P3 BT WARNED ON PENSIONS P14-15 ELECTION 2017 REVIEW P25 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL AGE CWU reiterates threat that Dave Ward analyses the Unions must get battle-ready BTPS closure will be opposed by improved political situation and to ensure we don't sleep-walk industrial action if necessary sets out our plan of action into a science fiction nightmare

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cwu-686-the-voice-july-aug-17.indd 1 12/07/2017 17:10 WELCOME General Secretary's column Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary GUEST COLUMNIST GRENFELL: Dave Ward speaking at the CWU’s Four Pillars campaign launch in London in June ContactUs A DISASTER THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED CWU HQ – all enquiries 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London The scale of the fire at Grenfell Tower was unprecedented. In more SW19 1RX T: 020 8971 7200 than 30 years working within the fire and rescue service, I have never In most cases your branch should be your first point of contact. Details are on your membership card. seen firefighters respond to a fire with such a huge threat to life... Harassment Helpline 0800 090 2303 Have you changed your address? Please inform CWU about any changes survivors. We also know that fire crews entered to your membership details. There are three different ways to update your the building again and again which is against membership details: normal safe practice as their bodies had little ■ Option 1 – Log into the members’ time to recover from the intense heat of the fire. only section of the CWU website (www. They did all this because there were lives to save cwu.org), using the username and password you have previously been sent, and they were determined to do anything within and change your own details. their power to rescue them. ■ Option 2 – Contact your branch But this disaster should never have happened. secretary with your new details. ■ Option 3– Contact CWU HQ on 020 8971 7447 or email your new details to WAR ON PUBLIC SAFETY HAS TO END [email protected] and we will make Grenfell has become a tragic symbol of austerity the necessary changes. Britain – a country where the voices of the Please help us help you – keep your details up to date. working classes and trade unionists are ignored in favour of business, profiteers and an out of GS Column touch political class. The Government’s endless budget cuts have seen local authority building n June’s General Election, I believe we saw a movement to come together with an agreed plan controls weakened and privatised, the number fundamental shift in the balance of forces in this and a high profile campaign to make stronger of fire safety inspectors cut by half and research © THABO JAIYESIMI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / JAIYESIMI THABO © CWU Legal Services: UNIONLINE country – and this vindicates the political position demands on behalf of all workers. into fire virtually eliminated. Since 2010, over 0300 333 0303 the CWU has taken. We are calling for unions to adopt a common 11,000 frontline firefighter posts have been axed. UNIONLINE is the CWU’s very own law IWith a transformative manifesto – making pledges bargaining agenda to tackle insecurity at work, a When he was Prime Minister, David Cameron firm offering members and their families on our key CWU campaigns – and the beginnings of trade union manifesto on a New Deal for Workers Grenfell has become a tragic talked of health and safety laws as a ‘monster’ a fast route to free, comprehensive that had to be slain. The ‘red tape’ that they talk legal advice. a mass movement, under Jeremy Corbyn Labour is and a mass national demonstration on the world of symbol of austerity Britain ■ Personal injury claims for members delivering a new kind of politics. Now the CWU and work in the first half of 2018. about is what you and I would describe as public and family the rest of the trade union movement must step up The CWU is well placed to be at the forefront MATT WRACK, FIRE BRIGADES UNION protections. When challenged over his record as ■ Employment law advice (members only) ■ Free legal advice helpline and deliver a new kind of trade unionism. of this debate with our own Re-design project well Mayor of London (10 fire stations closed, 1,000 ■ Free will writing service As CWU members are well aware, there has rarely underway. Fundamental to a fresh approach is he professional procedures that the fire firefighter posts cut) Boris Johnson’s response ■ New free motor claims service been a more important time for workers to stand how we drive up levels of engagement with our service have developed over the years to was to tell people who had concerns “to get To register a claim or for any legal advice call UNIONLINE on 0300 333 0303 together. Across our industries we face difficult times members, representatives and a new generation, T minimise the risks of firefighting were, frankly, stuffed”. He thought it was all a big joke. – and whether it’s the Four Pillars campaign in Royal and how we listen and act on your concerns as one redundant that night. Firefighting is based on It is the ideology of deregulation, the assault To register a claim or for any legal advice call UNIONLINE on 0300 333 0303 Mail, the defence of pensions in BT or the other union. planning for risks but at Grenfell, a fire which should on all of our public services and a dismissal of the never have happened, fire crews simply could not expert view of firefighters More information at www.unionline.co.uk issues we are fighting for, we will need members to In the coming weeks we’ll be launching a new stand with the union. website, a new app, a new membership benefits apply the standard practices and procedures that that have helped to enable them to do their job effectively as well as create the perfect Publications Editor But despite the importance of trade unions, package and we will be prioritizing work on a new Simon Alford the movement has to face some hard truths. Last package of support for our representatives. reduce the risks to themselves. If they had followed storm for a disaster Journalist, The Voice year saw the biggest fall across all UK trade union All of these things are connected. We are pushing standard procedures, the London Fire Brigade such as Grenfell to Karl Stewart membership since records began. Just 10% of for a new politics, a new trade unionism and a new would not have been able to send firefighters into happen. The war on Stories for The Voice and workers between 20-24 are now in a union. approach in the CWU to meet the the tower to save the scores of people that they public safety has to Communications department Set against the explosion there’s been in insecure challenges our members and did. The bravery, professionalism and dedication end. The best tribute 020 8971 7497 employment models, the case for change is workers more generally of the fire crews were on full display at Grenfell as we can pay for the Published on behalf of CWU by they knuckled down to get the job done on what I 80-plus people who Century One Publishing Ltd. unarguable. The CWU has led the debate on this face today. As the T: 01727 893 894 over the past two years and at the Trade Union election has shown, am sure will have been the toughest shift of their lost their lives is to W: www.centuryonepublishing.uk Congress in September we will be pushing for two this is the moment for careers. fight for justice and for Advertising enquiries key things. us all to take bold steps a change of direction that Felipe Dellinger Firstly, for the movement to launch a major forward. TRUE HEROISM IN A NEEDLESS TRAGEDY ensures a disaster like this T: 01727 739 183 E: [email protected] transformative project to create a new model of UK It is a miracle that no firefighters were killed at never happens again. Grenfell. We had reports of firefighters becoming Creative design and production trade unionism. In particular we need to strengthen lost in the smoke-filled tower after being split from Heena Gudka local workplace activism and significantly increase See also page 18: their teams and instances where their breathing Cover image © CWU engagement with members and representatives. ‘Forgotten heroes’ of And secondly, for the entire trade union GENERAL SECRETARY apparatus ran out of oxygen as they searched for the 999 service

02 THE VOICE July/Au gu s t 2017 @CWUNews WELCOME Telecoms & Financial Services News Postal News WELCOME

workers’ retirement prospects. scheme) of which around half of BT’s DGS COLUMN In BT we now face the second review current UK workforce are members. As DGS COLUMN of the company’s DB pension scheme part of the review, we'll be seeking higher t’s a serious concern that Defined Benefit (the BTPS) in less than a decade. While BT contribution levels to the BTRSS, (DB) pension schemes – where benefits this review is clearly unwelcome for BTPS an increase in the minimum company he recent CWU tour engaging with all Iare linked through a formula to members' members, it’s incumbent on the CWU payment, the pensionability of allowances, our local reps from our nine industrial earnings and/or length of pensionable to enter constructive discussions with BT taking on the admin costs of the scheme Tdivisions, in briefings held in seven employment – are increasingly being the company to ensure the long-term and significant improvements major UK cities, reaffirmed what special closed to future accrual on the grounds sustainability of our members’ pensions. to medical retirement. people this union attracts. It was inspiring of affordability. The ongoing shift away However, we’ve stressed our absolute to witness first-hand the high degree of from DB pension schemes towards lower opposition to the closure of the scheme and loyalty, understanding of the issues and cost Defined Contribution (DC) schemes – have made it clear we'll use industrial action, support our unit reps have for the union where contributions paid into the scheme if necessary, to ensure this doesn’t happen. Andy Kerr and the Four Pillars campaign. As well as are increased by the investment return The review does, however, present DEPUTY GENERAL updating reps on the current negotiations, RoyalROYAL MAILMail MUST must CHANGE change COURSE course on those contributions, so the risk lies with an opportunity for the CWU to seek to SECRETARY the tour was also a unique opportunity to the employee – has major implications for address improvements to the BTRSS (DC (T&FS) sincerely thank them for the excellent and “The clock is ticking,” the CWU has warned Royal Mail senior management, as incredibly difficult job they do. frustration grows among hard-working postal members at the lack of progress in national talks. REPS: THE BACKBONE OF THE UNION While the union has put together a robust plan for growing the company, schedule of additional payments that Our local reps stand between our improving services to the public and providing secure, high-quality employment Resolute on BT has to make into the scheme - and members and injustice in the workplace going forward, the business is stubbornly sticking to its short-term ‘minimise costs/ those payments are further swollen by on a daily basis. That requires huge maximise profit’ strategy. pensions as the fact that BT is now having to pay dedication, personality and skill and we “Our Four Pillars programme has won enthusiastic backing from the workforce around three times each member’s are very lucky to have them. Many who right across the UK,” reports deputy general secretary Terry Pullinger, who adds talks begin contribution levels for future benefits, spoke at the briefings reflected the anger that the CWU pensions proposal, in particular, “has sparked wide interest among compared to an even split in 2009. felt by our members about Royal Mail’s many people outside our industry as well. Deputy general secretary Andy current direction, the broken promises on “But the response from senior Royal Mail bosses, so far, has been very Kerr told The Voice: “While this review pensions and privatisation and the impact disappointing to say the least – and it’s an attitude that must change.” is clearly unwelcome and unsettling of management’s damaging proposals CWU executive members are still hopeful that wiser counsels will prevail at for members, it’s incumbent on the which threaten their future employment, the top of the company, but have warned them that time is not infinite and a CWU to enter constructive discussions income and retirement security. change to a positive strategy must happen soon or the union could be forced into with the company. Ultimately our We believe the Four Pillars address the consideration of industrial action. paramount aim has to be ensuring the fundamental challenges the business faces To emphasise the urgency of the situation, Terry and a small deputation from Talks surrounding BT’s unwelcome but already promised to members - had long-term sustainability of members’ from unfair competition and automation the CWU handed out leaflets to shareholders arriving for the company’s annual widely anticipated decision to trigger reached £13.9bn by the end of June pensions. and provide the basis for a foundation of general meeting (AGM), which was held at a venue near Heathrow Airport last a review of the BT Pension Scheme 2016, up from around £10bn in 2015. “BT has placed a number of options confidence from which we can continue month. (BTPS) were just getting underway as on the table. These range from the positive co-operation. Management are “It was vitally important that we spoke with shareholders and provided them The Voice went to press. WORSENING DEFICIT wholly unacceptable closure of the deliberately misrepresenting the union’s with a summary of our concerns,” he told The Voice, adding that he had been The CWU’s opening shot has been to At the time of the 2008 agreement BTPS to future accrual, with in-service intentions and ignoring the growing accompanied by CWU Divisional Representatives from London and South Central, reiterate warnings that any unilateral - which introduced career average members switching to the BTRSS concerns of its employees regarding what the union’s London political officer, and officers and representatives from the attempt to close the scheme to future benefits, raised the normal pension - all the way through to potential the future holds, what the job will look like union’s South East 5 Branch (pictured above). service accrual will be opposed “by all age to 65 and increased member adjustments that could be made to and the security required for industrial Terry was invited into the AGM, where he heard the opening contributions of the means including industrial action.” contributions to enhance the scheme’s the 2008 agreement, which can be stability. Short-termism, minimising cost chairman Peter Long and the chief executive Moya Greene. BT’s announcement that it was long-term sustainability - the deficit modified by mutual consent. and maximising profits at the expense “Both of them gave detailed reports on the company’s financial situation, their invoking a 12-month termination was estimated to stand at around “The company has been left in no of everything else we hold dear is not an analysis of the current market and future business strategy,” he told us afterwards. clause in the legally-binding 2008 £3.4bn, based on the 2005 valuation. doubt that the CWU is serious about acceptable future for our members and “Of course the contributions were both self-congratulating and one-sided, which pensions agreement came just a Despite BT making top-up payments using industrial action, if necessary, certainly not what they deserve. is why it was so important that we expressed a different analysis via our leaflet. month after CWU Annual Conference totalling £6.2bn since 2009, the to keep the BTPS open for current The CWU is therefore continuing to put “They both thanked the employees and expressed a view that success was delegates unanimously reaffirmed continuing expansion of the deficit members - and, encouragingly, BT has pressure on Royal Mail to secure a new impossible without them – I could hear our members screaming: ‘Actions speak the union’s long-held ‘red line’ on the has been caused in large part by the stressed it is seeking to establish an deal that delivers for the company and our louder than words’,” Terry commented. BTPS’s future. current prolonged period of historically agreed way forward.” members. Our DGSP also reported that Ms Greene had “gone to some lengths to explain The move followed media reports low interest rates - though rising life Andy concludes: “Given the 2008 Failure to reach agreement will how generous the current pension proposal is, how employees were gifted shares that, ahead of the scheme’s triennial expectancy, above inflation pay rises agreement covers the BTRSS as well force the union to activate a which they are earning money from, how dividend return would increase by 4 valuation, which is due later this during much of the period in question as the BTPS, we’re insisting that the ballot for action. per cent and that the ‘minimise costs/maximise dividend return’ strategy would year, the BTPS deficit - the shortfall and increased regulatory costs have forthcoming discussions must include continue.” between the BTPS assets and the also been contributory factors. This the CWU’s outstanding claim for The union does not dispute that there are serious challenges ahead, but there expected cost of providing benefits year’s valuation will determine the improvements to the BTRSS.” remains a marked difference in the respective strategic responses proposed by Terry Pullinger the CWU and the senior management. DEPUTY GENERAL Terry concluded: “The very future of our members and our industry are at stake u Management was left in no doubt over the strength of CWU feeling on the pensions issue thanks to impassioned contributions SECRETARY and make no mistake, we will stand and fight for it.” by reps at a special BT branch forum that had just taken place as The Voice went to press. See report at https://goo.gl/aubdDa (POSTAL)

