –
CWU members in BT.’ “But in the other 400 or so, the full revision where there is the workload to do this.” provided certain criteria are met of course,” says
process will apply, using the agreed revised Mark.
agreement along with the geo-route outdoor Fighting back on letters “We need to be positioned to increase our
So, against that backdrop in RMG we have planning system. We’re doing these on a ‘phased’ There is no denying that letter volumes have parcel-market share, succeed with our widening
imposed ourselves in a very positive way and basis, with 30 offices already under way. Phase not reversed their long-established pattern range of new products, fight back on letters,
following the overwhelming endorsement Two will be a further 70 structural unit revisions of gradual overall decline. But there is a joint meet increased customer demand for weekend
of the Pathway to Change agreement on 3rd Making history is what we do best and it and then all of the remaining 300 offices will determination to fight back and seek ways to delivery, introduce technology and improve
February 2021, we have now commenced our must be remembered that all of these things carry out their revisions in the third phase.” arrest and reverse this trend. operational efficiency, while reducing the
next journey. we fought for, and combined, enable our core The ‘start-to-finish’ period of the structural “The big news here is Royal Mail’s new working week by one hour.
objectives of employment, standard of living revisions is estimated at 14 weeks, which keeps economy letter product – Delivery To Specification “It’s a challenge to say the least – but we
and retirement security and the protection of a the whole process well within the timescale. (DTS),” reveals Mark, who explains that this must succeed.
great public service to be achieved. “We’re fully committed to on-time will be a “five-day, ‘warm-call’ product aimed “And our success will protect jobs and
We did all this together, never forget our completion – but there’s a lot to do and several primarily at the business-to-consumer (B2C) continue delivering sector-leading pay, terms
However, now we are talking about RMG solidarity is our strength. We stood shoulder aspects to this which will feature in all the market. and conditions.”
influencing the future, still being relevant and to shoulder, demanded our voice be heard on a revisions to a greater or lesser extent,” Mark “DTS will be addressed mail – not
remaining a great institution providing a vital vision of the future and the right to shape it and confirms. unaddressed D2D – and it will be
public service and decent jobs for years to we won. Always keep your eye on the prize. It will be in the process of these revisions ‘warm-call’, so it will be held back
come. Once again, thank you to our that the full significance of this national from delivery upstream through
We are also seeing rays of sunshine coming representatives and members for your agreement – Pathway to Change – will become technology for up to four days
through in respect of getting on top of this unbelievable support and service to the people apparent, with an unprecedented package of unless there is another ‘live
awful pandemic that has turned our world of the UK. positive changes set to be deployed into Royal mail’ item for that same
upside down for over a year. The vaccine Mail delivery over the weeks and months address,” he explains.
programme is rolling out and there is a sense ahead, discussed and agreed between reps and Existing D2D traffic has
that our much unappreciated freedoms of the managers and with the input and involvement fallen and efforts are under
past may start to return. That should, however, of all. way to promote its regrowth,
not distract us from our need to remain vigilant while Mark is also keen to
and safe or to honour those who have lost their Driving parcel growth promote the traditional
lives and remember those still very poorly or Dedicated parcel routes (DPRs), aimed at ‘personal letter’.
