Logistics & Processing and Parcelforce National Update

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Letter to Branches




No. 829/2013
Ref: 035
Date: 11th December 2013

To All:

Postal Branches
Divisional Representatives
Regional Organisers
Area Distribution Representatives
Area Processing Representatives
LGV Representatives
RDC Representatives
Parcelforce Representatives


Dear Colleague

Royal Mail Logistics & Processing and Parcelforce National Update

LTB 815/13 dated 9th December 2013, advised Branches and representatives that a National agreement has been concluded with the employer that covers the agenda for growth, stability and the long term success of the Royal Mail Group, which has been unanimously endorsed by the Postal Executive.

You will have noted that the aforementioned LTB contained a reference to National Officers reporting on the functional elements associated with the negotiations that had been taking place and the progress that has been made.

In line with the above commitment please find below a report on the RM Logistics & Processing and Parcelforce Programme of Works as detailed in the Agenda for Growth and Stability Agreement, which will be out for ballot shortly.


Programme of Works for Processing and Logistics (Network & Area Distribution)

Our determination to ensure that our Union and its members can influence the future has and continues to be one of our strongest examples of progressive trade unionism.

In respect of Processing the Business Transformation 2010 Agreement concentrated understandably on the aggressive Programme of Mail Centre Rationalisation and whilst there will still be activity in this regard, we have long been of the opinion that we also need to focus with equal measure on influencing the working environment in those Mail Centres that remain open.

Against that backdrop the agreed Programme of Works reflects a new shared commitment to develop a mutual interest joint vision for future Processing and Logistics operations.

In Processing, it is long overdue that we fully understand and influence issues such as future performance, performance expectations, Standard Operating Procedures, resourcing and manpower planning going forward. Equally, it is important that both the business and the CWU acknowledge that raising the bar higher in respect of efficiency and performance has to be in parallel with raising the bar on terms and conditions, attendance patterns and the working environment, i.e. the balanced score card.

The agreed Programme of Works now gives us the right and the opportunity to influence all of the above and utilise joint Working Group activity (common in Logistics but not in Processing), which will enable us to tap into the experience and expertise of our Area Processing Representatives in designing the future Processing vision.

In respect of Logistics (Network and Area Distribution) a progressive agenda approach involving Joint Working Groups is already well established, nevertheless this activity will now be further enhanced by the mutual interest joint vision approach detailed in the Programme of Works. As for other commitments there will be a Network review which is now required which because of RM network changes and changes to the Parcelforce network as part of their growth programme.

While Network operations constantly have to adjust to the changing shape of the industry going forward you will note that any reviews will be conducted in the same way that we have conducted revisions previously, i.e. Network 10, 11 & 12, which will ensure that mutual interest solutions will be developed.

Equally, we have committed to resolving the issues surrounding the utilisation and siting of 17t Network vehicles and also to move forward previously agreed issues, especially those relating to the agreements made last year in relation to the Future of Area Distribution, New Products & Services for Logistics, Manpower Planning Development & Training to ensure there are genuine career path opportunities for all Royal Mail drivers.

Parcelforce Programme of Works and Reward Explained

A progressive agenda of issues which support the current growth plans are already established and in an advanced state and both parties are totally committed to continuing that joint effort in line with the Table of Success approach.

The Programme of Works document also articulates our commitment to develop new and additional incentive arrangements, activity to strengthen our mutual interest relationship and other important initiatives associated with the growth plans.
Equally, the document explains how the reward arrangements apply to the Parcelforce terms and conditions.

Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Terry Pullinger, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org or lwright@cwu.org quoting reference number: 035

Yours sincerely

Terry Pullinger
Assistant Secretary