the CWU's Annual Report for 2006-2007

2006-2007
lThe communications union
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS
GENERAL SECRETARY’S WELCOME 4
PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION 5
POLICY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING 6
FINANCE, ORGANISING AND STRATEGY 10
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES AND COMMUNICATIONS 12
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 17
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT 18
POLITICAL FUND MANAGEMENT 22
NATIONAL DISCIPLINE 23
RETIRED MEMBERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 23
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEES 24
NATIONAL WELFARE FUND 25

Welcome to the CWU’s
Annual Report for 2006-2007
In this Report, you will have a brief overview
of the main work carried out by the
national union. It is an implicit tribute to
the hard work carried out by the NEC,
officers and staff.
Over the past year we have taken some
major campaign initiatives which will need
to be followed through in the coming year.
In particular, we have progressed from
an excellent CWU campaign on agency
workers to a broad campaign involving
the TUC and sections of the Parliamentary
Labour Party in our efforts to secure equal treatment for agency
workers in legislation. We have had a continuing campaign against
Post Office privatisation, which defeated the attempts to distribute
shares in the company. Our work is now focussing on a broad
campaign to secure the future of the Post Office network.
Alongside such single-issue campaigns, we have seen a further
emphasis on strengthening our organising initiatives. This has taken
place both where we already have recognition from the employer
and where we have yet to gain recognition.
In all these efforts the contribution of lay activists and members has
been vital. Thank you for supporting your Union, the CWU.
Billy Hayes
General Secretary
Remember to visit our website at: www.cwu.org
and my weblog at: www.billyhayes.co.uk
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l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

lThe communications union
It is both an honour and privilege to
introduce National Executive Council
Annual Report on behalf of the NEC.
The Annual Report contains a brief
synopsis of all the issues covered and
activities carried out at national level on
behalf of our members over the last year.
They vary from the implementation of
Conference policy and where appropriate
the creation of new policy, campaigning
activities such as Serving Quality and
Justice for Agency Workers, and advising
and representing members on issues such as Equality & Diversity,
Health and Safety, Employment Law and Legal Services. It also outlines
the commitment the CWU gives to our representatives and activists in
meeting their Education and Training requirements to gain the skills
to advise and represent our members to a very high standard.
The NEC hopes that members and Branch Officers will find
the Annual report to be an informative document which serves as
a good reference guide to the Union’s work.
I would like to thank the NEC, Officers and all staff for their dedication
and hard work throughout what has been another challenging year.
Their experience and professionalism has ensured that members continue
to receive first class representation. I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank our CWU representatives at all levels whose
dedication and skill is critical in promoting and protecting the interests
of our members.
The CWU is an influential, campaigning union and I am extremely
proud as your National President to continue to play a part in its
success. There is no room for complacency however as we have many
challenges ahead of us. We must therefore remain focussed on the
difficult issues that face us in the coming years if we are to remain the
Union of choice for all workers within the communications industries.
Andy Kerr
President
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 5

POLICY, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee is responsible for:
Development and promotion of policy outside of Annual
Conference on all matters which are beyond the authority of the
Industrial Executives (with the exception of Health and Safety
and Equal Opportunities policies); monitoring and responding
to organisational and other changes in those industries in which
the union is organised; determining the communications policy
of the union, relations with external organisations including the
TUC and Union Network International (UNI). The development
and implementation of the Education and Training Department
Strategic Plan.
POLICY
1. AFFILIATIONS
In 2006 the NEC agreed affiliation to;
Venezuela Information Centre
Socialist Education Association
Motions will be submitted to Conference seeking endorsement
of these decisions.
2. REGULATION OF THE POSTAL SECTOR
The introduction of the full competition in January 2006 resulted
by year end in a cumulative total of 10% of upstream letter traffic
being contracted to competitors of Royal Mail.
The European Commission published proposals for a full
market opening across the European Union from January 2009.
The CWU continues to work with UNI Europa Postal to ensure
universal service at uniform prices.
3. REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CWU submissions have been made to all relevant Ofcom
consultations throughout the year.
4. LABOUR PARTY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The CWU was represented at the 2006 Annual Conference of
the Labour Party. Dave Ward, Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
continues as a member of the NEC of the Labour Party.
5. LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE DELEGATION
The delegation report was circulated as LTB 058/07 which recorded
the delegation decisions on behalf of the CWU. Endorsement
for the decisions taken will be sought via a motion submitted to
Annual Conference.
6. TRADES UNION CONGRESS
The CWU was represented at the 2006 Trades Union Congress.
Billy Hayes, General Secretary and Jeannie Drake, Deputy General
Secretary (T&FS) were elected as members of the General Council
and the Executive Committee of the TUC. Maria Exall was elected
as a member of the TUC General Council, Section I.
7. TRADES UNION CONGRESS DELEGATION
The delegation report was circulated as LTB 793/06 which recorded
the delegation decisions on behalf of the CWU. Endorsement will
be sought for these decisions via a motion submitted to Annual
Conference.
8. UNION NETWORK INTERNATIONAL (UNI)
The CWU fully participated in all relevant activities of UNI.
At the time of writing planning is well advanced for the CWU
delegations attending the:
UNI Europa Conference
UNI World Postal Conference
UNI World Telecoms Conference
All the above will take place in Athens in April 2007.
9. DECISIONS OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2005
Progress on the motions carried in the Policy Section of Annual
Conference 2006 continues.
10. YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
10.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE
Rule 8.16 defines the terms of reference for the YAC.
10.2 ACTIVITIES
(a) Meetings
The Youth Advisory Committee meets quarterly and its Minutes
are circulated via the NEC to Regional Committees. They are also
placed on the Youth Section of the CWU website.
(b) Training
YAC members attended a weekend induction school at Alvescot
Lodge. Individual YAC members were also encouraged to
participate in the Union’s Education and Training programme
for Branch Officers, and many did so.
(c) Newsletter
The YAC seeks to publish four editions of CWU Youth per year. The
newsletter is distributed by both electronic and conventional means.
(d) External Bodies
UNI – The YAC plays an active role in the UNI structures, primarily
at European level. We are privileged in having Stephen Ratcliffe
as the Vice Chair of the UNI Europa Youth Steering Group, and
sent a delegation to the annual UNI Europe Youth Seminar at UNI
HQ in Switzerland. The Committee believes that by building links
across nations we are able to have a greater understanding of
and ability to deal with common challenges.
TUC – The Youth Committee plays an active role in TUC Youth
structures. Stephen Gribben and Lisa Hadley are our delegates to
the Youth Forum and the TUC’s Youth Conference. CWU has also
participated in a number of seminars and events organised by
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the TUC and regularly provide policy input to TUC submissions
and conferences. Stephen was the CWU’s candidate in the election
for the seat on the TUC General Council reserved for young workers.
Whilst unsuccessful, his vote was a creditable performance.
ICTU – The recently reformulated ICTU Youth Steering Group
is supported by CWU and Northern Ireland members of the
Committee attend as regularly as they can.
STUC – CWU young activists in Scotland work as closely as possible
with the STUC and John Hardey was co-opted onto the STUC
Youth Committee.
National Union of Students – A TUC/NUS concordat was
launched in September 2006 taking on board many issues
proposed and developed by the CWU. The YAC is working under
the auspices of this arrangement on projects designed to boost
recruitment and organisation amongst members and potential
members who are also students. Meetings have also taken place
with the president of the National Union of Scottish Students in
pursuit of similar aims
(e) National Youth Education Event
The 5th National Youth Education Event
was held in Bristol, 13th-15th October
2006.
Numbers were up this year with a
total of 75 people in attendance over
the course of the weekend: 54 young
participants from 33 branches – of
those participants 35 were ‘first timers’.
In a new departure, Dave Ward and
Jeannie Drake hosted separate round
table discussions giving participants access to the most senior
industrial officials in the CWU, in order to put their concerns
directly to them. These sessions were very well received.
In keeping with past years, we ran workshop sessions over one
afternoon. This year the subjects were: Unite Against Fascism;
Sexual Health; Agency Workers and Know Your Rights At Work.
The output from each workshop was in the form of Motions
which were debated, and agreed, in a Mock Conference Session.
The text of these Motions can be found as part of LTB 851/06
together with a full report of the event.
The YAC wishes to thank Jo Thair at HQ for co-ordinating the
event, Dave Ward and Jeannie Drake for hosting the roundtable
discussions, Kevin Slocombe, John Colbert, Kevin Beazer and
Claire Wright for their assistance in delivering the programme
and the General Secretary and Senior Deputy General Secretary
for, once again, making time to address the event.
10.3 YOUTH CONFERENCE
The Second Youth Conference is due to take place at CWU HQ on
28th February. The full conference documentation, including an
update on actions taken in respect of motions adopted at the
Inaugural Youth Conference can be accessed on the CWU website.
10.4 BRANCH YOUTH OFFICERS
General Conference adopted Rule amendment Motion 119
which obliged branches to create and fill the role of Branch Youth
Officer on Branch Committees.
At the end of 2005 only 8 branches indicated that they had
a branch youth officer, although HQ knows that this figure
significantly under-reports the position. By September 2006, the
official figure was 24. At time of writing further census work is
taking place to identify the latest position.
It is the YAC’s intention to work with branches and regions to
encourage the development of Branch Youth Officers in keeping
with the Committee’s campaigning priorities for the year, described
in paragraph 6 below. The Committee has also agreed a statement
of roles and responsibilities for Branch Youth Officers.
10.5. REGIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEES
General Conference adopted Rule amendment Motion 121
which obliged Regions to establish or reconstitute Regional
Youth Committees.
Detailed discussion took place with Regional Secretaries to
develop an acceptable model constitution for RYCs. This was
agreed by the NEC and published to branches, both in
December 2006.
The YAC would like express it’s appreciation for the strong
support from all Regional Secretaries.
It is the YAC’s intention to work closely with RYCs and to
convene a meeting of all RYC Chairs and Secretaries to compare
experiences and share best practice.
10.6 CAMPAIGNING ACTIVITIES
At its inaugural meeting in July, the Committee agreed an
ambitious 15 point programme of campaigning initiatives.
These initiatives and the progress taken towards achieving
them are detailed on the CWU website.
10.7 FUTURE ACTIVITIES
The YAC will be pursuing the issues brought forward by the
Education Event, and the Youth Conference through the
appropriate channels within the union.
Additionally, work is taking place with both Industrial
Executives to boost youth recruitment and encourage the
development of young workplace representatives.
Work is also taking place with other Advisory Committees,
particularly the Race Advisory Committee, to recruit and
organise young members and potential members through joint
events with organisation such as Love Music Hate Racism.
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 7

