LTB 471/21 – AGREEMENT BETWEEN CWU & PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE ON 2021 PEAK AND CHRISTMAS REMUNERATION PROPOSALS FOR ALL CWU GRADE DEPOT EMPLOYEES
No: 471/21
8th November 2021
For the Immediate Attention of All:
Postal Branches
Parcelforce Regional Organisers
Parcelforce Representatives
Dear Colleagues
AGREEMENT BETWEEN CWU & PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE ON 2021 PEAK AND CHRISTMAS REMUNERATION PROPOSALS FOR ALL CWU GRADE DEPOT EMPLOYEES
Branches and representatives will be aware that in previous years, agreement has been reached with Parcelforce Worldwide in relation to incentive arrangements for volunteers to attend on the Saturdays and Sundays in Depots in the run up to Christmas.
With the continuing impact of Covid-19 on consumer habits, Parcelforce are anticipating high volumes and demand over the peak period. Given this, to provide proper incentive and reward for our members and in recognition both of their commitment and the size of the challenge, discussions have taken place with the business in line with tradition in relation to remuneration arrangements.
Attached for information is the agreement between CWU & Parcelforce Worldwide on 2021 Autumn Pressure and Christmas Remuneration Proposals for all CWU Grade Depot Employees, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive.
As in previous years, the agreement defines incentive arrangements for volunteers to attend on the Saturdays and Sundays over the four weekends in the run up to Christmas. In light of the current traffic forecasts we have agreed that there will be three levels of incentive, as there were in 2020.
A standard commitment to two attendances (minimum six hours) mirroring previous years’ arrangements attracting a single payment of £38, the same amount as last year.
An enhanced commitment to three attendances (minimum six hours) attracting a single payment of £60. Both of these incentives will be available to employees volunteering to cover C&D, Indoor and Admin duties.
In addition, there will be a further enhanced commitment to perform C&D on three attendances (minimum eight hours) attracting a single payment of £100.
This opportunity will be available to all employees willing to drive and who have the necessary skills and training. The business has agreed to provide familiarisation training for any individual wishing to volunteer.
Only one payment can be received by any individual based on the level of commitment given. However, in all cases where the commitment is made and the hours are performed, each hour will attract an hourly rate of £22.30, which is equivalent to double the normal rate.
In respect to the Seasonal Traffic Recirculation, the additional payment for drivers who agree to follow the work remains at £38, the same as last year.
In addition alternative weekday resourcing options are being explored to provide additional incentive for Autumn Pressure 2021, but these are still subject to agreement and will be communicated separately as required.
Colleagues will also note that exceptionally this year, Parcelforce Worldwide will be closed for business on Saturday 25th December and Sunday 26th December, and the Xmas & Boxing Day Bank Holidays will be taken on the Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December respectively. Parcelforce will also be closed for business on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd January 2022, and the New Year Bank Holiday will be taken on the 3rd January (& 4th January in Scotland). In line with the “No Claw Back” principles established across RMG in 2004/05 (including PFW), employees contracted to attend on these days will not be required to attend and will not be required to make up the hours.
Obviously, given the significant increases in remuneration this year, the business is very keen to stress that this agreement does not necessarily set the benchmark for future years and as such we have agreed that the arrangements will be subject to joint review.
The department believes that the attached agreement,will be welcomed by our Parcelforce Representatives and members.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: dwyatt@cwu.org quoting reference: 106A.12.
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary