LTB 558/18 - POST OFFICE: COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT - DIGNITY AT WORK

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LTB 558/18 - POST OFFICE: COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT – DIGNITY AT WORK

No. 558/2018

2nd October 2018



Dear Colleagues

POST OFFICE: COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT – DIGNITY AT WORK

I am pleased to inform Branches that the Postal Executive has unanimously endorsed a Collective Agreement for a new Dignity at Work Policy and Procedure. This replaces the former Bullying and Harassment procedure which was TUPEd over from Royal Mail. The attached Joint Statement has been agreed and is provided for your information.

Also attached to this LTB is a letter from Lee Kelly, Employee Relations and Policy Director, dated 6th September which explains the approach to implementing this Collective Agreement which ensures the values and expected behaviours are embedded across the Post Office. This includes creating a comprehensive manager and employee toolkit, various posters, e-learning modules and the rolling out of a bespoke TeamTalk.

The aims of the Dignity at Work Policy are to:

 Support and sustain a positive working environment for all employees, free from any form of inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour

 Increase the awareness of what is unacceptable behaviour and that any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation is unacceptable

 To highlight the options available to employees who feel they are or have been subject to discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation

 Provide a mechanism for complaints to be properly investigated and addressed.



Key Features of the Collective Agreement include the following:

• A definition of the various protected characteristics

• A clearly defined section on the legal position relating to harassment and discrimination

• The principles the Post Office are committing to adhere to

• A summary of behavioural responsibilities for all employees at every level of the Post Office

• A robust section on the informal process including guidance on record keeping and the ability to seek confidential support and advice

• The option of involving an internal independent mediator

• The application of the formal process on a step by step basis

• An explanation on the appeal process including employee rights

• Clear guidance on precautionary action in sensitive cases

• Information on the provision of counselling and support where required

• A simple flow chart outlining the process for both the informal and formal stages.

It should be noted that full copies of all documentation relating to the Collective Agreement have been provided to our newly elected Post Office Representatives.

Both parties believe the introduction of the new Dignity at Work policy, accompanied with supporting resources and training (to include our Representatives) is really positive news. Branches will also note that fundamentally enshrined within the Collective Agreement is our trade union values and a commitment by the Post Office to promote a harmonious working environment where members should feel they are treated with dignity and respect. We are also jointly encouraging all Post Office employees to take every opportunity to strengthen their understanding of responsibilities and acceptable behaviours.

Lynn Simpson, Postal Executive member, who supported me in the negotiations, has worked closely with our Equalities Department who have helped to construct this Agreement. Consequently I would like to place on record my thanks to Lynn and also to Fevzi Hussein, Policy Assistant for his support and suggestions for developing and improving various sections of the Collective Agreement. It should be noted that the final Agreement has the full support of our Equalities Department.

Any enquires in relation to this LTB should be directed to Lea Sheridan on 020 8971 7361 or lsheridan@cwu.org

Yours sincerely



Andy Furey

Assistant Secretary

18LTB558 Post Office – Collective Agreement – Dignity at Work http://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-nlihujy-ztkjiuyil-i/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Attachment 1 – Joint Statement on Dignity at Work http://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-nlihujy-ztkjiuyil-d/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Attachment 2 – Letter from Lee Kelly – Dignity at Work Collective Agreement http://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-nlihujy-ztkjiuyil-h/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

View Online http://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-nlihujy-ztkjiuyil-k/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;