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News

Page Contents - click on links below

 

bullet 
Membership Records: Online Access
bullet 
Performance Management
bullet 
Newstart and 'Section A' Terms
bullet 
Project Holborn - Managing Changing Capabilities
bullet 
Use of Robo Boards (Traffic Control)
bullet Is BT giving you the PIP
bullet New Legal Services for members
bullet 
Briefing

 

 

No.059/10

Ref NO/Membership

Date:  18 January 2010

To: The Branch Secretary

Dear Colleague

Membership Records: Online Access to Membership Details

Branches are advised that access went live at 5pm on Friday 15th January.

Already over 400 members have amended their records, providing the union with over 350 new email addresses. In addition a number of Branch Officials have logged on and amended members’ details.

The service was planned to go live prior to members receiving their log in details with the Voice. Unfortunately, despite all our preparations being complete, a small amount of work on the Head Office server was needed and the company concerned (not connected to the Membership project) took far longer than could have been foreseen to commence the 10 minutes work required. It is regrettable that we could not launch as planned, but from the number of members accessing their records it is clear that the service is working successfully.

Branches are asked to publicise the service to their members.

Branches are reminded that in addition to members using it, the facility for Branches to make certain changes to membership details exist. All Branch Secretaries have access to their members’ records, and should Branches wish, the Secretary can apply for additional Officers to become “Designated OLS Users” which will give them the same rights of access.

Branch Officials are able to amend individual records, export either individual records, or the entire membership database, or send members’ emails via a mail merge facility – for those unfamiliar with this, it sends all selected members an individual personalised email at the touch of one button after you have composed the message.

Branches should refer to LTB 1109/09 (Below) for further information.

Enquiries re this LTB should be addressed to the National Organising Dept for the attention of Matt Edwards medwards@cwu.org Tel 020 8971 7260.

Yours sincerely                                  

 

John East                                                  

National Organising Secretary

No.1109/09

Ref NO/Membership

Date:  22 December 2009

To: The Branch Secretary

 

Dear Colleague

Membership Records: Online Access to Membership Details

Branches are advised that the next issue of the Voice due to be posted on 4th January will include personal login details for each member so that they will be able to view and amend their membership details held on the HQ Membership Records system. Branch Secretaries will additionally have the facility to view, amend and export details for mail merging/label production by use of a csv file similar to that obtained via email at present.

The “go live” date for this service is expected to be in w/c 11th January. Members who attempt to log on immediately after receiving the Voice will be greeted with a “service temporarily unavailable” notice.

As advised in LTB 1108 issued earlier today, the Cover of the Voice will be opaque and clearly identify the contents. Branches are asked to ensure this is brought to the attention of members.

To access either their own record, or in the case of the Branch Secretary, the whole Branch’s records, the member will need to log onto the CWU website using their Membership No and the unique password contained on the letter enclosed with the Voice magazine. Should a member have joined recently, they may not have been issued with a password, and will need to register on the website to be allocated one. All members will need to provide an email address following log on. Passwords can be changed once the member has logged on.

Members will be able to amend personal information, plus add additional personal information. They will additionally have visibility of some information which we do not want them to amend themselves (e.g. They will not be able to amend Workplace information directly, since we need to ensure consistency with information received from the employer). Should they see inaccuracies in this visible information, the facility exists to email membership records direct from the viewed record to ask for a change to be made.

When Branch Secretary’s log in using their personal login details, they will have two choices, to view/amend their personal details, or to view the whole Branch membership details. If they choose the latter option, the site loads the Branch membership list in alphabetical order, with each member having a “edit” button next to their name. The members details can be edited, or Branch Secretary’s can export the data to a csv file, by either ticking each name they want to export (a radio button to the right of the name), or by ticking “all records” at the bottom.

