IN THIS ISSUE: P3 XMAS EVE STRIKE VOTE P4 RECRUIT 100 PER CENT P10/11 VOICEMAIL: YOUR PAGE Thousands of Post Office counter staff Deputy general secretary (postal) Terry Readers’ letters on refugees, performance are set to ballot on industrial action... Pullinger sets the organising agenda... management, long-service and more...

POSTALVOICE EDITION|NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2015|WWW.CWU.ORG INSIDE: DEFEND UNION RIGHTS P6&7 DELIVERY FOCUS Tackling resourcing problems at PAGE 8-9 Dave Ward calls for a day of action local and national level, ensuring that Royal Mail adheres to national and protest against the Trade Union Bill agreements, a round-up of local disagreements, and reps’ ideas for a better future for our industry

P5 DONATE - SAVE LIVES A moving appeal to our younger readers from a member whose son’s life was saved by a bone marrow transplant, and a report from our ‘plodding posties’ raising cash for a suicide prevention charity

P12 CWUHA’S 20TH YEAR Opening the Phoenix Centre in Moldova was among the highlights of the CWUHA activities over this past 12 months – the charity's 20th year. The centre is now providing facilities for 300 disabled children

P15 GENERATION NOW Voice meets and speaks to the union’s current generation of young workplace reps as they represent their members, and Voice attended the CWU’s national youth education event in Birmingham

P16 LIBERTY AT RISK? With the new Conservative Government bringing in new laws restricting workers’ right to strike and unions’ ability to organise, Voice asks whether this is the start of an emerging authoritarianism Tweet us using WELCOME GENERAL SECRETARY’S COLUMN @CWUVoice INDUSTRY NEWS AND CAMPAIGNS NEWS

ContactUs TIME FOR A CHANGE...

CWU HQ - all enquiries 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London t's time for us to bigger unions - but there’s tell us (unfiltered) the most SW19 1RX redesign the CWU. T: 020 8971 7200 a lot of evidence to important workplace issues There are a number of suggest that, when this is you want us to deal with in Harrassment Helpline I 0800 107 1909 reasons for this. done for purely financial each company, and the

Changes to your membership Firstly, when the union reasons, unions end up CWU prioritises these details merged in 1995, it was built It is important that you notify us of any moving further away from issues change in your circumstances, including as a structure aspiring to the workplace. n Training courses for reps address, telephone and email address. (Your employer does not provide updates to us.) serve 300,000 members – I would rather we saw specifically focusing on how You can view and amend your details by logging on to the CWU website www.cwu.org but now, as a result of these pressures as a to win for members in the using the username and password you have major change in the postal been sent. If you prefer you can email us at DAVE WARD genuine opportunity to workplace [email protected] or telephone on 020 GENERAL SECRETARY and telecommunications look again at what type of n Replacing hierarchical 8971 7447 informing us of any changes. industries, it serves under union we want to be and structures with new vibrant 200,000. build an organisation that forums that reach out to This is a trend that has is more responsive and frontline reps and members been seen across the whole closer to its membership. and encourage the active The GS column can always be viewed prior to publication of the VOICE, along trade union movement, as The CWU has a lot participation of all with daily updates on recent events, industries adapt to going for it. We already minorities in the workplace. CWU Legal Services: UNIONLINE on Facebook: Dave Ward CWU 0300 333 0303 Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveWardGS technological change. have a local structure that When I was elected UNIONLINE is the CWU’s very own law firm offering members and their families a fast Secondly, the world of is the envy of most unions. general secretary I said we route to free, comprehensive legal advice. work today is a much Benefits of CWU membership include: For me, however, needed to focus on creating POL Xmas Eve strike vote n Personal injury claims for members and harsher place for all redesigning the union our future, not reliving the family n Employment law advice (members only) workers and we need to means looking at how we past. The work to review POST OFFICE COUNTERS have told employees they have to especially at this time of year.” have offered our members next to – working all day Christmas Eve n Free legal advice helpline work on until 4pm, citing customer Andy and his team have put nothing.” will then become the norm. n Free will writing service build an organisation that can improve on what we our own HQ has now begun n New free motor claims service Ballot papers were set to start service needs and they have ignored forward several compromise At the most recent meeting “We’re not daft – and neither are n No legal costs can shift the balance of already have. in earnest, but we will also arriving on the doormats of some every attempt by the CWU to reach solutions to Post Office bosses in between the CWU and the Post our members.” forces away from big Here are a few ideas as need to look across the 2,500 Post Office counter staff as we an acceptable compromise. repeated attempts to take the heat Office, the company tabled an offer The strike ballot was set to open To register a claim or for any legal advice went to press, with CWU “It is widely known by customers out of the situation, which have which included a cash payment of on November 30th and will run call UNIONLINE on 0300 333 0303 unaccountable to what shape that could whole organisation and representatives urging “a big ‘Yes’ that Crown Offices have closed at focussed on treating this additional £100 with 3.5 hours TOIL – but it until Monday 14th December. More information at www.unionline.co.uk corporations and back take: refocus our efforts in the vote” for action in defence of the 12:30 on Christmas Eve for decades,” afternoon duty as voluntary was on a strictly ‘one-off’ basis, so “We’re urging members to vote towards workers and n A new package for our workplace. traditional 12.30pm finish on said assistant secretary Andy Furey, overtime, for which staff who opt-in this was rejected by the negotiating ‘Yes’ – save Christmas Eve.” Christmas Eve. “and our members have quite rightly receive either enhanced hourly rates team as there is no ongoing benefit ordinary people. local reps. We need to be Of course, another way we For many decades, Crown post viewed this concession as a small or an agreed lump-sum payment. to members. offices have closed their doors to reward for the hard work they put in “But unfortunately, the business “Once again, this is Post Office In most cases your branch should be A route that a lot of trade clearer on what support can all help to improve the your first point of contact. Details customers at 12.30pm on Christmas during the traditionally busy period just won’t see sense here,” Andy management playing games,” said are on your membership card. unions have taken when we give them and what CWU’s strength in the Eve, allowing hard-working staff a leading up to Christmas. continued, “we’ve been reasonable, Andy, who explained: “They just It’s hard to believe faced with these financial we expect in return workplace is to recruit non- few valuable hours to complete their “It’s hard to believe that the and have put forward a series of fair want us to concede the principle of the senior Post Edition Editor and organisational n New forms of members. last-minute preparations for the big people at the top of this company and workable solutions, while Christmas Eve afternoons and then Office management Karl Stewart day ahead. really think this is a fair way to treat they’ve acted in their usual high- in future years they’ll offer our think this is fair pressures is to merge with engagement where you Happy Christmas. But this year, Post Office bosses loyal and long-serving employees, handed and arrogant manner and members nothing at all for doing it Andy Furey Edition Journalist Paul Donovan

Voice stories and Communications department 020 8971 7497 Published on behalf of CWU by PEOPLE’S POST CWU slams RM ‘fire sale’ Jobs action looms Century One Publishing Ltd. T: 01727 893 894 W: www.centuryonepublishing.uk GOVERNMENT SHARE SELL-OFF paid have yet been released, at the previous coalition Government, we SUPPLY CHAIN & SUPPORT impact on members at Dartford, Advertising enquiries fter a lively launch during the summer in the 'Artist Taxi Driver', Mark McGowan and pay, terms and conditions are attacked “we time of going to press. were told that this was because Dearne, St Helens, Bolton, Leeds and Oliver Kirkman Acentral London, our People’s Post Abby Tomlinson the creator of the ‘milifandom will fight." CWU general secretary Dave Ward In June, the Government had sold Royal Mail needed private capital to As we went to press, members at a Chesterfield, while the majority of T: 01727 739 184 campaign won unanimous support from the hashtag’ during the general election has condemned the Government’s off 50 per cent of its existing stake at invest in its future - but if you ask Post Office CViT and coin centre unit depots are directly affected by the E: [email protected] TUC and the Labour Party, and then we were campaign, while the evening’s proceedings l If you still haven’t watched the CWUTV video of this event, “fire sale” of its remaining 13 per £5 per share, raising £750m. The the workforce they have seen hardly in Leeds had just returned a 95 per Supply Chain plan to reduce jobs. Designed and art edited by invited to take a key evening slot during Take were chaired by the Daily Mirror’s Kevin visit CWU.org and click on the ‘People’s Post’ campaign logo. cent stake in Royal Mail as initial sale took place two years ago, any new investment, witnessing cent ‘Yes’ vote for industrial action, While the union has achieved Heena Gudka and Sarah Ryan People’s Post campaign heads to the Midlands next, for a “indicative of the Tories’ true when the shares were underpriced at instead the worst type of short-term and workers at the company’s call some progress in the talks – a Back Manchester – a national week of action Maguire. special event in Birmingham early in the New Year – watch out and events organised by the People’s For the CWU, our general secretary Dave for further details. colours.” £3.30, resulting in a rapid doubling investors making a killing without centre in St Helens, Lancashire, were reversal of the closure of the Bristol Telecoms cover image Dave declared: "This fire sale nails in price. Proceeds from the sale of all any regard to the long-term future preparing to vote on action too, site and a reduction in the overall CWU Assembly and timed to coincide with the visit Ward directed his fire toward government, the lie that the Tories stand up for the Government shares raised £3.3 of the company or the services it raising the prospect of pre-Christmas number of job cuts – several “deeply of David Cameron’s Conservatives to the city. declaring: "You may have privatised Royal Postal cover image the interests of ordinary people. By billion. provides to the public. action by staff, in disputes sparked unfair” issues remain, including the CWU A thousand people crammed inside Mail, but this will always be the People's Post." their actions today they have made it Deputy general secretary (postal) "The CWU will continue to by the company’s intention to cut up closures of Dearne and Leeds and the Manchester Cathedral and several thousand Dave attacked the concept of a race to the VOLUME 22 NUMBER 5 abundantly clear that they are only Terry Pullinger warned any new, campaign against unfair to 200 jobs across its Supply Chain compulsory transfers of staff, which more thronged the street outside to hear bottom, with terms and conditions being interested in privatisation dogma private shareholders that the union competition and the race to the and Support Services operations. would entail, for most, an extra 10 © CWU 2015 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn castigate the "dragged down" by competition and he urged and making the rich richer - even will not accept any undermining of bottom, which privatisation CWU assistant secretary Andy hours per week travelling time. privatisation of Royal Mail as "a massive rip- all workers in the communications industry to when their actions place public pay, terms and conditions or inevitably brings,” Terry continued. Furey told Voice: “We’ve been in “Our over-riding aim has been and off," vow to push for renationalisation and to "join the CWU and we'll fight to raise your pay, services at risk.” standards of service. “Both existing, and any new talks with the business over the plans remains to avoid compulsory stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the CWU in terms and conditions." The Government wasted no time "Selling off the final 14 per cent of shareholders should be in no doubt they announced seeking up to 108 redundancies, protecting as many protecting the universal postal service and Terry Pullinger, deputy general secretary ridding itself of the last remaining Royal Mail threatens the very - any attempt to undermine our staff in post reductions in Supply jobs as possible and ongoing secure stake in RM, selling the remaining 13 Chain and 78 in Support Services – workers' pay, terms and conditions. (postal), praised front line reps and activists, existence of the one-price-goes- legally binding agreements, terms employment for all those wishing to per cent stake at £4.55 a share last anywhere, six-day-delivery service and conditions, job security or the which they explained on the basis of remain in the Post Office,” said Other speakers included author Owen describing them as "heroes” and adding that month, raising £591.1 million. A that is one of the great inventions of six-day-delivery Universal Service the loss of the Primark contract and Andy. Jones, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell, the CWU is “a fighting union” and if members’ ➤ VIEW HIGHLIGHTS further 1 per cent of shares were our social history,” he stated. Obligation will be defended by us various planned efficiency savings, “Strikes can be avoided, but only if FROM MANCHESTER allocated to the workers, although no "When the first part of this by all means possible including, if such as centralisation.” the company agrees these principles details of exactly how this is to be privatisation was completed by the necessary, strike action." As it stands, the admin job cuts in a new national agreement.”

2 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 3 INDUSTRY NEWS AND CAMPAIGNS NEWS

CWU urges Canada Post return to work Donate to save more lives reprieve for in transplant was decided upon and DISABILITY ADJUSTMENT Christie Hospital carried this out in mail delivery brief May 2014, after which John was then Assistant secretary Ray Ellis told kept in isolation within the hospital Voice that “progress is being for a further five weeks. INTERNATIONAL NEWS made” in efforts to assist a delivery After his discharge, John member with multiple sclerosis to remained on medication and has Following the recent change of return to duty. continued to return to Christie government in the country, Canada New national The member, Andrew Mootoo, Hospital regularly for check-ups and Post has announced a suspension of has been unable to work at blood counts. the controversial ‘community postal officer Bridgwater Delivery Office since “Because of his condition, even mailboxes’ programme, which the he was diagnosed with the the most minor ailments such as a previous government had started to Davie Robertson was elected as condition 18 months ago and has common cold can be very serious to introduce as an alternative to door-to- the new assistant secretary with been on sick leave for so long that his system,” said Keith, “but he’s door delivery. The U-turn came after responsibility for members in mail his pay was stopped. The gradually become stronger and we the recent election victory by the centres, processing, parcels, company’s failure to resolve his were so proud when he was able to former opposition Liberal Party, which logistics, Quadrant and Parcelforce situation sparked angry protests return to university last autumn.” had campaigned on an election and got straight down to work, from Andrew’s colleagues last Keith is full of praise for the promise to stop the cuts to home mail saying: "The focus for all in the department will remain on meeting month. Hazel, John and Keith doctors and other medical staff who delivery. Canada’s postal union the challenges we face and Updating us on the situation, treated his son and is particularly CUPW-STTP said: “We’re happy that delivering for our members across Ray said: “The aim of the CWU is keen that to try to raise the profile of Canada Post has ‘temporarily’ the business units we represent." to ensure that reasonable BONE MARROW DONATION persistent pains in his arm and the Anthony Nolan Trust, a suspended its decision to end home Terry Pullinger previously held the adjustments are made in shoulder. campaigning charity which seeks to mail delivery, but the union wants a post, which become vacant when accordance with equality Southport postman Keith Harrison An ultra-sound scan led to a encourage people to donate their permanent halt to the delivery cuts.” he was elected as our new DGS(P) legislation so that Andrew can is urging our younger Voice readers referral to a specialist who broke the stem cells to people with conditions back in July. Congratulating Davie return to duty. to consider volunteering as bone heart-breaking news to John, Keith similar to John’s. on his election, Terry said: "I look “A joint review of the case is marrow donors to help save more and his wife Hazel back in 2012. “Thanks to all these wonderful forward to working with him in the being undertaken by a Royal Mail people like his own son. “It felt like the floor opened up people, my son is now on the road future and I'm confident he'll do an manager without previous John Harrison, a 22-year-old beneath us when we first heard the to recovery. We need to have more excellent job.” ‘Recruit 100 per cent’ involvement in the case and the graphic design student at diagnosis,” Keith told Voice, and donors so that more lives can be CWU disability advisory Huddersfield University, is now added that John was prescribed a saved and I’d appeal to Voice committee chair Tony Sneddon on firmly on the road to recovery after series of chemotherapy treatments at readers under 30 to contact the Boxing Day RECRUITMENT protecting our industry and our have proved welcome and timely,” Terry said: “I know that Dave behalf of the union, and an up-to- receiving a bone marrow transplant Southport Hospital. Anthony Nolan Trust and volunteer. members, it is vital that we get those he continued, “giving our key Ward, our general secretary, is date health assessment is being last year for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “His first chemo treatment was The first step is to give a saliva non-service Deputy general secretary (postal) figures up to the 100 per cent mark. people a chance to have their say pushing all departments of the undertaken to identify what Just 19 when he was diagnosed not successful and, after the first six sample – or ‘spit test’,” he explains. Terry Pullinger has told Voice that “Strong arguments are not on the critical issue of organising union to focus on developing adjustments are needed to allow with the condition, John had been a months, John’s hair fell out and he “If only one person who reads Industry regulator Ofcom have organising is a key priority across enough – we also need increased and recruitment, promoting an serious and sustained organising Andrew to return." lively and active young man keen was in a really bad way, then he was your article becomes a donor they confirmed that December 26th is a every department of the union and membership density and stronger open and honest debate, strategies at other businesses on all manner of outdoor pursuits, transferred to Christie Hospital in may save a life.” ‘non-service day’, clearing up any l An earlier report on this important issue has described the approach his organisation,” Terry insisted. identifying the issues they face and within our sectors and across all according to Keith, “cycling, Manchester, where some other types Court verdict ambiguity that may have arisen was posted on the CWU website last month. To l department has adopted to To address these issues, and in canvassing potential solutions to our industries represented by the skateboarding, and generally of chemo were tried but were also If you’re aged between 16 and 30, and want due to the date falling on a read this report, visit the site and search ‘news to help, ring Anthony Nolan Trust on 0303 303 Saturday this year. In a letter to ensuring that. line with Conference policy and the help inform our future organising CWU.” archive-Bridgwater’. driving us mad as teenagers do,” unsuccessful,” Keith continued. 0303 or write to Anthony Nolan 2 Heathgate PROSECUTIONS branches confirming the “The latest membership figures organising strategy agreed by the strategy.” but he started complaining of As a last resort, bone marrow Place 75-87 Agincourt Road London NW3 2NU. arrangements, outdoor secretary for September 2015 continue to be union’s executive in August, the The aim is to focus on how best A more proactive approach from Royal Bob Gibson explained: “Following strong and show CWU membership DGS(P) and his team have been we build the union, strengthen our Mail to dog attacks on staff has CWU representation to Royal Mail levels across Royal Mail Group of holding a series of consultation workplace organisation and Do you have any non- We aim to make sure resulted in the first two private CWU members in your reasonable adjustments regarding attendances on Boxing well over 80 per cent,” he said. exercises with key stakeholders at recruitment, and better support our workplace? If so, why are made in accordance prosecutions being brought against Day 26th December, and their “But if we’re serious about all levels of the union. branches and all tiers of our field not give them a copy with equality legislation owners in Manchester and Leeds. The subsequent support, Royal Mail meeting the many challenges we “These events, which have reps structures. of Voice and ask so that Andrew can move came as a result of the CWU’s made a submission to Ofcom face, dealing with the fall-out from involved our branch secretaries, As well as strengthening our them to join? return to duty Bite Back campaign, which saw supported by the CWU. Ofcom have a now fully-privatised RM and best senior field officials and organisers, organisation in Royal Mail Group, Terry Pullinger Ray Ellis tougher laws and sentences, and an now agreed that 26th December agreement whereby the company and all similar such occurrences prosecutes wherever possible when will be deemed as a non-service the police and Crown Prosecution day.” Service have failed to do so. HR Services Crown workers GPO workers who gave their lives win bonus pay rise paid these books of remembrance - REMEMBRANCE Dave Simmonds, Michael Lane, and Paul Jackson in Yorkshire...... and here’s the same trio in the House of Lords Postal uniform Hard-working Crown Post Office important records of our social INCENTIVE PAYMENTS Two books of remembrance listing and military history. members finally received their 2015 pay rise at the end of all 12,830 Post Office employees "The GPO was a massive Members working in Royal Mail HR WORKWEAR October, after voting by an killed in the two world wars were organisation during both world Services have achieved their overwhelming majority to accept donated to the British Postal wars, involved in fighting on all quarterly incentive targets once Postal executive member Mick the above-inflation 1.9 per cent Museum and Archive (BPMA) by fronts as well as keeping lines of again, earning themselves another ‘Rt Hon’ Plodding Posties Kavanagh told Voice that he has been deal negotiated by the CWU. The the Post Office Fellowship of communications open. In this, the £250 (part-time pro-rata) cash bonus tasked with heading up the CWU’s rise was fully consolidated and Remembrance at a special second year of the First World in their end-of-October salaries for FUNDRAISING over £9,000, which will be shared “It was fantastic to be invited to input to Royal Mail’s national review backdated to April 2015 and also ceremony on 11 November. War Centenary, it is important the three months from July through between Console and the Westminster,” said Paul, “but most of uniform needs. “I’m working with included the outstanding £500 The books are a significant that we remember those normal September. Assistant secretary Andy Our ‘Plodding Posties’ from Alzheimer’s Society. importantly, it was really important the company’s head of workwear (part-time pro-rata) network historical record, and provide the people who fell in the line of duty, Furey congratulated the staff, Caterham were invited to the “We completed the Cleveland to highlight the brilliant work that and we’re looking in detail at what transformation payments. only known complete record of either on the front line, or saying: “Well done to our RMHR House of Lords last month in Way – and part of the Yorkshire Console does.” improvements can be made to the Thanking members for their people who worked for what was undertaking their duties as people, who have now exceeded recognition of their tireless efforts Wolds Way – in 42.5 hours over five Our ‘Plodding Posties’ walked the clothing issued to our members out patience with this year’s pay then the General Post Office (GPO) employees of this vital quarterly targets for both periods in on behalf of suicide prevention and days,” Paul Jackson told us, singling Cotswold Way for St Catherine’s on the front line,” he said, negotiations, and for the 97.6 per and fell in the 20th century’s two organisation," he added. the 2015/16 financial year so far, bereavement charity Console. out the climb of the “stunningly Hospice in 2012 and the Thames explaining: “It needs to be fit for cent ‘Yes’ vote they returned, most monumentous conflicts. They receiving a well-deserved £500 Dave Simmonds, Michael Lane beautiful” Cringle Moor as the Path in 2009 for Marie Curie Cancer purpose, and we’ll want to ensure assistant secretary Andy Furey will be available to view on request l Voice readers will recall that the (ptpr) in total.” This incentive and Paul Jackson, with their highlight of the expedition. Care three years earlier. that, going forward, it meets the said: “The above-inflation rise and at the BPMA's archive in London. remarkable contribution made by the GPO’s scheme operates on a customer colleague Dave Warren as support Console invited the Caterham “We’ve raised nearly £30,000 for needs of our members in all the cash payment are both well- workforce in WW1 was the subject of an deserved.” Chris Taft, head of collections at award-winning feature by Simon Alford that perception scoring system, known as driver, trekked the arduous 125- team to join them at a House of various good causes since 2009,” respects.” Further details will be Simon Kelly - POFR Company Secretary, Chris Taft – Head of Collections, The British Postal appeared in our September/October 2014 BPMA, said: "We are honoured to Museum & Archive – with book in special Book of Remembrance display cabinet CPSI and pays out on a CPSI score mile Cleveland Way in north Lords reception, which was hosted said Paul, adding: “Thanks to reported to members in the New be asked to permanently safeguard edition. of 50 and over. Yorkshire this autumn and raised by Baroness Heyhoe Flint. everyone who donated.” Year, he added.

