LTB 169/22 - NETWORK WINDOW – EXCEPTIONS PROCESS - PROCESS FOR COLLEAGUES RAISING CONCERNS IN MAIL CENTRES IMPACTED BY NETWORK WINDOW
No: 169/24
21st May 2024
For the Immediate Attention of All:
Postal BranchesArea Processing RepsDivisional Reps
NETWORK WINDOW – EXCEPTIONS PROCESS – PROCESS FOR COLLEAGUES RAISING CONCERNS IN MAIL CENTRES IMPACTED BY NETWORK WINDOW
Dear Colleagues,
Please find attached the agreement for raising an exception within Mail Centres to changes to attendance times linked to the Network Window changes. The process attached is only available for the current Network Window activity and is not considered to be an ongoing policy. It is only valid for the deployment of Network Window, including any further attendance time changes that may impact on people following the Air Hub closures, e.g., in Exeter and Inverness 2025.
As part of this process, we have been able to ensure our members have a fair and reasonable opportunity to request support through this period of unprecedented change where an employee’s personal circumstances change and the impacts their ability to work their attendance pattern. Members can make a request for Flexible Working through the normal BAU (Business as Usual) process this remains unchanged.
The Process
In recognition of the degree of change and by exception the following measures will enhance the normal BAU process.
All Employees will be made aware of their ability to request a 121 meeting where they wish to raise an exception request. (regardless of Re-sign activity)
121 meetings will automatically be arranged with colleagues who are covered by the Equality Act (EA) or by an existing flexible working arrangement and duties are ringfenced for anybody covered by EA or an existing flexible working where there is workload.
A 121 is offered to all Mail Centre colleagues impacted by the realignment and they can choose whether or not to take it up. A 121 can be requested for any reason, including to raise concerns about the availability of public transport or personal commitments.
This gives individuals the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have in relation to a proposed change of start and finish time / change of duty content.
It is recognised the changes in some Mail Centres may move start/ finish times out with the times where public transport is readily available. Any exceptions raised in this regard will be considered particularly where employees do not drive or have access to personal transport and cannot source a reasonable means of reliably attending work at the revised times.
We have also been able to agree an appeal process which is detailed below:
Appeals
Anyone whose request for an exception has not been resolved via their 121 with their line manager, can appeal in writing within 3 working days of the outcome of their request being communicated. The appeal will be heard by an independent manager within 7 days.
This element applies where individuals have:
1) raised a query with their Line Manager during the realignment process and;
2) have not already reached a resolution.
These have been difficult discussions to secure an opportunity for our members to be treated fairly through the impact of change linked to the Network Window, we however feel the attached will support our members through the ongoing change.
For the avoidance of doubt this process is open to all Processing members and any member wishing to raise an exception must request a 1-2-1 meeting to raise their concerns and trigger the process.
Discussions continue today on a process for Distribution members affected by the change.
Any enquiries in relation to this LTB should be addressed to Davie Robertson, Assistant Secretary, email: sbanbury@cwu.org quoting reference: 733.02
Yours sincerely
Davie Robertson
Assistant Secretary
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