Attendance in Severe Weather

[fishtank]

Posted for reference given the weather at the moment.
No it's not a "joint" document.
Yes it is pretty much accepted as is..
Yes we do have arguments over it every year.


Attendance in Severe Weather

It is the responsibility of every employee under his or her contract of employment to make every effort to attend for work within his or her scheduled duty time. Every employee who is physically fit will be expected to make every effort to report to his or her normal place of work and to use their initiative in getting to and from work. Those living within three miles (4.8km) (or two miles 3.2km) for employees who spend most of their working day on their feet) may be expected to walk that distance each way daily, as may those who can get transport part way.

Any employee who cannot get to their own workplace should telephone their Line Manager or Staff Resourcing Unit in accordance with local arrangements at Mail Centres and keep them advised of any change in their circumstances.

All Employees
Employees unable to get to their place of work should report to the nearest Royal Mail premises within either three miles (4.8km) – or two miles (3.2km) of their homes or to which public transport is available, where members of their grade are most likely to be employed.

Some staff will still be unable to attend alternative work location and they should contact their Line Manager to explain the situation. On return to work the Line Manager will discuss with them how the absence is to be treated. Each case will be treated on it's merits and in recognition of employees to attend for work in adverse circumstances.

Practical options open to managers include:

Take one day annual leave
Take the day off and make up the time during the following week

Where individuals are unable to attend for work over several days because of the conditions, advice should be sought from Employment Policy Managers on how the absences should be treated.

Use of Private Vehicles
Employees may normally use their own vehicle for getting to and from work and carry as many passengers, colleagues and other Royal Mail employees to assist them in getting to work. However where driving is likely to be unsafe/hazardous, employees should clearly assess the risk before deciding to use their own vehicles.

Where it is possible to drive safely, employees who necessarily use their own vehicles to get to their normal office and possibly carry colleagues as passengers may, receive the payments detailed below.

Parking
Parking facilities adjacent to Royal Mail premises may be extremely limited and employees may therefore, need to make their own arrangements to park their cars.

Insurance
It is the responsibility of employees to ensure that their insurance policy is valid for certain risks arising from civil disturbance and business use and should also ensure, before agreeing to carrying passengers, that their policy covers them. They should consult their insurance company before using their private vehicle.

Allowance
Providing the individuals hold a class B1 Business Use insurance policy, a special mileage allowance of 25p per mile may be paid. This applies to employees who normally use public transport but who necessarily use their own private motor vehicles to travel to and from their permanent office during the emergency. This special allowance cannot be paid to an employee who normally uses his private vehicle to travel to and from his permanent office, except in respect of any additional mileage travelled when conveying official passengers under arrangements made by Royal Mail.

Claims for reasonable excess travelling expenses from individuals whose daily journey each way exceeds the walking limits and who have to travel by unusual routes will in certain circumstances be considered on their merits. The employees concerned will be expected to take all reasonable steps to restrict excess costs as much as practicable, e.g. obtaining a refund of their season ticket.

[POSTMAN]

Good call Fish.

[POSTMAN]

TO: ALL BRANCHES WITH POSTAL MEMBERS

Dear Colleague

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS – PAY & MODERNISATION AGREEMENT

CWU HQ are receiving numerous reports and enquiries that as a result of the severe weather conditions, Royal Mail Managers are attempting to insist that in cases where our members are being sent home early from work due to unsafe conditions for delivery, collections, road services etc, the Pay & Modernisation Agreement and in particular the flexibility clause within that agreement, is applicable.

There is no provision within the Pay & Modernisation Agreement for the clawback of any time as a result of what is tantamount to an 'act of God' i.e. the severe weather conditions that the UK is currently experiencing.

We have had further reports that some Managers are attempting to have our members take annual leave, make good the time, or even in some cases Special Leave 'C' (unpaid) where they could not attend work through no fault of their own. Once again, our representatives should be clear that this has not been agreed with the Postal Department at CWU HQ.

Any enquiries should be addressed to the DGS (P) Department quoting reference number 60000.

Yours sincerely



Dave Ward
Deputy General Secretary (P)

[Stella102]

so our dom is forcing us to take a/l w t f !!!!