4 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 5 NEWS FOCUS ON DELIVERY FOCUS ON DELIVERY FEATURE

Tackling resourcing, keeping commitments DEFENDING OUR INDUSTRY RESOURCING JOINT STATEMENT are reaffirmed and applied. and it has pushed back our work release time for local reps to prepare, clarify that central policy can no Hundreds of area delivery reps (ADRs) attended a series of briefings around the country organised by the outdoor The statement aims to refocus the and aspiration for a new culture,” attend and deal with any ongoing longer be blamed by local As the newly elected deputy general company on a number of key he added. activity resulting from the resourcing management for avoiding our clear department recently to hear an overview of the current situation and open a national debate on the challenges ahead secretary, one of Terry Pullinger’s resourcing principles relating to “So the joint statement seeks to meeting process. principles and processes and prevent first tasks has been adding the regular reviews in the use of agency provide extra leverage in local Terry continued: “Ironically if our further breaches of the agreements by department’s weight to the serious staff, temporary contracts becoming discussions by reminding everyone agreements had been adhered to the Royal Mail. issues resulting from Royal Mail’s permanent and part-timers that it’s all our responsibility to get joint statement would not have been “Policing our agreements at local utdoor secretary Bob Gibson failed resourcing policy and related increasing their conditioned hours. it right in the interest of the necessary, however it was imperative level is key to stability, which is why opened the briefings by breaches of our national agreements Speaking to Voice, Terry said: “It employees and the public we serve; that we dealt with the serious we are also making it a priority that spelling out the need for “full, which have led to numerous is evident that over a period of time that robust resourcing is imperative; resourcing issues and I hope the joint we invigorate basic IR principles frank and honest debate.” problems around the country, there has been a resourcing policy and that immediate reviews of the statement we have secured will help training for local reps.” O Indoor workload is under particularly in deliveries. which has gone beyond the spirit of resourcing mix should take place. pressure due to the growth of automation Last month, after talks with the our agreements and resulted in the Management have to understand in letters, while unaddressed mail (D2D) business at senior national level, the inappropriate use of agency and that damaging our brand via has not expanded as it had been hoped to union’s executive developed a new casual resource, unreasonably long shortcuts on professional resourcing do, Bob explained, adding that these two joint statement with the company periods of temporary employment will ultimately damage our chances developments compounded the already aimed at bringing a renewed when people could and of long-term success.” long-existing pressures on the industry focus to addressing the should be permanent, The joint statement makes it clear through e-substitution and competition. Three delivery offices in Essex came resourcing issues out in the and part-time that regional directors cannot ignore “These briefings need to focus on what close to strike action last month when a field. Throughout these employees denied the our divisional reps who have been we need to do in order to protect full-time disagreement over resourcing sparked discussions, the union has opportunity to extend warning of the weakness in the jobs in our industry and our intention is ballots at Harlow, Chelmsford and sought to expose the their contracted hours company’s approach and the that these briefings and your feedback, Brentwood. company’s failures when it is clearly potential industrial stability will inform the development of another Explaining the issue to Voice, area Strike votes were narrowly avoided at explained. around its centrally justified. breakdown for months. delivery blueprint for the period ahead,” delivery rep Frank Woodhatch said: “The delivery offices in Kenilworth, Leamington “We met with the company’s East Midlands controlled resourcing and “It is and has been a Local managers and our local reps he told the reps. dispute was sparked by management’s Spa, Nuneaton, and Rugby after talks delivery director and solutions were eventually recruitment strategy and very short-sighted are clearly identified as being Executive members Mark Baulch and executive action over ‘on-the-day’ between the CWU and the business at reached for each of the units, which involve ensure that our job policy which has responsible for agreeing resourcing ➤ VIEW INTERVIEW WITH Tony Bouch gave presentations on the absorption, which was a clear breach of divisional level achieved a new local full staffing on permanent contracts and a security and driven insecurity arrangements and the statement ongoing work that is being done on the national Agenda for Growth agreement on staffing levels. pledge to hold delivery revisions as well.” TERRY PULLINGER: agreement.” Midlands divisional rep Paul Kennedy As well as addressing the immediate resourcing and retention also makes it clear that local The CWU will ensure that Royal Mail adheres to agreements on resourcing delivery modelling and design, and Paul agreements problems, managers must allow sufficient Chapman and Pete Sinnott, who both Each unit voted overwhelmingly to told us: “It was all around unagreed problem, in the longer term there is a Terry Pullinger work to the outdoor department, reported walk out – 92.6 per cent voted to strike absorption by management, which led to commitment by the business to plan ahead at on studies into volume trends in both in Brentwood, Chelmsford returned a the four units requesting an industrial action the regular resourcing meetings in order to addressed and unaddressed (D2D) mails. 96.7 per cent ‘Yes’ vote and the Harlow ballot and we were anticipating large ‘Yes’ anticipate, and hopefully to avoid, future Bob then handed over to the ADRs for office was completely unanimous, with a votes at each office.” staffing crises. their input, saying: “If you’ve got a view, 100 per cent endorsement – and strikes The union’s executive agreed to the “I’ve got to give a big thanks to our MEMBER BENEFIT LOGIN: CWU a thought, a suggestion or a question, were due to start in mid-November. request and papers were being prepared members for standing up for themselves here then please say it – we need a national But at the 11th hour, the business for despatch when the company sought and ensuring that the national agreement is debate and this is the start of that.” asked the union for talks and the CWU discussions to resolve the issue, Paul kept to,” said Paul. With dozens of ADRs putting forward negotiating team – consisting of their points of view, input varied widely assistant secretary Bob Gibson, Barry and ideas included the need for a focus Jennings, the divisional rep and Frank – THINK YOU CAN’T on growing ‘bespoke’ D2D activity, a reached a local agreement with Representatives of around 800 postal workers in the same-day delivery product, more management. north Surrey area requested a strike ballot after another investment, improvements to PDAs and “The office manager will now discuss dispute over resourcing last month, reports area AFFORD A NEW CAR? other equipment, and consideration of with the unit rep whenever they want delivery rep Ally MacLeod. cross-functional working. absorption and, if agreement at this level “There were three main issues, which affected all 11 Split deliveries, longer delivery spans is not reached, there is a procedure to delivery offices across the Croydon and Sutton Amal and a shorter working week were also escalate to area and divisional level,” Branch,” he explained, listing resourcing to workload, THAT’S RUBBISH. among the suggestions made. Frank told us. temporary staff not being made permanent, and Winning more work with businesses at But the underlying cause is the failure recruitment being limited to 24-hour contracts. a local level and advertising new services to recruit sufficient staff, he continued, This was judged by the union to be a breach of the on delivery vans were other ideas put pointing out that, across the 11 delivery Agenda for Growth national agreement and a decision We’ll give you * forward, as was the need for a stronger offices he is responsible for, there are was taken to move to an official ballot. £2,000 focus on meeting the needs of both social currently 75 vacancies, and as part of “Under-resourcing was becoming such a problem scrappage for your old car so you can buy and business customers. the agreement, the business had now that we were concerned that the business could be in a brand new Astra Excite for just £10,795.^ Among the many problems highlighted committed to regular staffing, hours and breach of the USO,” Ally said, adding that this had were under-resourcing, with full-time duty reviews. been a major factor in the decision. “I’ve thanked all our members for their Action was averted thanks to timely negotiations, Find out more at: leavers either not being replaced, or part- time staff recruited instead, and many support and also our negotiators Bob which achieved increases to hours worked by part-time www.partnersprogramme.co.uk or examples of local management not Gibson and Barry Jennings, and also our staff – directly improving the earnings of some 70 visit your local Vauxhall Retailer. adhering to national agreements. other divisional rep Steve Butts.” workers – and putting almost 50 temporary employees Bob told Voice that the briefings had onto permanent contracts. been “extremely positive and generated some very useful and constructive ideas, as well as voicing some real problems. “There have been a series of delivery office disputes recently – up to and Unagreed use of agency workers by Royal Mail at two delivery offices in Plymouth last month including strike ballots – and resourcing also sparked angry reactions and intense negotiations between local CWU reps and managers. has been a common element,” he said. West Park and North Central delivery offices "remained tense" for several days, while talks “What’s been very good to see, continued, according to Plymouth and East Cornwall Branch secretary Ralph Ferrett, until however, has been the solidarity of our management agreed that they will not use agency resource without first exhausting all other in- members in the face of this, standing up to house alternatives, such as overtime or increasing part-time workers' hours. local management and sticking together. In that event, the business has committed to consult with the union, he explained. “There’s no doubt that this is the reason In the longer term, there is now a joint commitment to address some of the underlying local Offi cial Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption fi gures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Astra Excite 1.4i 100PS resourcing problems and this is likely to include revisions at both units, Ralph continued. # why, in each instance, our reps and 5dr: Urban: 38.2 (7.4), Extra-urban: 57.7 (4.9), Combined: 48.7 (5.8). CO2 emissions: 136g/km. members have been able to pull "Through this process, we'll be looking to increase the contractual hours of existing part- *£2000 Scrappage Allowance towards a new car is offered on condition that the traded-in car must have been registered in your name as the owner for at least 90 days and the registration document must be in your name and address. management firmly back in line with time workers in line with the national Agenda for Growth agreement," he pointed out and ^Astra offer applies to cash purchases only and includes a Retailer contribution. Model featured Astra Excite 1.4i 100PS 5dr in Power Red from £12,795 on the road. £10,795 represents the on the road price minus Scrappage Allowance of added: "Many thanks to our members for their patience and their support in reaching a £2,000. Offer available to Vauxhall Partners only, no other offers apply. Offers apply to limited stock registered between 8th October 2015 and 15 December 2015, and are subject to Terms and Conditions. www.vauxhall.co.uk/scrappage. national agreements – and have then Offers available at participating Retailers only. UK-supplied vehicles only. For Partners Terms and Conditions go to www.partnersprogramme.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. #Offi cial EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison made significant progress on local solution to a very tense situation and also to the reps for their tireless efforts." purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. See Retailer for further details. Correct at time of going to print 04/11/2015. resourcing and recruitment problems.” V Bob Gibson

