Network 12 Stage 3

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Letter to Branches




No: 589/12
Ref: 233.08
Date: 2nd August 2012


All Postal Branches With Network Members
All Divisional Representatives
All Regional Organisers
All Area Distribution Representatives
All LGV Representatives



Dear Colleague

Network 12 Stage 3

Following the successful conclusion of the “Statement of Intent” discussions reported in LTB 560/12, discussions on Network 12 recommenced at Stage 2 of the agreed process.

Attached for the information of Branches is an agreed Joint Statement that has been reached with the business in regard to progression to Stage 3 of the Network 12 deployment.

Please would Branches ensure that our Network representatives are made aware of this communication as soon as possible.

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 233.08.

Yours sincerely




Terry Pullinger
Assistant Secretary



NETWORK 12 - STAGE 3

The Network 12 framework was launched in the first week of April 2012 and this joint statement both reports on progress and moves us to Stage 3 of the process.

Stage 1

The joint data gathering exercise has been concluded.

Stage 2

Initially launched in May 2012, a number of high profile issues prevented progress and led to the national discussions in line with the Joint Statement of Intent between RM Logistics and the CWU.

Following the successful conclusion of these national discussions Stage 2 recommenced on the 19th July 2012. The Network Working Group (NWG) has reviewed the planning assumptions and Paragon outputs specifically to assess likely impact, problem areas and anticipate potential solutions.

The debate at this stage clearly centres on a somewhat hypothetical scenario in so much as the information available is the Paragon first cut outputs and the information gathered from the non binding preference exercise.

Against this backdrop and in recognition of the testing timescales in respect of deploying revisions prior to the Autumn Pressure period and achieving the benefits of the £400 lump sum, we have decided that the best approach is to produce a far more accurate picture by moving to Stage 3, i.e. local negotiations.

Both parties are fully committed to reaching a solution for Network 12 that represents mutual interest by reconciling business efficiency and people issues. Should the development of local impact disclose that a mutual interest agreement be better served by an area agreement, then dialogue will be re-opened by the NWG in consultation with the representatives and managers from the area(s) concerned.

It is therefore agreed that we will now proceed to Stage 3 and we remind all local managers and representatives that the NWG are available to assist in the development of positive and pragmatic local solutions.




Phil Murphy Terry Pullinger
Network Operations Director Assistant Secretary
Royal Mail CWU

Date: 31st July 2012