EDUCATION & TRAINING
1. ACTIVISTS EDUCATION AND TRAINING
1.1 RESIDENTIAL COURSES
During 2006 the following residential courses were delivered at
the Union’s Education and Training Centre at Alvescot Lodge,
Oxfordshire:
Union Skills 1 (4), Union Skills 2 (4), Union Skills 3 (2), Induction
(4), Advanced Skills 1 (1), Advanced Skills 2 (1), Advanced Skills 3
(1), H&S Stage 1 (3), H&S Stage 2 (3), H&S Stage 3 (3), Equal Rights
in the CWU 1 (2), Equal Rights in the CWU 2 (2), ULR’s Stage 1 (2),
ULR’s Stage 2 (2), Certificate in Trade Union & Labour Studies
(weeks 4, 1 & 2), Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
(weeks 4, 1 & 2), Certificate in Employment Law (weeks 4, 1 & 2),
Romec Induction (1), Learning in the Community (1), Telewest
Union Skills (2), City & Guilds 7407 Tutor training (3), Solihull
College Tutor Development training (2), Media Skills (1), Youth
Advisory Committee weekend course (1), Retired Members’
weekend course (1), Political weekend School (1).
1.2 REGIONAL COURSES
During 2006 the following Regional courses were delivered
at various venues around the UK:
Induction (17), Union Skills 1 (6), Union Skills 2 (1), H&S Stage
1 (8), H&S Stage 2 (3), Challenging the Far Right (2), Women in
the CWU (2), H&S Refresher course (1), Grievance & Disciplinary
course (3), Conduct & Attendance course (2), T-Mobile course (1),
Contact & Communications (1), Organising for Business Post (1),
Equal Rights in the CWU 1 (1), Web Design & Maintenance course
(1), ULR’s Stage 1 (14), ULR’s Stage 2 (2), ULR’s Redundancy
Support course (1), Pensions course (1), TUPE course (1).
1.3 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COURSES
We have successfully delivered the latest phase of the roll out
of the programme of mandatory one-day Equality and Diversity
training in 2006. As of the 24th November we have trained 591
students on 50 courses since the 1st February 2006.
1.4 TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ATTENDING COURSES
We are please to report that during 2006 a total of 2116 students
attended courses provided by the Education and Training
Department. This total figure is comprised of the figures
set out below.
Alvescot Lodge: In 2006 a total of 805 students undertook
core programme courses, comprised of 673 men and 132 women,
of which 339 students came from the T&FS constituency and
466 students came from the Postal constituency. In addition,
in 2006 59 students undertook tutor training/development
courses, comprised of 38 men and 21 women. Therefore, a grand
total of 864 students attended courses delivered at Alvescot
Lodge in 2006.
Regional courses: In 2006 a total of 661 students undertook
Regional Education and Training courses, comprised of 536 men
and 125 women. We are able to calculate that 161 students were
from the T&FS constituency and 492 students were from the
Postal constituency. It should be noted that 8 students attending
Regional courses were not CWU members’ as they came from
the FBU as part of the joint ULR training conducted as part of
the Scottish lifelong learning project. It should also be noted
that we are awaiting confirmation of the number of students
that attended the TUPE course. Therefore the students attending
the TUPE course are not included in the Regional courses total.
Mandatory one-day Equality and Diversity training: In 2006 a
total of 591 students undertook the mandatory E&D course.
2 HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
2.1 APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE (LABOUR STUDIES) COURSE
The cohort of CWU students undertaking the Applied Social
Science (Labour Studies) course at Southampton University
were awarded their certificates at a graduation ceremony on
Monday 24th July 2006. All of these students are now entitled
to call themselves Bachelors of Science (BSc), and additionally, it
is worth noting that two of these students graduated with first
class honours.
The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of 6 years
hard work and the degree course included units on Labour Law,
Politics, Social & Political Movements, Globalisation, Gender,
Social Statistics and much more. All of these students started
out on basic activist training courses with the CWU and have
proved that working people can succeed in higher education
regardless of their previous educational experience.
The level of commitment and hard work demonstrated by this
group of CWU activists has been incredible. The Education and
Training Department are proud to have supported our activists
through to degree level, as we believe that this will help us
develop the thinkers, the future leaders and the influencers that
the trade union movement needs.
2.2 TRADE UNION AND LABOUR STUDIES (TU&LS) AND
HEALTH AND SAFETY DEGREE COURSES
The first cohort of 34 students are currently undertaking the
CWU/London Metropolitan University BA in Labour and Trade
Union Studies and we will be making a call for applications for
the 2nd cohort of students for this degree course in the first part
of 2007.
2.3 BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES
The CWU partnership arrangement with Queen Mary University
of London and BT to deliver a BSc in Computer Science has been
discontinued, as agreed by all parties. However, existing degree
students will be supported until the conclusion of their studies.
Students that had only completed foundation level will not
be supported but we are actively seeking to ensure that an
alternative route to assist CWU members seeking to attain this
(or an equivalent) qualification via the Open University is available.
3. DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION & TRAINING PROGRAMME
3.1 NEW COURSES DEVELOPED
Following on from the review of the materials used on the ULR
Stage 2 course and the successful Learning in the Community
project carried out during 2006, it was decided to develop a
Community Learning course. This has been successfully piloted
and will be delivered through the core education and training
programme.
Redundancy Support and Pensions Advice courses for ULR’s
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were also successfully developed and trialled in 2006 as part of
our SULF funded lifelong learning project in Scotland, and it is
envisaged that these courses will be available on demand as
regional courses via the core education and training programme.
Agreement has been given by the Postal Executive to cease
the delivery of Postal Induction courses and instead deliver
Union Skills 1 courses, which is in line with the union policy of
integrated Education and Training courses for CWU activists and
members. However, we have developed a specialist secondary
course that covers essential subjects such as the Attendance
Procedure, the Conduct Code and the IR Framework.
We are working closely with the DGS (P)’s Department to
development bespoke education and training courses designed
to assist in meeting the Postal Department Strategic Plan. It is
envisaged that the first of these courses will be delivered to PEC
members in February 2007.
We are also working closely with the T&FS Executive through
a Working Party comprised of T&FS Executive members and the
Head of Education and Training to review the bespoke Education
and Training courses we deliver to activists and representatives
in the T&FS constituency, so as to ensure these bespoke courses
are fit for purpose.
3.2 TUTOR DEVELOPMENT
In line with policy, we have continued to support the professional
development of CWU tutors through provision of training leading
to a recognised tutor qualification, the City & Guilds 7407
qualification, as well as providing our tutors with Tutor Development
training. In 2006 59 tutors attended these courses.
4. CWU SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
During 2006, six members were given support from the Scholarship
Fund. In addition, we sponsored two Workers Music Association
places for members and sponsored two members attending the
TUC Women’s Summer School.
5. LIFELONG LEARNING
5.1 SCOTLAND
Following on from the funding provided by SULF previously,
we secured an additional £130,800 to continue the successful
Lifelong Learning project in Scotland over the next two years.
5.2 WALES
We are currently awaiting a response from the Wales Union
Learning Fund to our most recent funding bid application.
We are hopeful that we will be successful in securing substantial
funding from this source to assist us in continuing and expanding
the excellent work being carried out by our ULR’s and the Wales
Regional Project Worker.
and educational opportunities together during its two-year
duration. A legacy of the ‘Learning Bridge’ project will be the CD
ROM we are having produced for use as an educational tool in
tackling workplace issues regarding dignity and respect.
5.4 ENGLAND
We are pleased to report that we were successful in our funding
bid to the Union Learning Fund in England and secured a total
of £1.4 million to support the provision of lifelong learning
opportunities through our Learning Centres and ULR’s over
the our current two year project. A central plank of this bid is a
strengthened role for Regional Learning Committees in order to
develop and support our regional learning strategies.
Additionally, we also secured funding from the Learning for
All fund in the North East, funding from the Learning Works
for All fund in the South West, Trade Union Fund (South East)
(TUFSE) funding in the South East, and LSC funding in the Eastern
Region to support learning and community learning activities
that complement our national lifelong learning strategy.
5.5 NATIONAL ULR CONFERENCE
172 delegates and guests attended the CWU’s ‘Moving Learning
Forward’ National ULR Workshop, which was held at the Adelphi
Hotel, Liverpool over the 21st and 22nd of November 2006. The
workshops delivered included Information Gathering, English for
Speakers of Other Languages, Spreading the Word, Skills for Life,
Regional Learning Committees and Building for the Future. Other
presentations included the Employers’ View, the CWU ULR Survey
Report, Learning & Organising, Progression Routes for Learners
and the CWU ULR Innovation Awards.
Senior officers of the CWU including Billy Hayes, Pat O’Hara,
Tony Kearns and Ian Cuthbert, in addition to Union Learn officers
Judith Swift and Anna Burton, the Open University’s Alan Carr
and Royal Mail’s Head of Industrial Relations, Gareth Evans,
supported this event.
5.6 EDUCATION WEBSITE
The new CWU Education website that was launched at our ULR
Conference in 2005 is proving to be a valuable tool for our ULR’s
and members. We are continuing with the development of this
resource and training our Regional Project Workers and other
relevant staff in its use and management. This website was
developed and delivered at no cost to the CWU utilising ULF
funding and can be viewed at www.cwueducation.org
We encourage you to visit our site and see what it contains.
5.3 NORTHERN IRELAND
We received an assurance of a further two-years funding from
the Northern Ireland Union Learning Fund, which has enabled
us to continue the excellent work being carried out by ULR’s and
the Northern Ireland Regional Project Worker.
Additionally, the European Social Fund PEACE 2 funded
‘Learning Bridge’ project finished on the 31st July 2006 after
providing the chance for members from different sections of
the Northern Irish community to undertake lifelong learning
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 9