6 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 7

DEFEND THE RIGHT TO STRIKE FEATURE ~ It’s time to name the day of action and protest, it’s time for our movement to really give voice to the workers of this country - and fight back on all fronts Dave Ward CWU general secretary

HANDS OFF OUR MOVEMENT Views from the front line Last month, Westminster’s Central Hall was packed to the rafters with hundreds more locked out, as trade unionists turned out o nce again to “It’s now time to take this fight beyond the Parliamentary process,” said our general secretary Dave Ward, after give a collective thumbs-down to the Government’s concerted attack on their rights. While the leaders of the nation’s trade uni ons spoke to the Government’s controversial Trade Union Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons the rally inside, the overspill crowd who filled the small city street outside the venue were addressed by others who spoke fro m the top of a fire engine – provided by the Fire Brigades Union – after which, protesters made their way over to Parliament to meet with thei r MPs.

Above left espite a busy autumn of members played an active role at the comply with and that bit easier for the contributions systems and the further CWU members Voice spoke to some of our CWU members who were waiting to see their own MPs and asked them what they most opposed in this Bill … preparing to march campaigning against the Bill, Manchester demonstration in October, employer to win court injunctions, he restrictions the Government are in Manchester during which tens of taking the lively protest – estimates of continued. planning to impose on the funding of during Conservative thousands marched through which ranged from 60,000 up to 100,000 “It’s no surprise a government trying the Labour Party are yet more “It’s an attack on civil liberties. “There’s no need for this Bill. Conference week Manchester during the – to within earshot of the venue where to push through cuts to services and examples of some of the more “It’s a massive hindrance D The social media aspects of the to all unions. What turnouts “The suspension of rights Why are they trying to take Above right Conservative Party conference, and the Conservative faithful were attacks on support for the poorest in dangerous aspects of this Trade Union law are an invasion of privacy.” are MPs elected on? It’s and the social media rules.” away my voice and the voice Dave Ward thousands more gathered in central gathering. society is trying to silence opposition to Bill, the general secretary points out. John Gray, Central outrageous.” Dave Chivers, of other workers?” addressing trade London a few weeks later for a rally and Amid a sea of trade union banners, this.” “With every issue the Bill covers, the Counties & Thames Maxine Penkethman, Southdowns, Hayden Newson, unionists from the a mass lobby of MPs, the House of placards and flags, the CWU formed a Dave highlighted the restrictions on Government’s anti-working people Valley Branch Midlands No.7 Weald & Rother South Midlands Postal top of a fire engine Lobbying: Chris White, Commons voted in early November by large contingent, with hundreds of industrial action in the Bill, which will agenda becomes clearer and clearer,” Lobbying: Richard Fuller, Lobbying: Jeremy Lefroy, Lobbying: Peter Bottomley, outside Central Hall MP for Bedford & Kempston MP for Stafford MP for Worthing West MP for Leamington & Warwick in Westminster 305 votes to 270 to pass the Bill. activists from across the North West double the notice period we need to Dave said. Reacting to the Commons vote on being joined by our national leadership give employers, from seven days to a behalf of the CWU, general secretary and scores of members from as far afield fortnight, and will put a time limit on Tory conference tactics “Strikes are a last resort, but the proposed “The thresholds are “I’m furious about the use of Dave Ward said that it was “now time to as Scotland and the South West. action, meaning that it will have to be He reminds us about this year’s thresholds are an attack on democracy, undemocratic. There agency workers as strike “Unnecessary restrictions take this fight beyond the Parliamentary Conservative Party conference “when especially when you compare the turnouts should be no restrictions breakers, and also about the Speaking to Voice in more detail taken within four months of the date of in general elections, council elections and on unions.” new picketing rules.” and ludicrous thresholds.” process.” about the Bill and how we should fight the ballot itself. Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne claimed the police commissioner elections.” Sammi Craig, Derek Hansford, South- Des Arthur, South Dave pointed out that the TUC voted it and protest against it, Dave that they were the ‘party of working Noel Bates, Midlands No.7 downs, Weald & Rother Midlands Postal in favour of a co-ordinated day of action explained that the legislation imposes Strike breaking agencies people’, and many media South Midlands Branch Lobbying: Jeremy Lefroy, Lobbying: Huw Merriman, Lobbying: Marcus Jones, against the Bill in September and said significant restrictions on union The Government is also proposing to commentators remarked that this was Lobbying: Marcus Jones, MP for Nuneaton MP for Stafford MP for Bexhill MP for Nuneaton that, with the Bill now moving onto the activities across the board, from change the law to allow employers to clever tactics. House of Lords, the union movement industrial action and picketing, to bring in agency workers as strike “But, as I’ve been saying recently, “The Bill is draconian and “I’m the branch political officer and undemocratic. It puts huge needs to “up the ante” in opposing it. facility time and political breakers. that line, like the now-forgotten claim I’m very worried about the attack on “I’m worried about the pressure on the workforce “I’m concerned chiefly about “It’s time for the union movement to campaigning. “Taken together, these measures will that ‘we’re all in this together’, relies political funding and also the use of funding for the Labour while the employer gets the right to strike and the name that day of action and protest,” he “The union and wider labour dramatically shift the balance of power on people being blind to what’s really agency workers to break strikes.” Party.” away scot-free.” restrictive thresholds.” urged, adding: “A government that’s movement is being singled out for in a dispute,” Dave said. “All workers going on. Norman Rainnie, South London, Joe Showler, Alan Tate, London Steve Phillips, East pushing through attacks on the union attack,” he said. “The Government is need to think about what this means for “This Government has no claim to be Surrey & North Hampshire Meridian political officer Lancs Amal Lobbying: Paul Scully, Lobbying: Damien Collins, Lobbying: Gavin Barwell, movement and reducing the incomes of bringing in measures to require their ability to stand up for themselves the voice of working people, not on the Lobbying: Jake Berry, MP for Sutton & Cheam MP for Folkestone & Hythe MP for Croydon Central MP for Rossendale & Darwen millions of families has no right to claim pickets to register with the police, to at a time when they are coming under Trade Union Bill, not on tax credits, not to be the voice of working people. restrict the way social media is used ever-greater pressure at work. on housing, and certainly not on jobs - “Britain does not need protection from during a dispute and imposing a tax “If you look at the world of work just look at what they’ve done to our “For the Tories to be saying we “Ballot thresholds trade unions - it needs protection from on us to fund the Certification Officer today, no-one can say unions are out of once-great steel industry for example,” “It’s an attack on workers’ rights. How “My top concern is the have to get X amount of people are we expected to protect terms and – to us it’s not fair.” use of agency workers to vote – what about how they the Tories and the whole movement with our members’ money. No other control or that workers have it too easy. explained Dave. conditions in a culture of temporary John Sones, South- as strike breakers.” got elected?” needs to up the ante in opposing this organisation in this country faces these We have seen an explosion in insecure “It’s time to name the day of action work employment?” downs, Weald & Ian Murphy, London Dave Bryan, South Bill, which is an attempt to cripple the sort of controls.” employment models, whether it’s zero- and protest, it’s time for our movement Katie Dunning, West London Rother regional secretary Midlands Postal unions in this country.” All of this is designed to make the hour contracts in companies like Whistl, to really give voice to the workers of Postal Lobbying: Nus Ghani, Lobbying: Gavin Barwell, Lobbying: Marcus Jones, After strongly backing the motion at job of representing workers that bit or agency work in call centres.” this country - and fight back on all Lobbying: Eleanor Laing, MP for Epping MP for Wealden MP for Croydon Central MP for Nuneaton the September TUC to fight the Bill, our harder, that bit more difficult to fully The attacks on unions’ check-off fronts.” V

8 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 9 LETTERS VOICEMAIL VOICEMAIL LETTERS

