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No: 038/24 26th January 2024 For the Immediate Attention of All: Divisional Representatives Area Distribution Representatives LGV Representatives Dear Colleagues, JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN RM NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AND THE CWU ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE 2024 NATIONAL NETWORK (LINEHAUL) REVISION Branches and Representatives are informed that in line with the commitments contained in the Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth (BRT&G) agreement, discussions have been taking place with the business in relation to progressing arrangements for the 2024 National Network (Linehaul) Revision activity. Branches will be aware that activity this year is required to align with the scheduled Network Window changes and flight removals in June 2024. As such, both parties have concluded an agreed Joint Statement to enable the early commencement of the “Data Gathering” activity in line with the tried and tested process. Building on the processes developed in previous reviews, this year’s discussions have retained aspects of the data gathering process to recognise the increasing fluctuations in workload by modelling across an agreed week, rather than a single day as was previously the case. While at the request of Royal Mail the document has been restructured with the process now appearing in an annex, effectively all aspects of the process will mirror previously agreed arrangements. Attached for information is a Joint Statement covering the details and process for the deployment of this year’s review, which has been endorsed by the Postal Executive. As with the previous Network Review Joint Statements, the process fully recognises the role of the CWU at all levels and all activity will be overseen by the Network Working Group. Colleagues will note that the Stage 1 Data Gathering will commence on 29th January 2024 and representatives are therefore requested to engage with management accordingly in relation to the activity and release arrangements. Discussions on a similar Joint Statement to guide PAD Revision activity are at an advanced stage and the department would hope to be in a position to update on this issue in the coming days. Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: shayman@cwu.org quoting reference: 233.17. Yours sincerely, Davie Robertson Assistant Secretary LTB 038/24 JS Deployment of 2024 Network Review JS Deployment of 2024 National Network

No.   039/24 TO:  BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE (INCLUDING RMSS) Dear Colleague, Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Area Health & Safety Representative/Substitute Area Health & Safety Representative 2024 Further to LTB 05/024 dated 5th January 2024 at the close of nominations the following have been received. AREA HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES North, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Central Region South West Region South East Region SUBSTITUTE AREA HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES North, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region Central Region South West Region South East Region The timetable for the above ballot is as follows:- Ballot Papers Despatched:        6th February 2024 Ballot Closes:                            27th February 2024 Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org. Yours sincerely, Tony Kearns Senior Deputy General Secretary LTB ERRATA 039/24

No.   036/24 TO:  BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS EMPLOYED BY PARCELFORCE WORLDWIDE (INCLUDING RMSS) Dear Colleague, Election of: Parcelforce Worldwide Regional Organiser, Parcelforce Worldwide Substitute Regional Organiser, Parcelforce Worldwide Regional Chair and Parcelforce Worldwide Area Organiser 2024 Further to LTB 06/024 dated 5th January 2024 at the close of nominations on the 25th January 2024,  the following have been received. REGIONAL ORGANISERS South East Region Central Region Scotland & NI Region Northern Region South Central Wales & South West Region SUBSTITUTE REGIONAL ORGANISERS South East Region Central Region Scotland & NI Region Northern Region South Central Wales & South West Region REGIONAL CHAIRS South East Region Central Region Scotland & NI Region Northern Region South Central Wales & South West Region AREA ORGANISER Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org. Yours sincerely, Tony Kearns Senior Deputy General Secretary LTB 036/24

No. 033/24 TO:  ALL BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS IN ROYAL MAIL PROCESSING ENGINEERING Dear Colleagues, Royal Mail Processing Engineering Territorial Representative’s Elections Northern Territory              (3 Positions) Southern Territory               (3 Positions) Further to LTB 12/24 dated 10th January 2024 at the close of nominations the following have been received. NORTHERN TERRITORY SOUTHERN TERRITORY Congratulations to all those who have been elected. Any enquiries to this LTB please contact: The PTCS Department reference 312, email address: khay@cwu.org or hmaughan@cwu.org Yours sincerely Carl MadenAssistant Secretary LTB033.24 – Royal Mail Processing Engineering Territorial Representative’s Elections

