LTB 597/18 – National Agreement between Royal Mail & CWU – Deployment and Use of Driver Behaviour Technology in the Light Commercial Fleet
No 597/2018
22nd October 2018
Dear Colleagues,
NATIONAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROYAL MAIL AND THE CWU –DEPLOYMENT AND USE OF DRIVER BEHAVIOUR TECHNOLOGY IN THE LIGHT COMMERCIAL FLEET
Further to LTB 630/15, The National Agreement – LCV Driver Behaviour Technology (attached) advised Branches that the post trial discussions had concluded with an installation programme to some 13,000 vehicles in approximately 1300 locations. The main aim of the agreement is designed to improve driver safety and reduce road accidents whilst aiming to achieve a 10% MPG improvement.
Branches will also be aware of the following motion submitted by the North East Divisional Committee to Annual Conference in 2016 that was Statement / Accept;
This Conference instructs the Postal Executive that a review takes place of the Trimble Agreement, and that a new paragraph is inserted that categorically states that Trimble will not be used for office revisions.
During the course of this debate, reference was also made relating to operational savings on vehicle costs such as component parts (Brakes/Steering/Suspension/Tyre Wear) and the positive impact this would have on vehicle maintenance. Such efficiency discussions did not however include Office Efficiencies or Revisions; as such a process is covered off by other existing National Agreements. The department has met with RM on a number of occasions in order to re-confirm the purpose of this technology which is designed to support individuals; by achieving a shared objective within the confines of a positive experience that will identify opportunities for development through real time coaching. Disappointingly, RM have resisted all efforts to construct a paragraph that complies with the motion and continue to insist that such data should be used to support discussions around Revision Activity.
Royal Mail have since informed the department that an additional 11,835 Trimble devices have been purchased for installation into offices which they consider currently need the telemetry devices to maximise the benefits achieved. The companies plan is to start using the additional units during week commencing 22nd October. RM are happy to re-affirm the terms of the current National Agreement as contained in LTB 630/15 regarding all other commitments around driver performance data and that the technology will not be used as a disciplinary tool or source of information to be used in conduct cases. We should also be mindful of the fact that this technology being factory fitted as standard on vehicles.
Given the impasse outlined above the department will now be referring the issue to external mediation in line with 5.4 of the Agenda for Growth agreement and would advise Branches that whilst the main objective of this initiative is to improve driver safety, we do not accept that Trimble data should be used for Office Revisions, therefore Branches should not recognise
any such approach and are requested to use the IR Framework to address any such discussions around this subject.
Any queries to the content of the above, please contact the Outdoor Department, reference: 300, email address: outdoorsecretary@cwu.org.
Mark Baulch
Assistant Secretary