CWU statement

Postal workers are Royal Mail Group’s greatest asset. As their trade union, we make sure their voice is heard by management.

Our Union

Having a strong, independent trade union is good for the businesses within Royal Mail Group. It brings a collaborative and informed approach to business change and gives credibility to corporate responsibility work.

The people who work in Royal Mail Group are our main focus. They care about their customers and the quality of service they provide. There are no people who understand deliveries, mail processing, Post Office services, parcels, logistics and other mail services, better than postal workers themselves.

The work that CWU reps at all levels carry out is crucial to the employment and wellbeing of the workforce. This in turn brings benefits to the company. Whether that is helping members achieve good pay, terms and conditions, promoting equality, providing individual representation or negotiating operational changes, our reps bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to the company.

Our Corporate Responsibility Activity

Our joint work on health and safety has directly helped reduce accidents and injuries, which in turn reduces the cost of sick leave to the company as well as protecting the health of our members. Our trained reps can risk-assess workplaces, vehicles and other operations to make sure they do not pose a danger to postal workers or customers. We have brought educational opportunities to Royal Mail Group staff through a network of 89 learning centres in Royal Mail Group workplaces. These learning opportunities have improved the skills and wellbeing of thousands of postal workers, many of whom have not had the opportunity to access education since leaving school.

We are proud to have the support and backing of Royal Mail Group for our charity – CWU Humanitarian Aid. This logistical and financial support contributes towards charity convoys taking aid to vulnerable children and adults in Eastern Europe. Postal workers have gone beyond imagination in their fundraising efforts – with a group of postal workers running non-stop from John O’Groats to Land’s End this year to raise funds for the charity.

Summary

There are many challenges ahead for Royal Mail Group. We will be there at every step ensuring that people and services are protected. Our work plays a vital role in the company’s corporate responsibility agenda and we will continue to push a progressive agenda which improves performance, safeguards jobs and workers’ wellbeing and seeks sustainable future business.

Dave Ward

CWU Deputy General Secretary

January 2012