5.7 REGIONAL LEARNING COMMITTEES
In 2006 we have been continuing with the invaluable work on
incorporating ULR’s into the CWU’s structures and supporting
regional strategies for lifelong learning through the introduction
of properly constituted Regional Learning Committees.
We currently have a total of six Regional Learning Committees
supporting regional strategies for lifelong learning in the following
Regions: Eastern, Midlands, Scotland, North West, South West,
and South East.
6. FUNDING BID APPLICATIONS
6.1 UNION MODERNISATION FUND BID APPLICATIONS
The CWU ‘Reaching Out’ Project was designed to assist us
develop and pilot new forms of communication with members
and activists in the CWU through the introduction of new
and innovative ICT solutions and through the development of
regional resource centres which will become ‘hubs’ in the
delivery of the CWU communication strategies.
The six pilot sites for the UMF Round 1 funded ‘Reaching Out’
project have now been agreed.
The six successful applications came from Gwent Amal
Branch, North Lancs and Cumbria Branch, Coventry Area Branch,
Merseyside and SW Lancs Branch, London City West Branch and
the North East Region. We will shortly be entering into the process
of purchasing the equipment that has been agreed as part of
the six pilot sites bid applications, so as to facilitate the delivery
of the aims and objectives of the project.
Additionally, following the interview and recruitment process,
we are pleased to report that the Researcher for the Reaching
Out project has been appointed to carry out an evaluation.
We are currently working closely with Simon Sapper and the
Youth Advisory Committee and the Equal Opportunities
Department in preparing bid applications for the UMF Round 2
funding process. It is anticipated that the two UMF Round 2 bid
applications we are working on will be submitted to the Policy,
Education and Training Committee for their perusal shortly.
6.2 TUC INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT/DEPARTMENT
FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
We are currently working closely with the International Officer
in the preparation of bid applications for DfID funding in order
to continue the excellent work we have previously carried out
with regard to international development and international
development education providing assistance and solidarity to
trade unionists from other countries. It is anticipated that an
outline of the two draft bid applications we are discussing
with the International Officer will be submitted to the Policy,
Education and Training Committee shortly.
7. RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION PROJECT WORKING GROUP
The NEC in August agreed that a report should be produced into
the feasibility of the long-term retention of the Elstead Hotel and
Alvescot Lodge, and that the income generated from the Elstead
should be used to develop Alvescot Lodge to an acceptable level
as an education centre. It was also agreed that there should be
a re-evaluation of timescales and necessary works to Alvescot
Lodge, and that in periods of low occupancy, the Elstead should
be utilised to provide education/training events. Additionally, it
was agreed that it was necessary to have a fundamental review
into the most appropriate and efficient way of managing the
Elstead Hotel, in the short and long term, in order to maximise
the benefit to the CWU.
Based on this, a document, which was subsequently agreed
unanimously by the December 2006 meeting of the NEC, was
prepared by Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary and
Trish Lavelle, Head of Training and Education. As the conclusion
of this preliminary study may lead to a change from the existing
Conference policy on Education and Training, it was agreed to
issue LTB 870/06 to keep Branches up to date with developments
in advance of the closing dates for motions to Annual
Conference 2007.
FINANCE, ORGANISING
& STRATEGY
FINANCE
1. THE ROLE OF THE FOS COMMITTEE
This includes the previous responsibilities of the former F&A
Committee; these responsibilities have not changed and are as
follows. To be responsible for:
• The finances of the union in relation to budgets and control
of Union income and expenditure.
• The control and administration of union funds.
• The control and administration of union investment
and properties.
• The location and funding of Union Conferences.
• Overall strategic management responsibility for the operation
of the Union’s Headquarters.
• Overall strategic managerial responsibility for personnel issues
within the Union.
2. UNION FINANCES
The financial improvements seen in the past few years have
continued throughout 2006. As a result the surpluses posted for
the past 2 years will be achieved once the accounts for 2006
are finally known. This has primarily occurred as a result of our
continued reliance upon the budget system that allocates
monitors and therefore controls CWU HQ expenditure; once
again we will come in under budget.
As has been previously reported a number of different courses
of action will be required to ensure that the union continues to
operate within budget and continues to produce year on year
surpluses.
The ability to reconcile income with membership records will
come under particular scrutiny this year. This will begin with
implementation of the decision taken by the FOS in 2006 to
replace the membership records system. The process for this
will take place throughout the first half of 2007, it is currently
anticipated that the project will be complete by Summer 2007
however migration issues arising from the state of the current
system have yet to be assessed.
The FOS has also determined to undertake a complete review
of membership subscription rates. Primarily this will be focused
on ensuring that our attempts to increase membership levels,
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particularly in the ‘non-core’ sectors are assisted by setting
appropriate rates.
During 2006 the FOS also conducted the first 6 monthly
review of the budget allocation. As the budget performance
was on track at that point the FOS determined that no remedial
action was necessary. In setting the 2007 budget the FOS and
NEC have determined that such a review clearly assists in the
continuous process of keeping expenditure under control.
Significantly with regard to planning and building a CWU
structure for the future 2006 saw the CWU spend the entire 12
months in the black at the bank, the first time we have been
able to operate without use of an overdraft. This position
allowed us to pay off the balance of the mortgage on 150 The
Broadway, thus resulting in a saving on interest payments.
These initiatives will allow us the opportunity to take a longterm
view of the CWU Finances throughout 2007 and introduce
our rolling 5-year plan. The objective clearly to be securing the
future of the CWU.
3. UNION EMPLOYEES
150 THE BROADWAY
Full time Officers:
Appointed 10
Elected 14
Clerical Secretarial & Admin Employees (Appointed)
Full & part-time 149
Ancillary Staff
Full & part-time 15
ALVESCOT LODGE
Clerical, Secretarial & Admin Employees (Appointed)
Full & part-time 2
Ancillary Staff
Full & part-time 12
4. NATIONAL WELFARE FUND
We have continued to administer the National Welfare Fund in
line with the rules of the Union. For 2006, donations received
totalled £13,659 and along with commissions received this
contributed to a total income of £139,816. £60,150 was paid out
in benefit payments.
The Welfare Fund is operated on the basis of an objective that
states, “For the purpose of providing, at the absolute discretion
of the Fund Trustees, assistance to paid up members of the Union
or their dependants, who have met with adversity including
bereavement, sickness, incapacity from injury or illness or other
personal misfortune”.
5. ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(a) CWU 12th Annual Conference
The 12th CWU Annual Conference was held at the refurbished
Bournemouth International Centre from the 20th to 26th May
2006. The union will continue to review all costs associated with
annual conference to ensure that savings achieved in
previous years are maintained in the future.
(b) Conference Guide
We produced a 20 page, colour conference guide that gave
delegates details of everything happening during the week.
Thanks to adverts and greetings placed by branches, regions
and affinity partners the guide was self-financing.
(c) Fringe meetings
16 Fringe meetings were held during the week, this is an increase
on the previous year when 14 were organised. This shows the
continued popularity of these events and that more delegates
and visitors are prepared to give up their lunch and early evenings
to discuss important issues that affect our daily lives.
(d) Exhibition Area
The Exhibition area of conference was again a great success and
was visited by many delegates and visitors to conference. New
exhibitors were attracted and the exhibition allowed the union
to showcase headquarters departments, our campaigns and
good causes.
(e) Future Conference venues
The 13th Annual Conference will be held at the Bournemouth
International Centre from 3rd to 8th June 2007. At the time of
producing this report the SDGS was drawing up a document
to determine the venue for 2008. The options for this will take
cognisance of the policy previously determined by Conference.
ORGANISING
1. RECRUITMENT IN THE POSTAL SECTOR
At the start of 2006 our Membership levels were steadily increasing.
However, despite our continued high levels of recruitment,
the job losses in the business eventually led to a downturn in
membership density as the year progressed. At the time of writing
this report however Membership levels have again picked up
and the Union’s campaigns in Romec and Quadrant as well as
the core businesses have continued as have our recruitment
drives in the traditional areas. We are also planning a recruitment
week which will take place at the Birmingham Business Post HQ
early in the New Year.
As well as this we have had some success recruiting members
in FedEx in Coventry. We produced specific material and Lynn
Browne Postal Recruitment Organiser has visited and assisted
the Branch on a number of occasions. There has been a meeting
of all the members involved at a local venue. Progress is being
made and consideration is being given to making FedEx in
Coventry a bargaining unit. If progress continues it is hoped that
it will be possible to approach the CAC in the early part of 2007
to take the first steps towards recognition.
Whilst the efforts of the Branches and all those concerned are
admirable, we still have a long way to go if we are to maintain
membership levels that will enable us to effectively represent
our members. It is envisaged that 2007 will be just as challenging
if not more so than previous years in terms of recruitment.
The National Executive Council has also agreed an awards
scheme similar to the recruiter of the year award that will take
place at Annual Conference. Publicity regarding this will be
circulated to Branches in the New Year.
2. RECRUITMENT MATERIALS
We are in discussions with the Communications Department
with the aim of producing a recruitment pack that will incorporate
a DVD giving an introduction to the CWU.
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 11

3. BRANCH AND REGIONAL STRUCTURE
It has continued to be policy to support and encourage
Branch mergers where this is of benefit to the Union and more
importantly to our members. A number of mergers have taken
place throughout the year, which has resulted in a reduction
in the number of branches from 166 to 160. The breakdown of
Branches is as follows:
Postal O&A 88
Engineering/PTS 34
Clerical 12
Merged 26
The constituency breakdown of the membership is as follows
(based on the end of year figures for 2006):
Clerical 22,955
Engineering/PTS 50,420
Postal Operator & Ancillary 145,917
Retired 19,348
Total 238,640
Regional organisation has again operated effectively throughout
all regions and the Committee are keen to continue to develop
and support the excellent activity that is being performed
within the regional structure.
4. BRANCH MODEL CONSTITUTION
The Branch Model constitution was amended to incorporate
the Women’s and Youth Officers in line with Conference policy.
The roles and responsibilities of the two Officers were also
incorporated into the constitution.
5. CONDUCT OF BALLOTS
We have continued to conduct all national and statutory ballots.
These include National Executive Council and National Officer
Elections, industrial action and consultative ballots. In addition
to these we have also provided Branches with balloting
assistance where required.
6. UNION AWARDS
We are currently revamping the certificates for all the Unions’
Honorary awards. Following the carriage of national rule 4.1.10
a national certificate was issued to all members who had
completed 25 years continuous service by 31st December 2005.
At the time of writing this paragraph arrangements are underway
to issue the certificate for those members who had completed 25
years continuous membership by 31st December 2006.
STRATEGY
1. STRUCTURE OF THE UNION
The smaller NEC agreed by the Rules Conference 2004 has now
been in operation for 18 months and is working well.
2. RULES
The Rule Amendments carried at the Rules Session of General
Conference 2006 have been carried in to the Rule Book and the
revised version has been published on the CWU web site.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
& COMMUNICATIONS
LEGAL SERVICES
The Committee wish to express their appreciation of the work of
the staff of the Department and the help of the Branches, which
is so important to the delivery of this vital service. They are also
appreciative of the role of our Employment and Medical Tribunal
panellists, key solicitors, the employment law consultant and
medical adviser in the delivery of the Union’s service for members.
1. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the work of the
Department handling:
1.1 All Personal Injury claims and
associated representations/schemes.
1.2 All Employment Law issues including Employment Tribunals.
2. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
2.1 TOTAL COMPENSATION RECEIVED
We are able to report that the Department has recovered
compensation for its members totalling £20,393,737.35 covering
all aspects of the benefits/services available.
2.2 CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY
DAMAGES/ACCIDENTS ON/OFF DUTY
This year a total of 3894 new claims were received. During the
year 4153 claims for damages were closed and compensation
of £19,001,974.21 was recovered for our members.
We have seen for the first time in recent years a significant
increase in the number of new claims registered at CWU HQ.
The figures represent an 18% increase. These figures clearly
demonstrate that the initiatives taken by the Legal Services
Department have been successful. The introduction of the CWU
Accident Helpline in March 2006, along with the national publicity
given to the Scheme, which involved an individual mail shot to
member’s home addresses. These included a personalised accident
helpline membership card and a letter detailing the new scheme.
It is clear from the responses that we have received that the
personalised publicity greatly improved our members’ awareness
of the services provided by the Legal Services Department.
Additionally, by introducing the new system, members were
able to choose a number of options on how to register a claim
with the CWU. Along with the traditional method of registering
a claim via the local branch, members can now use a dedicated
helpline by telephoning free phone number 0800 8046 674
as well as registering claims via the dedicated website:
www.cwu.accidenthelpline.com
Collectively, the three methods of claims registration have
contributed to the increase in the number of overall claims
registered at CWU Headquarters. A breakdown on the figures for
the period 1st January 2006-31st December 2006 are listed below:
Claims received via Branches: 2592
Claims received via CWU Accident Helpline/website: 1302
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l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

