SOUTH WEST WALES BRANCH
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Royal Mail’s South & West
Wales MTSF Preference Exercise
The
three CWU Postal Branches within South & West Wales met with management to
discuss the MTSF Preference Exercise that the business intended to role out to
our members. Branches viewed their concerns with certain aspects of the original
document that was presented and amendments were made. The consensus is now that
the amended exercise is compliant with the Managing the Surplus Framework
National Agreement.
The
initial feedback that the Branch has received from representatives is that there
are members within our area that would consider options of voluntary redundancy,
an increase in their contractual hours and/or a change of work location. On this
basis the Branch has decided that it should be the decision of each individual
member on whether they wish to complete the voluntary preference exercise or
not. Voluntary
is the key word and no member should feel pressurised into completing the form
if they choose not to; your manager should respect your decision.
You
will have had reference made from the business on the amount of savings that
they need to achieve. The Branch view on this is that this exercise is in no way a means of
determining how many hours should be removed from any individual office.
There are National Agreements on identifying and implementing change with the
full involvement of the CWU; whilst maintaining fair and manageable workloads
which are achievable within our members contractual hours. This will be dealt
with following the guidelines of the Industrial Relations Framework.
The
Branch does have a real concern however that members may not be aware of the
implications of taking the option of a buy down of their contractual hours with
regards their pension entitlement. Dependant
on individual circumstances; members should be aware that a reduction in their
contractual hours could have a serious impact in the amount of pension benefits
that they receive; compared to the amount that they would have received if they
had remained on their original contractual hours. Your Branch advises
any member that is considering a buy down to contact the Pensions Service Centre
on 0114 241 4545;
to
determine what impact a buy down could have on their pension benefits; before
making any decision.
If you have any concerns or require further advice regarding the above; please speak to your local CWU representative or contact the Branch Office on 01639 813146.
South &
Questions & Answers
Q.
Why are we undertaking a preference exercise?
A. We are creating unit and area business plans that are realistic & achievable by including colleague’s individual preferences given the need for changes in the way we all work. This will help the area plan better.
This local area exercise has not been
initiated as a result of the Hooper report provided to Royal Mail.
A. Every permanent colleague in South & West Wales. All
colleagues in the units are eligible and encouraged to participate, from
managers, to postmen & postwomen from full time and part time. Colleagues in
Romec, Quadrant and other partner organisations will not be eligible to take
part.
A. Yes. Your individual needs need to be accounted for and
matched to our business plans along side all colleagues.
Q. Will colleagues on long term absence, career break or
maternity leave take part?
A. It is important that every colleague should be briefed on
the future before completing the form and every colleague is encouraged to take
part. You will receive a pack to your home address if you are on long term
absence, career break or maternity leave.
A. Yes. We are looking for everyone to participate. This
exercise is a new approach and we hope everyone takes part.
A. Not signing up, however it is important that you have a
strong preference and the information provided will be treated seriously.
Q.
By completing my preference form, will I be guaranteed this
option?
A. We cannot provide any guarantees, however we will
endeavour to match all needs with the requirement in the business plan
Q.
Will VR be available?
A. Each individual VR business case will be assessed based
on its merits and where operational hours are permanently removed and the VR
compensation costs in, these cases are likely to be approved. All VR terms will
be covered by the relevant MTSF terms for operational, management &
non-operational colleagues.
Q.
I am not sure if I want VR, can I get a quote?
A. We are asking large numbers of colleagues for their
views, so if you are serious about leaving the business on VR please use the
preference form. If you would like to understand the estimated amount for VR,
please use the ready reckoners in this pack. This will avoid delays in supplying
quotes to those genuine enquiries.
A. This is an incentivised scheme which compensates
colleagues under MTSF to reduce their working hours. Typically this reduction is
from 40 hours to less than 25 hours, however all requests will be considered.
Please ask your line manager if you are interested.
A. If the employee is a member of the Royal Mail Pension
Plan, membership of the plan will continue uninterrupted, albeit on pro rated
part time contributions and accrual of benefits, subject to the rules and trust
deed relating to the plan. Any employee over the age of 50 who requests a
reduction in hours should contact HRSC Pensions to receive clear, individual
information regarding the impact on their pension.
A.
Bumping is the term used when a surplus employee, not wishing to accept
Voluntary Redundancy (VR), can be placed into a like for like template role
already filled by someone who has expressed an interest in VR and the VR
business case costs in under MTSF.
Q.
Is ‘bumping’ voluntary and includes voluntary transfer terms?
A. Bumping is a voluntary process and requires all
colleagues involved to agree voluntarily. Bumping only occurs where there is a
vacancy created by someone leaving, transferring to another unit will be
completed on voluntary transfer terms.
Q.
Are all costs being reviewed to achieve next years business plan?
A. Yes. All costs are being reviewed including our staff
costs, management & administration costs, vehicles etc.
Q.
Have the unions been consulted?
A. The CWU & Unite/CMA have inputted to this preference
exercise and each union have the opportunity at each unit/shift launch
presentation to talk directly to their members. You will also see a covering
letter from the CWU your colleague pack.
Q.
Why can’t we stay as we are?
A. Hopefully from the business presentation you understand
the need for change, given the competitive, financial and regulatory conditions.
Please talk to your line manager for further clarity if required. Do nothing is
not therefore an option but any changes to work patterns and duty structures
will be handled through the IR framework with the union.
Q. Where can I get more help
or information before I submit my form?
A.
Your line manager initially. There will also be members of HR and the ALT
also attending WTLL sessions to answer any other specific questions. If you have
difficulty in getting an answer, please email Paul Wills (HR Business Partner)
at paul.wills@royalmail.com
If
you would like to voluntary reduce your contractual hours and an opportunity
exists for you to take up a part time vacancy, you will receive a lump sum
compensation payment.
A.
No. Your pension is based on your contributions up to the age of 60.
Buying down now will not affect your pension only your take home pay.
1.0
weeks pay for each full year of service from age 22 to 40
1.5
weeks pay for each full year of service over the age of 41
The
total no. of weeks is then multiplied by 3.75
Q.
Will my pension be enhanced between the ages of 55-60?
A.
Yes as agreed under MTSF
A. A VR compensation payment and then a pension lump sum
whenever you decide to start drawing your enhanced pension. The pension can be
drawn from the date you leave.
Q. If I leave the business on VR, will my colleague shares?
A. Yes. You will however get a payment for the value the
shares are worth at the last valuation.
VR
Helpline
0845 6060603
Pensions
Helpline
0114 241 4545
Employee
HELP 0800
6888 777
Copyright © CWU South West Wales Branch 2008