All amendments to records automatically show up the name of the person making the amendment, and the time it was done. Branch Secretaries need to understand that the Branch Secretary is responsible for any amendments made in their name. Should the Branch wish to nominate an additional official to be a “designated OLS user” responsible for Membership records, they should email Matt Edwards as below.

Currently it is our intention to “vet” and upload the previous days changes on a delayed basis each morning, but once we are clear that the system is running successfully, we will review the need for this delay/verification process.

Because of the sheer size of some Branches, it is possible that the webpage will “time out” before loading the entire Branch list of members. This will be dependent on the speed of internet connection being used by Branches, and of the “Browser” being used. Internet Explorer takes longer to load than either “Firefox” or Google “Chrome” for example. Until we go live we have no way of knowing how many Branches will be impacted by this – since we do not know what connections/browsers Branches use. Further developments in system access later in the year should bring firstly greater functionality to Branches and direct access via a dedicated server.

It is intended that the same web based process will finally enable on-line joining in the near future.

Enquiries re this LTB should be addressed to the National Organising Dept for the attention of Matt Edwards medwards@cwu.org Tel 020 8971 7260.

Yours sincerely

John East                                                  

National Organising Secretary

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The issue of Performance Management is one that is of great concern to members across all lines of business.

The matter has been the subject of discussion with the Company and in particular the way in which our members are

being continually pressurised, harassed and intimidated all in the supposed name of performance management.

It is unacceptable that this abuse of the the agreed process is taking place and it must stop. The CWU are trying to raise the profile of this issue as identified in the letter below and the associated letter to Tom Keeney.

We have heard from members expressing their concerns over this constant monitoring and the stress and anxiety that it leads to, and these

members that are not currently under any form of performance management plan, informal or formal.

We would ask that any member that is subject to a coaching plan, informal PiP, Managing Under Performance (MUP) or formal plan that has not yet informed the CWU to get in touch with their local branch. We understand that there is an associated level of self consciousness that prevents members from being identified with what they see as a personal failure. There is nothing further from the truth, it is not the individual that has failed, more often than not it is the systems and the way that they are used that have identified a supposed failure, this is then compounded by the inability of those who are supposed to give the necessary support, coaching and guidance, to provide it in the manner that it should be used.

Therefore, we need the evidence to combat this abuse at the early stages otherwise this will continue as a ever increasing problem. So please come forward and let us know of your experience.

CWU.org
09 November 2009

LTB 995/2009 - Project Holborn – Performance Management and Management Style

No 995/2009
 
Ref :GM/IH
 
Date:   9th November 2009
 

To Branches with BT Members
 

Dear Colleague
 

Project Holborn – Performance Management and Management Style
 

Further to the branch forum held on 22nd October, attached is the company statement issued by Alex Wilson. This has already been cascaded in Operate, Global Services and Wholesale, is going out in Openreach today and will be sent out to Retail, Design and Group over the next couple of days.
 

This statement is helpful for beginning to set the scene but the TFSE do not believe that is all that is required. It is still the intention to seek a further statement, preferably from the CEO, and for further work to be undertaken.
 

The Team reported back to the TFSE the feedback received by branches at the forum and it is clear, and accepted, that the change in management style that we are looking for, has not happened yet. Some of this is because of the late nature of the positive gains that have been made but also because the business had not been sent a clear signal. Again, while the statement from Alex Wilson undoubtedly helps to send that signal, it requires further action from the company to build on that.
 

The TFSE believe that there is a need to respond to the lack of progress in a formal way that makes to clear to BT that there needs to be a clear and visible change in management style.
 

The TFSE agreed a paper that called for a formal escalation of the issue of management style and subject to the outcome of that escalation meeting to prepare a campaign and to seek a further formal escalation, if necessary.  The TFSE will receive a further report at the December meeting at which if no progress is to be made, then the TFSE will have to consider its options, including balloting for industrial action. It was agreed to report this to branches.
 