04 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 05 REPS TOUR POSTAL

DayDAY One: #1 Terry Pullinger TERRY in London PULLINGER AT THE LONDON LAUNCH Day Two: Birmingham BIRMINGHAM Bristol BRISTOL Belfast BELFAST

“intensifying the pressure locally, turning up the questions and comments from the floor, IT’S TIME the heat and trying to force members to accept saying: “Our job is to protect the future for FOUR PILLARS TOUR TO PICK less. our younger members. FOUR PILLARS TOUR SIDES “Are you angry that they’re using bullying “Most other industries haven’t had the and disciplining tactics to force people to do security we’ve had in Royal Mail, but we’ve more and hit their budgets?” he asked. “Are only had it because people before us fought UNITES CWU CWU NATION NATION you angry they’re riding roughshod over our for it. agreements?” “We’ve got to be able to look our younger After a 1,200-mile tour of the UK, engaging directly with over 2,000 CWU reps at “Yes,” shouted back the reps, to whom Terry members in the eye and fight as hard for urged: “We’ve got to come together like never them as previous generations fought for us,” seven separate briefings, support for the union’s Four Pillars of Security campaign is before – be strong.” he insisted, to loud applause. Glasgow GLASGOW now stronger than ever… Pay, duty times, shifts, extended delivery Among the many points of view expressed spans, and overtime were among the subjects by the activists, Amarjite Singh perhaps best raised during the Q&A session, while other summed up the mood of the meeting when SCOTS SAY: 'THINK AGAIN RM' reps made comments and suggestions about he said: “If we don’t stand up and fight today, The Honourable Hugh Gaffney MP opened he Voice, and our CWU camera “But our message – the message of the Four “And if things don’t change, we will need the campaign, the possibility of a national there’ll be no tomorrow.” proceedings in Glasgow, the CWU activist crew, followed the tour every Pillars of Security – is that it doesn’t have to be you reps to deliver a big ballot turnout and a dispute and the need for public support as well and new Member of Parliament receiving step of the way, from Day One in that way. big ‘Yes’ vote.” as backing from the membership. A NORTHERN IRISH WELCOME a standing ovation from his home crowd London, to Birmingham, Bristol, “Our union, more than any other, is best In London, as at all the other gatherings, After a journey over the Irish Sea, the Four when he told them: “The CWU is the reason Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool and all placed to deal with the challenges of the future Terry’s opening speech was followed by further LIVELY IN THE SOUTH WEST Pillars banner arrived in Belfast, where the why I’m in Parliament. Tthe way through to the final leg in Sheffield. and we will continue to do everything that updates from the rest of the senior team – Reps from the South West/ South Wales enthusiasm of the reps from all three of the “I’m with you all the way on the Four Enthusiasm grew, determination we can to deliver the renationalisation of this national officers Mark Baulch, Davie Robertson, Division gave a lively welcome to the Four union’s Northern Ireland postal branches Pillars. I’ll always be with you and we will strengthened and unity was forged among our industry,” he vowed. Andy Furey and executive member Carl Pillars campaign tour at the start of its second more than made up for the relatively small win this battle together,” he vowed. union’s rank and file representatives as they Dave made some wider observations about Maden, who was substituting for Ray Ellis. week, as it called into the city of Bristol. population over here. At the most iconic venue of the tour – the answered the call to arms from deputy general the changed political environment following And the ensuing contributions from the After Terry’s rousing opening speech, It was in Belfast where the liveliest Old Fruitmarket – reps from the highlands secretary Terry Pullinger and his senior team Labour’s strong gains in the June election floor included questions about the whole range assistant secretary Andy Furey made a response to our DGSP so far was heard – and lowlands of Scotland had gathered for the coming fight for justice, fairness and and that this “new politics” needed to be of issues that grassroots members are posing, thought-provoking speech in which he Terry’s “are you with us?” rallying cry being to hear the union’s message of unity from dignity at work. matched by a “new unionism” based on strong along with reports from workplaces of rising pointed out that there were “important answered with a loud and raucous “F*** Terry and his senior team. workplace organisation and a determination tensions on the front line and strong support lessons to be learned from our dispute in the yeah”, leaving no doubt at all about the And the DGSP’s memorable comment that OUR BIG LONDON LAUNCH to “rebalance the world of work in favour of for the union’s national policy agenda. Post Office.” fighting spirit across the smallest of our four “people call RM a national treasure, but it's Gathering for the kick-off in Euston were workers.” The Government’s controversial decision nations. going to be a buried treasure if things don't hundreds of activists from units across the The world of work will be “the number one ROCK-SOLID IN THE MIDLANDS to separate the company’s retail and delivery Executive member Carl Maden had given change” won a lively round of applause London and South East Divisions, with some issue” he continued, adding: “We’ve got to get In Birmingham the next day, hundreds more operations was part of a “divide and his update on the 'agreements' strand of from the audience. also attending from South Central and Anglia the whole of the trade union movement to back heard the news that negotiations are not conquer” strategy, he explained, adding that negotiations and apologised for not being “Insecure employment is the road RM workplaces. that up.” succeeding and that they could well be called the same thinking was behind Royal Mail’s able to bring good news, explaining that, “if want to go down, but as a fighting union, we General secretary Dave Ward was the first The talks with Royal Mail have achieved upon to lead their members into action – plan to recruit new starters on inferior terms they won't give us an agreement, it means will stand together and stand up to them,” speaker, and he pledged the whole union’s full no progress so far, and in Terry Pullinger’s news that they received with the same robust and conditions and the parallel attack on they want to take us on - and we have to be he insisted, and went on to set out the support for the Four Pillars campaign, insisting detailed update, he spelled out that, unless the determination that had been evident at the staff pensions. prepared to take them on.” current situation on pay, pensions, and the that “whatever resources Terry Pullinger and company changed course, national industrial London meeting. “Wherever you are in RM, we’re all in this Speaking after the meeting, Northern shorter working week. his team need will be provided by the union. action would be the union’s only option. And Terry began by describing the event together,” he said, adding: “It impacts on all Ireland Combined Branch secretary Fra Davie Robertson, in his indoor “What’s the vision from Royal Mail?” he “They’ve got to move or they know what the as “a call to arms,” telling his audience – who members and we need to stand very strong Martin said that “if the Four Pillars campaign operational update, said that the company’s asked rhetorically, answering: “To dictate the consequences will be,” he pointed out, adding: had come from all over the Midlands as well against the employer.” develops into a dispute, then I’d also expect strategy had sharply changed direction. future to our members and put profit before “We are a fighting union and we will defend as parts of the South Central and Anglia And Terry returned to the theme of the there’ll be very strong backing for that over “It’s no longer an agenda for growth – it’s service in a race to the bottom. ourselves. Divisions – that company management were two-tier workforce during his responses to here.” an agenda of decline,” he told the reps and

06 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 07 POSTAL XxxxxxREPS TOUR Telecoms & Financial Services INDUSTRY NEWS