fighting for their lives. capturing as much of this growing market “One of the less publicised
Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those There is so much to be done, relationships Terry Pullinger as possible, will be jointly worked up across things that happened during
people and their families. and trust must be rebuilt and our culture must an ever-growing number of delivery offices – Covid was people writing
Whilst we have fought to be respected on change for the better. There will be much DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY alongside LAT development. letters to each other,” he tells
how we shape the future, we should equally change ahead as we create new jobs, move to a (POSTAL) And those changes, building on top of the the Voice. “There were several
never forget that negative influencing factors 35-hour week, embrace growth in our workload, success of recently introduced new products stories of parents, and sometimes
– such as shareholder pressure, or changes to drive new products and services, and open up such as Consumer Collect and In-Flight, as well schools, encouraging children
the board or to the managerial leadership – our services seven days a week, all in a mutual- as the increasing use of parcel post boxes, give to write letters to shielding
can see current ideology change in a moment. interest culture. (P7,8 & 11) Royal Mail the best possible opportunity to grow grandparents or even teenagers
The worst forms of employer ideology are We now have Royal Assent for the revenue and consolidate its position as the UK’s writing letters to boyfriends or
all around us at the moment as companies/ legislation required for our new pension number one choice in this sector. girlfriends who they couldn’t see
government try to slash terms and conditions scheme and whilst it will still be a while Mark says: “One of the union’s key aims during lockdown.
and jobs. yet, we now know it will happen. during the Pathway to Change negotiations was “Could Royal Mail run a
to ensure parcel delivery continued to take place campaign encouraging the ‘personal
from as many delivery offices as possible – and letter’?” he asks.
6 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 7
INDUSTRIAL SUMMARY INDUSTRIAL SUMMARY
Getting organised for our ‘new Solidarity and respect for ‘brave and selfless’
normal’, volumes 40% up! Openreach RPE strikers
M
embers in Processing and Davie tells the Voice: “At last month’s National Pipeline Review. This will establish
Distribution have had to adjust to joint launch of this project, the talk was of the future pipeline and define the relationship Small in number, but resolute to the core, 170 repayment project engineers in Openreach
the huge growth in parcel volumes ensuring sufficient staffing – resource to meet between mail centres and the new parcel have emerged as hands-down winners in the battle for hearts and minds in a dispute that
during the Covid -19 period. With much of the workload demand – while still recognising hubs. Discussions are at an early stage but
the retail sector shut down during the long the current limitations that ongoing Covid already plans to accelerate the level of parcel has laid bare the contempt with which management treat workforce concerns...
months of lockdown, online shopping has mitigations entail. The safety of our members automation across the mail centre network
expanded massively. remains paramount.” are under consideration.
In terms of a pre-2020 comparison, “While we understand all change can
parcel volumes have risen around 40 per cent be difficult, real visible investment in the
year-on-year, with some products increasing mail centres and RDCs should bring further
by as much as 125 per cent. Letter decline, confidence that they remain a key element of
which was significantly increased in the early the future pipeline” said Davie.
part of Covid, has also stabilised and returned In terms of technology, in line with
to around the historic levels. Pathway to Change, SISO (‘Scan In/Scan Out’,
CWU assistant secretary Davie Robertson previously ‘AHDC’) is currently being installed
notes: “Last summer we were wondering in several mail centres. Swindon, Birmingham,
whether this was just a temporary trend, Manchester and South Midlands will join the
but it’s becoming increasingly clear that initial ‘trial’ sites.
this appears to be a more sustained shift in And on this, the assistant secretary
customer habit and the realignment revisions comments: “It would be fair to say that there
and network revisions agreed in Pathway to have been some teething problems with
M
Change will be taking place on this basis. some of the initial plans, but we have been ultinational companies are not Arguably the most depressing thing about Meanwhile, support for the RPEs’ brave
“Covid did not create these trends working through them to ensure that the final used to revolts by comparatively the RPE dispute is just how avoidable it could stand for an important point of principle
but it has certainly accelerated the change deployment and use of the data adheres in full tiny sections of their workforces – have been – had management only listened continues to mushroom across not just the
and the increased workload provides real to the very robust commitment secured in the but repayment project engineers (RPEs) in to the legitimate concerns of those who best CWU but the whole of the trade union and
opportunities to secure and grow jobs in the national agreement. Openreach are providing BT Group bosses understand the intricacies of the role they wider labour movement.
upstream areas. Against the commercial backdrop, and the with a timely reminder that employees conduct.