That first escalation has been submitted and a meeting will take place this week with the DGS (T) in attendance. (Copy of escalation letter - click here)
 

Branches will be updated as events unfold. In the meantime, please feel free to distribute the statement from Alex Wilson to your members, bearing in mind that people in Retail, Design and Group should receive it from management first.
 

Yours sincerely,
 

Grace Mitchell
Assistant Secretary 

 

 

 

 

CWU.org
14 October 2009

LTB 898/09 - BT - Newstart and 'Section A' Terms

 

No. 898/2009 
 
Ref : BJH/ML
 
Date:  12 October 2009
 


TO BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS IN BT


Dear Colleague
 

BT - Newstart and ‘Section A’ Terms

Questions have been raised with regards to the rights of members being asked to rescind their Section A rights prior to the granting of Newstart by operational management. The concern being that there is record of signing this away and then finding that the request for voluntary release from employment has been declined.
 

The prior signing away of these rights is a consideration for accepting something else in return. It therefore follows that if Newstart is not granted then the signing away of Section A rights also lapses.

BT Group HR, in conjunction with BT Pension group, confirm that if Newstart is not granted then the signing away of Section A does not follow through and therefore lapses.

Yours sincerely
 

Brian Healy
Assistant Secretary
 

 

No 905/2009

Ref :GM/IH

Date:   14th October 2009

To Branches with BT Members

 

Dear Colleague

BT Project Holborn – Managing Changing Capabilities

Please find attached an overarching letter from John McGee on behalf of BT Group, together with the new Managing Changing Capabilities Policy, the processes and flowchart and a presentation to HR people in advance of the launch.  A separate LTB has been sent out regarding the appeals procedures.  These documents have been agreed by the TFSE and are being launched by BT on the 15th October 2009.

The new policy is much improved on the previous policy and has at its core the intent that the policy is about retaining people in their existing role first and foremost.  There are safeguards with the introduction of MCC leads in each line of business and more realistic timescales for job searches.

In addition we have agreed with BT Group that every person who is currently being dealt with under the MCC procedure will have their case reviewed to ensure that the handling meets the new policy requirements.

This policy has taken significantly longer to finalise and agree than initially hoped but the TFSE does believe the policy and the processes have been given a thorough overhaul and that the new procedure is a vast improvement on the existing arrangements.  Crucially, managers can no longer decide to conduct a MCC review out of the blue and advise our members that they ‘have 3 months and they are out’ if they don’t find another job.

It is important that branches do still flag up personal cases at an early stage if you believe they are not being handled correctly, as the escalation and review of personal cases remains in place.

There will be a monthly conference call every month for 6 months with BT to monitor how the new policy and processes are working in practice.  It is therefore important that branches do flag any difficulties with the policy that they are encountering.

Reference will be made to the new policy at the branch forum on October 22nd but in the meantime if branches have any queries, please contact my office.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Grace Mitchell

Assistant Secretary 

 

 

No. 319/09

 

Ref NS32

Date:  14 April 2009

To:  All BT Branches

 

Dear Colleagues

 

Use of Remotely Operated Stop and Go Boards in BT

The CWU have raised concerns as to the current practice of using remotely operated stop and go boards (Robo boards) and following detailed discussions with Openreach a review is now being undertaken to look at the manner in which the equipment is being deployed. 

Although some training was delivered to users by the RoBo Board manufacturer; it was principally aimed at use of the equipment and the evidence to date would suggest that there are some fundamental problems with the RoBo Boards not being deployed in accordance with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. During the CWU investigations it has become clear that some of the signs used in the roadwork’s guarding set up, have been procured locally and are too small, being deployed in the wrong place, and do not meet the requirements of the 'Traffic Signs Regulations and General Direction'. It should also be noted that failure to comply with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice is a criminal offence.

At present BT have temporarily suspended the deployment of RoBo Boards to allow time for reconsideration of the manner in which this equipment is transported and used at site and these discussions are continuing to ensure that:

·         A Safe System of Work is put in place where remotely operated boards are used.                  

