Get involved with the CWU

An introduction from Terry Pullinger, the CWU Deputy General Secretary Postal.

Thinking about becoming involved with the CWU?

But you’re unsure if you have the skills needed.


If you can answer yes to the following 4 questions you have all you need to get started

  1. Do you want to help your colleagues at work?
  2. Do you think it’s right that you and your work colleagues should have a say over what happens in your workplace?
  3. Do you believe in fairness, equality, dignity and respect at work?
  4. Would you like to learn new skills and use these to help others?

When deciding you want be involved you are not expected to know everything about the CWU. That’s why the CWU will work with you to help you gain the necessary skills and confidence to enable you to gradually develop and become active.

As well as being given training to help you build up the skills you need, you’ll get the support you need from reps across the CWU, within your region and from specialist departments from within the CWU.

 

Structure and roles within the communication workers union Royal Mail

There are a number of roles available for member of the CWU both at a local and national level – below is a list of how the CWU is structured:

  • Postal Executive
  • Divisional Reps
  • Area Reps
  • Local Reps

These positions sit in with the Industrial Relations Framework Agreement between Royal Mail and the CWU.

Role of the Postal Executive Members

The Postal Executive members deal with issues on a national basis for example they will be involved in negotiating National Agreements with Royal Mail on a range of issues. They also develop national strategy for the CWU.

Role of the Divisional Reps

The Divisional Reps are responsible for a number of branches who form a Divisional Committee. The Divisional Reps will deal with disagreements between the local branches and Royal Mail. They will also deal with discipline and grievance cases at the appeal stage.


Role of the Area Rep

There are 3 Area Reps within an Area:

  • Processing Area Rep
  • Delivery Area Rep
  • Distribution Area Rep


The Area Reps deal with all issues which arise at that level. They also assist local Reps where needed. Area Reps will also deal with discipline and grievance cases, as well as negotiating locally, on issues such as duty revisions, Christmas arrangements etc.


Role of the Local Rep

The local rep will work in Deliveries, Processing or Distribution. The local rep will deal with day to day issues which arise in the Office or on shift. They can also deal with 1st stage discipline or grievance cases, and will be involved in local negotiations for example on duty revisions etc.


Parcelforce

There are a number of roles available for member of the CWU both at a local and national level – below is a flow chart of how the CWU is structured:

  • Postal Executive
  • Regional Organisers – Area Organiser Northern Ireland
  • Area Rep Coventry Hub and International
  • Depot Reps
  • Hub Reps
  • Admin Reps

These positions sit in with the Industrial Relations Framework Agreement between Parcelforce and the CWU.

Role of the Postal Executive Members

The Postal Executive members deal with issues on a national basis for example they will be involved in negotiating National Agreements with Royal on a range of issues. They also develop national strategy for the CWU

Role of the Regional Organisers and Area Organiser Northern Ireland

The Regional Organisers and Area Organiser Northern Ireland are responsible for a number of branches within each Region. The Regional Organiser and Area Organiser Northern Ireland will deal with disagreements between the local branches and Parcelforce. They will also deal with discipline and grievance cases at the appeal stage.

Area Rep Coventry

The Area Rep deals with issues which arise in both Coventry Hub and the international operation in Coventry. The Area Rep will deal with issue in both sections; they will also deal with discipline and grievance cases.

Depot Reps – Hub Reps – Admin Reps
These Reps deal with the day to day issues in their workplaces. For example negotiations in relation to shift patterns. They will also deal with 1st stage disciplines and grievances.

There are also a number of other positions which sit outside of the Industrial Relations Framework Agreement which are just as important:

  • Branch Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Branch Organiser
  • Area Health and Safety Rep
  • Local Health and Safety Rep
  • Equality Officer
  • Women’s Officer
  • Youth Officer
  • Black and Ethnic Minority Officer
  • Branch Chair
  • Lead Union Learning Rep
  • Local Union Learning Rep


Role of the Branch Secretary

The branch secretary co-ordinates the activity of the Area and Local Reps. The role can also deal with administrating legal cases. Organising and Recruitment of new members is also a large part of the role. The role of Branch Secretary can vary from Branch to Branch so if in doubt contact your local Branch to find out in detail the work they carry out.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for the up keep of the Branch Finances on a day to day basis. The Treasurer also plans the finances on an annual basis to ensure that the branch can operate and support members

Area Health and Safety Rep

The Area Health and Safety Reps are trained to the highest level to ensure that CWU members work in a safe environment. They also deal with any issues flagged up by the local Health and Safety Reps

Local Health and Safety Reps

Again these reps are highly trained they look after safety in their local offices or shifts. Any issues of a safety nature which cannot be dealt with by the local health and safety rep are referred to the Area Health and Safety Rep

Equality Officer

The equality Officer is responsible for co-ordinating all issues of an equality nature. The Women’s Officer, Black and Ethnic Minorities Officer and the Youth Officer, all deal with issues relating to their position and work closely with the Equality Officer.

Branch Chair

The Branch Chair or Chairperson is responsible for ensuring the rules of the union are observed, they are also required to chair meetings of the Branch.

Lead Union Learning Rep

Coordinating the work and training (in consultation with the Branch Secretary) of the Branches ULRs (Union Learning Rep) Being Lead Negotiator on learning issues for the Branch with employers, learning providers and other appropriate bodies

Union Learning Rep

Encourage and support learning in the workplace and wider community as well as help people gain the confidence to learn. Develop learning centres or learning access points where sustainable

TRAINING IS GIVEN AT ALL LEVELS TO ENSURE THAT OUR REPS HAVE THE TOOLS TO CARRY OUT THIER REPRESENTATIVE ROLES


The above is just a flavour of the responsibilities of some CWU Reps if you require more detail please contact your local branch www.cwu.org/cwu-branches.html

CWU Website

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