Security Joy and relief at Fujitsu's total rethink for BTMSL The sword of Damocles that has been CWU is recognised for collective bargaining hanging over the CWU’s entire Fujitsu purposes - were ill-conceived and nonsensical transferees membership since November last year has amid evidence that the highly experienced in- been dramatically lifted following a company house staff could not be beaten on price. MASS TUPE TRANSFER about-turn on plans to outsource its repair Assistant secretary John East told The operations in Belfast and Birmingham. Voice: “ Right from the start we made it clear The entire workforce of BT’s The good news, which follows repeated to management that, if Fujitsu proceeded Managed Services Ltd (MSL) CWU warnings that the union would fight the with outsourcing on purely dogmatic grounds, subsidiary has shifted to BT outsourcing of a highly competitive in-house they’d have a fight on their hands. I’m Plc employment following an function every inch of the way, means that 100 per cent convinced that the solidarity unusually rapid TUPE process the 58 CWU-represented grade employees demonstrated by members in Northern that concluded on August 1. have now been taken out of scope of a Ireland last year in defiance of the company’s Following the Sheffield SHEFFIELD massive company reorganisation that has move to make compulsory redundancies when announcement to staff at affected almost 1,800 Fujitsu workers across their work was moving from Antrim to Belfast the start of July that all accused Royal Mail senior management of a the UK. has contributed to the positive outcome for 274 employees would be “commercial-suicide mission.” From the outset the CWU had argued CWU members this time around.” transferring to BT Group The only hope for a better future for this that plans to outsource the repair function - employment status, and a industry lies in the membership and the based at the only two Fujitsu sites where the Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ series of presentations to success of the CWU’s Four Pillars plan, Davie which all employees were stressed. invited, the CWU immediately sought and received NORTH WEST DETERMINATION assurances that no-one will The two final legs of the tour visited England’s be disadvantaged by the northern heartlands, with our North West/ move. North Wales Division assembling on Assistant secretary Merseyside and their North East colleagues Brendan O’Brien told The heading to South Yorkshire. Voice: “While it’s undoubtedly “Everyone in this room could do a better the case that there will job of running this company,” Terry Pullinger Liverpool LIVERPOOL, NORTH WEST & WALES be many benefits to staff told the audience in Liverpool’s Adelphi of becoming BT Group venue, as he presented his detailed critique of meeting in Sheffield’s Memorial Hall, union’s reps and the stalwart work they do employees, some members Royal Mail’s business strategy. where postal executive chair and CWU for their fellow workers every day. Last year's decisive stand in Northern Ireland showed the CWU is a force to be reckoned with were understandably “They think the only answer is worse terms national president Jane Loftus spelt out the Loud and enthusiastic shouts of “Yes” concerned because their and conditions and that the business can't be importance of the Four Pillars campaign echoed around the room as he ended his terms and conditions are the successful unless it shrinks,” he explained, and the need for the whole union to unite peroration, as everywhere else, with the result of previous TUPEs into adding that the company’s plan “would mean and flex its collective industrial strength. question: “Are you with us?” and the hall Pay up at iPSL - but fresh blow for Bootle BTMSL. massive job losses. “This is a straightforward issue between came to its collective feet in a spontaneous “The CWU was quickly “We need to achieve a real change of the workforce and the employer,” she display of true northern grit. UNCERTAIN TIMES proposing that just one site, in Assistant secretary Nigel able to secure assurances, direction now, or it will keep getting worse.” pointed out, adding that maximum unity Speaking to The Voice after the tour, Northampton, has any long- Cotgrove told The Voice: however, that existing Ts&Cs Outdoor secretary Mark Baulch commented and determination are essential for success. Terry said: “Our reps are the union’s Members at iPSL in Bootle term future. “While consultation with iPSL and pay rates will be fully that the business is “not taking us seriously in And Terry Pullinger built on this theme soldiers on the front line and it was have overwhelmingly The contraction of cheque over the future of the site will protected going forward. these talks” and that, in his opinion, there was during his speech, bluntly warning: “No- fantastic to be able to visit every single accepted a two-year pay processing stems in part start this summer the two- “As such this TUPE is good an attitude of “disrespect from the company.” one’s going to save us. We have to save division of this great union and speak to so deal - providing for two from the relentless decline year deal provides a very news for BTMSL transferees He explained that Royal Mail’s plans for ourselves. We have to stand up.” many of them direct. successive across-the-board in cheque usage - but is valuable element of certainty as it brings with it enhanced delivery were “all about cost reduction and The contributions from the reps at both “I want to thank, once again, each and and fully consolidated 2.5 per poised to accelerate rapidly for members in highly career mobility, simplifies the cheapest way,” citing their proposals to the North West and North East meetings every one of our CWU reps, at all levels, cent increases - against an on account of a government- uncertain times.” the organisation structure, retard daily start times and move the last were notably robust, with many reps and also stress again what an honourable increasingly bleak backdrop led digitalisation drive. The standardises processes and with regards to the future switchover commences small- Developments were discussed will improve pay transparency letter to 5pm. expressing anger at the current attitudes task they perform. at a special members' meeting “Their solutions are unacceptable. We of unit management and several calls for “This Four Pillars campaign has clearly of the Merseyside cheque scale this October, affecting over time.” say moving letter start times later will have a national industrial action ballot to be won the hearts and minds of our members processing operation. 10 per cent of cheque volumes n As The Voice went to print an adverse effect on the customer,” Mark started immediately. up and down the country – now we go Following iPSL’s pre- by the end of March 2018, a CWU-negotiated pay rise continued, and restated the union’s position But Terry urged patience and explained back into the national negotiations with Christmas announcement ramping up rapidly after that. for the BTMSL bargaining that the delivery operation should span the that the union, above all, wants to Royal Mail immensely strengthened in the of plans to shut seven of its iPSL has confirmed, unit that provides for fully whole 7am to 7pm period. achieve the Four Pillars of Security through knowledge that we have the robust support nine UK cheque processing however, that it anticipates the consolidated and pensionable negotiation with the business. of the whole union. sites - including Bootle, which “vast majority” of its employees increases had just been ROUSING NORTH EAST FINALE In a stirring climax to the nationwide “And if the business still refuses to is the only CWU-represented on the Bootle site to still be in accepted by members. Over on the other side of the Pennines, tour, our DGSP brought the room to its engage meaningfully – they will know the site on account of its Girobank post by April next year, when the tour came to a rousing end at a packed collective feet with his praise for the consequences.” origins - the company is now next year’s rise becomes due. Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/

08 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 09 INDUSTRY NEWS Telecoms & Financial Services Telecoms & Financial Services INDUSTRY NEWS news BTFS pay deal heralds further key talks Opening salvo of new agency drive news NEW REVIEWS BECKON basic rate increases across the negotiating team, says: LIVING WAGE DEMAND in brief board, with additional raises “It’s been a tough round of in brief SPRUCING UP FLEET Members at BTFS have to bring lower-paid staff up talks this year - with the Notice has been served SWISS POST PAY UP Moves are afoot to address voted by nearly four to one to the real Living Wage (as CWU determined to not just on both BT and Manpower Higher-paid members in run-down working conditions to accept a CWU-negotiated opposed to the Government’s secure a meaningful pay that CWU patience has Swiss Post, who did not in BT Fleet garages following pay deal that delivers a significantly lower re-branded increase for all members run out with regards to benefit from last November’s demands made at CWU 2.42 per cent increase for minimum wage) - and for but also a company unacceptably low pay rates 2.4 per cent uplift in the Real Annual Conference for the lowest paid staff and higher-graded employees a commitment for serious that continue to be applied Living Wage, have voted improvements to those paves the way for further small element of performance reviews of the Security to hundreds of agency overwhelmingly in favour of a workplaces that are “old, dirty negotiations on a raft of related pay. pay structure and pay workers at BT sites across 2.2 per cent pay increase. and cold”. issues the union has long Crucially, annual leave progression arrangements the country. The CWU-negotiated Following a positive first been seeking to address. entitlement rises to 22 days across BTFS. Even after this year’s pay deal, which applies to meeting with management, The complex agreement, for all BTFS staff, while those “Real progress has been pay rises, no fewer than 63 of the 200 employees which had just taken place which covers around 1,700 already on 22 days will receive made on all of these issues 28 Manpower work areas on Santander’s Swiss Post as The Voice went to press, employees working at the a £100 lump-sum cash payout. and more.” are still paying well below contract - most of whom assistant secretary Brendan in-house facilities services Assistant secretary Sally the £8.45 per hour that the were TUPE’d over from O’Brien commended the provider, secures guaranteed Bridge, who led the union’s Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ Living Wage Commission Geoban in 2013 and all of company’s constructive says is the minimum The new push augments the CWU's wider agency campaign whom work in Bootle, Carlton response to criticism that required outside London for Park or Bradford - was the state of some workshops a reasonable quality of life. below-Living Wage pay how it can possibly be right paid in July’s pay packets, ill-reflects the spectacular Overcoming hurdles at EE The situation is worst of rates were imminent with that Manpower employees backdated to April 1. Staff turnaround in the division’s all at Consumer Sales and BT’s Wholesale & Ventures conducting important outside of Santander, who fortunes in recent years. The latest round of CWU recruitment Service sites in Doncaster, and Business divisions - with customer facing work for BT are not represented by the days in EE have proved highly successful “To be fair, BT Fleet was Glasgow, Lancaster, South Consumer expected to follow are being paid considerably CWU, received just 1.25%. quite taken aback by the Shields, Truro, Warrington suit shortly. less.” In a separate development, strength of feeling expressed and Cardiff where agency “We’ll be pointing out that The upshot of those the CWU was informed last at Conference - and while it staff in some work areas even though BT doesn’t meetings will be reported month that Santander’s doesn’t believe that working are only paid £7.50 per openly claim to be a Living to a special branch forum contract with Swiss Post, environments across the hour - just 5p more an hour Wage employer, none of in August - and, barring a which expires in October, board are as poor as the than the national minimum its employees, including dramatic change of heart has been put out to tender debate maybe implied, it has wage - making them some cleaners and security guards from BT, that forum will lay and that a number of indicated a real willingness to of the lowest paid workers in the BTFS wholly owned the foundations for a renewed companies, including Swiss work with the CWU to improve anywhere in BT. subsidiary, are paid below campaign against agency Post, are bidding. A decision matters at those sites which At the time of printing, it,” assistant secretary Sally exploitation. is expected in August. don’t currently come up to meetings convened at the Bridge told The Voice. “That Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ scratch,” stressed Brendan. CWU’s request to discuss begs the question as to Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ ------“That can only be good news BANKING ON GROWTH for our members in the garages A concerted CWU that most need some TLC.” recruitment drive has been ------BT Consumer concedes bank holiday pay error launched at Santander’s UNIONLEARN TRIUMPH MEMBERSHIP GROWING union needs to seek a formal held in canteens following ISBAN and Produban Neil Crothall, lead ULR from recognition agreement. CWU protests about being CONFUSION CLEARED UP some parts of Consumer been underpaid for working subsidiaries, focussing in Great Western branch, has Following on from concerns That has been followed by restricted to foyer areas that have paid just the premium. Bank Holidays since 2016, in particular on the UK sites been awarded the prestigious expressed at CWU Annual meetings with BT to impress aren’t conducive to meaningful Sustained pressure from the That meant that some the first instance this should where the union doesn’t Unionlearn ULR Award for Conference over an the case for a crackdown on contact with potential new CWU has resolved a long- members were short- be brought up with their line currently have collective 2017. Receiving the award increasingly anti-union stance any union-hostile managers in members - have proved highly standing area of confusion changed when working manager.” bargaining rights. from TUC general secretary being taken by some managers its new subsidiary. Separately, successful. in parts of BT Consumer bank holidays. Assistant secretary John Frances O’Grady during at EE, the union’s fightback is talks have been held with EE’s Assistant secretary John over how enhanced bank Assistant secretary Nigel East told The Voice: “In June last month’s Unionlearn gathering strength. HR director for call centres East told The Voice: “Once holiday pay rates should be Cotgrove told The Voice: we had a meeting with the HR Conference at Congress In late May, just weeks after at which it was agreed that again we’ve seen a big influx calculated. “This issue blew up following directors of both companies House in central London, Neil the close of Conference, EE problems being experienced of new members and, just Despite the CWU’s St Patrick’s Day in 2016 and to explain our objectives and has been instrumental in the reps from across the country by the union at some sites will as encouragingly, a real longstanding conviction that we’ve been disputing it ever to explore the ways we can transformation of the CWU’s gathered at CWU HQ for a be resolved through closer willingness amongst existing premium payments - which since - but, after 15 months work together to build on Joy De Freitas learning centre two-day strategic planning dialogue about planned CWU members to speak to their non- stand at 2.5 x base pay for of arguing, BT has now the positive relationship we in Bristol, introducing new meeting at which branches ‘access days’. union colleagues about the normal bank holidays and conceded that the CWU’s have with management in technology and software. and organisers mapped out Meanwhile, the latest round benefits of union membership.” 3 x base pay for Christmas interpretation of the policy those areas where the CWU Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ a new approach to achieve of ‘access days’ in June and Day - should be paid in was correct all along. already has recognition.” the membership numbers the July - most of which were Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ addition to normal base pay, “If anyone believes they’ve Nigel Cotgrove

10 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 11 FEATURE New engineering pathways BT performance management FEATURE