[Geezer]

Found this from December 2011, If it's of any help !

======================================================================================================================================================================================================

LTB 1064/11 - Royal Mail Letters/CWU - Severe Weather Conditions - Joint Statement & Communication on Safe Working Arrangements and New On Line Severe

No. 1064/11
Ref E4
Date: 16 December 2011


To: All Branches,

Dear Colleagues,


Royal Mail Letters/CWU - Severe Weather Conditions - Joint Statement & Communication on Safe Working Arrangements and New On Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment Tool:


Discussions have been taking place over recent months with Royal Mail HQ in order to ensure that our members in Royal Mail are well prepared for this year for any Severe Weather. The aim is to make sure that extra care is taken in managing and controlling the risks that are faced and ensuring that the risks are assessed before members go out and that everyone remains vigilant and aware whilst out on delivery, collection or driving.


Royal Mail and the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department have reached agreement on a new National Severe Weather Conditions Joint Statement/Safety Briefing which will be issued to all Operational Managers and Area Safety Representatives and rolled out nationally, supported by the a new 'On-Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment tool' in order to ensure that Offices and staff across the country are well prepared for this year's Snow, Ice, flooding and other extremes should the country be hit with the problems faced in recent years. The joint aim being to make sure that extra care is taken in controlling the risks faced by members whilst out on delivery, collection or driving in bad weather conditions. A copy of which is attached for your attention, information and action.


Familiarisation training and testing the new 'On-Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment tool' has been underway for managers on Area Safety Reps over the last two months and both Royal Mail HQ and the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department are agreed that it is vital that preparations are completed and everyone is ready, making sure that everyone takes extra care, that the risks are fully assessed before staff go out on collections and deliveries and that everyone remains vigilant and aware once out on delivery or collection whether on foot or in a vehicle. It has been agreed that all CWU Area Safety Representatives will also be trained on the 'On-Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment tool' and all feedback and suggested improvements are welcome in order to make improvements for future years.

Managers will ensure they and their staff are familiarised with the new 'On Line Severe Weather Risk Assessment' which has been extensively updated and improved, following feedback from last year’s trials. This Severe Weather Risk Assessment asks a series of questions, then gives a ‘risk rating indication’ for that location. The Office Manager completing the Risk Assessment will immediately send a copy to their line manager then ensure all actions and controls are communicated and implemented to eliminate or reduce accident risks to an acceptable level. Area Safety Representative can obtain copies of Risk Assessment on request.



The computer based 'Severe Weather Decision Tool' was originally designed by former CWU ASR Mick Barnes, now a Safety Manager in the NW Region Safety Team.



The Tool was trialed last year in two Regions and subsequently underwent further development work with the aim of introduction this year. A number of improvements and simplifications were carried out, making the Tool easier and quicker to use. The Tool was evaluated as part a joint review earlier this year and following roll out, will be subject to national review in 6 months time, next spring.

The National brief for Operations Managers is clear;

· The agreed policy is that Managers must support staff in making the right decisions, making sure that everyone is prepared and knows how to minimise the risk of having accidents through good communication, risk controls and adjustments, strictly adhering to safety standards, working methods, equipment and Protective Clothing use etc.
· Members are asked to remain aware of safety hazards and if they feel their delivery walk has become too dangerous or inaccessible due to poor weather, Managers will support their decision not to carry on and will encourage them to return to the office.
· The decision on the day about whether to continue with deliveries should be taken locally by the Delivery Office Manager, with involvement of employees and CWU Safety Reps, so everyone has a say. While a decision to suspend, given Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligations (USO), should not be taken lightly, if it is the right thing to do in the conditions then that option should be taken and Deliveries/Collections will be suspended.! A manager should not assume that they have to send employees out on collection or delivery where it is clearly unsafe to do so

Involvement and Consultation with CWU Area Safety Reps - Again the agreed National Joint Communication and Managers Brief is clear;
· Managers must ensure involvement of the CWU ASR in regional severe weather planning taking into account their input.
· In line with Royal Mail’s Safety Policy, Union Safety Representatives should be engaged and consulted with severe weather risk management decisions.