Does this new deal include the agreements being offered to our discussed if the individual requests that and as I certainly wasn't, and why an your concern that the new rules seem more Assistant secretary Bob Gibson replies… new attendance patterns that were engineers? cannot be instigated by a manager. If an option for those who do not wish to concerned with cutting costs than rewarding Royal Mail have been looking at the effects CWU DIARY 2016 negotiated with BT Openreach? Our long-service engineers are individual does consider that approach then take part in a "long- service event" staff for decades of long service. The union of fatigue on their delivery workforce for they should immediately seek the advice of believes that long-service awards are an some time now, in a number of staged I used to work Monday to Friday being put on performance wasn't considered. The great value CWU 2016 diary from 08.00 to 15.52 but since the 15th improvement plans with some their local CWU branch and utilise the important sign to many of our members that surveys across the UK. We have previously This would have enabled those is now available for despatch September this has changed to being offered the sack or three subsequent legal advice provided by the who would have wished for the £150 their long, individual service has been been presented with early findings and are having to work one Saturday in four months’ salary with resignation. employer. to do with as they wished and those properly recognised and so substantially currently arranging a meeting where the and a week when I start at 11.00 and I know the branch officers attend who wished to attend an event could reducing the cash awards on offer is final report can be shared with us – Excellent initiative Simply send your order to: Marcia finish at 18.52. Apparently I can’t do some of these hearings with the do so with the reduced monetary inevitably disappointing and will be seen as together with the initial recommendations of As I receive Voice, I was very Murray, CWU, 150 The Broadway, anything about this as it’s a roster engineers concerned, but I believe award. I think this would have been unfair. In the light of the imposed changes, the chief ergonomist. The CWU are also interested in the “Mental health Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX change and not a contractual change. there should be a more robust a fairer solution, that is, if it wasn't and given we have an agreement that embarking on a mass consultation of our pledge” article and that the CWU commits both parties to work together and representatives and members, in order to This was brought in with less defence of our engineers from our just a cost-cutting exercise by Royal wants to see mental health first-aid Please make sure you than two months’ notice. It was head office. Mail. seek joint solutions, we will be writing to establish what the future model for training offered to area safety reps enclose a cheque or going to happen and even less time Shouldn’t we be letting the To end, I would just like to say, the Royal Mail to ask how the level of awards deliveries should look like. As part of that and first aiders. was given for seeing the actual company know that this form of only way I want to lose 50 pounds is were set, the findings of their consultation exercise, we will of course be taking My eldest daughter was a mental postal order made patterns. There seems to have been bullying will not be stood for? I through diet and exercise, not exercise with staff, the likely cost savings to everything into account and the issues you health first aid life instructor and she payable to no consultation as to if this suits any haven’t heard of any defence being through Royal Mail and "employee" the business and what role the union can raise have already been flagged up by area won the Explanatory Instructor CWU Diaries. long standing commitments people taken by our union with regards to consultation. play in determining long-service awards delivery representatives and will of course Award in 2013 and was invited to the going forward. Full details of the new long factor in our deliberations going forward. may have. I have already had to this. The workforce feels alone and Yours, a disgruntled and short- House of Commons to receive it. [email protected] to service awards were set out in LTB 626/15. cancel something I booked at the vulnerable. changed employee! As an 84-year-old ex-postlady, I Marcia Murray on beginning of the year at very short Currently I know of three Ray Blake, wonder what the future holds for the notice, costing me £100. I came in on engineers, all long-service people, Broadstairs, Kent Great support Post Office – privatised is no good for 020 8971 7497 or a Saturday to do un-appointed work who are facing what could be I would like to thank CWU anything – keep up the good work CWU! mmurray@ Pocket that I could have done on the Friday. termination or the compromise of Long-service awards Deputy general secretary (postal) Terry Manchester branch on the Mrs BJ Robert cwu.org diary PEOPLE IN DIRE NEED I hoped the union might be more three months’ salary with In the latest copy of Voice, one letter Pullinger replies…Can I first congratulate successful conclusion to my case King’s Lynn, Norfolk £1.50 supportive of the work/life balance resignation. on Page 11 is headed “Unfairness” you on behalf of the CWU for completing 30 following a bandit attack in 2009. I of its members. Name withheld at member’s request and concerns the 30-year service years’ service in Royal Mail. Your letter, like would like to thank my local rep David Russell award. The reply stated that others, raises some important questions Tony Wildman for his support Comparing EU views Steve Jones’s first-hand account of his time in Turkey in Voice, talking Epsom, Surrey employees get a lower monetary about how the business recognises throughout and Billy Strange and It was most interesting to compare and with desperate Syrian refugees, exhorts the international trade union Stop the bullying award and an event to mark the employees with long service. From April this Tony Rupa for their help and hard contrast the arguments for staying in TWEET TWEET! movement to contribute to working for a long-term solution for those Assistant secretary Davie Bowman How come BT Openreach occasion. year, Royal Mail unilaterally imposed changes work. and leaving the EU in the last Voice. fleeing conflict. replies… The attendance pattern changes management are picking on and My husband, Stuart Norton, who to the system of long-service awards. Under Michael Mannion Both argue it is better for working We now have our To this I would add a request for CWU members to consider the are discussed with the CWU at a local level, bullying hard-working experienced works at Royal Mail in Cheltenham, the new arrangements, employees with 30 Blackley, Manchester people from their respective positions. plight of those trapped in a conflict which has no ‘safe’ escape routes. and I know that the branches (lead by the engineers throughout the company achieved 30 years’ service in June years’ service are now given the option of Outside in the wider campaign both very own Twitter From the Save the Children charity, I have learnt of the human CWU Single Point of Contact) were part of and the country and not a mention of this year. He chose the Debenhams either a £100 gift award (less than the £150 parties claim jobs won or lost by suffering this year in Yemen – lack of even the basics of drinking that process. The justification for change is it by our executive union leaders? pre-paid card, but has not been previously on offer) or an invitation to a long- Update: cancer fight staying in or leaving. They both cannot account @CWUvoice water, food, fuel and medical facilities for the populace. set out by the company to the CWU as part of Bad feelings are running wild and asked to go to an event to mark the service event to mark the occasion. The Thank you for publishing your be right, neither argument can be won Thank you all for your consideration, the process. The notice periods are covered many engineers are being forced to occasion. I know of another business justified their changes on the basis article about my fight against or lost by the test of falsifiability, in Maureen Thomas by the agreement and were discussed with leave, even with the daily mounting employee based in Cheltenham who of a so-called consultation exercise with staff Not getting younger prostate cancer in Voice. May I other words can be proved to be false. Follow us and let us Barnstaple, Devon the local branches involved. Every employee workstack. was not asked to an event either. in which some employees were reported to I and a few of my fellow colleagues explain further that having had What has struck me is the news that know what you in Openreach is covered by the Flexible Name withheld at member’s request She achieved 30 years at around the say they would prefer to mark their milestone are wondering if there could be radiotherapy for seven and a half Belgium with its lower GDP trades Having worked nights for several years now, I was shocked to see Attendance Patterns Framework Agreement same time. Another colleague who with an event rather than a cash award. The some dispensation for us over 50s weeks, my PSA count was reduced more than the UK with one of the think about your so many ex-servicemen living rough despite serving their country and you can get a copy from your local Assistant secretary Davie Bowman is based in Bristol was not asked to changes introduced by Royal Mail also saw on delivery. from over 200 down to 1, which fastest growing economies, India. It in many conflicts around the world. In the most recent edition of branch. The attendances for the various replies… The CWU at all levels are an event either. the gift award for staff with 20 years’ service As we get older can't we senior was a massive improvement, would appear being in the EU or even magazine – top Voice you are highlighting the Syrian crisis which is fair enough functions within Openreach do differ so there constantly seeking to ensure that the I received my 10 years long- scrapped altogether and lower cash awards posties have shorter walks as we showing the effectiveness of the in the Commonwealth for that matter but I think you should be addressing issues closer to home, such as will be occasions when as individuals move performance management culture within service award after I had been with (worth £100, £200 and £300) now paid to can't be expected to keep up with treatment? has not been helpful with trade as far tweets will feature the homeless ex-servicemen and other people in dire need in this between them their attendances will change. Openreach is in line with the agreements the company 13 years. The excuse employees with 30, 40 and 50 years’ service the youngsters? I am now being treated with just as India is concerned, that being in a in our next country. These changes are subject to discussion and between the company and union. We have was that they stopped awarding 10- respectively. I'm reasonably fit but some of my 12-weekly hormone therapy club does not in itself bring automatic As I say, whilst at work I see this every single night. Take care of agreement with the CWU. There is also recently had a review of Calculated year service awards for a while and The CWU did not agree to any of these colleagues are struggling. injections. benefits. edition our own first, then if we have done this, look at the plight of provision within the agreement for bespoke Productivity (CP) with a representative from then backdated them. (I am looking changes, we were not involved in Royal Adrian Stuart Cyril Onyejekwe, Brian Healy refugees. attendances for individuals if their personal every region in the UK. They brought with forward to my 20th next year (not!) Mail’s consultation exercise and we share New Moston, Manchester Mitcham, Surrey Carshalton, Surrey William Doyle, and domestic circumstances mean it should them specific local examples that branches Do you know why Royal Mail Preston, Lancashire be considered. had shared with them. The review was with would have misled the CWU over senior Openreach managers who are these long-service recognitions? responsible for CP. The outcome of that Sue Norton PIPs hitting morale review and the actions put in place to deal Lydney, Gloucestershire MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION support and help that the CWU gave It seems the whole of our group have with the issues raised will be published RETIRED MEMBERSHIP First-class CWU me back in 1993. Thanks to the union all been put on some sort of shortly. We meet branches a minimum of – RETIRED & RETIRED ASSOCIATE MEMBERS I have been a postman as well as I kept my job. That’s why I’ve performance plan. Morale is at an all- every three months and performance Cost-cutting? – FROM 1ST JANUARY 2016 Did you know that the cwu worked in various other parts of the always been a believer in trade time low and everyone I speak to is management is on the agenda every time. Having just read the letters from the has a thriving retired The most recent meeting was on the 12th post office network for almost 20 unions, because without them we extremely unhappy at work. It has September/October issue of Voice CWU Rule 11.5.2 contains the following instruction: The rate for retired and retired associate members shall increase on 1 January each year by members' section that November and the collective intent to ensure the same percentage increase as the known RPI at the time. Therefore, in accordance with the rules of the union, from 1st January 2016 the years. I have endured some very would be lost. So after 43 years plus actually affected me and rather than and having just reached my 30 years’ campaigns on the issues tough and emotionally upsetting as a union member I’d like to thank it having a positive affect on the the workplace our members are in is safe service, I was most interested in the membership subscription rates for Retired & Retired Associate Members will be as follows: that matter to pensioners? times by being let down and treated you again. company it is actually having a and free from bullying and harassment was letter from Graham Clarkson of clear. We do have an established escalation Barring workplace very shabbily by management for Steve Cullimore, Wrexham negative affect and my performance Rochester and the response from the NEW WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS NEW MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS something which was not my fault, has actually got worse. It’s even got process which has been extremely deputy general secretary Terry representation, retired but I want to make one thing very to the point where I haven’t been successful in getting IFWs and FFWs Pullinger. members enjoy all the CWU Contribution Rates “I” RATE (£) “O” RATE (£) “I” RATE (£) “O” RATE (£) clear, thanks to the majority of working any overtime. These plans, overturned. I sympathise entirely with the from 1 January 2016 benefits of ordinary I am sure that these issues are discussed representatives that have been if not met to the target required, are thoughts of Graham and how he feels The “I” rate includes political fund contribution and the “O” rate is membership including free involved in the troublesome times then increased to the point where at all your local branch meetings and I would about the situation he and his co- the rate paid by members who have opted out of the political fund. expert legal advice if required. I had, being in the CWU has been they want to give us a warning, like a encourage you to attend and take part in the worker are in, we should all be absolutely top class. discipline. This situation is terrible debates. Those Officers present on the 12th treated the same as we all have to Retired Members 1.34 1.14 5.80 4.93 Subs, which (from January 1, Ray Henderson, and the workforce is suffering. What November will undoubtedly report back to endure this new-look business with 2015) stand at £1.33 per week or £5.76 per month for those Ealing, London can be done to stop this? these meetings on the discussion and very little reward. contributing to the political fund (£1.13 weekly or £4.89 monthly for Cliff Cook, feelings from across the country. There is no Although Terry's reply, in my Retired Associate Members N/A N/A 4.49 3.62 those contracted-out), also mean you'll continue to receive the Voice Broxbourne, Hertfordshire lack of effort I can assure you but your opinion, pointed the finger to these in addition to a designated magazine for retired members – The Link. branches would welcome any feedback and Thanks & farewell New deal, yes please changes at Royal Mail, the CWU For more information please call 0800 731 7434 or email specific examples that would assist us all in CWU DEATH BENEFIT Just to let you know I am leaving BT I’ve just received the latest copy of must have had some input – and if [email protected] Openreach after 43 years and 8 Voice and there is an article in Defend engineers ensuring that we meet our joint aims. they didn't, why not? PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM OCTOBER 1, 2015, THE CWU DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT [email protected] months, I would not have reached which the GS of the CWU calls for Where do we as a union stand with Specifically with regard to the use of I would like to know who the INCREASED TO £758 that amount of years without the a new deal for workers. regards to the compromise Settlement Agreements, these can only be employees were that were consulted,

