LTB - 275/20 Coronavirus Controls In The Workplace: Joint Statement

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB - 275/20 Coronavirus Controls In The Workplace: Joint Statement

No. 275/2020

27 May 2020

Our Ref: E1/20

To: All Branches with Royal Mail Members

Dear Colleagues,

Coronavirus Controls In The Workplace: Joint Statement

Attached is a tripartite Joint Statement from Royal Mail, CWU and Unite/CMA reaffirming commitment to a collaborative approach to ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of employees during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

In particular, the Statement references 2m social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal hygiene standards as being of key importance. All parties reaffirm their commitment to these standards.

Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, the work done by Royal Mail members has been widely recognised as playing a crucial role in helping to keep the social fabric intact. As the Government begins the process of relaxing lockdown, it is particularly important that the standards adopted in Royal Mail are maintained.

A crucial element of this is the maintenance of social distancing in the workplace. This may not always be popular, but it is essential for protecting the health and safety of employees until a vaccine becomes available. The suspension of van sharing is a key component of this. Whilst this can cause inconvenience it remains vitally important in containing possible exposure to the virus.

Reports are still being received of units where social distancing measures are not being followed. It is important that this is challenged and if not resolved, escalated swiftly.

If we are to keep members safe through this unprecedented public health crisis, now is not the time to relax.

Any enquiries relating to this LTB should be directed to Ray Ellis (rellis@cwu.org).

Yours sincerely

Ray Ellis
CWU National Officer

LTB 275/20 – Coronavirus Controls in the Workplace Joint Statement https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mhyftt-jtfljuhyd-i/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail Unite CMA and CWU Joint Statement https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mhyftt-jtfljuhyd-d/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

View Online https://emails.cwu.org/t/d-l-mhyftt-jtfljuhyd-h/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Woody Guthrie]

A crucial element of this is the maintenance of social distancing in the workplace. This may not always be popular, but it is essential for protecting the health and safety of employees until a vaccine becomes available. The suspension of van sharing is a key component of this. Whilst this can cause inconvenience it remains vitally important in containing possible exposure to the virus.

I guess we've got our answer as to when van sharing is coming back and it's not soon.

[Cucumber]

A crucial element of this is the maintenance of social distancing in the workplace. This may not always be popular, but it is essential for protecting the health and safety of employees until a vaccine becomes available. The suspension of van sharing is a key component of this. Whilst this can cause inconvenience it remains vitally important in containing possible exposure to the virus.

I guess we've got our answer as to when van sharing is coming back and it's not soon.

Our office is struggling BIG TIME with single van - the solution? Bring in more staff than before (therefore undermining social distancing) to get people out earlier to clear more mail.
Is there a set amount of people allowed per sg m for instance?
I'd have hoped the union/RM would be more explicit with how many people allowed etc, after all, many other companies have taken huge steps to address this - we seem to be hanging onto the 'wherever possible' caveat.
Outwardly the public see 1 per van, whereas behind closed doors it's all gone to pot.

[postslippete]

Is there a set amount of people allowed per sg m for instance?
I'd have hoped the union/RM would be more explicit with how many people allowed etc, after all, many other companies have taken huge steps to address this - we seem to be hanging onto the 'wherever possible' caveat.
Outwardly the public see 1 per van, whereas behind closed doors it's all gone to pot.

The government have left it up to businesses how they wish to implement social distancing in their workplace. I've seen a co-op only allow one customer in the shop at any one time whilst others seem to allow everyone and anyone.

Our depot seems to have more staff working on the morning shifts, presumably because few really want to be out delivering 'morning' post at 7pm.