Yard Safety

Yard safety was a major problem last year. To improve safety this year a national gritting and snow clearance contract has been arranged covering all Royal Mail sites provided by Contractors and a monitoring and reporting process has been put in place to ensure yards , loading bays, access roads, walkways and car parks on Royal Mail Group's premises are cleared of snow and ice and maintained in as safe a condition as possible.



Driving, Cycles and Trolleys (HCT & LWT)

The "Joint Severe Weather Briefing" outlines advice on driving in adverse weather as well as advice on the use of cycles, high capacity trolleys and lightweight trolleys. Before going out on delivery it will be assessed as to whether it is safe to use bicycles, HCT's and LWT's and where it is not, alternative arrangements must be made. To assist Drivers this year 6,800 Cans of Deicer, 6,700 Bottles of Windscreen Washer Concentrate and 7,500 Ice Scrappers have been purchased


'Spikeys' and 'Grip-Lites'

'Spikys' anti- slip footwear devices will be issued to all Royal Mail Delivery and Collection staff this winter in order to give a safer footing and reassurance to members whilst they are out in snow and icy conditions. 'SPIKY' are rubber straps that fit over shoes or boots to prevent slipping. The device provides reassurance at all times during ice and snow. 'SPIKYS' can be worn over any shoe or boot. They are manufactured from 76% natural rubber and 24% high-grade synthetic rubber, which give them the ability to stretch to 6.5 times their original length and allowing them to accommodate a limitless variety of footwear. The actual spikes are made from hardwearing steel, and tests have shown that they wear well and will give you safer footing and reassurance.

'Spikys' were successfully trialled in RM Scotland and introduced more widely last year. There were supply problems in 2010 when the sudden cold snap caught Royal Mail unaware and only 25,000 pairs of 'Spikeys' could be procured. This winter the business has 125,000 pairs of 'Spikeys' to distribute to staff with a further 30,000 pairs in store, in reserve plus sufficient repair kits for replacing studs.

'Grip-Lites' will be trialed this year in a number of Offices, replacing the 'snow-chain' anti-slip footwear. 'Grip-Lites' is an all-traction, over-shoe device designed to increase traction in a variety of slippery conditions from snow and ice to oil and grease.

Like 'Spikeys' they fits securely over all types of work boots and shoes. The sole features bands of sandpaper-like aluminum oxide. These bands are composed of hundreds of tiny traction points that enable 'Grip-Lites' to increase traction above and beyond that of normal rubber-soled shoes and boots. The sandpaper-like bands are both non-conductive and non-sparking. These are versatile as they not only help to increase traction in slippery conditions, but they are also safe to wear indoors as well as while driving, making them the ideal solution for delivery/collection drivers..

Members experiencing any problems should contact their Area Safety Representative.



'Snow Socks' and Winter Tyres'


Snow socks or tyre socks are a quick and convenient solution to getting moving on the snow. Easy to carry in the vehicle the snow socks simply fit over the driving wheels of your vehicle and are fitted in 2 minutes. Tests say they are up to 98% as effective as snow chains on snow covered surfaces, but they only take 2 minutes to fit! Even for a first time user it is a simple task! They are quick to fit and also easy to fit and remove, there is no working out which bit of chain goes where, they are very simple to slip on to the tyres. Snow Socks were trialed in a vaierty of locations last year. See LTB 1132/10. Royal Mail have purchased a further 350 sets to test and trial this year.



Winter tyres, or cold weather tyres as they are also known are made with a specialist compound and tread offering drivers better grip and control. These types of tyre are designed to cope with difficult conditions such as snow and ice and industry experts say they work far better than regular tyres in temperatures less than seven degrees, by dramatically reducing stopping distances. Royal Mail has also purchased a number of sets of Winter Tyres to Test and Trial this Winter.

The plan is to select a number of Offices to Trial the Snow Socks and the Winter Tyres.



Severe Weather Conditions - Joint Statement & Communication on Safe Working Arrangements & Risk Assessments

The Agreed 'Severe Weather Joint Statement' achieved this year is the best one we've ever achieved as you'll appreciate and again we've kept IR issues out of it. It's to cover Health and Safety full stop.