This year’s compensation figure is lower than previous years.
This reduction reflects the falling number of cases handled during
the last few years and it is anticipated the compensation figure
will rise, in line with the increase in new claims registered this year.
It will be our intention to continue to build on the success of
the launch of the CWU Accident Helpline with further publicity
being sent direct to members’ home addresses during 2007.
2.3 CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME
The Department received 193 new applications and settled/
closed 240 claims whilst recovering £199,811.26 in compensation.
2.4 PERSONAL ACCIDENT BENEFIT SCHEME/PERSONAL
ACCIDENT INSURANCE SCHEME
The Department processed 3857 claims whilst recovering
£1,189,309.27 in compensation.
During the year further improvements were agreed with Royal
Mail to the Royal Mail Personal Accident Benefit Scheme details
of which were published in LTB No. 198/06 dated 22nd March 2006.
2.5 BANDIT ATTACK SCHEME
We received 44 new claims and settled/closed 58 claims whilst
awarding £ 2005.76 in compensation.
2.6 ILL HEALTH RETIREMENT SCHEME
During the year we have processed 90 new applications
and have concluded 85, of which 34 were successful claims,
18 unsuccessful and 33 withdrawn.
2.7 DRIVER’S PROTECTION SCHEME
We have handled 60 new cases this year on behalf
of the Membership.
2.8 CWU ROAD ASSIST SCHEME (ENGLAND AND WALES)
During the year our Service providers dealt with a total of 35
cases. Members in England and Wales who wish to make use of
this service should continue to do so by dialing the free phone
number: 0800 542 9927, quoting CWU Road Assist.
2.9 CWU LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE
This service has proved to be highly successful with many of our
members availing themselves of the service, seeking advice on a
wide range of non-work related issues. This year the CWU Legal
Advice Service has handled a total of 4569 enquiries. The operating
hours are 0700 hrs to 2300 hrs Monday to Friday. Members
wishing to make use of this service, should phone the National
Helpline Number: 0800 804 6674, or alternatively enquiries can
be made via e-mail: cwulegalhelpline@simpsonmillar.co.uk
The range of issues on which legal advice was given includes;
consumer, criminal, debt management, family and neighbourhood
disputes.
3. MOTIONS TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006
Motion 85 was discussed and accepted by Conference, endorsing
the NEC policy on the rationalisation of the Solicitors Panel.
The implementation of the policy has been achieved. Meetings
have taken place with Branches and representatives from
the various firms of solicitors on the panel and new working
relationships are developing. It is anticipated that progress will
continue to be made in this regard, which can only lead to further
improvements in the standards of service we provide to our
members. The co-operation of the Branches involved is much
appreciated by the Legal Services Department.
4. NEW BENEFITS
Working in partnership with the Solicitors Panel we have been
able to negotiate two new benefits which will be available to
the Membership in early 2007. This has been achieved as a direct
result of the implementation of the national policy and the
rationalisation of the panel.
4.1 WILL SERVICE
The CWU is now able to offer members a free will service. Will
packs will be available from CWU Headquarters, on request and
once the information questionnaire has been completed by
the member, this will be forwarded to our Panel Solicitors for
professional legal drafting and returned to the member, as
appropriate. Will applications that deal with more complex
issues e.g. inheritance tax planning and the formation of trust
funds will be subject to further consultation with the Solicitors,
with a discounted charge being made.
4.2 CONVEYANCING
Members will also be able to use the services of our Panel
Solicitors for conveyancing matters and will be able to benefit
from a 20% discount on our Panel Solicitors standard rates.
Members wishing to use this service can do so by making an
enquiry via CWU Headquarters.
5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING
We continue with our programme of legal workshops as part
of our National Awareness and Training programme. This year
we have seen the government introduce the Compensation Act
2006. This is the legislation laid down by Government in order to
regulate various organisations that provide legal services.
All trade unions will now need to conform to a Code of Practice,
which includes appropriate training for Workplace Representatives,
who are responsible for advising their members on services
provided by the union’s Legal Services Department. Details
were published via the Regional Secretaries Report and further
information regarding future training programmes will be
issued accordingly.
6. TUC UNION LEGAL OFFICERS NETWORK
We continue to be involved in the TUC’s Legal Officers Network
Committee, which allows us to exchange ideas and information
with other affiliated trade unions. More increasingly, the
Committee is asked to provide opinions on potential changes
to legislation and the introduction of new legislation developed
by the Department of Constitutional Affairs, which is the
Government Department responsible for drafting legislation
which affects the legal profession.
The TUC collectively makes submissions to the DCA on behalf
of the trade union movement affecting both personal injury and
employment law issues.
7. EMPLOYMENT LAW
7.1 GENERAL
The Employment Law Department experienced a number of
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 13

changes during the year, with the retirement in May of its
principle Officer, Jim Moher and loss of Tam McGee, Policy
Advisor, who very sadly died in November. They both had an
enormous amount of experience and were a great asset to
the CWU. Jim and Tam will be sorely missed by the union. The
Officer post was covered by Andrea Snowden, Chair of the
Membership Services and Communications Committee.
The Policy Advisor post was covered by Sylvia Boyce.
We have had another busy year responding to members
and branches on cases on which they wanted to be advised
or represented at Employment Tribunals. Most of our cases
continue to concern unfair dismissal. The law has become more
complex as more legislation and case law came into effect. The
Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 (SI 1031/2006) and
the Employment Equality (Age) Regualtions (Northern Ireland)
2006 (SR2006/261) came into force on 1st October 2006. The
Union produced a booklet with the assistance of the Labour
Research Department and this was distributed to Branches.
The long-awaited Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of
Employment) regulations 2006 SI 2006/246 finally came into
force on 6th April 2006.
We keep track of all legal changes through specialist journals
and through our main lawyers, Simpson Millar, who publish
regular updating bulletins. We discussed these changes with
our ET reps at our seminars to which we invite our lawyers and
outside speakers as required.
We continue to report directly to the Membership, Services
and Communications standing committee of the NEC.
7.2 EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL CASES IN 2006
In 2006 we received five hundred and seventy requests for
assistance in specific cases. This represented a 37.4% increase
on the requests received from the previous year. We now have
members in many more companies than we had in the past, and
it is clear that employers, recognised or un-recognised, are taking
a much tougher stance with their employees on attendance,
performance and conduct matters. Members themselves are
also more aware of their legal rights and this too has contributed
to an increase in requests for representation. The changes to the
Disability and Discrimination Act in 2004 had already proved
to us that new or amended legislation would bring additional
cases for consideration. In 2007 we anticipate a further increase
to the department’s workload with potential claims under the
Age Discrimination regulations. It is impossible to quantify
how many claims will be made but we envisage an increase,
particularly in the first year of this legislations introduction. We
re-issued the guidance on Employment Tribunals – “Members
Rights of Access and Processing an ET Claim” in LTB 315. We will
continue to update Branches on any changes that affect the
process and we remain available to offer guidance and support
if required.
A total of £689,930 was won for members via settlements and
Tribunal awards during 2006. In addition, we have continued to
assist branches and the Industrial Executives on a wide range of
matters throughout the year.
Following detailed consideration of all the requests for
representation, including face-to-face interviews with many
members either by Panellists or lawyers, decisions were made
to support a significant number of those cases. Our record of
taking cases to tribunal compares favourably with most other
unions. Those cases we do take, we usually get some result on,
whether by way of compensation or (occasionally) reinstatement/
re-engagement. As our ET Panellist representatives have grown
in confidence and experience, we are getting some really high
levels of compensation. In one particular case which was won
with representation from one of our ET Panellists, we achieved
maximum compensation of just over £58,000. We cannot, of
course, publicise individual case settlements as they usually
involve confidentiality clauses. However, those that go all the
way to a tribunal hearing are publicly recorded.
Where we were unable to assist, because we concluded, on
advice, that there was no reasonable prospect of success, (the
union’s normal criterion for support), a detailed explanation was
given in each case. Where any member or branch was not satisfied
with that explanation and provided more evidence, many cases
were reconsidered. Deciding how tribunals will judge any
particular case on the day is not a precise science, as tribunals
are becoming more legalistic and less worker-friendly.
7.3 CWU EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL
REPRESENTATIVES PANEL
The ET Panel’s popularity within the Union and its success rate
has meant that there has been an increased demand from
Branches for member’s cases to be referred to a panellist
for more in-depth, individual attention. Whilst we cannot
accommodate all such requests, we do continue to utilise the
panel where a case has merit and where it would be wise for us
to discuss with a member, face to face, their claims. Whilst most
unions have been persuaded to use lawyers exclusively in place
of full-time officials, we have found that a blend of the two is the
best, both cost-wise and in terms of settlements. We currently
have 25 members of the panel. In 2006 we held two ET panel
Training Seminars at the Elstead Hotel in Bournemouth and we
will continue to provide this important training for
panel members.
The current Panellists are:
Birmingham: Paul Kennedy, Michael Lynch, Ali Moosa, Jim Reeves.
Cardiff: Katrina Quirke. Hull: David Fields. Kent: Tim Lane.
Leamington Spa: Dennis McWilliams. Leeds: Keith Hardacre.
Liverpool: Brian Kenny. London: Phil Berry, John Denton, Peter
Donaghy, Mike Hogan, Fred Jepson, Linda Kietz, Cyril Onyejekwe,
Spike Wood. Newport (South Wales): Reginald Kelly.
Northern Ireland: David Bell, Alfie McGill. Oldham & Rochdale:
Des Carney. Pontypridd (Mid Glamorgan) Nicola Redhead.
Scotland: John Brown. HQ: Sylvia Boyce.
7.4 LAWYERS
The union does not regard the ET Panel as a substitute for
engaging professional lawyers, where the complexity and
weight of cases require it. The sheer number of cases this year
has increased usage of our Solicitors. Our main national solicitors,
Simpson Millar, have worked closely with us on a number
of cases, have supported the ET Panel team and have given
sessions on legal matters on training courses and seminars.
Through them, we also have had access to very able barristers
to represent members in the more complex legal cases. We also
receive regular advice on specific issues raised with us at all
levels of the organisation and by both the Telecoms & Financal
Services and Postal Executives.
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l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