“And analysing current high volumes, reduction of the working week on deployment, will only take so much disrespect before For eight months the highly skilled
projected traffic forecasts and aligning the real focus in these revisions is reducing their patience finally snaps. engineers have been calmly arguing, both
resource to workload is going to be a the level of agency resourse in workplaces. With industrial relations across BT at a individually and collectively, that placing
significant job of work for CWU reps over the “Given this,” Davie continues: “We want to 34-year low – reeling from a belligerent new their role on the lowest rung of the
coming period,” he adds. refocus activity on growing jobs and we do management approach that has transformed managerial ladder is a dangerous mismatch
“Fortunately, we’ve got extremely not anticipate widespread VRs as part of these the behaviour of a company that has hitherto for their predominantly technical skill-set
experienced and capable representatives revisions. been an exemplar of the benefits of a and responsibilities. In particular, they are
who will be working through this and the “This may disappoint some members, ‘partnership approach’ with a recognised trade convinced that the performance-related
department will support them throughout.” however the CWU’s priority must be to union – the CWU’s small but fiercely loyal incentivisation that comes with management
maximise jobs for our members and create RPE membership in Openreach has emerged grades threatens the crucial bond of trust
Processing opportunities for progression. as a standard bearer for a fightback that is fast between them and third-party customers
Revision guidelines have been agreed for mail “Rather than overall internal headcount gathering steam. with whom they are supposed to act as honest
centres, RDCs (regional distribution centres) reductions, what we hope to see is the By the end of the first week in March, the brokers – potentially resulting in untold
and WBCs (walk bundling centres) and this potential for part-timers to increase their battle underway in Openreach had already reputational damage for Openreach.
huge and complex task is now getting under hours, temporary contracts being converted to seen RPEs take five all-out days of strike Yet, instead of giving such principled and Speaking in the first of a number of
way. substantive and a significant reduction in the action. Significantly, that is the first selfless objections the fair hearing they online ‘Solidarity Sessions’ that have seen
use of agency labour,” he points out. industrial action to have taken place deserve, management have resolutely dug consciousness of the dispute explode across
Pathway to Change also pointed to the opening anywhere in the whole of BT Group in their heels – even in the face of an 86 social media, TUC deputy general secretary
up of the operation towards a 24/7 model, since a single strike day, involving per cent ‘Yes’ vote in a statutory ballot Paul Nowak observed: “It beggars belief that
which is, Davie points out: “A reality in the Distribution contact centre staff, in November 1999 for industrial action on a 94 per cent right now – when your members are providing
parcel industry” and will “mean a greater “We’ve also started work in Distribution. Data punctuated a previously unbroken turnout. a vital service to the public as key workers –
demand for weekend working.” gathering has been completed on the National period of industrial peace dating CWU national officer for the company has forced you into this dispute
But at the same time, he explains: “The Network Review and is now underway on the back to 1987. Openreach Davie Bowman by railroading through these changes.”
realignment project will provide opportunities PAD revisions,” reports Davie. “Both revisions And barring any explains: “There couldn’t Praising RPEs’ “tremendous courage and
for a move towards inventive duty patterns, will deliver the SWW or equivalent benefit for unforeseen change in have been a clearer message resolve in standing up to BT,” CWU general
with fewer attendances or rotations which our Distribution members. management’s total that RPEs want this issue secretary Dave Ward added: “It’s time to think
may make weekend working more attractive – The expected growth provides a real intransigence towards RPEs’ resolved in such a way that about what the RPE members are doing today
all of which will be negotiated with this trade opportunity to reduce the reliance on agency concerns over the imposed meets their objective that and what the rest of the constituency may
union.” resource and create real opportunities for regrading of their roles the role remains a team- need to do to turn management around.”
progression to driving roles. As an initial step, – these members stood member grade, not just for Deputy general secretary Andy Kerr
Future pipeline and technology discussions are at an advanced stage on a set to take a further five them but for those who concludes: “I hope other parts of BT will see
To deal effectively with the growth in parcel major LGV recruitment drive, which is, Davie consecutive weekday aspire to the role in the sense in the next few weeks or so, because if
traffic and build on the Pathway to Change says: “Great news for our members in other strike days, with more future.” they don’t it won’t be 170 RPE members who
commitments to the existing mail centre/RDC parts of the business looking for opportunities expected to follow. will be out striking – it will be 45,000!”
network, discussions have commenced on the to progress.”