No.   031/24 TO:  ALL BRANCHES WITH POSTAL MEMBERS Dear Colleague, Royal Mail Property & Facility Solutions – Election of: 3 Regional Cleaning Representatives – North, East & West Regions 1 National Cleaning Representative Further to LTB 01/024 dated 3rd January 2024 at the close of nominations the following have been received. Regional Cleaning Representative – North Region Regional Cleaning Representative – East Region Regional Cleaning Representative – West Region National Cleaning Representative The timetable for the above ballot is as follows:- Ballot Papers Despatched:        1st   February 2024 Ballot Closes:                            19th February 2024 Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237, or email address sdgs@cwu.org. Yours sincerely, Tony Kearns Senior Deputy General Secretary

No.   030/24 22nd January 2024 To:   All Branches Dear Colleagues THE FUTURE OF THE USO All Branches would have seen media coverage over the weekend following Ofcom deliberately leaking its report on the future of UK postal services. In response to this the attached statement has been released and this sets out the union’s position. In particular, we would draw your attention to the following key points. CWU believe that Ofcom’s report and their claim that this will be open to genuine consultation – is a complete sham. We are in no doubt that Ofcom are testing the water for a three day a week delivery service, which is their preferred option and may well be the preferred option of some of Royal Mail’s Board members and senior leadership team. Whilst we recognise there is a legitimate debate to be had on what changes may be required to sustain the future of the USO, we will not standby and allow Ofcom’s sham report to take centre stage. Whilst there have been some positive signs recently from the new CEO and the new managerial team, we will be making it clear to the company that working together on the future of the USO must be driven by a proper growth strategy. This means the company recognising that its existing infrastructure, fleet and presence in every community, is the real platform to build a successful future for all stakeholders. In developing an alternative vision to Ofcom’s report, we will also call for an independent review of Ofcom and its role in managing the decline of UK postal services over many years and creating a race to the bottom across the sector on pay, terms and conditions. We will launch a political campaign to support our vision for the future and this will be set out in more detail at the National Briefing on the 8th The CWU has been working closely with the Labour Party for the last twelve months to agree a comprehensive regulatory review of the entire sector, as well as agreeing that the Labour Party commits to ensuring the USO remains Royal Mail’s central mission. These policies were agreed and outlined in the 2023 National Policy Forum Consultation Document, an extract of which is attached to this briefing.  The CWU is having ongoing conversations with the Labour Party and the relevant Shadow Ministers on the best way to protect and sustain the USO in the future. Please ensure the content of this LTB and the attached statements are circulated in all workplaces. Further information will be sent out in due course. Yours sincerely, Dave Ward General Secretary Martin Walsh Deputy General Secretary (Postal) CWU STATEMENT AND PRESS RELEASE ON THE USO The early leaking of the details of the OFCOM report on the future of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) to the media sums up the lack of professionalism, integrity and credibility they have as a regulator. This report, like their previous investigation on quality of service, has been produced without the input of a single postal worker or the CWU. OFCOM have abandoned their responsibilities on quality of service and are now attempting to do the same on the USO. Debating the future of the postal service in the absence of those who work for it and deliver it every day is completely inappropriate and should tell everybody what OFCOM’s real priorities and motives are. It is therefore no surprise to see OFCOM potentially recommending letter deliveries every other day which is a serious down-dialling of the USO to a level which would threaten tens of thousands of jobs. This is the regulator openly pursuing the failed agenda of the former Royal Mail Group senior leadership – all of whom have now left the company. The CWU and our members are not blind to the need for change. But we want changes based on the needs of customers, the security of our members’ jobs and driven by an ambitious growth strategy that sees the infrastructure, fleet and presence in every community as Royal Mail’s key assets. The CWU will work with economists to produce an alternative and independent view on the future of postal services in the UK and embark on a major engagement exercise with our members, businesses and the public. This is a huge test of the new leadership of Royal Mail. There have been some positive recent signs but they must now decide whether to back a completely failed vision which will destroy the company or change direction and join the CWU in expanding the role of postal workers and in turn expanding services, job security and profit. Extract from Labour’s 2023 National Policy Forum Consultation Document Labour believes that Royal Mail provides crucial services to the public, is a key part of our national infrastructure and remains a significant contributor to the UK economy. Labour recognises Royal Mail staff are essential workers. We recognise the mismanagement of Royal Mail has failed both workers and customers and the status quo will not deliver the service customers deserve. Labour is committed to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) as the company’s central mission. The next Labour government will guarantee that the USO is secure for the future and will continue to be provided by Royal Mail in a way that is affordable and accessible to all users and financially sustainable for the long term. This will include a comprehensive regulatory review to improve quality of service and labour standards across the wider sector. Labour stands against the break-up of Royal Mail and will oppose any attempt to turn this vital service into a “gig economy” employer. Labour will support Royal Mail and unions in the development of plans to expand the role of postal workers, adding social value to our communities and innovative products and services that will support the growth of local and regional economies. To align the interests of customers, workers and the business, Labour will explore different approaches to corporate governance for Royal Mail, which will support growth and embed long-term investment. LTB 030/24 – FUTURE OF THE USO Contact us