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10 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 11 Detailed reports from both the Black Workers and GENERAL NATIONAL AND CWU NEWS Disability Conferences can be viewed at www.cwu.org NATIONAL AND CWU NEWS GENERAL

CWU HUMANITARIAN AID UPDATE CWU BLACK WORKERS DISABILITY CONFERENCE

General Secretary Dave Ward called VIEWPOINT CONFERENCE for the struggle against the disability orientated cuts to be taken to the streets, committing the CWU to be CHRIS’ CONVOY DIARY The anti-migrant rhetoric of UKIP minority ethnic branch officers, the NHS, and without migrants we part of a proposed protest outside is being effectively mainstreamed general secretary continued, saying would not be the fifth largest the Department of Work and by the Prime Minister and Home that “there are branches doing some economy in the world,” he said, Pensions. CWUHA chair Carl Webb’s son, Chris, is a Secretary, CWU general secretary Addressing the Disability conference excellent work in this regard, but insisting that the scapegoating of Jackie Gatwood, Shropshire & Mid-Wales Labour Party councillor in Withenshawe, Dave Ward has warned. there are others we need to engage migrants must be challenged. in Glasgow, Dave urged action to Addressing the CWU Black with constructively to move things Coventry branch delegate Ryan embarrass companies that seek to Manchester, and is also a CWU member. Workers conference in Glasgow, forward.” Rochester pointed out that much of manage disabled members out of the any assessment of fitness for work

Here, he gives a first-hand account of his Dave told how the tolerant society National equality officer Linda the chaos caused around Calais business, rather than make the should be conducted by the NHS, that many in the labour movement Roy was unable to attend due to an and on the roads of Kent had been adjustments that could mean they not “a profit driven private sector

journey as part of the refugee aid convoy… had strived to establish over the accident and her speech was read due to a strike in Calais docks and continue in work. company.” years was under attack. “We have on her behalf by executive member had nothing to do with the In debate, there was focus on a There was a motion calling for the Prime Minister talking of swarms Katrina Quirke. She explained that migrants. ~ Guardian newspaper report that “90 action to oppose the next round of e left bright and early on a Monday At the end of the convoy we came to of migrants and May’s disgraceful 7.2 per cent of CWU members are disabled people a month are dying austerity cuts. “The vulnerable are Wmorning, our first port of call was a housing estate on the outskirts of speech at the Tory Party from black and minority ethnic after being declared fit for work.” being left in the most desperate of Dover, then across the channel, through Budapest. We had been told it wasn't a conference,” said Dave, who groups, but that the proportion of We must fight Ted Stead, for the Disabilities circumstances,” said Elspeth France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and nice area, so we had to be careful, declared that there was “a big job on CWU reps from these groups is only discrimination Advisory Committee (DAC), quoted the Bettany, vice chair of the DAC. into Hungary, where we finally stopped in especially with our vans. to face down some of this right-wing 5.5 per cent. case of Michael O’Sullivan who killed Delegates were gripped by the Budapest. In total, the journey covered In a block of flats, we went to the politics.” Speaking at this conference But she added that the union is and prejudice himself after being declared fit for account given by Eurig Scandrett of 1,300 miles and took three days of seventh floor where we met Ahmed and for the first time as general secretary, moving in the right direction on Linda Roy work. Coroner Mary Hassell had said Scottish Friends of Bhopal who told driving from first light every day. his three daughters in a tiny flat with Dave highlighted the advance of proportionality, and said: “Under CWU national equality officer that the trigger for O’Sullivan’s suicide how the gas escape had killed 8,000 Our plan was to deliver the aid to hardly anything in it. UKIP as cause for concern, after it Dave Ward’s leadership our fighting was his fit for work assessment. people on 3 December 1984 but MOLDOVAN MERCY MISSION & MORE various centres across Budapest. First Ahmed told us how they had fled won 4 million votes at the general spirit is being rekindled. We must “The evidence of what has been many more since. off, we met Katalin from Migration Aid, Syria and one of the girls explained how election last May, despite its anti- fight discrimination, ignorance and There were further motions happening is slowly emerging via Eurig warned that history could be Opening the Phoenix Centre in The next step will be to build a Two vehicles were destined for then Arkadiusz, who started a Facebook her mum was still there. immigrant rhetoric and said that prejudice inside and outside the passed condemning the rhetoric of inquests, suicide notes and academic set to repeat itself. “The same things Moldova (pictured above) was playground at the centre, something Turkey, with the other four setting off to page entitled: ‘Let’s help refugees’. He Here was a family who fled their home countering these messages will workplace. Our message is of hope the immigration debate, with the use research,” said Ted. are happening, with pressure to relax among the highlights of the CWUHA CWUHA is already involved in planning Hungary – a total of 12 volunteers also helped those camping or sleeping with nothing, living in a foreign country, involve getting out on the streets and not hate.” of words like “swarms” and Merlin Reader of Mount Pleasant environmental and labour laws and activities over this past 12 months – for next year. travelling in six vehicles, five provided rough across Budapest. the language of which they couldn’t talking to people. Committing to In the Conference debates, there “invasion” being regularly deployed branch declared that Work and attacking trade unions,” warned the charity’s 20th year. Always ready to react to tragedy by Royal Mail and one from BT. “Royal We then met with Nikoletta, who speak, crammed into a small flat - yet build on the proportionality agenda, was strong support for motions in the media, and The NEC was Pensions Minister Iain Duncan Smith Eurig. The centre, that is now providing across the world, CWUHA has this Mail and BT have been fantastic with helps Syrian families with children and, they greeted a bunch of strangers with Dave announced that a new supporting migrants and refugees, called upon to produce a ‘myth- had “blood on his hands.” There were 147 people attending facilities for 300 disabled children, took year returned to its roots by running the support they have offered,” said finally, we were invited to meet Ahmed the biggest smiles you could imagine. mentoring scheme has been agreed with Linford Gibbons of Nottingham busting’ leaflet to counter the Guest speaker Ian Tasker, assistant the Disabilities conference, a lot of effort from many people in relief convoys to Hungary and Turkey. Carl, who expects the refugee support and his family. We were all exhausted both mentally with Royal Mail and spoke of plans to and District Amal branch calling for onslaught. secretary at the STUC, stressed that compared to 131 last year. Moldova and the UK to get up and The refugee crisis in both of these work to be expanded next year. Seeing the work they were doing to and physically but meeting them made hold a branch forum on the CWU to send a delegation to Other motions that were running, so it was with great pride that countries, caused by people fleeing In April, 20 children came over from help those in need was inspiring. the convoy worthwhile. proportionality in early 2016 to Calais to show solidarity with adopted included calls for funding Andy Kerr, deputy general secretary from the war in Syria has filled the a Lithuanian orphanage for a holiday. Everyone greeted us with hugs and Ahmed and his daughters were so discuss ways that this can be migrants at the camp known as ‘The of the regional equality committees, (Telecoms), and CWUHA chair Carl television screens over recent months. They stayed for a week at the CWU’s smiles and from talking with them you grateful for everything we'd brought and advanced. In terms of proportionality Jungle’. to improve access courses for Webb joined with BT employee The sight of the dead body of three- Elstead hotel in Bournemouth, visiting knew how desperate they were for aid couldn't stop thanking us. Despite within the union, while there have “Migrants, from the Blacks and the black and minority ethnic members Death in custody warning relations director Tom Keeney, Peter year-old Aylan Al-Kurdi stirred the the London Eye, among other trips. and supplies to help with the crisis on everything they had been through they been steps forward, but there are Irish forward have built this country. and for wider distribution of the CWU Watson of Simpson Millar, plus international conscience and CWUHA “All in all, not a bad achievement for the streets. were still so polite and courteous. currently not enough black and Migrants pay their taxes and staff the black members’ publication DRUM. CWU Black Workers Conference guest speaker Graham Campbell issued representatives of Moldova Aid, Mad took up the challenge. “If as a trade a bunch of posties and telecom The refugees were crying out for I’m not sure I would have been the a chilling warning to delegates that, until justice was achieved in respect