Breakthrough on Openreach Crucial test looms for career progression new PM approach The latest attempt to slay BT’s performance management (PM) demons will face its Significant new opportunities first major test in just over a month as employees across the company discover how for Openreach field engineers to they’ve been rated under the new ‘My Performance’ approach. Simon Alford reports develop their skills and increase their earning potential are to be opened up, thanks to successful negotiations on an all new s The Voice went to press, the approach to ‘career pathways’ CWU was waiting with bated within the company... breath to see whether the replacement of BT’s five former performance ratings with Benefitting not just recent recruits Ajust three new bandings - ‘Brilliant’, ‘Good on Workforce 2020 contracts but also Work’ and ‘Work To Do’ - proves part of the longer serving B2s, the CWU National hoped-for antidote to previous PM systems Team believes the new approach has which have consistently left large numbers the potential to be a game changer of loyal and hard-working employees feeling with regards to different but parallel demoralised and under threat. union concerns covering pay and career Company and union negotiators are BURNS HOWARD © progression issues affecting both groups. Engineering Career in broad agreement that, in order to shift For TMNE2 engineers recruited since Brighter future: The CWU believes the new ' deep-seated perceptions that PM in BT is Workforce 2020 contracts were introduced Pathways' approach will transform progression prospects for many an overwhelmingly punitive and negative in 2014, the new ‘Engineering Career experience, the number of employees placed Pathways’ approach provides individuals creation of a role in Network Solutions at the in the ‘Work To Do’ category will need to be Could a better future beckon? undergoing extra training to improve DUAL BENEFITS higher pay point. a tiny fraction of the number hitherto placed their skill-sets the opportunity to move to For Openreach the attraction of providing In conjunction with the upskilling in the bottom two former categories that it “The hope is that the three new ratings will ‘Advanced Engineer’ roles that virtually upskilling opportunities for both longer- opportunities, Openreach is working effectively replaces. make it much harder to force the distribution close the gap between their pay levels and serving B2s and TMNE2 Workforce 2020 alongside the CWU to break down barriers But how things actually turn out in - not least because it’s being made absolutely that of existing B2 engineers, once non- grades is that the enhanced skill-sets of that currently make it hard for field September will determine not just whether clear to managers that they can only rate pensionable bonus payments are taken large numbers of field engineers will help engineers to move from one business unit or not the three new ratings have achieved someone as ‘Work To Do’ if they’ve told that into consideration. the company meet ever increasing demands into another - again providing individuals the desired aim of addressing the massive person they are underperforming.” And for B2 field engineers - whose from Ofcom over service levels. In Service with the opportunity to move their careers over-use of the former ‘Development Needed’ Dave continued: “BT has responded to the career progression opportunities have Delivery, this financial year opportunities in the direction that interests them most. (DN) rating. It will also be the first important CWU’s concerns about the discredited ‘DN’ been seriously curtailed in recent times by exist for 1,700 engineers to move to the Meanwhile, a new approach to indicator as to whether any genuine progress rating by saying that they recognise that the a combination of technological advance, CSE role and, for those who are currently recruitment will see around 1,500 new has been made on the overriding aim of vast majority of employees do a good job for Reps need convincing: See full story online process changes and the concentration of TMNE2s, that will mean an increase to the joiners coming into Openreach over the effecting significant cultural change in the the company. Indeed, we’ve been assured that traditionally higher-paid desk based roles higher rate of pay. next few months on fast-tracked 12-month overall approach to PM by successive tiers of they want to see significant numbers of people attempts have failed. in a much smaller number of sites - the apprenticeships offering a significantly management. in the ‘Brilliant’ rating band and most of the “If it turns out that ‘Work to Do’ has creation of a brand new ‘Senior Engineer’ improved starting salary of £20,000 - and Assistant secretary Dave Jukes explains: “In rest in ‘Good Work’. Largely only people who become a rebranded DN, ‘My Performance’ role that is close to being agreed with the CWU is currently in discussions with the last three years around 19,000 people - a are already in the formal performance process, will have demonstrably failed and the CWU the company is set to re-open promotion "We're trying to tackle the Openreach to ensure that the current (and staggering 40 per cent of BT Group’s entire or just entering it, will be categorised as ‘Work will then have to consider how to respond in opportunities that are currently few and promotion 'wastelands' recently assimilated) apprentice population workforce - have been rated DN, and even BT To Do.’ line with various Conference mandates. far between. that currently exist" attains equality of treatment. concedes that has had a huge demoralising “As a result the CWU expects very, very “The hope, however, is that the new “What we’re trying to do is tackle the Davie concludes: “The new Career effect on a significant proportion of the few people to be given a ‘Work To Do’ approach will turn out to have been an promotion ‘wastelands’ that currently Pathways approach is overwhelmingly good workforce. rating - but we’ve refused to talk numbers or important step in the right direction, take the exist for B2 field engineers in much of the The CWU believes that Service Delivery news for all our members in Openreach “We know that forced distribution has percentages because as soon as you start to do heat out of the issue and maybe ultimately UK,” stressed CWU national officer for will need to have 85 per cent of the field Field. taken place, and that DN that it becomes a ‘target’ - which is precisely even lead the company towards the CWU’s Openreach, Davie Bowman. engineering workforce CSE-skilled to meet “Further details will emerge in the coming ratings have sometimes what we’re trying to move away from.” view that there’s really no point in PM at all “A trial of a new ‘Senior Engineer’ role Ofcom’s service level requirements. Clearly weeks, and I’d urge all our Field members to been passed round teams in a supportive and nurturing workplace is currently taking place in the North further multi-skilling in Infrastructure attend special branch meetings, which are so that managers can meet JURY'S OUT... environment. East, but the intention is that around 1,800 Delivery as well as Business and Corporate currently in the process of being organised, quotas that have been Dave Jukes concludes: “Given the difficult “Much will become clear come September/ such positions will be created nationally, Delivery will also be needed to build the where the Openreach National Team will imposed from history of PM in BT there’s understandably October - so at present it’s really just a case of generating opportunities for advancement network of the future and provide excellent outline the new opportunities in detail.” above - and that considerable scepticism over whether this ‘let’s wait and see’.” in localities where such opportunities service levels to business customers. Talks clearly has to latest attempt to make PM a fair and positive simply don’t exist at present.” are progressing well with regards to the Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ stop. experience will succeed where previous Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ Dave Jukes

12 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 13 FEATURE ELECTION 2017 Consolidate, strengthen... and go again 'June’s General Election result vindicated the CWU’s The union is determined that the big step forward achieved in the June support for the Labour Party election and the campaign must now under Jeremy Corbyn and be consolidated and built upon. its positive direction over the And the CWU’s national executive past two years,' Dave Ward met recently and approved a series of tells The Voice action points intended to do just that, with the overall aim being to advance our World of Work agenda further – both politically and industrially. he election was a huge moment politically – we saw a bold CWU POLITICAL ACTION POINTS: “ manifesto from Labour, delivering 1. Increasing our Parliamentary on the CWU’s key campaign representation – working with our priorities and there is no doubt in three candidates who came second in Tmy mind that we are seeing a fundamental shift tough seats in June to support them in in politics in the UK,” he continued. standing again and providing training “Labour is committed to re-nationalising and other support to CWU members Royal Mail, investing significantly in who want to stand in the future. broadband, setting up a Post Bank, scrapping the agency workers’ loophole and increasing 2. Giving full support to our member the state pension. We now have a realistic Asghar Khan in his bid to be elected prospect of the CWU’s priorities being onto the Labour Party’s NEC on behalf delivered in government”, Dave said. of BAME Labour. Asghar has been a Having lost their majority in the election, CWU AND LABOUR long-serving CWU rep and activist the Conservatives have been forced to in our Leeds No1 Branch and is being drop some of their main pledges including backed by the CWU, GMB and Unite. scrapping the triple lock on the state pension, removing the ban on fox hunting, bringing 3. Policy development – looking ahead in more grammar schools and cutting free to the next Labour government and primary school meals. And pressure is now FOR A BETTER BRITAIN with the prospect of another election, mounting for action on public-sector pay, gradually changed as Labour’s the union’s political team is liaising insecure employment and tuition fees. Dave emphasises, once again, the he continued, pointing to the 21 per cent opinion bold and transformative closely with the Shadow Ministerial significance of the June election and the step poll leads being reported by pollsters YouGov manifesto began to cut through. teams to further develop CWU-specific DRAMATIC POLITICAL SHIFT forward it represented, by reminding us of how on the day that Theresa May confidently walked “This was the battle of ideas, policies. At this time, we are actively “The agenda has changed – the ideas Labour dramatically different everything looked just from the door of Number 10 to announce her taken out to every locality in the focussing on the Post Bank concept, argued for in the campaign have now become three months ago. ‘snap’ election to the nation. country, to the high streets of the which we will also be seeking cross- the new mainstream political issues,” our “Let’s remember that very few people gave But amid the doom and gloom from much of cities, towns and villages and to party support for. general secretary explained. Labour a chance when the election was called,” the media – and even from some in the Labour people’s front doors,” said Dave. Party – the CWU made its position crystal clear “Working people in this 4. Labour Conference and TUC straightaway, our general secretary issuing a country have paid the price of Congress – We will be pushing to FOUR REASONS WHY 2017 WAS A SUCCESS fighting statement on the same day, stating that austerity. We’ve seen an explosion win wider and deeper support for u Labour’s 2017 manifesto received 12,877,869 votes across the nation overall, the union “welcomes the opportunity to fight for a of insecure employment, public our World of Work and New Deal a long way in excess of the 2015 total of 9,347,304. It was the party’s highest programmes at both of these major new political settlement. services pushed to the point of Campaigning across the nation vote total since 1997, and Labour’s fifth-highest total ever – only surpassed in “This is a chance the labour movement must crisis and a whole generation decision-making events. 1997, 1966, 1951 and 1950. seize to fight for fundamental change,” vowed unable to get a decent home. Labour work from CWU members and activists, as well Dave, adding: “We need a new deal for workers was able to turn round the polls as many of our friends and colleagues from 5. The union will be hosting a high- u Labour’s recovery from a 21 per cent opinion poll deficit to a 2 per cent gap on and a country that is run for the millions not the by showing it had answers to these other unions as well,” said Dave. profile political event in the autumn election day was the biggest opinion poll swing (19 per cent) during a campaign millionaires – this is what we have got to fight for.” problems.” “It’s brilliant to have Hugh Gaffney, a – soon after the end of the conference since records began, even beating the dramatic 16 per cent campaign swing With our Annual Conference scheduled Our general secretary praised the CWU long-serving CWU rep from Parcelforce, season, which will be an opportunity for achieved by Edward Heath (from 12.5 per cent behind to a 3.5 per cent election for the following week, an emergency motion members who played a major role in the representing Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill members to become involved in taking day win) way back in 1970. formally committing the union to actively localities and regions in getting involved in in Parliament, alongside the new Bury North forward the CWU agenda. participating in the election campaign in support the general election campaign and said: “A MP James Frith, who joined the CWU more u Labour’s total of 262 elected MPs accurately reflected the party’s national of the Labour Party was unanimously backed huge well done and thank you” to all who recently. 6. And CWU branches will be asked to percentage vote share, both of which were 40 per cent. But the Conservatives’ and after that, the union swung into action, with participated in “this historic election. “But the bigger picture, of course, was ensure they are affiliated to their local 42 per cent of total vote share won them 318 MPs, which is 49 per cent of the CWU activists in every region volunteering their “We had five CWU members standing as Labour’s achievement in taking away the Labour Party branch and to encourage House of Commons. spare time to help the Labour cause. Parliamentary Candidates – two in Scotland Conservatives’ Parliamentary Majority, leaving members to join the Labour Party. From a mainly defensive strategy in the early and three in the North West – and two of them Theresa May irreparably weakened politically Strengthening our union’s presence u The advances that Labour made across the Constituency battles mean that, part of the campaign, the nature of the contest were elected, thanks to some extremely hard and Jeremy Corbyn enormously strengthened.” within Labour’s grassroots will increase next time, just a 1.6 per cent uniform vote swing can bring the 34 gains needed our ability to positively influence party to make Labour the largest party, and 58 more seats, from a 3.5 per cent swing, policy. will bring a Parliamentary Majority. 14 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 15 INDUSTRY NEWS Postal Postal INDUSTRY NEWS

CWU to Post Office: ‘Come back to the table now’ Durham Miners Gala 'an inspiration'

POL PAY TALKS offer of a 2 per cent pay rise, the CWU, Mr Whitefoot told ballot and also, if necessary, But “isn’t it great to have we were right to reject it as this the union that, as far as the to seek the assistance of a Labour Party leadership As The Voice went to press, means a reduced standard of company was concerned, pay independent arbitration service that’s standing up shoulder consultative ballot papers living for our members.” negotiations were now over, ACAS, with the aim of forcing to shoulder alongside us,” he were being sent out to our It is normal in a negotiation and that the below-inflation the company to re-open added. Post Office members following for the employer to begin with settlement would be imposed. negotiations immediately. Our DGSP paid tribute to the the company’s shock decision a lower offer and then for “This is completely “The company’s attitude history of the Durham Miners to shut down pay talks and further talks to take place and unacceptable behaviour by and behaviour have been Gala and the miners’ union impose a below-inflation deal. eventually reach a compromise the business, which is acting underhand, disrespectful and which he described as “the The abrupt halt to settlement – and this was what more like a 19th-century mill insulting,” he told The Voice strongest union in our history, Wimbledon win longstanding negotiating the union had expected. owner than a modern 21st- “and we’re urging our members with a proud legacy.” SW London procedures by management “Initially, the company century company,” Andy to return the biggest possible The miners’ strike of the TERRY PULINGER’S POWERFUL SPEECH AT THE GALA last month outraged the responded to our rejection told The Voice, adding that rejection of the Post Office’s 1980s had been the key event football crown members, while the settlement by timetabling further pay he has written a strongly- action in this ballot. which had inspired him as a unilaterally forced onto staff discussions for early July,” worded letter to Post Office “Our hard-working members DURHAM GALA 2017 190,000 workers in telecoms, young trade unionist, Terry BRANCH TOURNAMENT has been condemned for Andy continues, “and we Group chief executive Paula deserve a fair pay rise and post offices, Royal Mail and continued, and pledged full pushing employees below the were preparing for these new Vennells, in which he describes we’re determined to re-open Terry Pullinger, deputy general other businesses,” he said, support for the Orgreave Wimbledon Delivery Office cost of living. talks when we received the the company’s decision as a negotiations and reach a fair secretary postal, told the adding that “we’re constantly Justice Campaign. won the inaugural South “Latest RPI figures show bombshell announcement from “provocative action” indicating agreement.” Durham Miners Gala crowd fighting similar issues as “Never forget, never West London CWU five-a- inflation running at 3.5 per Post Office employee relations a “reprehensible attitude.” that he was “deeply honoured” other trade unionists here – forgive and let’s get a Labour side football tournament as cent,” explained CWU assistant and policy director John The union’s executive has to represent the CWU at this defending our members’ jobs, Government into power,” he part of a family fun day last The consultative ballot opened secretary Andy, “so when the Whitefoot in early July.” approved Andy’s plan to hold last week and will run until August year’s event. security, pensions, pay, terms concluded, to thunderous month. Post Office first made their In a letter which stunned an immediate full consultative 22nd. “Our union represents over and conditions.” applause and cheers. Organised by London South West Postal branch secretary Greg Charles, the 'Horrific' dog attack hospitalises Boston postwoman event attracted around a Celebrating Pride in the workplace hundred people – branch members, their partners and children – raised the profile DELIVERING WITH PRIDE serious side of Pride Month event itself, which was live of the union’s Four Pillars was not overlooked, and streamed and proved popular campaign, and also raised Royal Mail customer service the opportunity was taken with many. money for the CRY charity. workers at the Stoke CE unit to share with members the “Pride Month in all has CWU general secretary organised several initiatives history behind Pride Month as been great and has given Dave Ward was on hand Photographs of the terrible injuries suffered by Sharon Singer to celebrate Pride Month in well as the origin of the iconic everyone another opportunity to award the trophy to the June. Rainbow Pride flag. to celebrate the wonderful winners. DANGEROUS DOGS around the side of the house. that our members face daily, according As well as painting the Staff from the unit were diversity and equality of our “It was a great family She had backed away, but a second to CWU national health, safety and on-site post box in bright among those who volunteered workplace,” said Sammi, who fun day, and everyone who A Lincolnshire postwoman suffered dog “pounced on her from behind and environment officer Dave Joyce. ‘Pride Rainbow’, and holding to help run the LGBT & Friends added “a huge thank you” to came agreed we should try life-endangering injuries in an horrific attacked her,” his account continued, “Sharon’s life was in danger when this a five-a-side football event, stall at the city’s Stoke Pride everyone involved. to do this every year,” said attack by two dogs, who mauled her adding that the owner came to her aid attack took place and we are relieved members also enjoyed a Greg. while she was out on her round last immediately, eventually "managed to that she survived,” he told The Voice. ‘rainbow sponge splatter’ “Well done to Wimbledon month. drag the dog away" and then drove “Our message to owners is that they day, during which they were Delivery Office, who were Sharon Singer was rushed to hospital Sharon to hospital. must keep their dogs either indoors in a able to throw sponges at worthy winners - but watch for emergency surgery after the ordeal, BBC and ITV news teams also secure room or restrained – otherwise managers – for a charitable out next year, my own office in which she was set upon by two large reported the attack and spoke to terrible incidents like these can happen. donation. is determined to take your Dobermans while delivering to an Sharon's husband David, who told BBC “We've recently had a spate of “This was part of the crown!” address in Wrangle, near Boston. newsman Alex Rhodes that “if the dog attacks in different parts of the Delivering with Pride initiative In a four-hour operation, surgeons at had her for another 10 seconds, she country,” Dave continued, highlighting run jointly with Royal Mail CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Boston Pilgrim Hospital had to reattach wouldn’t have had an arm,” and in an two other serious dog attack incidents and our LGBT Committee,” Young) was established in muscles and tendons and perform interview with ITV’s Chris Kiddey, he in Stockport and Newquay. reports Midland 7 Branch 1995 and works to reduce the emergency skin grafts. said: “Another 20 seconds and she “Reckless owners need to realise union learning rep Sammi frequency of young sudden cardiac deaths through the Writing about the incident for local wouldn’t be here.” that their dogs can be destroyed, they Craig. promotion and development of news service Lincolnshire Live, reporter The traumatic attack, the frightening can be banned from owning dogs, they “And all these events and heart screening programmes, Adam Moss explained that Sharon had severity of the injuries, and the can face unlimited fines, costs and many others helped to raise funding medical research, been walking down the garden path widespread reporting of the incident compensation, and they can even face over £900 for the Stoke Pride and providing bereavement support to families. For further when a “large growling dog” came have publicised the potential dangers possible jail sentences." Charity," she added. information, see www.c-r- Amid all the fun, the y.org.uk/about-us/

16 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 17 NEWS General DUP concerns EQUALITIES

Taylor Review “falls way short” FEARS FOR EQUALITIES 'MISSED OPPORTUNITY' BLASTED case to an employment tribunal. The TUC job. This circumvention of the spirit of EU was equally withering about proposals to legislation by the UK's Agency Regulations The CWU was one of the first unions to introduce a new category of ‘dependent has long been highlighted by the CWU's AGENDA POST-DUP DEAL deliver a damning verdict on the Taylor contractor’ employment which, Frances 'Closing the Loopholes' campaign. Review into exploitative labour market pointed out, “looks like caving in” to gig Yet despite that one area of progress, practices that was published last month. economy employers who don’t even want CWU general secretary Dave Ward insists Concerns are mounting that the Tories' pact with the Democratic Unionist Party Far from unveiling any concrete to pay the national minimum wage. the Taylor Review has “fallen way short,” (DUP) could pose serious threats to hard won rights for women seeking abortions and plans to ban zero-hour contract abuse From the CWU's perspective, the only stressing it’s now incumbent on unions to members of the lesbian. gay, bissexual and transgender (LGBT) community that is rife across the country, nor any really positive thing to come out of the work together to make the future world of substantive proposals to tackle the bogus review is its proposal to abolish the legal work the number one political issue. self-employment model on which the so- loophole that allows employers to pay “Far from creating a country that ‘works called ‘gig’ economy thrives, the eagerly agency workers on so-called 'pay between for everyone’, Theresa May is creating a ointing out that the DUP has anticipated review has been widely assignment' contracts less than directly country in which we work until we drop. long touted controversial and dismissed as woefully inadequate. employed staff doing exactly the same “The question now for trade unions is archaic views against same- Particular scorn has been poured on what we’re going to do about it? sex marriage and abortion, the proposal to grant zero-hour workers “It's time for the union movement to CWU national equalities officer a ‘right to request’ guaranteed hours - come together in a concerted campaign PLinda Roy has pledged that the union will immediately denounced as “no right at to end insecure employment and in-work campaign vigorously against any moves all” by TUC general secretary Frances poverty by making greater demands on to water down or reverse progressive O’Grady, given that vulnerable workers behalf of all workers.” legislation in both areas. wanting to appeal refusals by exploitative The DUP, after all, has repeatedly vetoed employers would still have to take their Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ the introduction of laws to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland - and many of the comments made on the issue by leading members of the party, on whose support the 999 call handlers ‘forgotten heroes’ of Grenfell Tower tragedy Tories are now relying to stay in power, fly in the face of the overwhelming consensus of CWU equalities campaigners including Linda Roy (above) at the Bristol Pride event WITNESSES TO HORROR June 14 have been praised for the Portadown CWU H&S rep Erin Massey opinion in mainland UK. professionalism and humanity with which as to what support was being provided Ian Paisley Jr, son of the party’s founder, carefully consider cases when a pregnancy funding for NI,” Linda points out. “If the CWU members handling 999 calls as they dealt with calls from individuals in for traumatised staff who’d been left Ian Paisley, is on record as having described arises as a result of rape. Government is that desperate for DUP the Glenfell Tower tragedy unfolded in the most desperate of circumstances. in a state of “emotional distress after homosexuality as “immoral, offensive and Last year she told The Guardian: “I would support, who knows what they will agree London in the early As the inferno spread rapidly up the listening to these residents and their obnoxious.” The party once championed a not want abortion to be as freely available to next? Just think what else could have hours of 24-storey building, BT Ventures Voice cries for help,” the company confirmed campaign called ‘Save Ulster from Sodomy’, here as it is in England and don’t support been done with that money,” continues the Services operators on night duty in that counselling services had been and in 2015 the former DUP health minister the extension of the 1967 Act.” union’s national equalities officer. centres across the country received a offered to all affected employees. Jim Wells told a South Down hustings: “The At present the only way women in NI can “It could have paid for 10,000 new police large number of heart-breaking calls Asssistant secretary Brendan gay lobby is insatiable, they don’t know secure access to an abortion, except in the officers, the increasing of benefits for the from desperate individuals and O’Brien concludes: “I’m pleased that when enough is enough.” most extreme of cases when their health is under 25s, the abolition of tribunal fees, families trapped in their homes. Ventures Voice Services has recognised Perhaps the most extraordinary and in serious danger, is to travel abroad or take helped address chronic underfunding In the aftermath of the disaster, the stress that employees were put sickening attack of all on the LGBT the risk of relying on pills bought illegally. of the NHS and social care, extended Fire Brigades Union station rep under that dreadful night and that community, however, came from Iris And despite June’s unexpected UK nursery access to all children or funded the Jon Wharnsby - himself one of a process was swiftly put in place to Robinson, former MP for Strangford, Government response to a threatened renationalisation of Royal Mail, and that’s the heroic fire-fighters who fought support them. The company has gone and wife of former First Minister for NI, Tory revolt on the Queen’s Speech, which just some of the possibilities. their way into the blazing building out of its way to say how proud it is of Peter Robinson. Speaking in the House of has finally granted women in NI the “We’re constantly being told that to rescue all those they could - the way team members responded to Commons in 2008, she said: “There can be right to access to terminations on the there’s ‘no money-tree’, yet the Tories have went out of his way to praise the this exceptional incident - as, indeed, no viler act, apart from homosexuality and NHS elsewhere in the UK, CWU national suddenly found that money simply to keep “brilliant” call handlers whose we all are.” sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent equalities officer Linda Roy is concerned themselves in government.” contribution, he said, was “so often n CWU national health & safety children. I cannot think of anything more at the influence the DUP could have on the Linda concludes: “I’d urge every CWU forgotten” amid the chaos. officer Dave Joyce has written to the sickening than a child being abused. It is future direction of equalities legislation. member with a Tory MP to write to them Ventures Voice Services has Prime Minister following the Grenfell comparable to the act of homosexuality. I Other concerns cover the strong asking whether they support this deal - itself heaped praise on employees tragedy pointing out that for many think they are all comparable. I feel totally threads of climate change denial and specifically raising the DUP’s atrocious track who, it said, “were left in the very years Ministers have called for H&S repulsed by both.” ‘creationism’ (a religiously-based rejection record on women’s and LGBT rights. difficult situation of talking to regulations to be axed “as a matter of scientifically-based theories of evolution) “Tory MPs need to be held account for people trapped in their homes, of principle” - something he insisted ABORTION that run through its utterances - as well as Theresa May’s dreadful decision to link unable to transfer them” to the should be urgently reconsidered “at this On the abortion issue, the DUP’s views are fears that the party’s undue influence in up with the DUP and, in so doing, the London Fire Brigade on account time of national reflection and sorrow.” similarly controversial. Just last year DUP Westminster could threaten the NI peace Government will hopefully be deterred of exceptional emergency call leader Arlene Foster vowed to retain NI’s process. from making concessions to the DUP’s volumes. Full story at www.cwu.org/voice/ ban on terminations except when a woman’s “Already the price the DUP has extracted objectionable stance on a range of equality, In response to an enquiry from An avoidable catastrophe : See page 3 life is danger, her only concession being to from the Tories stands at £1.5bn in extra social and environmental issues.”