No: 023/24 17th January 2024 TO: ALL BRANCHES Dear Colleague, CWU Women’s Networking Event – 5th March 2024 In the run up to International Women’s Day 2024, the Equality, Education and Development department are pleased to announce a CWU Women’s Networking Event will be taking place on Tuesday 5th March 2024 from 10:30am – 3:30pm, in Conference Rooms 2&3 at CWU Headquarters, 150 The Broadway, London, SW19 1RX. The theme for IWD 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion” and the event will provide CWU women with a unique opportunity to connect with other female activists and Senior Women Officials from acrossthe union. The day will include interactive and informative sessions, group discussions and learning opportunities for future progression. A full agenda will be shared in due course. Any queries on this LTB or to reserve your place should be directed to equality&education@cwu.org We look forward to seeing you there! Yours sincerely, Kate Hudson Head of Equality, Education & Development 24LTB 023 – CWU Womens Networking Event – 5th March 2024

No.    015/24 TO:   ALL CWU BRANCHES Dear Colleagues CWU RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMME Further to LTB 345/23 sent to Branches on the 22nd December 2023, the purpose of this LTB is to confirm arrangements for our National Briefing and provide an outline of the scope of the restructuring programme. CWU Restructuring National Briefing – Tuesday 30th January – The Mercure Hotel Manchester – 11:00 to 15:00 The above date and venue has been confirmed for the National Briefing and Branches are asked to make this a priority commitment. Attendance is extended to senior Branch representatives, including Health and Safety. Given the Young Workers Conference is being held the following day at the same location; we would encourage Branches to also bring their young workers’ delegates to the National Briefing. The full agenda will be sent out nearer the briefing date and will include a session for all Branches on recruitment and organising. Scope of the Restructuring Programme As mentioned previously in LTB 345/23, the NEC has agreed that the following key principles will provide the framework for a significant element of our proposals. This means Branches can expect papers and appropriate rule changes from the NEC on all the key principles set out below:- An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the National Executive. An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the Postal Executive. An overall headcount reduction and cost savings in the Telecoms and Financial Services Executive. An overall reduction in the cost and number of CWU Regions. A material reduction in the current rate of Branch rebate. A restructuring of our approach to Health, Safety and the Environment A restructuring of our approach to Legal Services and involvement in Unionline Additionally, the report to Conference will also cover the following:- A clear vision for the future of the CWU as a sustainable independent trade union. A financial plan for the future of the CWU. The introduction of further changes at CWU Headquarters. A strategic review of recruitment and organising. The ongoing approach to Equality, Training and Education. How we will build on our approach to communications and engaging members. We will provide more detail on all the above at the National Briefing. Proposals to Change and Reduce Branch Rebates Any proposals to change and reduce the current rebate will need to assess the impact such changes will have and how we can support those Branches that could possibly find themselves with some difficulties financially, this could require a phasing in of any agreed new arrangements.  We will also take the opportunity to consider the overall fairness of the current system, taking into account geographical differences. CWU Headquarters At the National Briefing, we will explain the approach we are taking to introduce further changes at CWU Headquarters and provide an update on future plans to relocate to a new building. Financial Update The Briefing will provide the opportunity for a financial update, including information setting out the clear need for a future membership subscriptions increase. Restructuring on a Phased Basis The restructuring programme will be in two phases. Phase 1 – this will include proposals and rule changes deemed essential to be agreed at the Special Conference in April. Phase 2 – this will cover the issues where we believe a more structured approach is required over the next 12 months.  In the second phase we will launch a series of wider consultations, including a review of CWU Branch structure and consistency/standards of membership representation across the union. Summary Whilst we recognise that we are working to difficult timescales, we will make clear at the National Briefing that the restructuring programme will be presented in a way that offers Branches very clear choices.  As such, the content of this LTB should enable Branches to consider the principles agreed by the NEC and commence internal discussions on any changes you believe may need to take place in the areas identified. Finally, following further discussions with the SOC, more information will also be sent out in due course on the arrangements for the Special Restructuring Conference and the publication of the overall report. Any general enquiries should be addressed to the GS office on jdunn@cwu.org, any specific enquiries on conference arrangements should be addressed to the SDGS sdgs@cwu.org. Yours sincerely Dave Ward General Secretary Tony Kearns Senior Deputy General Secretary LTB 015/24 – CWU RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMME LTB DATED 22ND DECEMBER

