LTB 116/24 – Royal Mail and CWU Joint Communication Covering CSP, Delivery Support and Indoor Tasks
No. 116/24
Date 5th April 2024
Dear Colleagues,
Royal Mail and CWU Joint Communication Covering CSP, Delivery Support and Indoor Tasks
Branches, Representatives and members will recall previous LTBs (Letters To Branches) issued since 2022 concerning Royal Mail’s ongoing reductions to CSPs (Customer Service Points) opening times, including LTB 166/23 and 194/23, which covered the last set of changes implemented back in June 2023.
Whilst last year’s changes were not supported by the CWU, we have nonetheless continued to engage with Royal Mail on their impact on CSPs arrangements and the wider activity being undertaken by Royal Mail in terms of the alignment of Delivery Support and Indoor tasks since the introduction of Auto Redelivery and further reduction in footfall to CSPs.
Indeed, recent research undertaken by Royal Mail across a wide range of Delivery units has identified inconsistencies in the way that delivery support and indoor tasks are performed within the delivery operation, alongside other changes and developments in terms of indoor roles, and we have been involved in discussions on how best to address such changes going forward.
These discussions have been complex and difficult, given this still is a sensitive subject matter for all those members involved in indoor roles and tasks. However, we have now agreed and established the attached Joint Communication and linked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) setting out a clear framework for joint engagement in terms of this review, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive and confirms that the activity will be carried out in line with all National Agreements.
This decision to reach an agreed position has not been taken lightly, especially as we have not supported or agreed with Royal Mail’s overall approach towards CSPs, which we still believe is an unnecessary reduction of service offering for customers and their ability to access the postal network. However, we have concluded that we are better placed with a Joint Communication that provides our Reps with an agreed framework to engage with local management. It also further ensures that any wider duty and individual members’ issues resulting from this review are dealt with through the MTSF Agreement, in addition to the safeguards in place for individuals within units, who are covered by the Equality Act / Flexible Working arrangements.
Whilst the details set out in the Joint Communication and the linked FAQs are self-explanatory, it is appropriate to again draw Branches and Reps attention to the further and particular advice that can be given by the CWU Equality, Education, Training & Development Department in terms of members with caring, family, medical or other personal considerations, including those covered under the Equality Act (or DDA in Northern Ireland). They can be contacted by email: equality&education@cwu.org.
Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department reference 532, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Baulch
CWU Assistant Secretary
LTB 116/24 – JC Covering CSP, Delivery Support and Indoor Tasks