Ref. L2.06
Date: 24th November 2008
TO ALL BRANCHES WITH POSTAL MEMBERS
Dear Colleague
Pay and Modernisation - New Technology/Automation
The following statement is contained in the Pay and Modernisation Agreement:
Section 2 – Delivering Change and Flexibility
* New Technology – As the new 1.2 billion investment equipment is rolled out; Royal Mail is committed to providing a comprehensive training programme to ensure a safe and efficient operation and improved the working environment which will provided opportunities for new ways of working. In conjunction with this, CWU and employees will be fully involved in trial activities. There will be a generic deployment framework agreed by Royal Mail and the CWU by the end of January 2008 to deal with the trialling and implementation of new technology and automation.
Although initial discussions took place with Royal Mail on the Generic Framework late last year and good progress on a document was achieved during January and February we have still to date not concluded an Agreement. Over recent months rather than trying to resolve the outstanding points the business have attempted to introduce trials and deploy equipment by telling Local Representatives that the CWU have already stated they are committed to co-operate under the Pay and Modernisation Agreement.
We are aware that there are a number of important New Technology and Automation trials/projects being proposed the most high profile ones being in relation to iLSMs and Walk Sequencing. These all need to be covered by an appropriate Agreement/Terms of Reference to cover off issues of concern such as duty impact, staffing levels, Health & Safety, training and Engineering aspects etc.
It is essential that until such a time as an agreed way forward has been concluded at National Level Branches and Representatives adhere to the following instruction:
No further co-operation including the undertaking of Risk Assessments or the development of Safe Systems of Work must be given to the introduction of trials or deployment of any New Technology/Automation that have not been previously agreed with the National CWU.
It is unfortunate that the attitude of Royal Mail has left us with no other alternative than to introduce an embargo until they see sense and re-engage with the Union in meaningful negotiation.
I trust all Representatives will be made aware of the above instruction and use the content of this LTB and the IR Framework when responding to any proposals/requests received from management.
Yours sincerely
Martin Collins
Assistant Secretary