SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS – PAY & MODERNISATION AGREEMENT

[POSTMAN]

Putting this in it's own topic as it seems that it is getting missed,also see the other global announcement as well.

Dear Colleague

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS – PAY & MODERNISATION AGREEMENT

CWU HQ are receiving numerous reports and enquiries that as a result of the severe weather conditions, Royal Mail Managers are attempting to insist that in cases where our members are being sent home early from work due to unsafe conditions for delivery, collections, road services etc, the Pay & Modernisation Agreement and in particular the flexibility clause within that agreement, is applicable.

There is no provision within the Pay & Modernisation Agreement for the clawback of any time as a result of what is tantamount to an 'act of God' i.e. the severe weather conditions that the UK is currently experiencing.

We have had further reports that some Managers are attempting to have our members take annual leave, make good the time, or even in some cases Special Leave 'C' (unpaid) where they could not attend work through no fault of their own. Once again, our representatives should be clear that this has not been agreed with the Postal Department at CWU HQ.

Any enquiries should be addressed to the DGS (P) Department quoting reference number 60000.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
Deputy General Secretary (P)

Dear Colleague,

RE: Severe Weather Conditions – Pay & Modernisation Agreement

Since the publication of LtB 95/2009, the Postal Department has received a number of enquiries.

It appears that in some areas management are attempting to introduce unagreed adjustments to hours or forcing individuals to take unpaid or annual leave when they were unable to attend work due to the weather conditions. Some managers are claiming to justify this approach by quoting from a document entitled “Severe Weather Operating Manual for use in Royal Mail”. This is an unagreed management document. Furthermore there is no provision within the Pay and Modernisation Agreement for clawback of hours as a result of what is tantamount to an ‘act of God’.

Each individual case should be looked at according to its merits and the local weather conditions. Any problems should be taken through the Industrial Relations Framework. During this time the status quo should remain.

Any enquiries regarding this LtB please contact the DGS (P) Department quoting reference number 60000.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward
Deputy General Secretary (P)