·         A Training Package is developed to ensure that the Code of Practice specific    requirements are understood.                                                                              

·         A review is undertaken of the equipment requirements and impact on vehicle loadings

·         Operators of RoBo Boards have Unit 2 Accreditation to use the traffic control

Further details will be issued upon completion of the discussions.

Yours sincerely,

 

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

 

 

 

 

For instant updates: http//:www.cwu.org      email: info@cwu.org

150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX  Tel: 020 8971 7200 Fax: 020 8971 7300

General Secretary:  Billy Hayes (www.billyhayes.co.uk)

Rounded Rectangle: For instant updates: http//:www.cwu.org      email: info@cwu.org
150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX  Tel: 020 8971 7200 Fax: 020 8971 7300
General Secretary:  Billy Hayes (www.billyhayes.co.uk)
Letter to Branches

 

 

 

 

No 1002/2008

Ref :GM/IH

Date: 18th December 2008

 To Branches with BT Members

 

Dear Colleague

BT Managing Performance

Please find attached an electronic bulletin to members regarding Performance Management.

The document highlights the key issues of concern that we have identified and invites members to report bad practice.  However, actual cases should continue to be dealt with by branches and we have tried to ensure within the document that members understand they should seek advice from their branch.

The email address is therefore only a reporting mechanism for members.  Cases will not be taken up as a result of the emails but will be referred to the appropriate branch if any action is required.

Please circulate this bulletin as widely as possible amongst your BT members and also print some for notice boards etc.

The TFSE see this both as an important step in raising awareness of the problems and advising members on what they should expect to happen; and to collect evidence and identify ‘hot-spots’ in our discussions with BT.

Any enquiries regarding either the contents of this LTB or the attached electronic bulletin should be made to my office at iholmes@cwu.org or on 020879717242.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Grace Mitchell

Assistant Secretary 

Click here for the CWU advice on Performance Management.

For the managers guide on PIPs click here.

Free download of Adobe reader

 

 

 

 

 

FREE WILL WRITING SERVICE

 

The CWU's Legal Services Department is now able to offer a free standard will writing service for members and their partners.  Will packs are available from CWU Headquarters, on request.  The pack will contain guidance notes and an information questionnaire, which when completed by the member, can be forwarded to our Panel Solicitors for professional legal drafting.  To take advantage of this service, members should contact the Legal Services Department on 0208 971 7444 or via email freewills@cwu.org or by completing the tear off application form attached to the insert in the Voice Magazine.

 

 

 

CONVEYANCING

 

Members are able to use the services of our Panel Solicitors for all conveyancing matters.  We have negotiated a 20% discount on our Panel Solicitors standard rates. 

 

Members wishing to use this service should contact the Legal Services Department for further details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members wanting to know more about a particular briefing can contact the Branch Office to receive

a copy of specific letters.

CWU.org
08 January 2010

BOB 001/10 - Paragraphs 001-007

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO A TECHNICAL UPGRADE THE MEMBER'S ONLY SECTION OF THE WEBSITE WAS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THIS BOB WAS PUBLISHED. THEREFORE NO HYPERLINKS TO INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.

 

GENERAL
001 Union Skills I Course - London - Alteration to Venue
002 Amended CWU Education & Training Programme: January - December 2010

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
003 Harassment Complaints Database: Union Policy
004 Mandatory Equality & Diversity Training

HEALTH AND SAFETY
No items this week

TELECOMS
005 BT Operate: Lead to Cash and Service Delivery Resourcing
006 Ericsson Managed Services - Transition Forum
007 BT Wholesale: Service Establishment Centre

