Pay and Modernisation – Phase 2 Deployment

[POSTMAN]

Dear Colleague

Pay and Modernisation - Phase 2 Deployment

Further to LTB 044/08 in respect of the above, there have been a number of enquiries regarding the two Phase 2 enablers detailed below and what elements of work are due to be considered under the Phase 3 trials. Discussions have therefore taken place at National Level and the following additional clarity has been agreed for circulation to both representatives and managers.



* Enabler - Efficient Summer staffing - each Unit will utilise the opportunity offered by reduced traffic volumes to re-arrange responsibilities during the summer period. This will offer employees additional opportunities for leave during the same period.



The CWU have confirmed all representatives will be advised to work within the spirit and intent of the Efficient Summer Staffing enabler and both parties have agreed that the Phase 2 Local Flexibility Plans must include a commitment to discuss in detail Efficient Summer Staffing. It is recognised however that as Summer Staffing arrangements do not have to be implemented until later in the year, the outcome of the Phase 3 trials may assist local evaluations of what scope is available on both Indoor and Outdoor work.



* Enabler - Doing other work within your office: On occasions staff may be asked to undertake other work outside their normal duties. Employees would be appropriately trained; properly equipped and safe ways of working will always be in place.


It has been jointly clarified that there are no restrictions or limits on what is trialled under Phase 3 providing it meets the objectives listed in the Agreement e.g. new arrangements to cover for one another and develop sensible options to absorb absences and increased workload where time exists within normal hours. On the basis of this clarification and the progress that has been made in many local Units over the last few days, Area Managers will be advised not to refuse to sign off Phase 2 plans simply because they do not include Outdoor work in the final enabler as the Outdoor element should be picked up by the trials.


In addition to the above managers will be reminded that although in the strict wording of the Agreement the plans need to be agreed by 31st January they should use their discretion and not refuse to sign off plans where progress is clearly being made even though some details may still need to be discussed and agreed. The aim being to conclude agreed plans asap but applying common sense as the real test will be in March when their deployment will be reviewed.


To conclude we would remind all representatives that the Model Local Flexibility Plan documents should not be altered as these needs to be the basis for the Local Agreements and assist us to monitor deployment at Area and National Level. Any additional documentation or Local Agreements reached that is necessary to support the Local Flexibility Plan should be attached to the Model Document. Managers will also be advised of this to prevent any misunderstandings or difficulties at Local Level in this regard.

Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be directed to the appropriate National Officers responsible for Delivery, Processing and Network.

Yours sincerely

Martin Collins Bob Gibson

Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

[peterloo]

refer to last paragraph bit late signed altered flexi plan off this morning dont get me wrong didnt sign anything i am not happy with infact i made sure i specified unforseen curcumstances in 30 mins flexi. got indoor work only on summer staff. made sure staffing levels were maintained but i did check the website this morning before i signed for clarification and there was nowt on there.

[DGP1]

Can you be forced to do extra work now before any agreement on phase 2?

[johnnyp]

Can you be forced to do extra work now before any agreement on phase 2?

I would say no,but if your office is weak then theres a chance the managers will try and take the piss and see what they can get away with,as far as i know we are still working as we were before the agreement was voted in.

[k979aaa]

Can you be forced to do extra work now before any agreement on phase 2?

How do you mean for it is for your rep to agree how flexibility would be deployed in your office with the dom and after that your consent as an office.

[DGP1]

Can you be forced to do extra work now before any agreement on phase 2?

I would say no,but if your office is weak then theres a chance the managers will try and take the piss and see what they can get away with,as far as i know we are still working as we were before the agreement was voted in.

Good, I'll let everyone know in the morning (we might well end up out on the streets tomorrow )