7.5 EDUCATION
For part of the year, the Department continued to support the
union’s education courses on a range of Employment Law issues.
In addition, the Officer attended branch and regional events to
discuss various aspects of the Employment Tribunal system.
7.6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As the Acting Assistant Secretary, I would like to place on record my
personal thanks and gratitude to all the staff of the Employment
Law Department, Sylvia Boyce, Anne de la Haye and Carolyn
Lockwood. Their hard work and dedication has been greatly
appreciated during my time in the office. The Department would
also like to thank all of the ET Panel Team for their help in assessing
cases on our behalf and for their excellent representation of
many CWU members. Last but not least, we would also want to
thank all those Branch Officers who have liaised with members
and who have given us their support and assistance during the year.
OTHER MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Throughout 2006 the union continued to offer a number of
membership services with our existing affinity partners, these
are as follows:
Insurance products
Financial (loans & credit cards)
Eye-care
Motor breakdown
Car leasing
Union Energy
Holiday, Hotel and Home Improvement offers
Full details of all of these are contained on the Membership
Benefits page of the CWU web site.
However during 2006 the MSC took the decision to re-examine
this area. As a result the SDGS has been working with an
Independent Financial Advisor to explore new area of services
that the CWU can offer to its members.
These products are in the final process of development and
will be launched gradually during 2007.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS
A number of changes were made to Communications last
year including re-organising the department, introducing
Communications policies to ensure best practice across the
union and measuring all of our output. The next year will see us
increase our efforts in measuring readership and membership
feedback of all of our publications. This will be carried out through
a number of different mediums, including readership surveys,
on line surveys and direct polling.
In addition, we will be introducing new initiatives to increase
membership feedback and participation and try to “get to know
our members better”. The former of these objectives will include
trialling a new text based membership information and feedback
system. This will allow us to text instant updates on pay or
campaign activities and request feedback instantly from those
members signed up. This will probably be trialled around the
Royal Mail pay negotiations in the early part of the year.
This initiative will also include an online in-depth survey on the
CWU website that will endeavour to determine more information
about CWU members’ lifestyles and communication preferences.
We will continue to build a member contact database for use
in campaigns/disputes. This work has been ongoing and we
have developed many email and phone numbers for members
from the 2006 Royal Mail dispute and this must be rolled out
across the union. We are working with the Organising department
on this task. It is also hoped the new membership database being
developed and managed by the SDGS will assist in the long
term maintenance of better contact details.
We have also invested in an online email survey system. This
can be used at any time to email groups of members on any
subject. The opportunities for this are endless. We will use the
system to measure output but we are also making this available
to all departments who can use the system to consult members’
opinions, poll or build better two-way communication channels
with members during key negotiations.
2. CWU PUBLICATIONS
VOICE magazine was reduced to six copies
with two editions of each issue, industrially
split. Our intention is to maintain the same
regularity and structure for 2007. This change
has proved successful, judged both by
anecdotal evidence and by the hard polling
we have carried out as measurement. Readership
levels are currently very high proving
that VOICE is a powerful communications tool
but we have a problem with longevity. Our
measurement tells us that whilst most members
open and look at VOICE and read selected
articles, it is thrown out very quickly. There is no
surprise to this but our measurement leads us
to believe that members would be more likely to
read and discuss more of VOICE if it was in the
workplace. Accordingly, we have decided to
extend the print run and send copies to larger
workplaces. We will then measure further
response to this to identify any changes in
readership activity. A full report on VOICE
readership was published to Branches. We have
acted on the key findings of that report, including
trying to increase space given to
letters pages and to cover as many
different workplaces/businesses as
possible. Another clear positive that
emanated from that measurement
exercise was that the journalistic style
is key to ensuring wide readership.
It remains our strategy to work
closely with HQ departments
to ensure the accuracy and
effectiveness of VOICE articles
but we are increasingly trying
to cover workplaces and actual
members’ opinions as part of
reaching a wider audience.
We are working much closer
with advisory committees on
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 15

their publications. This has included liaising closely with an
appointed lead person from each committee and we are continuing
to develop improved magazines. It is our intention to try to
allocate an increasing amount of resource to these publications
and we are looking at the possibility of securing additional funding
through possible targeted advertising for these publications.
3. INDUSTRIAL COMMUNICATIONS
We continue to support communications for industrial
departments at all times. As part of our continuous improvement
approach, we have worked with the DGS(P) and the Postal
Executive on a wide ranging review of CWU industrial
communications in Royal Mail. This has taken some time and
consisted of polling, focus groups with reps and with non-active
members. The purpose of the exercise was to assess how the
CWU and Royal Mail are perceived by CWU members, measure
our industrial communications and understand how our message
is received. The key target of this exercise is to ensure that we
maximise the effectiveness of our message and what of our
policies best resonate with the membership. The exercise has
been undertaken on our behalf by and external company, The
Campaign Company. At no time in the focus groups or during
polling or during analysis has any CWU personnel been present
and so the final results are very much a ‘warts and all’ objective
review. A final report is being drawn up and this will be
published to Branches soon.
The exercise has been invaluable in taking a cold look at how
we engage with our members and it is important that we learn
it’s key lessons and pay attention to the key findings.
That report is only one step in improving communications in
Royal Mail. It is hoped that the study can be rolled out to other
parts of the Postal Constituency. A similar exercise would be
equally invaluable in the T&FS constituency and it is hoped that
discussions with the T&FS Executive will give the green light to a
similar widespread review.
There has been consideration of a formal activist magazine
and these continue. However, at the time of writing, information
and support for activists, particularly workplace representatives,
has been regularly supplied by
electronically communicated updates
in the T&FS constituency. In the Postal
constituency electronic communications
has been supplemented by workplace
posted material.
4. MEDIA
We have continued to increase our profile
in the national media substantially
Obviously, with the high profile of the
anti-privatisation campaign in Royal
Mail and the Post Office network future,
we have had a lot of media opportunities.
Our profile has been put to good use
though, and we have maintained a clear
and focussed message throughout.
In telecommunications, our national strategy is to develop a
profile as the lead Union for comment on all industry related
issues. We have taken every opportunity to increase our profile
to this end. According to our feedback, the CWU in the News
column is well read and we are looking at ways of publicising
our media coverage more widely. This has legal difficulties but
we have installed an online media monitoring package for every
Regional Secretary and this should be used to keep Branches
updated on our media activity. All press releases are published
on the CWU website. We still need to improve our regional and
local media activity and training courses have taken place for
activists and these will continue. Through the use of the CWU
website and the Regional news monitoring package we continue
to build Branches activities in local media. This should be seen
as a priority.
5. CAMPAIGNS
We have led a number of effective campaigns
that continue into this year. After a lengthy
and intense political and industrial
campaign to oppose the privatisation
the announcement that there would be
no change to the public ownership is
an outright victory for the union. This
was achieved in a campaign that many
predicted was impossible to win. The key
challenges now are for us to continue an
effective internal campaign to deal with
the associated incentivisation issues and to
continue our campaign on the CWU vision.
The Royal Mail pay round will be a key time
for our communications strategy and we
are putting in place communications
leads round the country aimed at
maximising a resonant focussed message
to our members to strengthen and support our industrial aims.
We have managed a high profile campaign for agency workers
rights, internally titled Eurotrashed. This has included a lobby
of the European parliament and now has switched focus to
supporting a private members bill entitled ‘Temporary & Agency
Workers (prevention of less favourable treatment) Bill’. This element
of the campaign is part of a coalition between ourselves and
T&G, Amicus, GMB and Unison. We are also concentrating on a
submission to the Green Paper on labour law.
Our other key campaign has been the long running attempts
to protect the Post office network. This year we have led a
campaign entitled ‘Serving Quality’. As part of this new direction
we produced a briefing document for MPs and opinion formers
and have continued a high profile political campaign, a lot of
which has centred on the DTI select committee and the govt
consultation period to March 07, announced by the Secretary
of State for DTI in December 06. Another new strand of this
campaign has been forming a coalition
of common interest parties that is now
working under the banner ‘Future For
Our Post Office’. This coalition includes
CWU, NPC, Countryside alliance,
National Federation of Sub-postmasters,
Women’s Institute, Citizens Advice and
the all party parliamentary group on
16
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

post offices. This strand has concentrated on high level issues
and statements for the government consultation on the
network future. Each body is free to campaign separately
on un-agreed issues or on matters pertinent to themselves.
6. CWU WEBSITE
A full re-design of the CWU website has been agreed and is in
progress. This re-design will have a much improved corporate
feel and image. It will also provide for much more in-depth and
easily accessible news for each of our related employers. It is also
intended that there will be a much improved on-line recruitment
tool and should provide for better multi-media communications.
Members should find the site much more user friendly and be
able to access their own business area easily. An additional
feature of the re-designed site will be far better and far more
flexible branch micro sites. There is no doubt that having
branches using the same corporate image sites rather than the
current varied sites is a huge bonus for improving the union’s
communications. When the site is finalised we will engage
branches with a view to switching to the micro-sites. These will
still provide full independence and freedom for Branches
within a framework that maintains the Unions corporate and
professional image.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
1. EQUALITY OFFICER POSTER
In the January meeting the EOC endorsed the creation of a
poster to be used by Branches to advertise who their Equality
Officer was. A competition was set up and branches were invited
to submit their designs. LTB No. 43/06, dated 26th January 2006,
was subsequently sent out to the Branches. The January meeting
also saw the EOC adopt the following priority: that all of the minority
equality strands are encouraged to participate in public life.
2. RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS 2006
LTB No. 217/06, dated 31st March 2006, was issued and this
provided confirmation of the main religious festivals and
holidays covering Islam, Jewish, Sikh and the Hindu faiths.
3. TUC
In April the CWU attended the TUC Black Workers Conference
2006, which this year was held in Eastbourne at the Floral Halls,
Winter Gardens. The CWU submitted the following motion:
“The Importance of Equality – Conference records the important
role that equality issues play in building up trade union
organisation and membership.
We believe the General Council must listen to the voices of
the equality conferences as the collective opinion of workers
affected by discrimination and prejudice. Therefore we ask for
the General Council to consider:
1. The right of the equality conferences to submit two motions
to conference.
2. The right of direct representation from the equality
conferences to the General Council.”
We are pleased to confirm that the motion was overwhelmingly
carried though there was opposition from Amicus.
We are also pleased to confirm that the CWU were able to
stand 2 candidates for the TUC Race Committee election – the
candidates were Ian Taylor and Susie Mwasambili. It gives us
great pleasure to confirm that both our candidates have been
successfully elected on to the TUC Race Committee for the
2006/2007 term.
4. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006
In April as part of the committee’s commitment to deal with the
issue of proportionality within the CWU LTB No. 268/06, dated
26th April 2006, was issued, which gave guidance to Branches
on this issue and highlighted the importance of branch
delegations reflecting the membership in terms of gender etc.
The department had what was widely regarded as a very
successful Annual Conference. Every single motion selected
from the Equality Conferences was carried overwhelmingly –
there were 8 in all (2 from each Equality Conference). In addition
to this the two fringe meetings were extremely well received.
The RAC fringe meeting actually attracted a record attendance
for a fringe meeting as there was in the region of 200 people
who had come to attend this event.
To top a very good week the department also won the best
CWU stall and many thanks go to Duncan Strivens and Al Crisp
for all their hard work.
5. HCD1 FORMS AND THE NATIONAL BULLYING
& HARASSMENT HELPLINE
In late May another circular was issued to Branches asking them
to make more use of the HCD1 forms and to advertise the
helpline through branch circulars, as there was a noticeable
drop in reports coming through. LTB No. 343/06, (17th May
2006), was issued.
6. EOC/CWU JOINT FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
The latest Harassment Poster was sent out to Branches in mid-
July in LTB No. 463/06, (14th July 2006), in further compliance
with the EOC/CWU joint framework agreement. A reminder
was sent in the same LTB for branches to send out the ‘Dignity
and Respect’ booklets to their members and to re-stock if they
needed to.
In September the department took a delegation for a review
meeting with the EOC in relation to the framework agreement.
The meeting was very positive and the EOC confirmed it was
very satisfied with the progress that the CWU has been making
in terms of challenging behaviours in the workplace that
amounted to bullying and harassment.
7. EQUALITY OFFICER’S SEMINAR
In the early weeks of June the details for the Equality Seminar
were reconfirmed and this saw the event being moved back by
a month or so to allow for all logistical matters to be sorted out
(guest speaker etc). LTB No. 392/06, (13th June 2006), was issued
to confirm the details encouraging all equality officers to attend.
The 25th July 2006 the Seminar was held at HQ and it was
generally regarded a massive success and a significant majority
of CWU Branches were represented at the seminar.
The Officer went through the role of a Branch Equality Officer and
there were also excellent supporting acts including Lucy Anderson,
Chief Policy Advisor from the TUC, who gave an excellent insight
into the impending new age regulations that are about to be
introduced.
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 17

