It has been suggested Divisionally that staff who have incurred absences caused by the recent Novovirus and Flu Epidemics should have the said absences discounted for the purposes of the attendance procedure.
If Managers are unwilling to agree to discount them and as a result award a stage within the procedure could Reps please forward the information to the relevant Area Rep.
Today Royal Mail have announced that they will go ahead the implementation of its proposed changes to pension arrangements.
Both CWU and Unite/CMA representatives expressed disappointment that Royal Mail had not been prepared to modify its proposals in light of feedback during the consultation exercise. The vast majority of the feedback received by the company (around 70%) was in the form of cards produced by CWU branches or coordinating bodies urging a rethink of the proposals and proposing alternatives. The company does not appear to have received any support for its proposals from any contributor to the consultation exercise.
CWU has made it clear that it does not accept Royal Mail proposals and will not accept change without agreement. It remains the union’s position that any change to pensions must be agreed with the union and voted on by our members in the same way as any other change to terms and conditions.
The PEC will be meeting on Monday to decide the union’s response and next steps.
Annual report from our Branch Legal & Medical Secretary.
I am pleased to be able to give you a total figure for the amount of compensation recovered on behalf of members of the Branch during 2007, as of today’s date. The total for the calendar year of 2007 is:
£137,739.70
There are 103 cases ongoing, 47 of which have been opened this year. A total of 40 cases were closed off during the year. There have been 3 payments made from the Post Office Personal Accident Benefit scheme, and there are currently 16 members of the Branch in receipt of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. The oldest claim still open dates from July 2004. The CWU continues to offer a free Will writing service and free Legal Advice to members through it’s dedicated channels of communication.
Yours Sincerely,
Dave Westbrook 03/01/08.
Branch Benevolent fund.
In cases of financial distress the Branch can assist members depending on the merits of each case. If you require assistance please either email the Branch Secretary or contact your local rep.