Dear Colleague CAPITA GROUP: COMMITMENT TO BE A REAL LIVING WAGE EMPLOYER ABANDONED Capita Group has today announced it will no longer be a Real Living Wage (RLW) employer.  This is a disgraceful decision which will have a significant and detrimental impact upon many of our members working on the TV Licensing (BBC), VMO2 and Tesco Mobile contracts.  Capita’s announcement by the outgoing CEO Jon Lewis included the following statement: “Unfortunately, the proposed 2024 Real Living Wage Foundation increase of 10.1% is not affordable or one that we can realistically pass on to all our clients.” Capita has been a RLW employer since 2020 and its lowest paid employees currently earn the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended wage of £10.90 per hour (outside of London); which was due to increase to £12 per hour from 1st April 2024 (+10.1%) in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended annual increase. Jon Lewis has confirmed that Capita Group will instead make the following increase to the lowest paid workers from 1st April: “…from 1 April 2024, we will pay a minimum hourly rate of £11.56, which is higher than the UK National Living Wage of £11.44. Colleagues currently earning the Real Living Wage of £10.90 will receive a pay rise to at least £11.56. This equates to a minimum increase of just over 6% which is higher than the current rate of inflation at 3.9%.” Capita’s attempt to justify this callous decision by comparing its new minimum hourly pay rate with the UK National Living Wage is appalling.  In 2019, Capita announced its association with the Living Wage Foundation with great fanfare in a move to distance itself from bargain basement low wage employers; and that’s exactly what it will become again.  Capita’s decision to renege on the RLW increase will be met with dismay by our members, many of whom are already facing hardship, especially as they were expecting to receive at least £12 per hour from 1st April. With pay negotiations for the TVL, VMO2 and Tesco Mobile contracts due to commence in the near future, this development will obviously have a material impact upon pay bargaining.  In this regard, we will be consulting with our Senior Capita Representatives to jointly determine next steps, which will be reported in due course. Yours sincerely Andy Furey Assistant Secretary Tracey Fussey Assistant Secretary LTB 022/24 – Capita Group – Commitment to be a real living wage employer abandoned