8 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 9
INDUSTRIAL SUMMARY INDUSTRIAL SUMMARY
Post Office pay deal approved, Fleet and Engineering – challenges and opportunities
fight for Crown network continues ‘Positive and constructive progress’ in Royal Mail Engineering and Royal Mail Fleet
will mean our engineers and technicians can look forward to achieving the next
E
arly feedback from members The past year also saw a couple phase of their shorter working week ‘by October if not before,’ reports CWU acting
and reps indicates our Post of notable successes in the ongoing assistant secretary Carl Maden.
Office members are extremely campaign against the company’s
likely to approve a pay deal combining ‘franchising’ programme, with Crown
‘A
an across-the-board pay rise with Offices reprieved in the North West and fter our national Pathway to “This is an opportunity we’ve all got to “These are important aspects of what’s
variable bonus consolidations and in London. Change – Guiding Principles grasp – and alongside the undoubted benefits going to be happening within Fleet,” Carl
lifting guaranteed wages by between “Great Portland Street Post Office agreement was approved early of a good pay rise, job security, and a shorter points out, adding: “We want to grow
4.7 and 7.1 per cent. was saved from the axe, as was Stockport, in the New Year, we got to work straight working week, we also need to approach and by bringing work ‘in-house’. We want to
“I was not surprised, but still very which was great news for members and away with the Fleet and Engineering deal with issues around new duty patterns, maximise direct employment and minimise
pleased, by the positive reaction from customers alike – and a testament to the management teams to put in place agreed working efficiently and covering 24/7 third-party resource – so a flexible approach
members,” Andy Furey told Voice. “It immense importance of determined, revision criteria – or ‘triggers’ – for the operations for the future. on our part regarding new attendance
was an innovative pay agreement reached long-term campaigning and lobbying one-hour reduction. “Working Together, we’re going to get patterns and extra weekend overtime will
in negotiations with Post Office senior work by this union,” Andy notes. And just a few weeks ago, Carl continues: there,” he vows. support our ambition.”
management that brought several different “However, we still have a real fight “The company’s chief engineer and fleet Outside of the immediate shorter working
bonus schemes into pensionable pay and on our hands to save the Crown at director James Baker and I were able to week and revision activity, Fleet is also
transformed a modest settlement into a South Woodford, although support for publish joint statements launching this faced with longer-term challenges around
much better overall package.” our resistance has been growing and process to our territorial, cluster and local recruitment, training and the move away from
This was the overdue 2020 pay includes two local MPs, councillors representatives.” petrol and diesel engine vehicles.
settlement and applies from April 1st last and local businesses. Revision activity will be negotiated
year. The 2021 wage round immediately “We’re hopeful that we can make locally with support from the appropriate Engineering
becomes effective – negotiations that it a ‘hat-trick’ of successes, but the Engineering and Fleet reps if necessary, to Royal Mail Engineering – which will also
© Matthew Stone / Shutterstock.com
the union is keen to, in Andy’s words, struggle goes on,” he vows. tackle hold-ups, obstacles or failures to agree. include Parcelforce and HWDC/International
“crack on with as soon as possible.” October 31st 2021 is the deadline for Engineering from April – is shaping up for
completion – however, if local agreements the task of supporting Royal Mail’s pipeline
are agreed and signed off earlier than this, automation expansion, which will see new
then the hour off and the new working parcel sorting machines (PSMs) in mail
Sir Wyn Williams’s Horizon Inquiry gathers pace arrangements can be deployed straightaway.