www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 19 © JOHN GOMEZ / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / GOMEZ JOHN © NEWS General

Get snapping - it’s competition time! Hugh Gaffney making his Loyal Oath Visiting workers in Parliament's Post Room

PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINE NEARS harsh winter environment on a remote 'Our Parliament needs more working-class people' Arctic Circle island - with one of his Calling all budding photographers! The resulting images appearing in the current CWU IN POLITICS all our union’s reps and activists to follow CWU’s education & training department is issue of the BBC Wildlife magazine. Tolpuddle 2017 his example and stand for election. once again running a digital photography Last year’s winner was Paul Fine of After a barnstorming maiden speech, “It doesn’t matter who you are or competition with a top prize of £200 for Plymouth Mail Centre, whose captivating SPIRIT OF STRUGGLE CELEBRATED followed by a series of crucial votes and where you come from – stand for your the overall winner. image of a snarling tiger was singled amendments on the Queen’s Speech, local council and if you get the chance, The competition has consistently out for first prize by a national poll of The CWU was well represented, as ever, long-serving CWU Parcelforce rep and stand for Parliament. The CWU gave me attracted a high standard of entries, members visiting an online gallery of the at the Tolpuddle Festival - the annual Labour MP Hugh Gaffney tells The Voice: incredible support and the union will give with two-times winner - postman David shortlisted entries. tribute to some of our movement’s earliest “I’m really getting my teeth into my new full support to you too. Gibbon from Durham - going on to reach This year the same mass-voting pioneers. In 1834 the brave group of role.” “You can make a difference.” the finals of the Natural History Museum's mechanism will be used to select the agricultural workers were arrested, tried Entering the Houses of Parliament Just a few miles away from Hugh, wildlife photography competition. This overall winner of the 2017 competition. and sentenced to seven years penal for the first time just the day after his our own Matt Kerr achieved another year David’s surpassed even that, servitude in Australia for forming one of The deadline for entries is October 1. For sensational election victory, the newly monster swing from the nationalists becoming the first Briton ever to spend full competition details visit https://goo.gl/ the UK’s first trade unions in response to elected Member of Parliament for to Labour, but the 12 per cent swing in pWFp8n a week photographing Arctic Fox in their their employer cutting their pay. Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill said: “I’m Glasgow South West left him just 60 Following huge protests across the here for justice for workers” when the agonising votes short of the winning country they were eventually released on-duty security guard challenged him at post. from exile - and their legacy ever since has the doorway. “I’m delighted for Hugh and he’s made been to inspire successive generations

© PAUL FINE PAUL © “I was in my Parcelforce uniform,” Hugh a great splash already,” Matt told us, but about the power of collective action. (pictured right) explains, “so he probably added that he had been “gutted” not to At this year’s celebration of their thought I was delivering something – but be able to join his fellow CWU member in achievement, CWU general secretary Dave OUR CANDIDATES © DAVID GIBBON DAVID © when I showed him my ID, he gave me a Parliament. Ward spoke at a fringe meeting and the huge grin and said: ‘Well done mate’.” “I just can’t leave it at that and I really u Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill: union’s banners took pride of place in the In one of the most dramatic results of want to stand for Glasgow South West Hugh Gaffney (Labour) 19,193 (+1,998) annual march through the Dorset village election night, he overturned an 11,051 again and hopefully win it next time,” he Philip Boswell (SNP) 17,607 (-11,089) where the spirit of struggle first took hold. SNP majority to win the Coatbridge, vowed.

Previous competition winning images © PAUL FINE PAUL © Other candidates: Chryston & Bellshill seat by 1,586 on a Bury North provided a second Labour sensational 13 per cent swing. victory for the CWU, with James Frith Conservative +4,109 “It was fantastic,” Hugh told us, adding: snatching this marginal seat from the LibDem +373 MEMBER BENEFIT LOGIN: CWU “I had been feeling increasingly optimistic Conservative incumbent David Nuttall. as the campaign went on, and there UKIP and Green Party withdrawals, u Bury North: was a growing Corbyn effect that was plus an increased turnout saw both James Frith (Labour) 25,683 (+7,091) bringing voters our way as well.” major parties put on extra votes here, David Nuttall (Conservative) 21,308 S W A G G E R O N When The Voice spoke to Hugh at but Mr Nuttall’s additional 2,338 was (+2,338) the start of the campaign, he noted dwarfed by our man’s 7,091 pile-on, FOUR WHEELS a growing disillusionment with the giving him a 4,375 winning margin. u Glasgow South West: SERIOUS STYLE, SMART TECH AND A SASSY ATTITUDE nationalists on the doorstep and said at Chris Stephens (SNP) 14,386 (-9,002) AVAILABLE ON VAUXHALL PARTNERS Our other two CWU candidates, the time: “I get the feeling local people Chris Webb and Julie Gibson, also Matt Kerr (Labour) 14,326 (+888) may be turning against them. recorded significantly increased vote Other candidates: “I’m getting a great response and I totals compared to 2015 – Chris polled Conservative +3,488 reckon my chances are improving,” was an extra 4,067 on last time, while Julie’s LibDem +225 his forecast back in early May, which total rose by 3,191 – but not quite enough UKIP -489 turned out to be remarkably prescient. to snatch either Blackpool North & Reflecting on his victory, Hugh said: Cleveleys or South Ribble. u Blackpool North & Cleveleys: “My catchphrase on the doorstep was: CWU general secretary Dave Ward Crossland X Elite 1.2 (81PS) with Premium LED Lighting Pack and Silver-Effect Roof Rails ‘Send a working-class MP to Parliament’ sent his “warmest congratulations” to Paul Maynard (Conservative) 20,255 Representative Example* (+ 2,747)

† and people responded really positively Hugh and James on their election and Associates On- Duration of 36 Monthly Total Fixed Rate Excess APR Payments the-road Cash Customer Amount Interest Total Amount Optional Final of Interest per Mileage mileage charge, Agreement Chris Webb (Labour) 18,232 (+4,067) Price including Deposit Charges Payable Payment (GFV) per annum Representative to it, because Parliament needs more added “our deepest thanks to our other of ^ of Credit year, true per mile (months) customer saving Other candidates: £192 £17,246.61 £4,739 £12,507.61 £1,240.39 £18,487 £6,836 4.14% 8,000 £0.09 37 4.2% APR working-class people.” CWU election candidates as well. In his first speech in Westminster, he “Well done to all of them, and let’s UKIP -4,431 To find out more visit: partnersprogramme.co.uk/cwu Partners Call 0344 875 2448 or visit your local Vauxhall Retailer. also set down a marker that he would be hope they get the chance to have LibDem -201 MORE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY taking the fight to the Government for the another go sooner rather than later. Green -508 Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall Crossland X Elite union saying “Royal Mail was not for sale; “Hugh is absolutely right that we need # 1.2 (81PS): Urban: 43.5 (6.5), Extra-urban: 64.2 (4.4), Combined: 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions: 116/km. *Offer subject to availability at participating and qualifying Retailers only. Personal Contract Purchase. Finance subject to status, Ts&Cs apply. Applicants must be 18+. Finance by Vauxhall Finance, PO Box 6666, Cardiff, CF15 7YT. 24-48 month it was stolen and I aim to return this great more working-class people in Parliament u South Ribble: term available. ^Price shown after deduction of Vauxhall and/or Retailer contribution where applicable. At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) Pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle, ii) Return the vehicle, or iii) Replace: Part Exchange the vehicle where equity is available. †On the road prices include number plates, delivery, Vehicle Excise Duty, first registration fee and VAT. Offers may not apply to all Retailer stocks. UK-supplied vehicles only. Offer applies public service to its rightful owners – the – so please contact your branch or your to Vauxhall Partners only. Offer available on orders or registrations between 4 July 2017 and 2 October 2017. For Partners Terms and Conditions go to www.partnersprogramme.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. #Fuel consumption information is Seema Kennedy (Conservative) 28,980 official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU-regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. General Motors UK Limited t/a Vauxhall Motors reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct at time of going to press 11/07/2017. residents of the UK.” region if you want to be part of this (+4,667) As a veteran CWU rep, Hugh is urging change.” Julie Gibson (Labour) 21,559 (+3,191) Other candidates: UKIP -5,990 20 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews LibDem -275 YOUNG WORKERS News Looking back RETIRED MEMBERS