Aid, Royal Mail and the Prime Minister union charity we couldn’t respond to engineers,” said Carl. things we take for granted, like food, same if I had experienced the horrors of the death in custody of Sheku Bayoh, Scotland was “not a safe place Image © Nefise Hussein Image of Moldova for the grand opening in such a crisis we might as well pack Next year there are plans for two shoes or even a toothbrush. they had. to be a black person.” September. up,” said Carl. more convoys to go to Moldova, with With winter approaching, the It was an amazing experience and it Sierra Leonean Sheku, 31, died from suspected asphyxiation on a street CWUHA helped raise the £60,000 to A six-vehicle CWUHA convoy was more equipment being taken out to the hundreds of jumpers, scarfs and hats has left me with the determination to in Kirkcaldy, Fife, back in May. He had been detained, handcuffed and put in £70,000 needed for the conversion of planned for Turkey and Hungary with Phoenix Centre, while another refugee we took will keep so many refugees continue helping and take part in leg restraints by police following an altercation with a female police officer a disused kindergarten/nursery school aid for refugees and there was a relief convoy in the winter is currently warm in the cold nights ahead. another convoy in the future. and a colleague. Sheku’s family have been campaigning for an independent in the Moldovan town of Riscani, as magnificent response to the appeal being considered. inquiry into the death, after “grave concerns” emerged about police well as bringing out various fittings like from CWU branches, plus Unite, In Africa, the charity is looking to conduct surrounding the incident. sinks, radiators, hand dryers and Unison and the GMB. One CWU provide a computer room and library to In his speech, Graham told Conference delegates in Glasgow that Sheku microwaves from the UK, while CWU branch provided a £5,000 donation the Moshi School in Tanzania, which it had been sprayed with CS gas and pepper spray, and then sat upon by a Ireland also contributed £2,000. towards the convoy and CWU Ireland helped to establish and has been number of police officers – one of whom weighed over 20 stone. The centre provides an early gave £3,000. supporting ever since. And subsequently, the officers involved “stayed on duty for 32 days intervention unit for children with There was also support from Bury “This has been one of the busiest before being spoken to by investigating officers,” he continued. physical disabilities, as well as facilities Council and Manchester City Council years in the 20 years CWUHA has Deborah Cole, director of the deaths in custody campaigning for disabled teenagers to learn how to as well as the ITUC, ETUC and Uni been running. We have been busier organisation, Inquest, also addressed the Black Workers Conference, become independent. The Phoenix Global. Another contributor was A- than ever, the support from branches highlighting how there have been 5,219 deaths in prison and centre also acts as a focal point for level student, Kai Taylor, who became has been as good as ever. There are police custody, in England and Wales, since 1990. wheelchair distribution in the region. In aware of the refugee crisis as a result more people wanting to get involved “Our work shows that many of the tragedies are addition to providing crucial services to of some work experience he was and getting involved,” said Carl. avoidable,” said Deborah, who revealed that there disabled children in the area, it is also doing in the office of Labour MP Marie Deputy general secretary (Telecoms) had been improvements over the years as a result hoped that the new centre will uplift the Rimmer. “I’d been watching the Andy Kerr paid tribute the work of the of the work of organisations like Inquest and the local community through job creation. images on TV so decided to do charity over the years, saying: families affected. These improvements include “We saw the building in May and never something about it,” said Kai, who "CWUHA is a great organisation and a changes to the coroner process and the thought it would be up and running by provided more than 200 boxes of aid credit to those people who have been implementation of a corporate manslaughter charge September,” said Carl, adding: to the convoy. “I got together with a running it for a large number of years. plus more rights for bereaved people. “Children are now going to the centre.” few friends on Facebook and we What makes it so special is that this Deborah pointed out that 14 per cent of the He continued: “They were getting started looking at the costs of sending work is done by ordinary members.” population are from black and minority ethnic left on their own, with no motivation, small amounts of aid. However, the “Head office provides support in groups, yet they account for 24 per cent of the failing to reach their potential. Now project soon escalated and we whatever way it can, but the main deaths in custody. they go to the centre, where there are became swamped.” people behind CWUHA are ordinary CWU general secretary Dave Ward pledged computers and physiotherapy CWUHA saved the day, finding members of this union. The work they that the CWU will support the call for an available when needed. It has space for Kai’s magnificent aid put in says something about this union independent inquiry into Sheku Bayoh’s death and CWU Black Workers Conference chair Amarjite Singh (right) discusses a point with Winston Richards of the Race Advisory Committee improved the children’s lives tenfold.” contribution in its October convoy. that we can all be very proud of.” will support the Inquest organisation.

12 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015 VOICE 13 Detailed reports on the LGBT and Women’s GENERAL NATIONAL AND CWU NEWS Conferences can be viewed at www.cwu.org

Make ‘women’s issues’ into mainstream LGBT CONFERENCE CWU issues, Dave Ward urges conference

General secretary Dave Ward told Upton, speaking on behalf of Linda Roy Vicky Cornelius, of Birmingham, CWU women that he is looking stressed that at 36,000, women Black Country and Worcester forward to the day that the union represented almost one-fifth of the Branch, called for changes in the GENERATION NOW has a female general secretary. CWU membership and that the union law, forcing companies to act. Addressing our women’s boasts a female president and vice Delegates expressed amazement conference in Glasgow, Dave president plus, in Kate Hudson that companies where workers have described the delivery of equality and (Midlands) a female regional secretary. had problems in these areas have BUILDING AND enhancing the role of women in the “We continue to see women being received ‘family friendly’ awards. CWU as major challenges facing the discriminated against at work, with the Kathy Kelly, speaking for the CWU union. “Issues important to women denial of flexible working rights,” said women’s committee, said that the deserve to be held in the mainstream Julia, who highlighted the continuing 19 parental leave legislation is “not of the union,” said Dave, who said he per cent differential in wages between worth the paper it is written on.” ORGANISING wanted to see more women coming men and women. Corinne Shepherd, from Essex

forward into leadership roles. “I want Guest speaker Agnes Tolmie, chair of Amal branch, gave some examples Voice met with several of the union’s newer frontline reps recently and

to see more women standing in the Scottish Women’s Convention of difficulties experienced at her elections, I want to see the first (SWC), told how she had worked in the company over issues such as attended the 2015 National Youth Education Event to find out what’s woman general secretary of the ~ parental leave. She said one behind the increase in activism among our current generation of union CWU.” The GS stressed that he member had reported being told wants to see equalities work Women are still after having some time off to deal members and how they are building today’s and tomorrow’s CWU… mainstreamed. “We are going to with her seven-year-old child that continue to integrate the work of the discriminated her “duty” was to her employer

