LTB 314/16 - Agreement between Royal Mail Specialist Services and the Communication Workers Union on the Performance of Minor Repairs by RMSS Drivers

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LTB 314/16 - Agreement between Royal Mail Specialist Services and the Communication Workers Union on the Performance of Minor Repairs by RMSS Drivers

No. 314/2016

20th May 2016

For the Immediate Attention of All:

Postal Branches with RMSS Members

Parcelforce Regional Organisers

RMSS Representatives

Fleet and Maintenance Services Representatives

Area Health & Safety Representatives



AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL SPECIALIST SERVICES AND THE COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MINOR REPAIRS BY RMSS DRIVERS

Dear Colleagues

Branches and representatives will be aware that the department has been engaged in ongoing discussions with Royal Mail Specialist Services (RMSS) on a range of issues broadly designed to meet our commitments in the Business Transformation 2010 and Agenda for Growth agreements, to develop our working relationship and a progressive agenda going forward.

In line with the above aims, the department has recently been in discussions with the business to allow RMSS drivers to undertake minor vehicle repairs when necessary, as already occurs within other RMG functions.

The department is pleased to inform you that an agreement has now been achieved in relation to this issue and is attached for your information.

Branches and representatives will note that:

The agreement covers minor vehicle repairs to RMSS Relay and hire vehicles, where this is agreed as part of the hire contract
An agreed training package will be provided on a specific range of agreed minor repairs by experienced Fleet and Maintenance Services technical staff who hold the relevant Train the Trainer qualifications
The final decision on whether to attempt a minor vehicle repair will rest solely with the RMSS Relay driver
There will be no liability or referral to Royal Mail HR Procedures for damage caused to or by a vehicle resulting from a previously trained driver attempting an agreed repair using the appropriate minor repair routine
When strictly following the Safe Systems of Work the range of vehicle minor repair tasks that can be undertaken by a trained RMSS Relay driver are as follows:

Light Bulbs – All accessible light bulbs
Fuses – Changing a like for like rated fuse (on a single occasion)
Wiper Blades – Accessible wiper blades
Mirrors – Fitting of “stick on” self adhesive backed replacement mirror glasses
Any changes to the agreed list above or extension of tasks to new vehicles will be subject to joint review and agreement at National level which will be led by Fleet and Maintenance Services.

The importance of adherence to relevant safety documentation, ‘Safe Repair Area’ requirements, authorised tools etc. are clearly stipulated in the agreement.

Any additional time used by drivers to undertake minor repair tasks in excess of their normal duty span, will be recorded on the day and recompense will be made in cash or time in lieu at the end of each week. The effectiveness of the agreement will be subject to ongoing joint review at periods of three months.

Branches and representatives are requested to ensure that our RMSS members are made aware of this LTB and the attached agreement at the earliest opportunity.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or shayman@cwu.org quoting reference number: 218.20

Yours sincerely,

Davie Robertson

Assistant Secretary