No. 025/2024 18 January 2024 Our Ref:  P5/24 To:  All Branches Dear Colleagues, Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – 22nd – 28th January 2024 – Cervical Screening Saves Lives Campaign: Introduction: The UK Health Security Agency, the NHS plus Charities like Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer are supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which will run from 22 – 28 January 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness and to encourage all eligible women to not ignore their cervical screening invite or if they have missed their last cervical screening appointment, to book an appointment with their GP practice as soon as possible. One in Three Don’t Attend Their Screening Appointments – Two Women Die Every Day! Two women die every day from cervical cancer and the UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Agency Northern Ireland and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust have requested help to reduce this number. Every day in the UK, 2 women lose their lives to cervical cancer and 9 more receive a life-changing diagnosis. Around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year and approximately 700 women die from the disease – around two deaths every day. Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts by checking the health of the cervix and prevent any potentially harmful cells from developing. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has made a significant impact on cervical cancer mortality since it was established in 1988 and screenings save an estimated 5,000 lives per year, which is why it’s vital we all support and encourage women to attend. However, the concern is that one in three women don’t attend their smear test appointments. The Screening Programme: For England and Northern Ireland – women get a cervical screening invitation every 3 years if aged 25 to 49. After that, an invitation is received every 5 years until age 64. For Wales and Scotland women get a cervical screening invitation every 5 years if aged 25 to 64. Cervical screening samples are tested for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Testing for HPV first, rather than looking at the cells down a microscope (cytology), is proven to be a more sensitive test. It will help to find more women with cervical cell abnormalities that may need treatment. HPV testing will help to prevent more cases of cervical cancer. From 1 January 2022, screening changed for low risk women from 3 to 5 years because the test used in cervical screening changed with the new test which is known as HPV primary screening and is more accurate at detecting who is at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This means the intervals for those not at high risk can be safely extended from 3 to 5 years. About the campaign: It’s not unusual for women to feel a bit uneasy about going to their cervical screening, however the thought is normally worse than the reality. The campaign seeks to put minds at ease and reassure women that screenings are nothing to be worried about and can stop them developing cervical cancer. The campaign focuses on the important relationships in women’s lives, reminding them of all the people that want them to be healthy and well. Target audience: The target audience is all eligible women aged 25 – 64, and in particular women aged 25 – 35 as they are the least likely to currently book their cervical screening check. There are also some small sub-groups who are disproportionately less likely to participate – including women from ethnic minorities, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and lesbian and bisexual women. The campaign aims to include all groups. The campaign: Highlights and reminds women of the risk of cervical cancer. Highlights the importance and preventative benefits of screening and the often misunderstood screening test. Dispels feelings of unease or embarrassment around getting screened. Encourages women to respond to their cervical screening invites. Encourages women to consider booking an appointment if they have missed previous invitations Aims to tackle barriers to screening highlighted by research, issues such as fear and embarrassment. Shares helpful advice on what to expect during a screening and tips on how to make it a more comfortable experience. Campaign call to action: Cervical screening saves lives – encourage the people that you know and love to get screened if they are overdue a test. Don’t ignore cervical screening invitations. If you or someone you know has missed their last screening, book an appointment with the GP practice now. For further information, please visit uk/cervicalscreening. Why support for the campaign is needed: The more women we can encourage to get their screening done, the better. That’s why we need everyone’s help to spread the word. Campaign Resources: Downloadable, printable campaign resources and information are attached including posters, booklets, leaflets etc., and further resources and campaign materials are available from:- https://www.jostrust.org.uk/shop/information Branches, Regions and Regional Health and Safety Committees can either download or order more materials from this site should they need to. ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. As Branches and Regions will know the CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department first established a close working relationship with ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ in 2009 and has worked with the charity and supported their campaigns since then and proudly we were the only Trade Union listed with our Logo on their ‘Time To Test’ supporter’s page. The CWU has been active in campaigning on this issue for years, supporting Cervical Screening Awareness Week and we will be supporting it again this year, continuing our strong working links with ‘Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’ as we have done in the past, supporting their ‘Time to Test’ campaign, ‘Put Yourself in The Picture’ campaign, and their ‘Smear For Smear’ campaign. CWU are registered supporters of the ‘Time to Test’ campaign with the CWU Logo on the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Website. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust was established in 1999 by James Maxwell after his wife Jo passed away from cervical cancer. Jo’s Trust have thanked CWU for its support and we intend to continue that working relationship. Contact Details for Further Information, Resources and Helpline: Address: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust 10-18 Union St, London SE1 1SZ Phone: 020 3832 8000Helpline: 0808 802 8000 Email: info@jostrust.org.uk Website: Contact us | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk) Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Helpline – 0808 802 8000 Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s freephone Helpline is manned by volunteers who’ve had personal or professional experience of cervical cancer or cervical abnormalities and are trained in telephone helpline skills. The Helpline offers listening, support and information. Further information and support can be found at: NHS website Cervical Screening – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/ NHS Cervical Screening (CSP) Programme – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nhs-cervical-screening-csp-programme Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – https://www.jostrust.org.uk/shop/information Cancer Research UK – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening Attachments: Cervical Screening Campaign and General Information Posters, Booklets, leaflets, Fact Sheets. We hope all Branches and Regions will support this important campaign. Yours sincerely Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer LTB 025/23 – Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – 22nd – 28th January 2024 – Cervical Screening Saves Lives Campaign Att: Cervical-Screening-Helpline-Poster Att: Going for your cervical screening poster A4 (black) (3) Att: Having-A-Smear-Test Att: Helpline-Poster-Colposcopy Att: Lets-Talk-About-Cervical-Cancer-Poster Att: NHS-Leaflet-Cervical-Screening-Helping-You-Decide Att: Your-Guide-To-Cervical-Cancer

