Members letter from Billy and Dave

[POSTMAN]

Dear Colleague,

We have taken a decision to hold a national ballot for industrial action and we want to explain the reasons why.

Despite the explicit commitments Royal Mail made in 2007 –that it would introduce change by agreement
and that 2007 was not the end of the negotiating process on modernisation – the company has reverted to the attitude of: “we make the decisions, you do as you are told”.

In working for Royal Mail, our members know that change is the only constant – but three years after
securing Government investment, the company has still failed to set out any clear or joined up vision of
what modernisation really means. All we see is damaging cuts to services and endless attacks on jobs,
pay and conditions. Royal Mail calls this modernisation – it isn’t.

CWU has a very different view of modernisation. It must be about using the introduction of new automation
to improve the services we offer to the public and business communities. It should be about the company
using more of its energies to take advantage of the opportunities that exist to grow the business through
e-fulfilment and a new range of products and services. Not just downsizing – anyone can do that.

The ballot is about issues that are fundamental to your future and the future of the company.

Jobs – We need a new agreement on job security that reflects the scale of change that Royal Mail is
planning. Transformation must be managed without compulsory redundancies and with safeguards that
protect your terms and conditions. What the future looks like for Deliveries, Mail Centres and the Network
is crucial.

Pensions – With an ever increasing deficit we must find a solution that secures the best possible deal for
our members and the company.

Pay – A modern business requires a modern approach to pay. Enhancing your basic pay and maintaining
earnings remains a priority for the union.

Shorter Working Week – Reducing working time will help maintain jobs and provide you with a more
manageable workload.

Work Rates – Royal Mail talk about Spanish Practices but all we ever see is postal workers rushing
around doing more and more work.

Your Voice, Your Union – We need a fresh approach to industrial relations.

This means Royal Mail must finally accept our right as a trade union, to negotiate National Agreements covering your jobs, terms and
conditions.

The Government’s announcement to step back from privatisation was very welcome.

The success to date of our ‘Keep the Post Public’ campaign will be built on. We must now ensure that the government plays a role in developing a successful future for Royal Mail in the public sector.

They must help to solve the pensions crisis and force Royal Mail to work with the union to modernise the company.

We will be continuing to negotiate with Royal Mail to attempt to reach further modernisation agreements.

However, as long as the employer keeps forcing through change without agreement, we must achieve a
YES vote in this ballot.

We will be keeping you informed of every development and communicating, in more detail, on every aspect.

Yours sincerely,

Billy Hayes Dave Ward
General Secretary Deputy General Secretary (P)

BALLOT TIMETABLE

Notice Served to the employer on the 2nd September 2009
Ballot Papers dispatched on the 9th September 2009
Ballot closes on the 23rd September 2009