LTB 012/25 - MPU Consolidation Programme - CWU Update
- Angela Wright CWU Branch Communications Officer
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
No. 012/25
MPU Consolidation Programme – CWU Update
Dear Colleagues,
The CWU Nationally has recently been shared information relating to the business scoping MPUs as an associated impact of USO reform and CSS operations, which at the times was shared with CWU Divisional Representatives to pass on to the relevant reps locally.
Those discussions have continued and the business has confirmed, as part of the proposal and where there is the requirement, to relocate CSS machines from MPUs to the Parent Mail Centres, where space permits and both workplan compliance and USO Service levels can be maintained or improved.
The business’ original plan was for 39 MPUs to consolidate into 24 plants. As part of the scoping exercise, it has been confirmed that based on the outputs so far 34 MPUs have been identified as meeting the criteria of space constraints and as such being able to be relocated. Further discussions will take place on the MPUs within the Manchester catchment area.
We know that in some locations the business has issued local communications already, which led to significant challenges being raised by the CWU to the company. That has now led to the attached formal correspondence from the business being received and confirms that, in relation to the people impact and all operational changes, engagement will take place via the relevant Mail Centre Working Group and in line with the 2021 National Agreement covering the Review of Letter Machines (copy attached).
Therefore, we ask all CWU Representatives in the affected MPUs to ensure that the Local Joint Working Group meets urgently and to ensure all functions are fully involved in the planning, integration and the deployment of all activities linked to any machine removals / changes, ensuring that agreed solutions are in place and all issues have been fully addressed. This will include the CWU Area Health & Safety Reps to ensure all issues relating to safety will be reviewed and addressed.
Finally, attached is the business WTLL brief that has been issued. Whilst it is helpful that there are no machine reductions, given the change of locations, it has been agreed that MTSF Appendix 5 will apply in full and, where appropriate, any VR terms are going to be the terms appropriate at the point of termination.
Therefore, we are confident, now that the business has agreed the above agreement is appliable and that MTSF applies in full, that CWU Representatives engaging within the process will welcome the above clarification to ensure that all matters from the MPU consolidation activity are done to protect our affected members.
Any enquiries to the content of this LTB should be directed to the Outdoor Department, email address: Pharacz@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Bouch
Assistant Secretary
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
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