advisory committees into the against at work rather than her children. © ToskanaINC / Shutterstock industrial executives,” said Dave, Julia Upton There was strong support for a who believes that the type of deal CWU national executive motion calling for campaigning to imed at CWU reps and recently agreed with Royal Mail, give women victims of domestic and activists under 30, NYEE Views from the frontline whereby 23 people will be released sexual violence improved access to focused mainly on industrial for three months at a time for STUC Women’s Committee for a 50:50 justice. issues, but also spotlighted mentoring, points the way forward. gender balance in the Scottish Another motion calling for Asome major political JIMI BROWN One indicator of a raising of the bar Parliament - currently 37 per cent branches to organise support for questions such as the Trade Union Bill, Jimi Brown, 27, has been a unit rep at Corby Delivery Office for two years and directly Executive director of the UK proportionality agenda, with the on the mainstreaming of female. refugees in the ever-growing crisis housing, and the EU. represents over 80 postmen and women. Lesbian and Gay Immigration chairs of the advisory committees proportionality came with the news The SWC chair urged that the 50:50 was also backed. Opening the event, CWU president “I’d been here five years when I volunteered to become the unit rep, after the previous group, Paul Dillane, accused the now attending the NEC, and an of a new series of branch visits by representation for women be carried Suzanne Hunter, of Edinburgh, Beryl Shepherd told her audience to rep stepped down and I saw the whole side of what the union does,” Jimi tells Voice, UK government of “re- extension of mentoring. “We are himself, Linda Roy and Trish Lavelle forward in public life. “If you are not at Dundee and Borders branch, “make sure that you are not simply adding that he has also served in CWU Youth roles. traumatising refugees” with its making progress, as a result of which will have a particular focus on the table, you are on the menu,” described the UK Government’s pigeon-holed as a ‘young member’ or a “These and the various education and training courses I’ve been on helped me a lot,” he recalls, “but I’ve learned most of all from Dave Armstrong the area delivery rep.” detention policies in his speech making our processes more removing barriers within branches on quipped Agnes, who called for response to the crisis as “rational at representative of ‘young members’ to the CWU’s LGBT Conference. inclusive,” said Linda, who told of moving the equality agenda forward. women’s voices to be heard speaking best and downright cruel at worst.” when what you really are is a fully A key issue at Corby is resourcing and Jimi says there are currently four full-time Paul questioned why Britain plans for another proportionality According to the event organiser, out against the austerity agenda at Other motions were passed paid-up member who happens to be vacancies, but that the business seems reluctant to fill them other than through part- detains more asylum seekers than forum to be held at the TUC early the women’s conference attendance Westminster. urging action on body image and the under 30 and capable of representing time and fixed-term recruitment, which disproportionately impacts on younger workers. any other European country, and next year. of 178 was the most ever for a In debate, there was exasperation growing instances of anorexia and members of any age.” “This is a growing town and so our volumes are growing as well – the growth in flats highlighted the contrasting policies LGBT chair Dave Daniel womens or equality conference. about employers’ “failure” on work-life bulimia, the menopause and rights In his speech, our general secretary and parcel growth is particularly noticeable,” he explains, adding that the last delivery of Germany and Sweden. applauded the increasing number of National executive memberJulia balance and parental leave. to female representation. Dave Ward said that the union was DEAN REASON methods revision took place in 2012 and that another revision is due. For the past three years, Dean Reason, 29, has Detention centres in the UK are members of the LGBT community Annual leave, driver supplements and medium goods vehicle (MGV) duties are other engaged in a “freshen-up from the been a CWU rep for his fellow BT workers within becoming a profitable area for the coming forward to attain elected bottom-up” of the whole organisation. problem areas Jimi is also currently trying to deal with, he explains, adding that he has taken some of these up at area level. the South London, Surrey and North Hampshire private sector, he continued, office. He acclaimed the 155 LGBT “I want you to be part of this,” he Branch. describing the centres as “dirty, candidates that stood in the last said, adding that a big part of that will grim places, hidden from direct general election, with 32 openly be to encourage younger activists to BECCA HUFTON “Our Openreach members account for the large view” and adding: “Britain is the only LGBT MPs now sitting in stand as workplace reps. The union’s youth structure “opens doors and provides opportunities majority of our members, but we also have country with no limits on the time an Parliament. “It’s about being a trade unionist first and a support network,” according to Becca Hufton, who represents members in BT’s other lines of business and in asylum seeker can be detained.” In debate, a motion calling for and foremost.” members at Medway Mail Centre. “I’m a sub-shift rep and I’ve been companies including Virgin Media, Talk Talk, and He referred to a 2009 report that action on the disproportionate Our two senior industrial national doing this for about 18 months now,” the 23-year-old Kent Invicta EE,” he explains. found more than 98 per cent of number of homeless LGBT people officers – Terry Pullinger and Andy Branch member tells Voice. “I had three individual cases last week – LGBT asylum seekers were being in different areas was passed. Kerr – led separate sessions for postal disciplinary issues arising from performance rejected at the first stage – Theresa Clark, speaking on and telecoms members respectively. “The role is a continuous thing and as a sub-rep I need to be always management-related and/or connected to compared to the 73 per cent behalf of the union’s LGBT advisory Andy praised young activists, there for the members. They need to know that I’ve got their back.” absence from work – and I’ve got another couple general figure being rejected at the committee, noted how the austerity particularly for the successes of the of cases this week, in both of which we’re arguing time – and said that there had been measures were making life that recent recruitment drives within BT, EE for the business to make reasonable adjustments a government inquiry, which much tougher for the most PESH PATEL for the individuals concerned.” Agnes Tolmie Chantel Thomas and other businesses, which brought Workers at BT’s contact centre at Sandwell have been represented by 29-year-old revealed some dubious questioning vulnerable in society and she told some 500 new people into the CWU, Pesh Patel for the past three years, and an important recent issue has been the Dean started work for BT 10 years ago and after a processes in interviewing asylum her own story of having to leave and explained how strong front line implementation of the ‘20/20’ national agreement that was negotiated between the few years as a customer service engineer, he seekers. home in her teens and live in a © Nefise Hussein Images union and the company last year. organisation is critical to the union’s applied for a position within the private circuit CWU senior deputy general caravan. ability to win better pay and conditions. Pesh attended the special conference of the union’s BT reps where the proposed controls and has progressed his career from there. secretary Tony Kearns warned that “The local authorities and housing And Terry stressed that being a union agreement was debated and voted on and he took an active part in the discussions the minority groups would be at the services should provide a full wrap- activist is a tough but rewarding role, on behalf of his members. “I’d joined the union pretty much as soon as I sharp end of the worsening round service,“ said Theresa. “The saying: “We trade unionists are the started on the job,” he recalls. “I was interested in workplace situation, with gay Government needs to work with uninvited guests – if management had a He recalls that the first national youth education event that he attended several the union and the first event I went to was a young years ago “really helped me and boosted my confidence. I met people and debated members’ training course at Alvescot about six people already twice as likely to be local authorities to cater for young choice, they wouldn’t have trade issues, which was very useful.” bullied in the workplace. LGBT homeless people.” unions and it’s us that make a years ago.” He predicted that under the Other motions passed calling for difference.” Dean says that it was a general feeling of present Government there will be a action on mental health issues After the event, CWU national youth “wanting to stand up for the smaller guy against rise in homelessness, with the data affecting LGBT people, the growth officer Simon Sapper told Voice: “It’s PARMVIR PADDA the bullies” when asked what made him want to already compiled showing that of international homophobia, blood great to see young reps coming through Parmvir Padda works at the Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre (HWDC), where become a CWU rep. LGBT people are already donor restrictions on LGBT people, and securing mainstream industrial he serves as a shift rep helping members with workplace issues. “A recent problem that came up was when management tried to change job descriptions,” he says, disproportionately represented the importance of LGBT history roles. adding that the matter was taken up at branch level. “So, about four years ago, I started the rep skills amongst homeless people. month and a call for more CWU “We should celebrate that, but this courses and completed Levels One, Two and National equality officer Linda Roy involvement in the annual Pride generation is the lifeblood of the “We’re part of South East 5 Branch, and they’ve been very supportive of us.” Three,” he explains, “and our branch chair, Dave applauded the advance of the festival. Dave Ward Delegates listening to the debates CWU’s future and more could and Parmvir, 29, has also been a branch youth officer and as well as attending the 2015 Smallwood, encouraged me all the way – he’s young members’ event, he’s also taken several CWU training courses. acted as a mentor.” must be done to make young IR reps the expectation not an exception." V

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Image © chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com

Is the UK gradually becoming a more and more authoritarian society? Or can the people still mount effective protests against the Goverment? CIVIL LIBERTIES IN DANGER? With the new Conservative Government bringing in new laws restricting workers’ rights to strike and unions’ right to organise freely, Paul Donovan asks whether this is part of an emerging pattern of attacks on people’s long-held civil liberties and if we are witnessing the opening phase of a new authoritarian state which prevents other forms of protest activity...

he attack on civil liberties, evident TU Bill will undermine ordinary people’s The Conservative Government wanted to Some would argue that it is this ‘erosion in the Trade Union (TU) Bill, ability to organise together to protect their pull out of the HRA, which simply of rights’ process that is now underway, needs to be viewed in the wider jobs, livelihoods and the quality of their enshrines the European Convention on with the most visible evidence coming with context of an increasingly working lives,” said a statement by the Human Rights (ECHR) in domestic law. the moves to implement the TU Bill and Tauthoritarian government three organisations. What do The ECHR has nothing to do with the Investigatory Powers Bill and repeal the determined to outlaw any form of dissent. “It will introduce harsher restrictions on you think? European Union and is something that Human Rights Act. The anti-libertarian elements seen in the those who picket peacefully outside Britain has been signed up to since its Human rights organisations certainly TU Bill also find resonance in the workplaces - even though pickets are Tweet your opinions creation post-World War II. seem in little doubt. using @CWUVoice Investigatory Powers Bill and the efforts to already more regulated than any other “Cracking down on civic space is a global scrap the Human Rights Act and replace it kind of protest.” UK and human rights phenomenon that is deeply worrying to with a watered down Bill of Rights. The This thread of denying the most basic Ironically, Britain played a major role in Amnesty, and it’s very concerning that it’s measures taken together amount to an civil rights is taken forward in the the creation of the ECHR in the first place. happening in the UK too. Recently, we’ve advance of the powers of the authoritarian Investigatory Powers Bill or as it is more The HRA merely gave the full power of seen the UK government pursue a state at the cost of the rights of the citizen. commonly known the “Snoopers Charter.” the ECHR at first instance through the shameless policy of prioritising business Liberty, Amnesty International, the TUC This Bill seeks to make phone companies British domestic courts. Prior to interests over human rights concerns,” said and Conservative MP David Davis are keep records of websites visited by every incorporation of the ECHR, individuals James Savage, director of Amnesty’s amongst those who have condemned the citizen for 12 months so that they can be had to appeal their cases to the European Human Rights Defenders Programme. negative impact that the TU Bill will have accessed by police, security services and Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. “As the British Government rolls out the on civil rights if it is made law. other public bodies. In the first instance, the Government red carpet for autocratic leaders, it’s rolling The thrust of the TU Bill is a direct attack The Investigatory Powers Bill makes realised that it was not going to get repeal back the rights agenda here in the UK, on the right of trade unions to exist and explicit in law the power of the police to of the HRA through the House of Lords. through its threat to replace the Human operate effectively in the workplace and hack into and bug computers and phones. However, Justice Minister Michael Gove Rights Act with a weaker British Bill of beyond. Workers’ right to strike is being The phone companies will also be required now appears to have revived the idea, with Rights, restrictions on rights of assembly made more difficult, while employers are to assist with the operations to bypass a consultation underway on a Bill of Rights. and association with the TU Bill, and being given new rights to hire agency encryption. These three developments are infringements on the right to privacy via strike breakers. Judges are to be given a role but this is symptomatic of an overall effort to clamp expanded surveillance powers." not to authorise or dismiss interception down on dissent. Over recent years, there Liberty claim that “just six months in, the Increased state interference requests but to ensure politicians are have been ongoing efforts to make public Government is showing an arrogant As well as this, and the new turnout exercising that power correctly. protest more difficult. Most recently this disregard for our rights and freedoms. thresholds, there are also the efforts to “We expect the state to obtain a warrant saw the Metropolitan Police seeking to “The Investigatory Powers Bill will restrict assembly by insisting that a picket before entering our homes, never mind make protest organisers pay for the undermine the security and freedom of supervisor must be appointed with a letter searching them and taking policing of their own events. everyone who uses a computer or phone. of authorisation to that effect. Details of away our belongings. Why There has been a steady drip, drip Combine this with the vindictive Trade the supervisor have to be provided to the should it be any different approach to taking away human rights in Union Bill, attempts to curb the Freedom of police. The supervisor also has to wear an when it comes to our recent years, on ‘security’ grounds. Information Act and the proposed armband or badge identifying themselves. communications?” said a Former Chief Constable of Devon and scrapping of our Human Rights Act and it Unions are to be required to give two Liberty spokesperson. Cornwall John Alderson has warned that seems the Government is intent on weeks’ notice of industrial action rather The authoritarian intent of this has been the claim of dictators down dismantling the most effective tools than the present seven days. the Government has been the years. He wasn’t wrong. ordinary people have to protect themselves Conservative MP Mr Davis questioned clear since it won office last One dictator who knew the value of this against the whims of the powerful,” said the need for pickets to give their names to May, declaring it wanted to mantra was Adolf Hitler, who said: “The Bella Sankey, director of policy at Liberty. the police force. “What is this? This isn’t do away with the Human best way to take control over a people and What is for sure is that human rights are Franco’s Britain, this is Queen Elizabeth II’s Rights Act (HRA). This head control them utterly is to take a little of under attack across the board, failure to Britain,” he said. of steam to take away their freedom at a time, to erode rights by stand up and fight for these hard won Liberty, Amnesty International and the human rights was a thousand, tiny and almost protections will severely damage everyone British Institute for Human Rights have engendered by selective imperceptible reductions. In this way, in the long run. GS Dave Ward recently described the TU Bill as “a major attack” reporting of particular cases the people will not see those rights summed up the overall situation nicely on civil liberties. brought under the Act by the right and freedoms being removed until when he said: “Britain does not need “By placing more legal hurdles in the wing media that manipulatively past the point at which these changes protection from trade unions - it needs way of unions organising strike action, the tapped into latent xenophobia. cannot be reversed.” protection from the Tories." V

16 VOICE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015