Young Workers attend UNI Europa ICTS Conference Remembering Critchley 20 years on us their views and visions to have Adam and Fiona as It’s now two decades since the summary dismissal of 31 workers at a small factory in of the future. It gave us the part of the team and I think encouragement to keep doing we will all benefit in the future South Wales triggered one of the longest strikes in UK history. Charlie Pullinger reports our utmost for our members from the experience they on a heroic stand for union representation that became a global cause célèbre in the knowledge that, gained from this important throughout the world, other conference.” unions are working towards The full delegation the very same goals.” comprised of Andy Kerr, DGS Fiona Curtis added: “We (T&FS); Karen Rose, Vice Chair used this great opportunity T&FS; Tracey Fussey NEC; to learn as much as we could. Tony Gilkes, Capital branch, It has empowered us to bring Fiona Curtis of Northern this experience back to the Ireland Telecoms and Adam workplace and share all we Gibbins of Somerset, Devon & have learnt amongst our Cornwall branch. Fiona Curtis and Adam Gibbins at the conference in Croatia members.” Andy Kerr, who is also UNI Last month saw the UNI heavily on the rapidly ICTS World President, said the Europa ICTS Conference changing ICT industry. The event had been a “fantastic © JOHN HARRIS/REPORTDIGITAL.CO.UK JOHN © take place in Zagreb, Croatia. overarching topic was how experience” for our Young The second anniversary of the strike was marked by a huge CWU protest in the small Welsh town of Croespenmaen Deputy general secretary UNI Europa ICTS and its Worker representatives. (T&FS) Andy Kerr led the affiliates like the CWU can “Europe often sets the n a wet Friday morning members who were told, one making it one of the longest redundancy. union’s delegation and was work together to meet the trends for labour conditions in the Welsh valleys by one, that their trade union and most poignant strikes Reflecting on the legacy accompanied by CWU Young challenges of the ‘new world around the world,” he Oin 1997, 31 CWU affiliation would put their jobs in recent history. Those at of the dispute, Andy Kerr Workers’ representatives of work’. stressed. “Whilst I know that members were sacked as they at risk. the forefront were mainly told The Voice: "The Critchley Adam Gibbins and Fiona Adam Gibbins said of the the whole delegation gained stood outside their place of Standing strong, the 31 union women, many of whom gave strikers were courageous Curtis. event: “It was great to get from learning more about the work, protesting against the members embarked on a accounts of union-bashing men and women on low The quadrennial a wider perspective on the rapidly changing technologies derecognition of their union by week-long strike at the end of and intimidation throughout wages in an area of high conference was this year trade union movement. We in ICTS - including the use Critchley Labels. February 1997 that resulted in their time on the picket line. unemployment. This was not entitled Smart Unions in a heard from business leaders of artificial intelligence and Their ‘crime’ had been to dismissal for all participants. One year into the strike, a hotbed of militancy; most Smart World and focused and academics who gave robots - it was really great Andy Kerr in Zagreb exercise their democratic All had worked for BT for with traditional picket lines weren’t even involved in the right to withdraw their labour many years before Critchley failing to have the desired wider union to a great extent. in protest at their employer’s took over that arm of the effect of reinstatement, the Their fight was one of dignity, National Youth attacks on their right to union business four years previously. union tried an innovative principle and solidarity - one Education Event CWU Young Workers ‘building representation. The company, which made new approach to capture the we can look back on and be The 31 CWU-represented specialist labels for electronics attention of the business. very proud indeed. This year’s National Youth for today and tomorrow’ men and women at the products, had assured BT Workers, supported by the “Their resolve in the face of Education Event will be taking Critchley Labels factory in at the time of the factory’s CWU, called for a 24-hour the appalling treatment they place from 13-15 October Young worker reps from branches across departments. Croespenmaen had almost 471 sale that Ts&Cs and union ‘electronic picket’ to mark the received was inspirational at the Radisson Blu hotel in the country gathered in Cardiff last month The forum opened with an exercise years of loyal service between recognition would remain in anniversary - and supporters – but so too was the way in Liverpool. Around 75 young for a one-day forum on education, training, which asked participants to consider them, with even the newest place. This, however, proved to across the UK and beyond which every constituency workers will spend the weekend recruitment and organising. all aspects of the role of the branch employee having been there be false. effectively ‘jammed’ the within the then recently taking part in workshops, As part of the union’s Re-design project, young worker rep and ways to engage for nine years. The then CWU general company’s faxes, email merged CWU rallied behind debates and networking Annual Conference in April decided to younger CWU members in political and They’d held a legal ballot secretary, Derek Hodgson, addresses and internet this small but intensely loyal sessions which include sessions change the name of “CWU Youth” industrial work and activity – during which, and served seven days’ notice branded the plant “a weeping sites to prevent potential membership group. No with Papyrus UK, to “CWU Young Workers” and according to CWU Young Workers national that the action would be taken. scab on the landscape of customers getting through. employer could ever again The Ron Todd this was the first event under the committee policy advisor Jo Thair, “it was In response, their employers South Wales.” Striking workers continued doubt that the union would Foundation, new identity. Lynne Browne and great to hear the young members question, issued them with letters with a Slamming Critchley Labels to maintain a daily picket stand firm in the defence of Cuba Solidarity Lesley-Anne Ure, from the CWU’s challenge and debate on these key issues.” clear message - return to work Technology as “a renegade outside the plant right the its members, wherever they Campaign and a industrial organising teams, led Jo concluded: “The Young Workers or be sacked. company,” he warned them: way through to the bitter worked – and this principle political workshop. sessions on recruitment and committee will now use the feedback from Significant trouble had “You’ll never ever break the end, being paid a daily wage has been rigidly maintained Senior officials will organising and highlighted the the forum to work with the education begun the previous April, spirit of Critchley workers or by the union. An agreement ever since. be hosting round- Project 20 Plus and Building and training department to devise an when 10 people were made the CWU. We’ll be here long was reached to settle the “The Critchley workers table discussions Tomorrow Together initiatives online training course for all branch Young compulsorily redundant, after you’ve gone from Wales.” strike at the end of 1999, stood on principle, they stood and Q&A sessions being undertaken across Worker reps that can guide them through including the CWU branch which saw some members together and they stand as during the event on our postal and telecoms their roles and supply them with the tools secretary and chair. That was AN EPIC DISPUTE accepting employment a reminder and a testament the latest industrial and financial services and resources they will need.” followed by blatant intimidation And stay long after they did. elsewhere in BT and Royal to what a trade union can issues. of the remaining union The dispute lasted 28 months, Mail, whilst others took achieve.”

22 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org @CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 23 Uncertain future FEATURE RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF THE t may sound like the stuff of a B-movie plotline - but when someone he stressed. “In previous industrial revolutions people moved from one as influential in the digital sphere as Bill Gates is calling for robots to type of work to another - jobs in industry and manufacturing have been be taxed to make up for the mass loss of human workers’ earnings as replaced to a certain extent by jobs in the service and financial sectors - artificial intelligence takes over, we’re clearly on the brink of radical but this threatens to be different. change in the world of work. “There’s already a company in San Francisco called Momentum ‘FOURTH INDUSTRIAL IWith leading global management consulting firm McKinsey predicting Machines which makes a device that creates hamburgers from start to that even “currently demonstrated technologies could ultimately automate finish, and its quote is: ‘Our device is not designed to make employees 45 per cent of the activities people are paid to do,” the spectre of further more efficient, it is meant to completely obviate them’.” REVOLUTION’ developments in robotics and the creation of truly ‘thinking’ machines John warned of a looming “social and economic disaster” unless is, according to UNI Global Union - to which the CWU is affiliated - genuine safeguards are implemented to ensure the Fourth Industrial something the trade union movement ignores at its peril. Revolution “benefits all humankind.” With technological advance now accelerating at such a pace that serious Speaking at CWU Annual Conference in April - appropriately directly Mark Elwen of West Yorkshire branch agreed. Citing huge recent after delegates committed the union to develop a strategy as to how it developments in driverless vehicles, drones and 3D printing, Mark commentators are predicting that millions of jobs could be wiped out over the coming should respond to the introduction of driverless vehicles in any CWU- highlighted predictions that 35 per cent of jobs in the UK - 10 million decades, the trade union movement needs to get ahead of the game to ensure we represented workplaces - UNI general secretary Philip Jennings set the in total - could be lost in the next 20 years. “In the 18th Century people challenge in the context of “a global economy which is now more unequal moved from the land to the factories, and in the 20th Century people don’t all sleep-walk into a science fiction nightmare. Simon Alford reports… than it has been at any time since the 1920s. moved from manufacturing to the service industries, but in the 21st “Laid on top of that you have the digital revolution, to which some Century there’s a real danger we could move to absolutely nothing,” speakers referred in the last debate,” he continued. “You’ve all seen the he stressed. “Henry Ford famously paid his employees enough to buy headlines, and now we’re beginning to see the creeping reality of what his cars - but the problem is that a worker is a consumer and a machine this is all about - the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the second machine is not - and there’s therefore a real danger of the Fourth Industrial age…the age of the robot - all driven by the rapid increase in computer Revolution widening the gap between the haves and the have nots. We capacity, by big data and artificial intelligence. The TU movement is need to explore radical new ideas, including a basic income guarantee - a always accused of scaremongering - but this time there have been plenty set amount that everyone receives whether they work or not.” of warnings of job losses and even the end of humanity as we know it.” Pledging Executive support for the terms of the motion, deputy Citing predictions by the Royal Astronomer, Sir Martin Rees, of a general secretary Andy Kerr concluded: “This is an absolutely massive “robot uprising that will be complete in just a few generations…with machine life and truly global issue.” eventually replacing humanity,” Philip Jennings went on to quote Professor Stephen Hawking’s warning that the creation of powerful artificial DRIVERLESS VEHICLES intelligence will be “either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to One of the first areas in which AI will have a profound impact on humanity”…and that the outcome “won’t necessarily be benign.” the world of work stems from the rapid progress being made in the Pointing out that already only a tiny fraction of the world’s 3.2 billion development of driverless vehicles. workers have anything resembling a “decent contract” - with one in three As well as considering the impact their introduction will ultimately struggling to survive on less than $2 a day - the UNI leader insisted that have on the jobs of those who drive for a living, CWU Annual the possible job losses associated with the mass-automation potentially Conference focussed on the obvious health and safety implications unleashed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution could prove devastating to - committing the union to develop a strategy to protect members in billions worldwide. “The World Economic Forum is already talking about advance of moves to introduce such vehicles by any of the employers in millions of job losses and the OECD puts the figure at one in 10 - so we’ve which the CWU has recognition. got to put jobs at the heart of the future political agenda,” he insisted. Proposing the motion on behalf of the London Regional H&S Forum, Stressing that the technology behind developments in artificial Stephen Howlett of London Postal Engineering cited the Department intelligence (AI) is concentrated in the hands of just six mega-corporations of Transport’s recent ‘Pathway to Driverless Cars’ report, stressing: “The worldwide, Philip Jennings concluded: “Money will be made - wealth Government is obviously pushing to introduce driverless technology will be created - but is it going to be concentrated in the hands of just six and it’s very possible that our businesses will look to introduce it.” companies? This is no fantasy, when already eight individuals have more Pointing out that, although the technology had ostensibly been wealth than 50 per cent of the planet. We urgently need a convention on 'proven' by the successful completion of a 120-mile pilot delivery by a AI ethics - and that’s something that UNI is working on.” fully autonomous juggernaut in rural Colorado last October, one delegate CWU general secretary Dave Ward agrees: “This is yet another reason cited a separate trial that ended in a full-speed fatal accident when a why our campaign for a New Deal for workers is so important," he insists. sensor on a driverless car couldn’t cope with bright sunlight. Another speaker warned that, even prior to full driverless technology, GLOBAL RESPONSE NEEDED the increasing introduction of automated safety features was likely CWU Conference delegates unanimously resolved that the potential to result in the haulage industry seeking the relaxation of regulations threats posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitate “the urgent governing the number of hours drivers can spend behind the wheel. development of a TU strategy both nationally and internationally.” Executive speaker Tony Bouch stressed that “getting ahead of the Proposing the motion on behalf of London Postal Engineering, John technology is the right thing to do,” adding that recent trials of a Humphries characterised the looming explosion in robotics and AI as driverless shuttle bus in Greenwich and demonstrations of a fully “the greatest threat to working people in decades”…and one that should automated car in Milton Keynes show just how fast things are moving. be viewed in the context of previous broken promises that increased “Nissan and Ford have said they’ll be able to make driverless cars by automation would lead to a better life and more leisure time for everyone. 2020,” he added. “While the motion seeks to put in place a strategy to “We’re already in a position where people have seen themselves deal with the safety implications, the NEC knows that the consequences working longer for less, a reduction in workers’ rights and the growth of of the introduction of driverless vehicles goes far beyond that. exploitative employment models that have brought increased inequality,” “Imagine what this could do for jobs.”