The 'WRAP' Walk Risk Assessment (WRAP) is supplemented by the Severe Weather Risk Assessment process which is "MANDATORY" this year and management must carry them out correctly. They have been trained accordingly. It has also been agreed that all ASRs will be trained on the new on line Severe Weather Risk Assessment Tool. It's not perfect but its good and feedback is welcome in order to improve it wherever possible.

To ensure that Severe Weather Risk Assessments are done and at the right time, once completed the DOM will send it off to their DSM. The file will have the time on it that it was done and it will be picked up if done to late in the day. If a DOM fails to carry out a Severe Weather Risk Assessment then this will be picked up by the Regional Safety Teams.

When the Severe Weather Risk Assessments are done, the DOM’s should be in touch with the ASR, providing details of how they’ve arrived at the Levels they are at and taking the ASRs input. ASRs are urged to be 'pro-active' - don't sit waiting for phone calls from managers in your area, I wouldn't advise any ASR to adopt that strategy. If the Risk Assessments are not done suitably and sufficiently that contact the DSM and Regional Safety Team. Busy, under pressure managers may have to be chased and ASRs need to be pro-active, pointing out the terms of the agreement, insisting on input and involvement, flagging up problems to DSMs, Regional Safety Director and Regional Delivery Director.

The Royal Mail Operations/CWU - Severe Weather Joint Statement should work well if followed to the letter. This provided ASRs with full involvement in decision making and provides a high level of protection by way of a very cautionary approach. Worst hit parts of the country will end up suspending deliveries if heavy snowfalls and ice etc hit the country as in the past two years and floods are again possible. The North and Scotland has already had snow and extremely high winds, causing some damage and fatalities.


There certainly should be more involvement and consultation with ASRs this year than ever before and there should be far more equipment available for staff.

The foundation of the agreed policy is that Managers must support staff in making the right decisions, making sure that everyone is prepared and knows how to minimise the risk of having accidents through good communication, risk controls and adjustments, strictly adhering to safety standards, working methods, equipment and PPE use.



Members are asked to remain aware of safety hazards and if they feel their delivery walk has become too dangerous or inaccessible due to poor weather, Managers will support their decision not to carry on and will encourage them to return to the office.



The agreed "Joint Statement' on Severe Weather" ensures that in line with Royal Mails Safety Policy, CWU Safety Representatives will be engaged and consulted on severe weather risk management decisions.

The foundation of the agreed policy is that Managers must support staff in making the right decisions, making sure that everyone is prepared and knows how to minimise the risk of having accidents through good communication, risk controls and adjustments, strictly adhering to safety standards, working methods, equipment and PPE use.



Members are asked to remain aware of safety hazards and if they feel their delivery walk has become too dangerous or inaccessible due to poor weather, Managers will support their decision not to carry on and will encourage them to return to the office.



The agreed "Joint Statement' on Severe Weather" ensures that in line with Royal Mails Safety Policy, CWU Safety Representatives will be engaged and consulted on severe weather risk management decisions.

Best Regards

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Attachments -
· Severe Weather Masterclass Training PP pdf
· Severe Weather Joint Communication V4
· SSoW Spikeys




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[whatamess!!]

so our dom is forcing us to take a/l w t f !!!!

May be i'm missing something, but
Is it;
Some staff will still be unable to attend alternative work location and they should contact their Line Manager to explain the situation. On return to work the Line Manager will discuss with them how the absence is to be treated. Each case will be treated on it's merits and in recognition of employees to attend for work in adverse circumstances.
Practical options open to managers include:

Take one day annual leave
Take the day off and make up the time during the following week.

or is it;
There is no provision within the Pay & Modernisation Agreement for the clawback of any time as a result of what is tantamount to an 'act of God' i.e. the severe weather conditions that the UK is currently experiencing.
We have had further reports that some Managers are attempting to have our members take annual leave, make good the time, or even in some cases Special Leave 'C' (unpaid) where they could not attend work through no fault of their own. Once again, our representatives should be clear that this has not been agreed with the Postal Department at CWU HQ.