“It is great to get this under way,” Carl
centres.
“It’s our Engineering members who
P
ostmasters’ fight for justice continues, with senior CWU Postmaster Branch secretary Mark Baker, who is a serving says. “However, let’s not underestimate the repair and maintain these machines – and
retired judge Sir Wyn Williams and his team working postmaster himself, says: “It’s imperative that justice is done – for challenges here either, or the absolute need Fleet when Royal Mail moves to 24/7 operation, the
hard to gather evidence in the first stage of his Inquiry those who have been appallingly treated and also to ensure that our for all of us to work together.” In Fleet, there is a firm commitment to increased machine use has to be supported,”
into the Horizon scandal. members are treated fairly in the future – and we’re doing everything He explains these “challenges” – which bringing as much outsourced work back ‘in- explains Carl.
“We’ve been in close liaison with Sir Wyn and his office, as well as we can to make sure that happens.” are in essence the same in both Fleet and house’ as possible, which Carl describes as As Engineering is so closely aligned
with our own postmaster members, to ensure their voices are heard Engineering – as “achieving this working week “good news as we want to be doing our own with the company’s mail centre operation,
loud and clear,” Andy tells Voice. • Please see here for updates: https://www.cwu.org/campaign/cwu- reduction while maintaining and improving work,” while the hour off the working week revisions will, to a certain extent, ‘dovetail’
The CWU fought for several years – alongside others fighting for supporting-justice-for-postmasters quality of service to Royal Mail operations, will be achieved through improved technology with the outcomes at those units – although
postmaster justice – to get a full inquiry into this whole affair, which whilst also being able to increase operational and moving to a paperless our RME reps will of course work jointly with
was one of the biggest scandals of recent times. capacity and quality of service in line with operation. RME managers to agree function-specific
Royal Mail’s growth.” There are plans to plans.
In a lively online briefing to Engineering increase vehicle usage by “While most of our members are
and Fleet reps and managers last month, Carl Royal Mail as it grows ‘attached’ to particular mail centres,
Pathway progress in Royal Mail CE, Finance & HR and James Baker emphasised each of these capacity and widens we do also have a number of engineers
objectives – stressing their equal importance its customer product who look after several smaller
I
n contrast with the vast majority of Although the total numbers within “There’s potential for nine-day fortnights going forward. offering, which may Royal Mail sites – such as compact
their Royal Mail colleagues, members these three groups are relatively small – and four-day working weeks – although fewer “This was an important event, with what require extra shifts, sequence sorter (CSS) offices
working in Admin and Customer approximately 1,500 working in Admin, some attendances will naturally come with extended I felt was a determined and optimistic mood and the agreement within the mail centre catchment
Experience (CE) have mostly been 800 in CE, circa 600 MDECs members – there working days. and it was great to have around 140 or so states that, should area,” Carl explains “and so
working from home during the Covid are multiple different senior management “Management insist – and rightly so – that people on the session,” says Carl. additional weekend the revision discussions will
pandemic. teams at the top that the union engages with they need to ‘plug the gaps’ that the hour off “We want to raise the profile of Fleet and or late working be of course ensure their best
“In these functions, around two-thirds due to the diversity of the roles. will create and that customer needs must be Engineering to receive proper recognition required, voluntary interests as well.”
of staff are working at home – although the This has meant a series of separate met.” Andy points out: “This is particularly within Royal Mail Group for the vital service ‘overtime’ solutions will be
choice to remain in the office has been offered negotiations for Andy and his team, as they critical if our functions are going to play our we provide – and it’s further good news that applied in the first instance
where possible,” explains CWU assistant have been getting down to business agreeing part in supporting the growth of the business our Parcelforce and HWDC/International – before agency resource is
secretary Andy Furey, national officer for the relevant ‘triggers’ for the Pathway to in terms of new products and services. engineering colleagues are coming under considered.
members in these parts of Royal Mail, as well Change hour off the working week. “So, for example, five eight-hour daily an integrated Royal Mail Engineering
as workers in Manual Data Entry Centres “We’re making meaningful progress on shifts may convert to four eight-and-a-half- management structure from April.