8. AGE DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION
The department completed the introduction to the new age
regulations presentation and it was delivered to the T&FSE on
the 6th September 2006 and there are plans for the presentation
to be fanned out to all branches via the Regional Secretaries.
The presentation was generally very well received.
As part of the department’s responsibility to disseminate the
key points on the new age discrimination legislation we received
our production of the LRD booklets, which has been customised
for the CWU. This was sent out to every single branch under the
guidance of LTB No.804/06, (23rd November 2006).
A DVD has also been commissioned and it is hoped that this
will be completed by the end of March 2007. At the time of
preparing this report it is with the producers in the editing suite.
There are various other booklets that have been produced on
age discrimination including a pamphlet that Simon Sapper’s
office did entitled ‘Age Discrimination’ – rough guide for young
workers, which the department contributed to.
9. REGIONAL EQUALITY COMMITTEES
In August and September the department visited various regions
to help to re-establish the regional equality committees. These
visits are ongoing and if any region would like a representative
from the equality department to attend a future meeting please
contact us accordingly.
10. EQUALITY AUDIT
The department sent a 6-week BOB out to the branches in early
November outlining the equality audit that it was carrying out
to contact those branches who had not sent a delegate to any
of the equality conferences for 3 years. A letter had already
been sent to Branch Secretaries by Michèle Emerson and early
indications were that this was having a really positive impact as
the turnout at the LGBT and Disability Conferences was up by
around 30% compared to last years attendance figures. At the
time of writing this the other equality conferences had not yet
taken place.
11. DISABILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A Report on the work and activities of the Disability & Special
Needs Advisory Committee was issued widely to both branches
and delegates as part of the agenda for the Disability & Special
Needs Conference 2006.
The Conference itself was held on 11th November 2006
in Swansea. The motions carried will be considered by the
Committee and the two motions selected by Conference
will be submitted to General Conference 2007.
12. LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL
AND TRANSGENDER COMMITTEE
A Report on the work and activities of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Committee was issued widely to both
branches and delegates as part of the
agenda for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender Conference 2006.
The Conference itself was held on
28th October 2006 in Manchester. The motions carried will
be considered by the Committee and the two motions selected
by Conference will be submitted to General Conference 2007.
13. WOMEN’S ADVISOR COMMITTEE
A report on the work and activities of
the Women’s Advisory Committee was
issued widely to both branches and
delegates as part of the agenda for the
Women’s Conference 2007.
The Conference itself was held on 20th
January 2007 in Bristol. The motions carried
will be considered by the Committee and
motions 6 and 9 were chosen by the women’s conference to be
forwarded to the General Conference 2007.
14. RACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A report on the work and activities of the Race Advisory
Committee was issued widely to both branches and delegates
as part of the agenda for the Black Workers’ Conference 2007.
At time of writing, the Conference itself is due to be held
on 3rd February 2007 in Bristol. The motions carried will be
considered by the Committee and the two motions selected by
Conference will be submitted to General Conference 2007.
15. THE YEAR AHEAD
In terms of the outlook for next year the EOC will be working
closely to support all four advisory committees. We will be
monitoring the implementation of the new Age discrimination
legislation and working with the DTI to continue our capacity
building project on this subject.
We will also be keeping a close eye on the evolving CEHR
(Commission for Equality and Human Rights) to ensure that all
of the discrimination strands are effectively protected by the
newly organised unit.
Generally speaking the world of equality legislation is
changing all the time and we will be spearheading ensuring
that branches are aware of the latest changes and how these
changes will be working for CWU members.
The EOC framework agreement will run into its 4th year and
the EOC are generally very happy with the progress being made.
HEALTH, SAFETY
& ENVIRONMENT
1. INTRODUCTION
To show the wide range of work undertaken on Health, Safety
& Environment issues, the department published LTB No.51/07
(19th January 2007) entitled ‘Health, Safety & Environment
18
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

Department LTBs & BOB Paragraphs Digest For 2006’ which includes
a list of all LTB’s and BOB paragraphs issued by the Health, Safety
& Environment Department during 2006 and the department
will henceforth endeavour to issue this annually as a reference
document. LTB 01/06 (3th January 2006) circulated to Branches,
for the particular attention of Safety Representatives was a
digest list of LTB’s and BOB Paragraphs issued by the Department
since the current National HS&E Officer took over from June 2003
to December 2005. Copies of all back-number LTBs and BOBs
are available for downloading via the CWU Web Site or from the
Health, Safety & Environment Department.
2. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006
The Health, Safety & Environment Department held two
successful lunch time Fringe Meetings at Conference during
the week. Both of which were well attended. Earlier in the week
the guest speaker was Mark Dawson Principle HSE Inspector
with responsibility for the Postal and Telecom Sectors. Later in
the week Director of the Men’s Health Forum Peter Baker spoke
on the work of the Forum and men’s health issues. Following
annual conference a report on both fringe meetings was issued
to Branches in BOB No 023/06 paragraph No.354 (30th June
2006). In addition the Health Safety & Environment Department
ran two stands at Conference in 2006 providing a wide range of
information and resources to conference delegates. The Health
and Safety Commission ran a stall at the conference exhibition
centre all week providing guidance, literature and advice: and
the Men’s Health Forum ran a stall promoting their work and
men’s health issues as well as promoting men’s health week in
June 2006. In addition all motions carried in Section 9 Health,
Safety & Environment section have been actioned in line with
Conference Policy.
3. INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVE/ HSE SUB-COMMITTEES
The Health, Safety & Environment Committee is concerned to
ensure that the CWU continues to raise the profile of health,
safety and environment issues, strengthening the Union’s health
and safety organisation and in pursuing consistent policies on
health and safety matters. The T&FS Health, Safety & Environment
Sub Committee has continued to work effectively on progressing
Industrial health, safety & environment issues since the formation
of the union. A Postal Health, Safety & Environment Sub-committee
has now been established following 2005 Annual Conference.
4. HEALTH AND SAFETY CAMPAIGNS
In line with Conference Policy a number of campaigns are being
pursued by the NEC and the Health, Safety & Environment
Department these include:
Safety Law Reforms and Enforcement
Working Environment
Acoustic Shock
Violence at Work
Stress at Work
Corporate Killing
Directors Legal H&S Duties
Smoking
HSE Funding
Maximum Working Temperature
Improved Safety Reps Rights
Nanotechnology
Occupational Health/Health Awareness
Rehabilitation
Asbestos
Men’s Health issues
Women’s Health issues
Environmental Issues and Polices
5. STRESS AT WORK
The CWU continues to highlight the importance of stress at work
following on from the 2001 CWU Survey & Stress At Work Report
publication. The survey involved 20,000 CWU members and
provided one of the most comprehensive reports produced on
this issue of work related stress. HSE commissioned research
has confirmed the scale of the problem in the UK. HSE commissioned
research has indicated that: About half a million people
in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe
is making them ill, Up to 5 million people in the UK feel “very”
or “extremely” stressed by their work and a total of 12.8 million
working days were lost to stress, depression and anxiety in
2005/6.
The Union has put considerable efforts into pursing this issue
of Stress and has supported the view that the HSE should now
take a stronger line on enforcing the HSE Stress Management
Standards which were launched by the Health & Safety Minister
in November 2004. Negotiations with Royal Mail Group and
BT produced new stress management policies. There is still
work to be done by the Union in the area of ensuring effective
implementation of the provisions and standards within the
policies and our endeavours in that respect will continue.
LTB 723/06 (1st November 2006) refers.
6. CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY
AND SAFETY LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Department has continued its high profile involvement
and campaign with other Trade Unions, the TUC, and the CCA in
seeking the introduction of a new Corporate Manslaughter law,
the introduction of positive health and safety responsibilities
on Directors and senior managers and greater safety law
enforcement, prosecutions of offenders and punishment that
fits the crime. The Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Bill is
currently making its way through parliament and the campaign
continues through lobbying Ministers, MPs and Lords to get the
bill amended in order that it will extend the range of penalties
on conviction and to include Directors duties and individual
liability for those individuals who’s negligence contributed to
the death, CWU supported MP’s have been briefed. The TUC
and CCA have also written to all MPs and Lords. LTB 001/07 (2nd
January 2006) refers.
7. SAFETY REPS RIGHTS
Our efforts as a Union continue to go beyond the boundaries
of the workplace and we have been at the forefront of campaigning
for changes to Safety Representatives Laws and for
the introduction of a revised Safety Representatives and Safety
Committees Regulations which would give greater powers and
protection to Safety Representatives including ultimately the
power to issue Provisional Improvement Notices ‘PINS’. This
change along with better protection from victimisation of Safety
Representatives at work, top the list of a range of amendments
to the regulations which the Union feels strongly are required
and we continue to campaign for via every possible avenue.
In 2006 the HSE issued a consultative document CD207. In
campaigning for improved powers and protections for Safety
Representatives the Officer has made one verbal and three
written submissions during the consultation exercise. LTB 816/06
(27th November 2006) refers.
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 19

