NETWORK 09 UPDATE

[lovejoy]

The departments have been receiving a number of enquires regarding management briefings that have been taking place concerning the business’ ‘proposals’ for Network 09 and the Weekend Network Review.

Management have, allegedly, been presenting these briefings on their ‘proposals’ as if they have been agreed or are supported by the CWU at Headquarters level.

We can absolutely confirm that there is no National Agreement on Network 09 and/or a revised Weekend Network.

These are very uncertain times and we appreciate that distribution of non-concise information is very unsettling for our members and does not help constructive negotiations. Against that backdrop we provide below a clear and honest report of the sequence of events regarding the current state of management and CWU involvement in regard to these proposals:

5th March 2009
LTB 204/09 reported that management and the CWU would meet to share proposals on all aspects of Royal Mail’s future plans. Each National Officer was charged to meet the managerial functional leads to discuss Royal Mail’s modernisation plans. This arrangement was referred to in more detail in LTB 279/09.

19th March 2009
As a consequence we met with Network management on the 19th March 2009 in relation to their plans. At that meeting management raised the issue of Network 09 and their desire to return to the subject of a revised Weekend Network, a proposal first presented early in 2008. The CWU pressed the point that such issues, including the matter of how DMS information should be utilised, would require both negotiation and agreements.

25th March 2009
A letter was received from Network management on the 25th March 2009 stating in essence that they did not see the need for an agreement on DMS and that they wished to propose a ‘Generic Framework’ to cover the deployment of the transformation programmes in Network such as Network 09, Weekend Network Review and future network reviews. They also committed to share their proposals for Network 09 and the Weekend Network Review.

3rd April 2009
We responded on the issue of DMS, attempting to provide a helpful approach to move the position forward. To date we have still not received any response from management.

9th April 2009
We received a management proposal for a ‘Generic Deployment Framework for Network’ expressing a desire to move the proposal forward in advance of commencing discussions on Network 09 and Weekend Network Review.

17th April 2009
We responded to the proposal and rather than dismiss the concept of a Generic Framework, we propose a revised wording. To date we have still not received any response from management.

22nd April 2009
We attended a meeting on the 22nd April 2009 to receive a presentation on Network 09 and Weekend Network Review.

29th April 2009
We received the slides and related information to that presentation, which now require our detailed analysis in order that we may understand the proposal and pose relevant questions.

7th May 2009
At the time of drafting this LTB (7th May 2009) a further meeting has been arranged with the business for Monday 11th May 2009.

Up to Date Position
The above sequence of events details the activity thus far, so any suggestion in managerial briefings or conversations which suggest anything different can be challenged with absolute confidence.

The Proposals
For your further information you will recall that Network 07 was driven by the 56mph speed restriction legislation. Management have stated that Network 09 is in response to the revised Mail Centre structure, site relocations, increased packets, reduced bulk letters, optimised use of 75 & 92 Double Deck Trailers, increased use of large trucks for MC-DO runs, etc.

The weekend review re-visits the proposals first presented in early 2008. However, the business is now claiming that the proposal offers £1.5m of savings as a consequence of the greater use of Double Deck trailers.


CWU Approach
Against the above backdrop we shall continue to engage management with a policy to progress all these discussions in logical sequence.

This shall include:
 Conclude the ‘Network Generic Deployment Framework’ proposal.
 Resolve the DMS disagreement (fundamental to future LGV revisions)
 Totally understand the impact of Network 09 and Weekend Network Review proposals on all members, functions, the operation and the service we provide.
 Establish a negotiating framework which ensures a joined up approach where the impact is cross functional.
 Understand how the progression of any agreed change fits with the spirit and intent of the Pay & Modernisation Agreement in respect of improved terms and conditions and an appropriate share of savings.
Conclusion

We totally understand that this a very difficult time and that it may be that the sense of confusion being spread as a consequence of managerial briefings could be deliberate. We of course believe that the degree of uncertainty and stress being created by those briefings is grossly unfair and unnecessary. We must remain focused and genuinely hope this LTB will assist representatives to explain the factual position to our members.

We are fully prepared to negotiate and reach agreements on these issues.

Yours sincerely

Terry Pullinger Martin Collins Bob Gibson
Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

[k979aaa]

And what is H/Q doing about this amongst other things putting leaflets upon notice boards will not help as managers tare them off as soon as they go up!. And as any union rep will tell you you cannot speak too the membership without inciting them!. So is our union going too fund courses in telepathy if they can get over the apathy and appeasement first.

[poopongjockmcploop]

heard this has been delayed from 27th July and CWU notified by RM that its due 7th September.