(MDECs). a number of fronts,” he reports, explaining hour days.”
“Some members in MDECs have that “flexibility in ways of working and multi- In conclusion, Andy describes the
continued to attend work, although many have skilling” is going to be a major factor in each situation in the various functions as “moving
been able to work from home where there is a of these functions. closer to agreement – certainly we are on
need to do so.” track for our October deadline – and a positive
way ahead across the board.”
10 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 11
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CWU GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CWU
‘YOU ARE THE UNION Voice spoke recently with several CWU reps and officers from different
parts of the union, different businesses and various parts of the country,
asking why they got involved in the CWU and for their message to
– WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?’
potential activists of the future…
B
ack in the early 1990s, telecoms clerical worker Karen Mahmood Ali was an activist before he came to live in the UK – Denise O’Neill is a BT/Openreach engineer, providing fibre-to-the- Ishak Ali, a central London BT/Openreach engineer, represents
Rose was “fed up with how they were treating us after having been involved in the pro-democracy movement and protests in cabinet (FTTC) connections in Northern Ireland. members in Capital Branch and was elected as their Young Workers
we got redeployed from Cardiff to Newport. Pakistan in the 1980s. Originally working for the company in a clerical role, Denise officer some 18 months ago.
“So, I went and banged on the door of the union office demanding “An elected government had been overthrown in a military coup, our redeployed into an engineering position 10 years ago and says that her “I spoke up often at our team meetings on various issues,
to know what the union was going to do about it,” recalls Karen, who is Prime Minister had been hanged, and students like me were marching in male colleagues had been “totally supportive” in her retraining efforts. particularly safety and near misses. And after one of those meetings a
now of course our CWU president. the streets and demanding a return to democracy,” he recalls. “I already knew quite of few of our engineers from my previous job senior branch rep, Paggett Lewis, took me to one side and asked me to
“An older man opened the door and calmly replied: ‘Well my lovely, “Crackdowns on protesters, arrests and heavy-handedness of police and all I got from them was encouragement – it’s been the same within stand for the vacant youth rep position,” says Ishak.
you are the union – what are you going to do about it’? were regular occurrences and I was arrested more than once although I the union for me too. “So, I agreed to stand, got elected and now I’m learning more and
“And it was that moment when I made my mind up to become a was never actually charged with anything.” “I reckon there are probably around a dozen female Openreach more about the CWU – the elections, the motions, going to the AGM –
rep.” These experiences had already politicised Mahmood when, as a engineers over here,” she says, adding: “I think about four working and I’m starting to get to grips with it all.
She tells The Voice: “That man was our South Wales Branch 20-year-old, he moved to the UK in 1990. on exchange jumpering, one or two are data engineers and then a few “Recently I’ve been very involved with the CMI campaign,
secretary Ken Lovell, who was always very kind and encouraging to me “I strongly believed in the principles of social-democracy and when ladies in the field.” speaking to members about the issues involved in this dispute and
and to others. He sadly passed away last year.” I started work for Royal Mail, becoming a union activist was something As South Section Chair of Northern Ireland Telecoms Branch, how important it all is to everyone,” he continues, adding that, if the
Karen was active in the CWU’s first equality structures, which, I strongly wanted to do,” he says, adding: “I appreciated the democracy Denise has one day per week for CWU duties and the rest of the week company refuses to reach a fair agreement with the union, he expects
she says: “At the time were a huge step forward, but these structures and freedoms here and I wanted to be actively involved in the trade in her Openreach job. members would strongly back a call for action if called upon.
gradually began to ‘box in’ people a bit. union and labour movement. “I was elected as South Section Chair four years ago and I put my “As the weeks go by, we’re just seeing more and more redundancies.
