Branch Direct / RM Specialist Services Local Negotiations

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Branch Direct / Royal Mail Specialist Services Local Negotiations

No: 325/09
Ref: 218
Date: 15th April 2009

To All Postal Branches
Branch Direct Representatives
Regional Organisers
Divisional Representatives
Area Distribution Representatives
Area Processing Representatives

Dear Colleague

Branch Direct / Royal Mail Specialist Services Local Negotiations

Further to LTB 306/09 of the 6th April 2009 we would like to update you as to the current position in regard to the above subject.
As you are well aware the CWU have always held the view that local discussions to reshape the Branch Direct network, would undoubtedly be more focused and move more quickly if a national framework was agreed. Our logic being that such an agreement would clearly demonstrate a joint commitment at national level and would allow greater joined up assistance to those at local level to achieve consensus on local duty arrangements.

We believe that our position was consistent with the way we have worked together in Branch Direct for many years and in keeping with the excellent record we hold on industrial relations.

As you are aware however for no logical reason the current managerial team leading Branch Direct chose to go it alone and decided that a nationally agreed approach was not required.

The latest position is that we have been informed that management do now wish to discuss a national framework agreement. CWU Representatives should be aware that whilst we will respond positively and hope an agreement can be reached, WE HAVE NOT MADE ANY AGREEMENT AS YET.

We would like to thank you for your response to the approach we have advised you to adopt thus far, your assistance to the department in keeping us briefed and for the professional way you have applied the terms of the IR Framework, and we ask you to continue as advised.

We will of course keep you updated in regard to any progress made in regard to a national agreement. In the meantime Branches and representatives are requested to continue the good work and keep us appraised of local developments.

Branches are requested to ensure that the content of this LTB is shared with all Branch Direct representatives as a matter of urgency.

Any enquiries should be addressed to Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary, email dwyatt@cwu.org, quoting reference 218.
Yours sincerely

Terry Pullinger
Assistant Secretary