@CWUNews July/August 2017 THE VOICE 25 COMMUNICATE Letters ◆ SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: The Editor, CWU The Voice, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1EX Letters COMMUNICATE OR EMAIL: [email protected]

year, the CWU has let us down in terms contractual entitlements: these include why we pensioners are not represented Mohammed (centre) with Dave Ward and Linda Roy at last year’s UNI of pay negotiations. I’m in the minority, in pay and pension protection whereby, if on the board of trustees. Europa Conference in Rome that I’m a NewGRID employee dating back you are displaced in your current role Tony Gaskell, West Kirby, Wirral to when I joined BT Cellnet, as it was, in and have to take up an alternative at a early 2001. lower salary, your pay is protected. This Assistant secretary Nigel Cotgrove Following the demerger, mm0₂ brought is not the case for O₂ contract holders responds: The BTPS Board of Trustees letters in their own contracts with varying who only get six months protection. Also includes four Member Nominated NEW NAME - SAME OLD ROMEC? interests, but was rightfully pleased in pay scales and performance related progression arrangements are different, Trustees. These are selected using a achieving Romec's reintegration with the bonuses. Early on the CWU argued, as most of those on NewGRID contracts process involving three organisations: I’ve been a cleaner for 19 years working rest of Royal Mail Group. The reason for our understandably, that O₂ contract staff can progress to the maximum of the pay CWU, Prospect and The National with Romec and, after 13 years as an optimism is our belief that unity is strength needed to 'catch up' with NewGRID band within a 4-year period. This is not Federation of Occupational Pensioners. outsourced joint venture, we’re now back and that our members are better protected employees. However, for some years the case for an O₂ contract. Furthermore, Whilst there may not currently be a BTPS PENSIONS ‘A YOUTH ISSUE’ in-house as Royal Mail Property & Facilities as part of a collective with the greater O₂ contracts, with their twice-yearly the amount of bonus is not guaranteed, pensioner among those who sit on the Solutions. Over the years we’ve had some number of members. We always did try bonuses, have been paid substantially nor does it form part of your consolidated Board, the selection process allows for Pension provision is fast becoming a crucial competent managers and some not up to to use that collective strength during the more than us. Meanwhile we're pushed pay. It is not the current policy of the their inclusion, and the Trustees have a issue for young workers, in order to prevent the job. When you go sick, you’re hounded joint venture years and, overall, we had a to perform for nil reward. The solution CWU to move to performance related legal duty to look after all members of them from living in hardship when they by texts and phone calls asking “when are measure of success. offered by CWU reps? ‘Move to an O₂ pay or a performance related bonus the scheme whether active, deferred or retire. The cost of providing pensions is you returning to work?” Management are We do believe, however, the move into contract then!’ arrangement. The CWU National Team pensioners. Donald McDonald, who has increasing significantly - and that could not interested in your wellbeing - only a RMG will increase our ability to protect Matthew Kiveal-Duffy, Liverpool continues to do the best it can for recently stepped down after many years lead to today’s young workers facing a return date as there’s not enough staff our cleaning members from the type members in Telefónica, whether they are of being a member of the Trustee Board, bleak financial future. Since funding the to cover absences. You dread returning of behaviour that you describe. Our Assistant secretary Sally Bridge responds: on NewGRID or O₂ contracts. is a BTPS pensioner. The current Member state pension is likely to become more from sick or leave as cover is limited and workplace reps, of which there are already As the CWU officer with responsibility Nominated Trustees are made up of three costly to the Government as the years go you come back to more work than you a greater number, will be better placed for members in Telefónica, I’m sorry you PENSION TRUSTEES REPRESENTATIVE? former trade union officers who have by, young workers are being encouraged can imagine. You complain but no-one is to help and support our cleaning grades feel let down with the final pay offer represented BT members and pensioners to start saving now for retirement through interested. Will anything change now that than was the case before the move back which resulted in 93 per cent of the I recently received my annual magazine for many years and the other is a current private and occupational pensions. It’s clear Romec has a new name? 'in-house'. membership accepting a pay increase from the BT Pension Trustees. In the employee of BT and an active member that the future financial security of young Alan Foss, Folkestone Kent of 2.25 per cent. However, I believe magazine there was a focus on the nine of the BTPS. All four are also members of workers is under threat. TELEFÓNICA DISPARITIES your concern is more specific to your trustees who, we are told, manage all the the National Federation of Occupational The CWU has a strong record Assistant secretary Ray Ellis responds: contract and the fact that you do not affairs of the scheme and the billions in Pensioners. campaigning on pension issues - becoming Thanks for your letter, Alan. The union has As an employee of Telefónica O₂ I cannot receive a twice-yearly bonus. As you’re the trust. the first union to defend the so-called always worked hard to defend members’ help but think that, for the umpteenth aware a NewGRID contract has different I read all the resumes and, on the face THANK YOU CWU ‘triple lock’ arrangement which guarantees of it, they look a very worthy lot. What that the basic state pension will rise by a jumped out, however, was the complete Throughout my 39 years of membership minimum of either 2.5 per cent, the rate lack of BT pensioners within the band of of the union, firstly the NCU and now the of inflation or average earnings growth, trustees - even though we are the people CWU, I’ve received tremendous support whichever is largest. ★ A warm welcome on whose behalf they are making massive and would like to send a huge ‘thank you' To date, however, there have been 3 AA decisions. In consequence, I wrote to to all involved. I'm extremely grateful to two government reports conveying that awaits you at the them asking why we BT pensioners are recently retired Simon Sapper for his millions of people will need to work longer not represented on our own Trustee support with the RSI test case against to qualify for the pension, with the youngest Bournemouth CWU's own hotel Committee. Perhaps, I suggested, we are BT in London’s Royal Courts of Justice in members of today’s workforce only being viewed as dribbling down our chins and 1991. I’d also like to express my sincere able to draw their state pension at the falling asleep all the time! thanks to Eugene Capaross, CWU South age of 70. Some question whether there They replied by answering a lot of Wales branch secretary. Eugene has will even be a state pension in the future. questions I did not ask and none of what been a tower of strength, knowledge and We must ensure that there indeed is - and I did ask. The letter was not even signed support to me, during the last eight to fight vigorously for the rights of future by the author. That may not seem rude to nine months. I could not have managed generations. them, but it certainly does to me. or coped without his help. My heartfelt Mohammed Sakib, South Central Postal I’ve since contacted my local branch in thanks to you, Eugene, and the whole branch youth officer, Hemel Hempstead Liverpool, who completely agreed with my CWU. AUTUMN & WINTER BREAKS AT THE ELSTEAD view. I’d urge other pensioners to write Diane Davies, former Openreach Disc More letters can be viewed online in Special Rates for all CWU members from £44.00 b&b per person per night to the BT Pension Trustees, again asking Team member, Cardiff Voice Extra at www.cwu.org/voice/ 4 for 3 Midweek breaks from £132 per person • Great Bar Food, or have a 3 Course Dinner at £15 pppn extra Did you know that the CWU has a thriving retired members' section that Great Indoor Leisure Facilities • Fabulous Food and Fantastic Service campaigns on the issues that matter to pensioners? Barring workplace representation, retired members enjoy all the benefits of ordinary WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? BOOK NOW! membership including free expert legal advice if required. 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26 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org July/August 2017 THE VOICE 27 THE LAST WORD

LAST CHANCE to save our planet

Last month’s controversial decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement sparked worldwide criticism. The Voice asked CWU senior deputy general secretary Tony Kearns how the environmental movement should respond

he Paris Climate Agreement matter with him – despite the UK being direct impact upon how our lives are was struck back in 2015 when one of the major nations signed up to structured.” T major world leaders, meeting the Paris Agreement. The supply of energy, oil and gas etc in the French capital, signed up to a By contrast, the Leader of the is fundamental to the way we live our series of measures to limit and stabilise Opposition Jeremy Corbyn insisted lives and it is fully in the control of global greenhouse gas emissions. that, had he been at the G20, he would corporations getting ever richer on the And the unprecedented accord have “taken Mr Trump to task” and back of it whilst accelerating damage to was heralded by the UN’s Framework accused Mrs May of having let the US the planet, he warns. Convention on Climate Change as president “off the hook.” “charting a new course in the global In a statement on the issue, Mr WORKERS' VOICE MUST BE HEARD climate effort.“ Corbyn said that the Paris Accord was Going forward, the trade union Tony Kearns told The Voice: “At last, “crucial for the future of all of us and movement “has to be part of a all the major nations of the world I hope Mr Trump will understand that movement that argues for a different agreed to tackle the issue, with even the unless all the nations of the world get approach, for an economy no longer United States Congress saying that the together to reduce emissions and try to reliable on growth that damages the prospect of catastrophic climate change preserve and protect our planet then planet,” he explains, adding: “The voice was now such that they considered it to the next generation are going to have of workers everywhere has to be heard. be a ‘security threat’. more climate disasters, more extreme “As industry and jobs change, we “But then along came President Trump, weather conditions and there's going to need to lead the fight to ensure that this who, on Thursday June 1, announced be more environmental refugees around transition takes place in the interests of that the US would withdraw from the the world.” the working class and not something we Paris Agreement – in one reckless act, Tony tells The Voice that “Jeremy simply let happen. endangering the consensus built up Corbyn was right – this issue is far too “The message we need to take to with irrefutable evidence of years of important to be left to the whim of a Trump and May is: ‘This is our future intergovernmental work and in so doing US President in hock to the fossil fuel you’re gambling with – there are no jobs endangering the future of life on the industry.” on a dead planet,” Tony concludes. planet,” Tony added. The scenario previously accepted by the US and amplified by Jeremy The CWU has supported calls for a just INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE Corbyn also means, Tony pointed out: transition at the TUC and is an affiliate of World opinion was highly critical, but “Climate change is a trade union issue. the Campaign Against Climate Change when the UK Prime Minister Theresa May “More climate disaster, more Trade Union Group. If you want to become involved in shaping the trade union met with Donald Trump at last week’s extreme weather and huge numbers movement’s environmental agenda, please G20 gathering, she failed to raise the of environmental refugees will have a contact www.campaigncc.org/unions

28 THE VOICE July/August 2017 www.cwu.org