“The structure created a mindset of ‘she’s an active woman, put her “I was a unit rep, a shift rep and an area processing rep before being name forward because of how much the CWU had assisted me when I’d BT is not listening to us at all, so something has to be done to make
on the women’s committee’, or ‘here’s a keen black member – ideal for our elected onto the executive and I’d say this union’s done more for me needed it, when I’d gone to the union with my own difficulties. things change for the better – and for a better future.
race committee’. than anyone else in terms of education and development,” he says, and “I wanted to get involved with the CWU so I could help other people in “Nobody is safe if the management carry on in this way,” he warns,
“It was time for a rethink – for a fresh approach,” Karen explains, adds: “This union’s for everyone.” return,” she tells The Voice. adding: “We’ve all got to stand together.”
adding: “Mainstreaming and positive action are the way forward – more Mahmood describes the struggle to encourage more members from “Erin Massey, our branch secretary, was my mentor and I still go
effective for proportionality and for encouraging new activists and reps a BAME background to become reps as a “chicken and egg situation” to her if there’s a CWU issue that maybe I haven’t encountered before. “My view is, if there’s anything we think the
to come forward. between opportunities provided and people coming forward and he She’s always massively supportive.” union needs to do better, or any issues we want
describes the CWU as “very welcoming and embracing.” “Personally, I find being a rep very rewarding. I’d really like more to push forward, getting involved in the union is
“And what an important time it is to become people to be reps – there’s always support and back up from this union the way to do it.”
active – when we’re hard in struggle with an “We need BAME members to come forward – if and you can really make a difference.
aggressive BT management.” they come forward, they will get elected as our
membership isn’t biased when voting.” “We’ll certainly welcome new activists coming
forward to be reps in Northern Ireland.”
KAREN ROSE MAHMOOD ALI DENISE O’NEILL ISHAK ALI
12 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 13
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CWU UNLOCK CWU
GET INVOLVED –
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO To get more involved with your union, why not take a look at Unlock, a new
online tool developed by your CWU equality, education & development and
communications teams to further improve our service to you…
‘T
he racist graffiti on the toilet walls was horrendous,” Royal Mail delivery worker Luke Elgar first became involved as a
recalls Ian Taylor when asked about his first young member representative for Essex Amal Branch, and tells us that
A
impressions when he began work at Manchester Mail his father, Keith, was his first inspiration. new online facility available to
Centre back in the 1980s.
“Back then, you could count the number of black members of staff
“Dad was unit rep at Leigh-on-sea Delivery Office where I started
work back when I was 18,” he recalls, adding: “But even before then, I
all members – unlock.cwu.org – is
a way for you to find your route UNLOCK - HERE ARE A FEW TIPS:
on one hand and there were very few women too,” he continues, “and often went on marches and rallies with him and his union friends. into CWU activism and leadership, as
it was about then that the company was just beginning to start on the “And a particular event that really got me interested was hearing well as an important means of advancing Come to meetings… Your comms team is not standing still
road to diversity – and the union was just getting to grips with the issue Jeremy Corbyn speaking in Southend during the 2017 election our proportionality strategy. Attending your workplace and branch though, they’re currently building the CWU’s
as well.” campaign – for me, he said so many things I wanted to see happen.” Take a look and you can find the area of meetings can be a great way to dive in and Instagram profile, they’re also keen on
Ian, a long-serving representative for the North Wales & North The Leigh office merged into Southend MPU several years ago and activity most suited to your own interests – find out what’s going on. Ask your CWU TikTok and, of course, the new CWU App
West Division, first became a rep in 1992, after becoming more and is now one of the larger delivery units in the company, Luke explains, and be directed quickly to the assistance you representative or branch when your next launches this month. So, if you’re not already
more determined to push for change at the Manchester unit. and says that he has recently deputised as a substitute rep for delivery need to get to the next stage of your CWU meeting is. doing so, then please follow the union on all
“There was an almost militarised attitude from management members. journey. social media platforms.