POSTAL
No items this week

LETTERS TO BRANCHES
1094 16/12/09 Quadrant Christmas Pay Arrangements - Terry Pullinger
1095 17/12/09 Project Holborn - Performance Management & Management Style - Grace Mitchell
1096 17/12/09 General Conference 2010 Submission of Motions/Rule Amendments - Tony Kearns
1097 17/12/09 Apprentice Development and NVQ Diploma Coach in BT - Ian Cuthbert
1098 17/12/09 Romec Cleaners Christmas & New Year Arrangements 2009/10 - Bob Gibson
1099 18/12/09 BT Global Services Redeployment Statistics - December 2009 - Colin O'Callaghan
1100 18/12/09 Charlie Love National Honorary Member - Ex-NCU - Billy Hayes
1101 18/12/09 Ballots Conducted at Annual Conference 2009 - Election of Members Auditors - Tony Kearns
1102 21/12/09 Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 - Employment Tribunal Judgement 2201067/2007, Mr P.McCarthy (Safety Rep) v London Underground Ltd - Dave Joyce
1103 21/12/09 Openreach - Service Delivery Transformation - Steering Group - Ian Cuthbert
1104 21/12/09 BT Retirement in the Interests of Efficiency - Grace Mitchell
1105 21/12/09 Membership Subscriptions from 1 Jan 2010 - John East/Tony Kearns
1106 21/12/09 Keep The Post Public: Royal Mail Pension Fund Lobby - Billy Hayes
1107 21/12/09 Bank Holiday Resource in BT Retail Business Blend & Movers - Bank Holidays in Scotland - Graham Colk
1108 22/12/09 New Membership Card - John East
1109 22/12/09 Membership Records System - John East
1110 22/12/09 Election of Member-Nominated Trustee Director - Royal Mail Pension Plan - Tony Kearns
1111 22/12/09 Election of Regional Secretary - Northern Ireland - 2010 & Retired Members Regional Council Secretary - Scotland - 2010 - Tony Kearns
1112 22/12/09 Regional Secretary Structure - Billy Hayes
1113 23/12/09 Update on National Negotiations - Dave Ward
1114 23/12/09 BT Operate - Project Duncan - Brian Healy
1115 23/12/09 POL: Our Best Way, Lean Project - Agreed Terms of Reference - Andy Furey
1116 23/12/09 POL: Integration of Retail Sales Hours into Crown Office All Purpose Working - National Agreement - Andy Furey
1117 23/12/09 POL: Crown Cost Challenge - Reduction in Management Roles and CWU Grades Cover - National Agreement - Andy Furey
1118 23/12/09 CWU Youth Conference 2010 - Social - Friday 29 January - Simon Sapper
1119 23/12/09 Meeting of Branches with Members in BT Retail Business - 2 March 2010 - Brian Healy
1120 23/12/09 Accenture Learning - TUPE to BT Group - Brian Healy
1121 Not used
1122 24/12/09 Putting Irish Unity on the Agenda - Billy Hayes

2010

001 04/01/10 Directors Duties - TUC/CWU Proposals for New Legislation - Dave Joyce
002 04/01/10 New NHS Stop Smoking Quit Kit Launched to Help Smokers Give Up For Good In 2010 - Dave Joyce
003 04/01/10 Branches Urged to Send Practical Seasons Greeting to Hard Pressed Trade Unionists in Zimbabwe - John Baldwin
004 05/01/10 Hewlett Packard - Workforce Reduction - Brian Healy
005 05/01/10 Unite - Fujitsu Industrial Action - Tony Kearns
006 05/01/10 New Field Organisers - John East
007 06/01/10 Monteray PDA/Trackers and Associated Changes to Terms and Conditions - Simon Sapper
008 06/01/10 Severe Weather Conditions - Pay & Modernisation Agreement - Dave Ward
009 06/01/10 POL National Agreement: Crown Cross Challenge Reduction in Management Roles and CWU Grades Cover - Andy Furey
010 06/01/10 POL National Agreement: Integration of Retail Sales Hours into Crown Office All Purpose Working - Andy Furey
011 06/01/10 Severe Weather Safety in Royal Mail - Dave Joyce