Scale Payment Delivery Offices (SPDO's) - POL Closures

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Letter to Branches





No. 005/16
Ref: 535.17
Date: 4th January 2016

To: Branches with POSTAL Members

Dear Colleague

Scale Payment Delivery Offices (SPDO’s) - POL Closures

The Outdoor Department has been in discussion with Royal Mail nationally regarding SPDOs and in particular closures as a consequence of POL serving notice to remove the Mailwork from Sub Post Office’s as part of a POL Transformation Programme.

As a consequence of the programme a significant number of Branches and CWU Representatives are being approached regarding the merger/closure of SPDO’s on a previously unprecedented basis, and as things currently stand the “National Agreed Framework for Dealing with Delivery Office Mergers/Closures” should be followed by both parties.

Andrea Bowmer has been appointed to lead for Royal Mail in dealing with this programme and the Outdoor department has nominated Mike Newport as her interface. Mike was previously the coordinator for the National SPDO Group and will be the contact point for Branches should approaches be made by the employer regarding closing/merging SPDOs. Mikes email address is as follows:-

mike.newport@cwuessex.org

In some instances proposals have been put to CWU representatives that are clearly outside of existing national agreements or are stretching them beyond the bounds of reasonability, and in some cases are attempting to introduce initiatives that have been discussed (not agreed) as part of the tentative “Future of Delivery” talks. There have also been invites to trial certain initiatives which have not been agreed with the department. Where any of this occurs Branches/CWU Representatives should inform a CWU Divisional Representative and invoke the national IR Framework without delay, as well as informing Mike Newport.

In order to get some structure around what is currently happening a meeting has been arranged for the 12th January 2016 where we hope to agree a terms of reference for both parties to work to going forward. Branches will be further updated in due course.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson’s Office, quoting reference 535.17
Email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Bob Gibson
CWU Assistant Secretary

[TrueBlueTerrier]

National Agreed Framework for Dealing with Delivery Office Mergers/Closures

Introduction

This document sets out the consultation framework between Royal Mail and the CWU in respect of proposed Delivery Office mergers/closures. At this time there is no national strategic plan to reduce the number of delivery units excepting those associated with walk sequencing and other regionally developed property schemes

Consultation Process

Consultation between Royal Mail and the CWU about Delivery Office mergers/closures will start at the earliest possible opportunity and allow for three months consultation prior to a decision being made – excepting any instances beyond the control of Royal Mail. CWU Divisional Representatives will be notified of the proposal, followed by area and unit level communications and briefings. Any proposal to close a delivery unit will set out the reason for closure, the affected locations and the potential number of employees. Following this, employees at the affected offices will be advised, wherever possible, by joint communications and briefings. Any proposed delivery office mergers/closures which are as a consequence of mail centre reviews will form part of the MC Rationalisation discussions but will include the full terms of this agreement.

Information

The following information regarding the delivery unit(s) under review will be shared with the appropriate CWU Divisional and Area Representatives at the earliest opportunity this becomes available and will include:
1. Reason for closure
2. Number of potential employees affected and proposed manpower plan
3. Financial costs and benefits
4. Potential environmental impact
5. Current quality of service results
6. Freehold or leasehold status
7. Compulsory purchase order status / developer interest
8. Property details of new site once identified following site search, including car parking, welfare facilities
9. Capacity of receiving sites to absorb, including details of floor plans and fittings
10. Distance between sites and likely travel time plus details of all available public transport.
11. Potential changes to RoMec and Quadrant services
12. Any information gathered from public consultation

Where there is sensitive information that needs to remain in commercial confidence this will be explained at the time that it is shared and both parties undertake to abide by this protocol including where necessary signing a non-disclosure agreement

Local Joint Working

Any changes to the delivery estate will be undertaken with the aim of maintaining or improving quality of service to the customer in line with our service specification. When a proposal to merge or close a delivery office is tabled a local joint working party will be established to support the process of consultation and engagement. The core membership of the JWP will comprise the local unit manager, local CWU rep, DSM, Area CWU rep, CWU ASR and the lead planning manager. A CWU Div Rep will be invited to attend. The frequency of these meetings will be determined locally by the JWP and they may invite others to participate as required. In line with the provisions set out in the IR Framework appropriate facilities and time will be provided to CWU reps to allow them to
carry out their role and respond adequately to all the information/documentation outlined in 1-12 above.

Sufficient time will be built into the process to allow the CWU to consider the proposals, and to submit any alternative options. These views will be taken into account and a formal response made before any final decision is made by Royal Mail to proceed with any merger/closure. The JWP will be responsible for determining the necessity/requirements for office revisions as a consequence of any merger or closure. They will also be responsible for ensuring that the people and operational issues have been resolved in line with national agreements prior to any merger/closure taking place, except where circumstances outside the control of Royal Mail dictate otherwise.

Employee Impact

Where Royal Mail makes a decision to proceed with a delivery office merger/closure then thediscussions, consultations and negotiations on the employee impact will be carried out in linewith current national agreements and the IR framework. Where the JWP has determined that a merger/closure requires a full office revision then this will follow the normal six phase revision process. Attention will be given to any family friendly arrangements currently in place in line with the normal process. Safety and the maintenance or, where possible, enhancement of the working environment will be key. All health and safety requirements, appropriate welfare facilities, required fittings and designated equipment will be in place before any relocation takes place. Any pouching off
arrangements and facilities for non delivered/returned items must be specified and in place before the move takes place. Any issues relating to potential employee surpluses, excess travel costs, preference exercises and pay protection will be managed in line with the terms set out in the MTSF agreement. If there is no suitable public transport available consideration will be given to providing transport between sites. Any duty selection criteria or resourcing issues will be dealt with in line with the national Way Forward Agreement and MTSF.

It is accepted that in all mergers/closures people issues will be a key priority with equal status to other priorities. The joint aim of the JWP will be to develop an agreed approach to dealing with people issues which meet this objective.

Review

Following any merger/closure, a joint review of all aspects will take place no later than 12weeks following the move, paying particular attention to ensuring any travelling, employee resourcing, quality and operational issues are resolved. The review participants will be the members of the JWP.

Application and Interpretation

Any issues regarding the application and/or interpretation of this Agreement will be forwarded to the signatories of this Agreement for urgent resolution.

Signed……………………………….… Signed ………………………………….
Mark Follows Bob Gibson
Royal Mail CWU
Date 16th October 2012

[cvilidiot]

Is there an update pending?
I'm aware that events this week have probably taken precedent but as far as I'm aware nothing has been communicated since the meeting.
Any updates would be appreciated as I think spdo's are in a grey area at the best of times (post office being a separate entity now)

[Brainache]

Is there an update pending ?