If the top one is agreed, then what is the LTB from Dave Ward all about, as they seem to contradict one another

[fishtank]

If the top one is agreed, then what is the LTB from Dave Ward all about, as they seem to contradict one another

The first position is Royal Mail's,the second is the Union's.
Neither is an agreed position.
Every year the disagreements and grievances fly in and sometimes we win,sometimes we lose.

We were given the hope of some kind of resolution in 2011.
Additionally, the CWU/HQ Postal Dept are in discussions with RM regarding a Severe Weather Policy dealing with all the HR/IR issues of attendance in severe weather etc which is a separate issue.

So far nowt.

[POSTMAN]

Made this a global announcement,please use/refer RMCers to this one so it's all in one place.

[fishtank]

This is the ParcelForce version.

Unlike ours this one is "joint",it is agreed and as you can see..it's just as piss poor as Royal Mail's unagreed bollocks.

Joint Statement:
Responding to Severe Weather Conditions


This joint statement has been produced as a guide to approach such exceptional circumstances and in recognition of the outstanding dedication and efforts of all Parcelforce employees. Despite those efforts there may be occasions when it is impossible either individually or collectively to carryout our operational responsibilities and this joint statement seeks to clarify our approach.

It is the responsibility of every employee under his or her contract of employment to make every effort to attend for work within their scheduled duty time. Every employee will be expected to make every effort to report to their normal place of work and to use their initiative in getting to and from work without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Against that backdrop and to assist the development of local solutions we offer the following leadership;

Employee Does not Attend (Depot Open) – Choice of taking annual leave (which includes SA), making up hours on return to work (no SA paid) or make up full hours and SA hours (then SA will be paid) each case will be considered on its own merit inline with the above.

Employee Does not Attend (Depot Closed) – No requirement to take annual leave or make up hours – standard hours only paid.

Employee Does Attend and Depot Closes after Attendance – after efforts to perform the operation the depot closes because of unsafe working conditions or other agreed reasons – full hours (Inc SA) paid.

In addition and in exceptional circumstances our existing ‘Special Leave’ arrangements recognise that individuals may need in some cases (emergencies) to take time off from work in addition to annual leave. It is discretionary leave which can be fully paid and each case should be considered on its merits taking full account of the needs of the employee, the community and Parcelforce (mutual interest).

The criteria used to make decisions on the type of special leave appropriate to this situation and the development of local operational solutions will be consistent with our partnership approach, involving the local CWU in achieving a consensus on a fair approach to a rare situation.

Clearing Any Backlog – Where possible and if practical priority will be given to the use of directly employed staff to enable them to recover any lost earnings during such extreme circumstances


Thank you.








Terry Pullinger Peter Fuller
CWU Assistant Secretary Parcelforce Worldwide

[fishtank]

It's that time of year again...

No. 25/13 Ref: 60000 Date: 18th January 2013




To: All Branches with Postal Members



Dear Colleague

Severe Weather Conditions

Following a number of enquiries from Branches and Representatives, we have re-issued the advice contained in LTB 146/09 (attached).http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 67#p539940" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We are also referring Branches to LTB 1064/11 (attached) http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 67#p540023" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; issued by Dave Joyce, National Health, Safety & Environment Officer.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS (P) Department.


Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
Deputy General Secretary (P)

Getting boring now.....

[1984]

Everyone sent home at 11am. Told we will have to make the hours up tomorrow or next week.

Half of them refused and said they're staying in the office until their finish time

[mpl1111]

you dont have to work your hours back they cant force you, there choice their loss not your fault its snowing why dont they treat people with more respect and ask would you mind/help to clear backlog instead of being militant do this or else fool them the idiots for going home early singing the tune they want

[Jono]

Sent our lot out on del at 9am, still to make a decision on the afternoon collections though

[spoodoo]

Why were you sent home early?

[Swinder]

Well collections have been cancelled at North West Midlands Mail Centre and the staff are being told they can go home but will have to make the time up or take it as annual leave. I shared and linked the information in this thread to those people and others that will be affected with the start of the Late shift. Balls to management!