TO ALL MEMBERS Tonight at 7pm - in a first for any union - the CWU launches our new weekly show. In the coming weeks we will be moving into a new studio where we will bring you the latest news and views from across the union. We will have some brilliant guests involved, but crucially – we will make sure members are at the centre of things. We are building a new platform where you will be able to call in directly and ask live questions to our guests. This will open up the union like never before. Our first few episodes will be used to iron out any technology issues, so please stick with us for a few weeks until we are in a place where everything is as professional as we want it to be. We also realise a long format show isn’t for everyone. This is why every Friday we will produce shorter highlight clips and a podcast from the show. Tonight, we have a great pilot episode. General Secretary Dave Ward on the Post Office scandal Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Martin Walsh with an update for Royal Mail Group members Deputy General Secretary elect (T&FS) Karen Rose on her plans for the new role And more! Please tune in at 7pm (or at your leisure) via https://youtu.be/qnFtlfi4aIA Thank you for your support and see you all later. Dave Ward General Secretary Chris Webb Head of Communications

No. 026/24 18th January 2024 Dear Colleagues, Royal Mail/CWU Joint Communication Covering The Review Of The 30-Minutes Flexibility Agreement (RMG/CWU Business Recovery, Transformation and Growth Agreement – Appendix 1) Branches and Representatives will be aware of the commitments contained in the Business Transformation, Recovery and Growth Agreement in relation to Appendix 1, section 2, 30-Minutes Flexibility Agreement, meeting customers’ needs, outlined here: – In parallel with the seasonal variation approach the Joint Agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU committed to Jointly Review the approach to the use of 30 Minutes Flexibility, previously agreed in the 2007 Pay & Modernisation Agreement and in line with the 2013 Joint Statement covering Fairness, Dignity & Respect in Delivery. This joint review will be to understand how this approach can address workload changes at a route level on a daily basis and develop a revised agreement which will support the efficient delivery of the USO. The review will gather information relating to how the existing policy is being applied and what arrangements are in place in units, particularly where this approach has been formalised and adopted. The review will also consider and determine how SI/SO data can be used with applying this flexible arrangement. In line with this, talks were held with Royal Mail during October and November of last year on how best to move forward with such a joint review. However, whilst progress was made and we had in place a working draft in terms of moving this forward, we were unwilling to conclude a final proposed position until we had reached a joint understanding with Royal Mail surrounding the outstanding point in terms of how Seasonal Variation has impacted and changed individual Annual Leave entitlements in the PSP system, which was outlined to Branches in LTB 229/23 (Letter To Branches); further noting that the agreement on Seasonal Variation is clear in that this should not have any detrimental impact on members booked or planned annual leave for 2023/2024, or carried over leave into the next leave year. Accordingly, and given that progress has now been achieved on this outstanding point along with some others in terms of Seasonal Variation, as reported in LTB 017/24 issued on 15th January, we have equally now concluded and have agreed to the attached Joint Communication (with the two listed Annexes), which we believe are self-explanatory. In setting out this Joint Communication it is appropriate to highlight that we have agreed to a limited review process which will be undertaken by our Divisional Reps and Royal Mail RODs. This process will require local COMs and CWU Reps to complete a short electronic survey, with 4 units per ROD area to be selected from a set list of 120 units (based on the feedback given under the Quality Of Service & Resourcing Checklist In Line With The RMG/CWU Joint Statement – June 2023: Section 2.5 Improving Quality Of Service & USO Compliance). The process is designed to cover all ROD areas ensuring an equal balance of COM/CWU Rep involvement and to further ensure that we have balanced feedback from units that have confirmed that they ‘do’ or ‘do not’ currently operate the 30-minute flexibility agreement. The details in terms of the survey and this Joint Communication along with the approach have already been outlined to Divisional Reps, who in turn will hold further joint launch sessions within the ROD areas for the selected units with the aim of all completed electronic surveys to be returned by Friday 9th February. Following this, the feedback will be jointly reviewed at national level in order to then conclude a joint report by 8th March. Whilst the National Joint Communication is clear in relation to the process to be taken and the timelines involved, we also remain clear that any review of the current 30-minute flexibility agreement is based on the direct principle that it is to be used and only called upon for genuine and unforeseen operational reasons, that it does not become a regular occurrence and is not used as a means to fill any operational gaps of Royal Mail’s own making. Any queries to the content of the above please contact the Outdoor Department reference 230.03, email address: JRODRIGUES@cwu.org Yours sincerely, Mark BaulchCWU Assistant Secretary LTB 026.24 – RM CWU Joint Communication Covering The Review Of The 30 Minutes Flexibility Agreement (BRTG Agreement Appendix 1) (Final) RM_CWU JC Review of the 30 Minutes Flexibility Agreement_18th January 120 Units In Line with 30min Flex Questionnaire (18th Jan) 30 Minute Flexibility Q&A PDF Version (18th Jan)