tomorrow morning...

[catch22]

26th November 2013

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The union's postal executive met yesterday afternoon (Monday) to discuss the latest position on national talks with Royal Mail and next steps.

In light of significant progress made the postal executive agreed to the company's offer to extend the validity of the industrial action ballot until the final permissible date, 3rd December 2013 - the last date that notice of strike action can be served.

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"We understand that CWU members will be concerned about the length of time that it is taking to finalise an agreement. However, turning elements of a collective agreement into what will become a legally enforceable contract is a complicated process," explained CWU deputy general secretary Dave Ward.

"We are confident that negotiations will conclude during this extended period and that a final agreement will soon be placed before the executive council for endorsement in the very near future," he said.

The postal executive is due to meet again on Monday 2nd December 2013.

Below is a summary of the current position of talks:

Legal Protections

An extensive legally binding undertaking from the employer on all the issues put forward by the union has now been secured. These protections will extend beyond 3 years. There are a couple of final points to resolve but it is not anticipated that these will prevent an agreement being reached.

Pay

An improved closed offer from the company is currently under consideration.

Pensions

Negotiations have been concluded on pensions and legally binding commitments on the future of the RMPP alongside additional improvements to the Defined Contribution Scheme which have been secured. The company has accepted that members will be balloted on a pensions agreement separately.

Industrial stability, new culture and agenda for growth

A section on industrial stability which strengthens the existing IR Framework with new mediation procedures is in the process of being finalised. The agreement will not include any commitment to binding arbitration or a no strike deal. The new approach will also offer CWU unprecedented access to business structures and provide the opportunity for real influence on the future direction of the company.

Delivery workload issues

Whilst some progress has been made there are still difficult areas to resolve and a fresh approach is being considered.

Future parcels and letter strategy

Drafts have been exchanged and it looks likely that there will be no issues preventing an agreement on future strategy.

Company charter

The company has accepted the principle of a charter setting out the values on how Royal Mail Group will operate in the future. Drafts have been exchanged and it does not look like there will be any issues preventing a final agreement being reached.

Ongoing programme of work

There are currently no issues in this section which will prevent us from reaching agreement.

For more information visit Royal Mail dispute.