8. TUC UNION HEALTH AND SAFETY SPECIALIST
COMMITTEE (UHSS)
The Officer continues to sit on the TUC UHSS Committee on
which CWU plays an active roll. This is a TUC wide body attended
by all UK Trade Union National Health & Safety Officers and
headed up by the TUC’s Head of Health & Safety. The Body
discusses and co-ordinates Trade Union activities and interests
in health and safety issues and is directly involved with the Trade
Union wide basis in liaison with Ministers and Government
Departments. The Health and Safety Commission, Health and
Safety Executive, HELA and other Health and Safety Organisations.
9. EUROPEAN HEALTH & SAFETY WEEK
AND NATIONAL INSPECTION DAY
The European Health & Safety Week 2006
focused on Young Workers promoting
a preventative health and safety culture
among young people, young workers and
their employees. The HSE campaign theme
was ‘Safe Start’ This annual initiative has
become the largest workplace health and
safety event in Europe. The CWU promoted
and publicised the week and the Health,
Safety & Environment Dept once again gave its full support to
the week, producing and distributing our own poster along with
thousands of HSE and European Health and Safety week packs,
contact was made and discussions took place with all the main
employers to gain their support and joint participation of events
during the week. BOB No 041/06 paragraph 609 (3rd November
2006) as well as Voice publicity was given to the event with the
aim of building and continuing support next year. LTB 692/06
(18th October 2006) refers.
In addition, the HS&E Department gave full support to the
TUC National Workplace Inspection Day, which fell on Wednesday
of the week forming part of the week’s activities and Safety
Representatives were urged to carry out Workplace Inspections.
Both Telecoms and Royal Mail were informed of the activity and
their support requested. LTB 687/06 (18th October 2006) refers.
10. WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY (REMEMBER THE DEAD
– FIGHT FOR THE LIVING)
International Workers Memorial Day takes place each year on
28th April and has traditionally received CWU support and
involvement. WMD is an international day of remembrance and
action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by
their work. In a world where death, injury and illness at work are
hidden away and taken for granted, it is an opportunity to highlight
the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and
ill health and to promote campaigns and union organisation in
the fight for improvements in workplace safety. Trade Unionists
across the globe demonstrate their commitment to mourn the
dead and fight for the living and over recent years the CWU has
become actively and progressively more involved in helping
make the day a success. It is important for the CWU as a major
UK Trade Union to participate and support Workers Memorial
Day and to press for the continued support of Ministers and
MPs, as well as the Health and Safety Commission and globally
from the International Labour Organisation. Involvement shows
that workers’ health and safety is a concern for society as a
whole and not just Trade Unions.
This year’s Workers’ Memorial Day theme is ‘ Health & Safety
needs not just regulations, but also enforcement & Inspection’
LTB 047/07 (17th January 2007) sets out a strategy for participation
in WMD with a list of suggested activities for Safety Reps,
Regional Safety Forums, Branches and Members.
11. HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE
(HSE – ENGINEERING & UTILITIES GROUP)
The Health, Safety & Environment Department has continued to
work very closely with the new Head of the HSE’s Engineering
and Utilities Group, Mark Dawson, who is now responsible for
both main employers, Royal Mail Group and British Telecom
and other telecom companies. A number of meetings have
taken place with the HSE during the year and the close working
relationship that has been established with the HSE at this level
has proved to be very effective and useful in not only dealing
with generic company-wide issues, policies and procedures, but
also in dealing with local site specific health and safety issues
and in reaching agreement in certain circumstances to provide
HSE support for local authorities where enforcement is provided
via Environmental Health Officers. LTB 786/06 (20th November
2006) refers.
12. CWU REGIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY FORUMS
The ten Regional Health & Safety Forums are now firmly
established as part of the unions health and safety structure
and are attended by Safety Representatives from all Businesses,
Organisations and Companies which the CWU has established.
The Regional Health and Safety Forum Constitution calls for a
headquarters presence at these meetings and the Health Safety &
Environment Department has continued to support the Regional
Forums both financially and physically in line by ensuring that
either a National Officer, members of the Health, Safety & Environment
Sub-committee or representatives from the Health, Safety &
Environment Department are in attendance at Forum meetings.
An 85% attendance rate was achieved in 2005-2006.
A communication was sent to all Regional Health and Safety Forum
Secretaries confirming the continuation of this commitment along
with a firm commitment to provide headquarters support and
attendance at Forum meetings. Regional Safety Forums also
have the ability to invite guest speakers to attend meetings and
the Regional Forums themselves play an important and influential
part in the Health & Safety Policy making process within the
Union and having the ability to submit motions to Conference.
13. SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES TRAINING
13.1 GENERAL
Fundamental to the success of our Organisation and support for
our Safety Representatives is the provision of a comprehensive
Safety Representatives Training Programme. Through the close
working relationship that the Health, Safety & Environment
Department has developed with the Education and Training
Department, the training of Safety Representatives has undergone
progressive development and improvement. The CWU
currently provide training to the TUC Safety Reps course
programme with stage 1, 2, and 3 one week courses available
plus the Occupational Safety and Health Certificate course
provided over four one week blocks over an eight month period
and additionally a Stress at Work one week course is available.
20
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

13.2 DEGREE LEVEL COURSE
Following discussions with the Education and Training Department,
CWU Safety Reps can now apply to study to degree level with
the Union. The Union will support a number of students in a
programme of part-time, flexible distance learning which may
lead to a certificate in higher education, a diploma or a full degree,
which will be provided by London Metropolitan University. The
course has been designed specifically for trade unionists and full
support will be provided for students. The course will lead to a
BA. Safety Reps applying for this programme should normally
have completed the CWU Health and Safety Stages 1, 2 and 3.
It will be an advantage if they have also completed the TUC/CWU
Occupational Health and Safety Further Education certificate.
Depending on student preferences the course may last from 1-5
years. Students to attend a number of short residential block courses
each year supplemented by distance learning with tutor support.
13.3 REFRESHER/UPDATE TRAINING
To assist our Safety representatives to maintain, develop and
broaden their knowledge skills and experience to keep pace
with the health and safety demands that are made upon them
a short 2-day Refresher/Update course was developed with the
Education and Training Department with a Pilot course run at
South Thames College London.
14. ACOUSTIC SHOCK – ACOUSTIC SAFETY
CAMPAIGN CONFERENCE
Acoustic Shock or noise interference is caused by exposure to
sharp loud noises in close proximity to the ear usually through
headphones or headsets, experienced by a number of call centre
workers. Acoustic shock is a devastating injury ruining many
call centre workers lives and careers and it costs the call centre
industry £millions. The CWU Legal Services Department and
Union Solicitors has been pursuing Personal Injury Damages
claims for members since the late 80’s, early 90’s and the Health,
Safety & Environment Department has been campaigning on
the issue since Motions were carried at CWU Conference in 2000
and 2001.
A second ASP Annual Acoustic Safety Conference took place
in Glasgow on 27& 28 November 2006, covering Noise in the
Workplace Legislation, ASP NPL research into the cause and effect
of noise interference, ASP NPL equipment testing. The Conference
Programme took place over two days with expert speakers
plus seminars and exhibitions giving practical advice on the
problems affecting hearing in call centres. In addition the ASP
has now launched the new ‘We Care About Hearing’ campaign,
the purpose of the campaign is to raise money for much needed
research into the causes and affects of noise interference and
acoustic shock on telephone and headset users. LTB 763/06, LTB
764/06 and also 765/06 (10th November 2006) all refer.
15. HSC/E STATISTICS 2005/2006
The 2006 HSE statistics show a decline in numbers injured at
work which mask a number of worrying trends and the CWU
has added its voice to that of the TUC and other major Unions
expressing alarm over a further fall in the number of employers
being prosecuted for breaking the health and safety laws. The
latest statistics from the HSE show that enforcement notices and
prosecutions have fallen for the last three years and Workplace
safety inspections have plummeted to a new low, increasing
the chances of workers being injured by their jobs or killed.
Enforcement figures suggest the reported fall in accidents
could have been much greater if HSE was more effective. The
HSE figures confirm that UK employers are now less likely to be
inspected, less likely to be prosecuted, less likely to be convicted
of safety crimes, and less likely to receive a notice from an HSE
inspector demanding safety improvements.
The HSE admitted during last May’s RIDDOR (Reporting
of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
consultation that there is a significant level of under-reporting
and current figures suggest that employers only report around
40% of workplace injuries and for the self-employed it is less
than 5%.
The evidence shows that enforcement is the most effective way
of ensuring that employers comply with health and safety laws.
The CWU wants a strong HSE with a well resourced Field
Operations Division and strong Local Authority Environmental
Health Inspectors. The HSE Dept would like to see more inspections
and more enforcement in 2007 than in 2006 because all the
evidence shows us that it is the most effective way to stop
employers breaking the law. Our union has also made it clear
to the Government that it is unhappy that budget cuts faced by
the HSE could see the organisation having to cut the number of
Inspectors out on the streets – that is a big concern.
2007 should see the new Corporate Manslaughter Act on the
statute books – however, it will only be effective if it is accompanied
by specific health and safety duties on Directors and Senior
Managers. Unless business leaders feel the heat of the law they
will not change their behaviour on health and safety. Employers
need to know that if they kill or injure a worker because they
have not complied with their responsibilities under safety law,
they will be prosecuted. At the moment this is not happening.
Fewer inspectors, fewer visits and fewer prosecutions mean
more unsafe workplaces. The Communications Industry has
benefited in recent times from close scrutiny and a concerted
HSE and Local Authorities Inspection Programme – the question
for 2007 however, will it continue? We hope this will be the case
in 2007, under the HSE’s new ‘LOPP’ (Large Organisations Pilot
Programme) scheme.
Occupational Road Risk (ORR) and Workplace Transport is a
big problem area and ORR the biggest at work killer certainly
warrants closer attention and involvement from the HSE in 2007.
RIDDOR also needs reviewing in 2007. We have had the
consultation in 2006 and at work road accidents should also
become reportable under RIDDOR and investigated by the
Health and Safety Executive.
Stress remains a big issue in the UK workforce and maybe the
HSE’s Stress Management Standards have gone about as far as
they can. It is time to consider firming them up and for Regulations
or an Approved Code of Practice to be considered.
Acoustic Shock is a big problem for the 1.2 million call centre
workers in the UK and with the evidence there for all to see, the
HSE Noise and Vibration Unit is out on a limb and needs to come
off the fence in 2007 and start supporting these workers and
helping them tackle the problem.
16. NATIONAL HAZARDS CAMPAIGN
The CWU continues to support the National Hazards Campaign
and its Conference. The Hazards Conference is the UK’s biggest
event for Trade Union Safety Representatives and activists, it is
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 21