and I found myself objecting increasingly to their treatment of the “The Young Worker role is a great way to learn and a great place to Kate Hudson, the union’s head of equality, • For branch contact details, go to
workforce, so I stood for election as late shift rep and I’ve been active start – in a way, it’s a bit like a ‘CWU apprenticeship’ in some respects education & development, tells The Voice: cwu.org/contact-us • If this area particularly interests you, why
within the union ever since.” and I’d strongly recommend this role to a new member who wants to “We’ll also be filtering this down through all of not contact your branch and offer your help
Ian was instrumental in the setting up of the first CWU Black become involved. the union’s equality strands – Women, BAME, Help out at your branch… with local social media content
Workers Conference back in 1996 and remembers the arguments “When I first took on that position, I worried I was going to ‘fall’, LGBT+, Disability – so that all members are Many branches organise and run local
against these early equality initiatives. but there’s always someone to help and advise you – an experienced encouraged and inspired. campaigns in the workplace and the Sign up for equality events,
“People who didn’t like it asked things like: ‘We already have a rep who’s faced the same issue you might be needing advice about for “We want to build a new community of community. These includes raising donations workshops and equality news…
national conference, what’s the need for a black workers’ conference’? and example. activists and future leaders. When people for foodbanks, period poverty and school We’re building an inclusive union that
‘We don’t have a white workers’ conference, so why a black one’? “Plus of course, the CWU provides brilliant training courses,” he come onto unlock.cwu.org, they’ll be able to holiday hunger programmes helping needy supports and represents all our members. We
“But it was necessary at that time,” he insists. “It brought black points out. input their email addresses and get access to and vulnerable people. demand full equality, cherish diversity and
members forward and it brought us forward as a union.” a regular Unlock newsletter, which will keep encourage openness in all our activities. So,
However, circumstances change, workplace culture and the “We absolutely need new people to come everyone up to date with new initiatives and • There’s something for everyone to get whatever events and activities that interest
composition of the membership has changed – and with the redesign forward.” ideas to get them involved.” involved in. or motivate you, we’re sure you’ll find them
strategy, we are taking equality into everything our union does. She continues: “We’ll feature articles about in the CWU.
“What we really need is new people coming forward to drive that how members have become more involved, Know your branch representatives…
change on. And I’d urge members to contact their branches and be which issues really motivate them, and news Every CWU branch has representatives in • Sign up for events using the sign-up toolbar
part of that. of their activities. And Unlock will also provide different roles and functions. These reps at the top of the Unlock homepage.
up-to-date information about CWU education cover workplace (IR) issues, political work,
“There’s something for everyone to do!” and training courses available.” equality matters, as well as education and Become a rep…
So, if you haven’t already, please take training. Branches and regions also have reps CWU reps are the union’s backbone and
a look at unlock.cwu.org – it’s the key to dedicated to representing younger members becoming one is a great responsibility. But
unlocking all the wonderful energy and talent and retired section. also, a very rewarding way to stick up for you
of this great union! and your work colleagues.
• It’s good to know the names, roles and
contact details of your branch reps and you There are no specific entry requirements to
can find this out by contacting your branch. becoming a rep and there are many different
positions to stand for. But what you do need
CWU online, digital, social… is a passion for equality, justice and fairness –
The CWU is well-known for our strong and the CWU will support you to do the rest.
national, regional and local presence on
Facebook and Twitter, for the various videos • Check out the ‘How to become a rep’ advice
and podcasts we create and send out and the section. Go to unlock.cwu.org and follow the
popular ‘storms’ we create together during suggested ‘Steps to Success’.
our campaigns.
IAN TAYLOR LUKE ELGAR
14 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 THE VOICE | SPRING 2021 15
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