HIGH PRIORITY - URGENT INFORMATION FOR ALL POSTAL BRANCHES

[Geezer]

Letter to Branches




No: 928/2009 Ref: L.60.00 Date: 21st October 2009

HIGH PRIORITY - URGENT INFORMATION FOR ALL POSTAL BRANCH SECRETARIES AND REPRESENTATIVES

Dear Colleague

National Dispute Strike Action – 22nd/23rd October 2009

Further to LTB 907/09 dated 15th October 2009, Branches/Representatives are advised that a number of enquiries are being received at CWU Headquarters regarding the actions of local management in a number of locations who are advising individual members that the Union has not notified Royal Mail of the Industrial Action scheduled to take place in their Units.

Notably this is occurring at a number of SPDO’s, Motor Transport Workshops and Vehicle Operating Centres and we have no doubt that they are doing this in an attempt to destabilise the strikes planned in these Units and could also be taking similar action in other offices for the same reason. The essence of the Royal Mail argument is that our members will be breaking the law and that Royal Mail will take legal action against any member taking Industrial Action in these units.

The Union can confirm however that Royal Mail has been notified of all Unit/workplace addresses as reasonably required by legislation including the grades and membership numbers that will be taking part in the Industrial Action during the above period. The National Union issued this notice in full compliance with the current employment legislation and to date no correspondence has been received from the employer lodging a formal complaint or challenge to any of the notified action.

In view of the above, Branches are instructed to advise any local manager that any challenge to the notified Industrial Action should be channelled via their Headquarters to National CWU Headquarters. Furthermore they should also seek an assurance that managers will cease this unwarranted harassment of CWU members who are exercising their lawful right to take strike action.

We apologise for the short notice in issuing this LTB, the reason for this is because the situation has only just been brought to our notice. Branch Secretaries/Representatives should make all members aware of the content of this LTB as a matter of urgency as it is imperative that we expose these strike breaking tactics being used by the employer.

Yours sincerely


Dave Ward Martin Collins
Deputy General Secretary (P) Assistant Secretary

Ray Ellis Bob Gibson
Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary

Terry Pullinger
Assistant Secretary