LTB 553/13 - Royal Mail / CWU National Talks

[Geezer]

Letter to Branches


No. 553/13 Ref: 21003 Date: xx August 2013

TO: ALL BRANCHES WITH POSTAL MEMBERS

Dear Colleague

Royal Mail/CWU National Talks

Further talks were held last week with Royal Mail on CWU key priorities including pay, pensions, legal protections and the company’s future strategy.

Pay

At the end of the talks the company tabled a new closed offer on pay. Under the protocols of such an offer we are not expected to publicise the detail at this stage. However, the offer represented such a marginal increase that it was immediately rejected and dismissed by the Union as nothing more than a futile tactical gesture. When pressed the company confirmed this was not their final offer and that this would depend on progress in other areas.

The company are still insisting that pay is linked to their unacceptable pension proposal. Furthermore, whilst both parties are taking a fresh look at how we can improve industrial and employee relations, elements of the company’s position are beginning to resemble a no strike deal. The Union has made it clear that there is no prospect of CWU ever agreeing a no strike deal or their pension proposal

Pensions

There has been no change in the company’s position.


Legal Protections

In response to the Union seeking legally binding protections for our members in the event of privatisation, the company have indicated they are prepared to reach an agreement on this, albeit there remain major differences between the parties over the content and longevity of these protections.


The Company’s Future Strategy

The company are saying they are prepared to reach an agreement on an agenda for growth and their parcels strategy. However, the detail of this remains unclear. The Union still has major concerns over what we see as a massive disconnect between relentless managerial budgets and the reality of daily workload pressures for CWU members.

Next Steps

The Union remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement on all outstanding issues but we are now fast approaching the point where a National Industrial Action Ballot will need to be triggered. In preparation for this, CWU Headquarters will shortly be sending out Branch Membership lists which will need to be checked and updated as a priority.

Further talks are planned with the company and more information will follow in due course. Please ensure the content of this LTB is provided to all CWU Representatives and circulated in all workplaces.

Any enquiries on the above LTB should be addressed to the DGS (P) Dept.

Yours sincerely


Dave Ward
Deputy General Secretary (P)

[hans solo]

there has been change to pension proposals
90 million extra paid into boost and safeguard executive pension funds in rm
taking from us and used for executives and shareholders

[mandelsons_toenail]

Well

Better get the wood stockpiled

Dust off the oil drum

Fire up that BBQ

[fishtank]

I would suggest it's time for some branches to get their arse up and out of the comfy chair rather than worry about BBQs.

[ronpetetrevchris]

Cmon, lets get on with it, enough posturing

[wiganpostie]

Attack Attack Attack! We must strike now, Mr. President!

[worktotime]

f**k the talks , strike strike.

[mandelsons_toenail]

So what was the offer?

It's been rejected so whats the effin secret

We pay our subs and demand to know

[TrueBlueTerrier]

So what was the offer?

It's been rejected so whats the effin secret

We pay our subs and demand to know

"such a marginal increase that it was immediately rejected" - if it was marginal is it worth the effort of cascading the information, briefing the PEC, getting their agreement and then making sure the reps have the right information. Thats expensive and if I may comment, not a good use of our subs.

In essence though the bit about accepting Pensions and a No Strike Deal in all but name would mean it would have been vetoed as it didn't meet the wishes of the membership shown in the Consultative Ballot.

We knew this was going to happen, Royal Mail are dragging their feet and using the Pay Offer as a political instrument over privatisation. The CWU are doing the same - its a game of brinkmanship and it will continue for a while yet. At least the Union have imposed a timetable, that in my view is a good move as it will help concentrate RMs mind.

[wandle]

Can't say I am totally surprised RM want a 'no strike' clause in exchange for long-term assurances on job security. I sense the hand of gorvernment behind this. Trying to flog shares in a company that has, historically, had poor industrial relations would be a tad easier with such a deal in place. Even if the CWU negotiators were to agree to such a thing, I cannot see the members voting such a deal through, though!

[Lincox]

The CWU Negotiators cannot agree such a deal without a reversal of the consultative ballot. Unless RM agree to a no stipulations pay increase, the ballot for industrial action will have to proceed.

[mandelsons_toenail]

Well I received an email today from branch asking me to ready the troops

[daveyeff]

well i hope they make sure the membership list is up to date and every is above board and legal. otherwise it will be another injunction farce.

[mandelsons_toenail]

well i hope they make sure the membership list is up to date and every is above board and legal. otherwise it will be another injunction farce.

That was the second email

[aiden01]

talks about talks just have the ballot ffs.