a mixture of activities including preliminary sessions, campaign
information, meetings and workshops.
500 plus delegates usually attend and aid the networking
contacts and exchange experience and information of health
and safety issues. There is a large exhibition area that is used
by the Unions, Personal Injury Solicitors, HSE and campaign
organisations all having stalls, The Health, Safety & Environment
Dept give their full support to the event with BOB publicity and
circulation of sponsorship registration leaflets. Hazards 2007
Sponsorship appeal for the 18th National Hazards Conference
2007 to be held in Manchester from 27th-29th July 2007.
In addition the Health, Safety & Environment Dept supports
the Scottish Hazards Campaign and supports the sixth Scottish
Hazards Conference which took place on 16th November 2006
at the STUC in Glasgow. As well as supporting the Wales Hazards
Campaign and its activities. LTB 608/06 refers.
Hazards Campaign Wales will hold its formal launch in Cardiff
on Workers’ Memorial Day, 28th April 2007 and will link into &
support the hazards campaign nationally. The Health, Safety &
Environment Department has made contact with the new Welsh
Hazards Campaign Group and intends to affiliate in due course.
LTB 836/06 refers.
The union also has long standing links with the London and
Greater Manchester Hazards Centres. In 2005 and 2006 the
Health, Safety & Environment Department played an important
part in campaigning to save the London Hazards Centre.
POLITICAL FUND
MANAGEMENT
1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee is responsible for:
• All matters relating to expenditure from the union’s Political Fund
• All Labour Party matters whether national, regional or local
• All matters relating to Labour Party organisation and events
There is co-ordination of the work of this Committee with
that of the Policy, Education and Training Committee. It is the
responsibility of the Policy Committee, reporting to the full
Executive, to decide the union’s policy on political questions,
but the promulgation of that policy to the Labour Party is the
prime responsibility of the PFMC.
Policy for the Labour Party Conferences is decided by the appropriate
delegation on the basis of CWU Annual Conference policy.
2. POLITICAL FUND
The Committee continues to monitor the overall operation of
the union’s Political Fund.
3. POLITICAL LEVY
The number of Political Levy payers at the end of 2006 was 202,116.
4. AFFILIATION TO THE LABOUR PARTY
The Union continues its affiliation to the Labour Party, in line
with CWU Conference decisions and the constitution of the union.
5. BRANCH AFFILIATIONS TO CONSTITUENCY
LABOUR PARTIES
The decision on affiliation to local Constituency Labour Parties
should form part of a Branch’s Annual General Meeting.
6. POLITICAL STRUCTURES BELOW NATIONAL LEVEL
The Union continues its affiliations below national level through
its Regional Political Committees. Branches were informed that,
in line with Rule 12.20, receipt of the Branch Political Rebate
was dependent upon Branches affiliating to local CLPs. This was
implemented as from 1st January 2005.
7. PARLIAMENTARY ARRANGEMENTS
The CWU has continued to work with a very effective group of
MPs representing Constituencies all over the country. This group
includes the following MPs: Joe Benton (Bootle), Jon Cruddas
(Dagenham), Michael Connarty (Linlithgow & Falkirk East), Peter
Hain (Neath), Kate Hoey (Vauxhall), Bob Laxton (Derby North),
Geraldine Smith (Morecambe & Lunesdale),
John Grogan (Selby), Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North), Sadiq Khan
(Tooting) and Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North).
Our meetings with the MPs are taking place on a bi-monthly
basis during the Parliamentary sessions. The Secretary of the
Group is Michael Connarty MP and the Chair is Geraldine Smith
MP. The Group is proving to be an effective voice in Parliament
for the CWU.
The meeting dates and details of the CWU members attending
are regularly reported in the BOB.
The Union continues to have a voice in the House of Lords
through the work of Lord Tony Clarke, who has proved to be a
sterling champion of the union’s case.
In Wales the Union has Constituency Development Plan
Agreements with the Conwy Constituency Labour Party (Denise
Idris Jones AM) and Gower Constituency Labour Party,
In Scotland the Union has Constituency Development Plan
Agreements with the Constituencies of Margaret Curran MSP
(Glasgow Baillieston) and Cathy Peattie MSP (Falkirk East) and
Marlyn Glen MSP (North East Scotland).
8. PARLIAMENTARY PANEL
The CWU Parliamentary Panel consists of: Huw Davies, Winston
Vaughan, Brendan O’Brien, Pat Clouder, Phil Graham, Linda
Woodings, Gerry Ryan, Kieran Quinn, Tricia Clarke and Gary Heather.
The union is looking for all opportunities to ensure our Parliamentary
Panellists become Prospective Parliamentary Candidates.
9. TRADE UNION LIAISON COMMITTEE
The Trade Union Liaison Committee brings together all unions
affiliated to the Labour Party and the CWU plays its role in the
work of the Committee. The union is represented on this body
by the General Secretary and by CWU Regional Political
Secretaries at regional level.
It was through this body that the affiliated Unions were able to
contribute to the drafting of Labour’s Election Manifest, including
obtaining the commitment to implement the Warwick Agreement.
11. LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
The Union continued to be represented at the Labour Party
National Forum by the General Secretary and the Deputy
General Secretary – Telecoms, Jeannie Drake. In addition,
Dave Ward was elected a representative in the Trades Union
section of the Labour Party NEC.
22
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

The decisions of the Labour Party Conference, and the CWU
delegation decisions, were published in LTB 58/07.
NATIONAL DISICPLINE
1. CASES DEALT WITH
1.1 Two representatives had their credentials suspended by the
Branch. The NDC ruled that the suspensions must be lifted.
Case closed.
1.2 The Branch withdrew the charge laid against the member.
Case closed.
1.3 The NDC determined that an investigation should
be conducted by a member of the NEC. Case ongoing.
1.4 The NDC found that a prima facie case did not exist.
Case closed.
1.5 The NDC found that there was no case to answer.
Case closed.
1.6 The charged member was no longer a member of the CWU
and no further action was taken. Case closed.
1.7 The charged member was now retired and no further action
was taken. Case closed.
1.8 The member who made a complaint was interviewed
and written to by the General Secretary. Case closed.
1.9 The NDC are considering this case following an inconclusive
response from the Branch. Case ongoing.
1.10 The charged member resigned from CWU membership
before a full hearing could be held. Case closed.
1.11 The member laying the charge was dismissed from Royal
Mail and is no longer a member of the CWU. No further
action was taken. Case closed.
1.12 The charged member made a full apology to the satisfaction
of the NDC. Case closed.
1.13 The case is proceeding to a full hearing. Case ongoing.
1.14 The NDC found that a prima faicie case did not exist and no
further action was taken. Case closed.
1.15 The NDC found that a prima faicie case did not exist and no
further action was taken. Case closed.
1.16 The case is proceeding to a full hearing. Case ongoing.
1.17 The case is proceeding to a full hearing. Case ongoing.
1.18 The NDC have yet to determine whether a prima faicie
case exists. Case ongoing.
2. OTHER ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE NDC
The NDC continues to attend Branch and Regional Committee
meetings to explain the role of the Committee.
to a cleaning up exercise with the membership records system
where some members were placed as retired members were
actually portability members. Some 90 branches now have
retired member’s sections. This means that there is still 72 of our
branch’s still do not have retired member’s sections. It should be
noted however that this is an increase of 13% on the numbers
reported in last year’s annual report. The RMAC made this one of
their priorities during 2006 and the results are apparent, they are
committed to working with Branches to establish more sections
within branches during 2007.
2. RETIRED MEMBERS CONFERENCE 2006
The 6th Annual retired member’s conference was held at CWU
headquarters on the 2nd March 2006. As in previous years, the
conference was well attended by delegates and visitors from all
regions. Conference opened at 11am with Bernard Roome NEC
in the Chair.
The General Secretary, Billy Hayes gave an opening address of
welcome. Frank Cooper from the National Pensioners Convention
spoke to conference on the issues effecting retired members today.
Conference went on to debate 11 motions. A ballot was held
to determine which two of the motions carried should be sent
to CWU Annual conference. The ballot result was in favour for
Motion 1 on Free Care Home Funding & Motion 2 on the lifting
of basis state pensions. The Senior Deputy General Secretary
held a question & answer session, followed by closing remarks
and conference closed at 15.30
3. CWU ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The RMAC organised a very successful fringe meeting at the CWU
Annual Conference. The meeting was held on the Monday Lunchtime
and was packed out by conference delegates and visitors.
The Senior Deputy General Secretary, Tony Kearns spoke at the
fringe with Nobby Clarke of the RMAC giving a presentation on
state pensions. The presentation was very well received with
copies of the presentation circulated to branches. It is planned
to hold another fringe meeting at the 2007 annual conference
on the Monday lunchtime at the Bournemouth Conference
Centre, all are welcome to attend.
4. CAMPAIGNING
The RMAC over the past year have continued to campaign on
all issues that effect older members of society this has been
in conjunction with the National Pensioners Convention. The
RMAC sent delegates to the Pensioners Parliament on the
3. EOC
The NDC continues to provide the EOC (now incorporated into
the Equality and Rights Commission) with information on cases
on a six monthly basis as required by the agreement.
RETIRED MEMBERS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1. RETIRED MEMBERS SECTIONS WITHIN BRANCHES
At the time of writing there are 19,371 CWU retired members.
The number is slightly lower than last years figure. This is due
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 23

16th–18th May. SDGS Tony Kearns spoke at the event as did
Kate Hoey a CWU sponsored MP, in addition Dennis Rose, Nobby
Clarke, Ernie Purkis, Stan Skinkis of the RMAC and Steve Fagan,
Secretary SE Region Retired Members Council were among
those who attended from the CWU.
A lobby of Parliament was held on the 25th October to
highlight the issues concerning pensioners today. This was well
attended by numerous trade unions and pressure groups with
a great many CWU Branch activists participating. Yet again Kate
Hoey CWU sponsored MP spoke at the rally.
Various other activities carries out by the RMAC included the
Pensions Action Week held on the 11th-16th March and issues
arising from the Turner report on future state pensions
5. RETIRED MEMBERS SUMMER SCHOOL
The 2nd Retired Members summer school was held at the Alvescot
Lodge on 22nd to 23rd September and was a great success.
The weekend started with an address and question and
answer session held by Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General
Secretary.
Fred Jepson assisted with providing a session on the new Age
Discrimination Act and participants also received accredited
I/T training. The school proposed a study to be carried out for
schools on a similar style to be held in the regions, but continue
with the annual school. Details of future schools will be
advertised to Branches in due course.
6. RMAC MEETINGS
The Retired Members Advisory Committee has continued to
meet on a regular basis throughout the year. It was agreed by
the RMAC that a copy of the minutes are circulated to Branch’s
NEC SUB-COMMITTEES
POLICY, EDUCATION & TRAINING
Pat O’Hara, (Chair) Mark Baulch, Norman Candy, Graham Colk,
Maria Exall, Gary Jones, Steve Jones, Pete Keenlyside, Andy Kerr,
Jane Loftus, Noel McClean, Davie Robertson, Mark Taggart.
Officers: Billy Hayes, Tony Kearns, Jeannie Drake, Dave Ward,
John Baldwin, Jeremy Baugh, Trish Lavelle, Simon Sapper.
FINANCE, ORGANISING & STRATEGY COMMITTEE
Andy Kerr (Chair), Carol Alcock, Davie Bowman, Phil Browne,
Allen Eldred, John Farnan, Steve Fishwick, Joe Malone, Colin
O’Callaghan, Andrea Snowden, Beryl Shepherd, Mark Taggart,
Ian Ward, Dave Warren. Officers: Billy Hayes, Tony Kearns, Jeannie
Drake, Dave Ward, Steve Baguley, John Baldwin, Simon Sapper.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & COMMUNICATIONS
Andrea Snowden (Chair), Eddie Beese, Davie Bowman, Phil
Browne, Norman Candy, Peter Donaghy, Allen Eldred, John
Farnan, Steve Fishwick, Jane Loftus, Lesley McLean, Colin
O’Callaghan, Bernard Roome Officers: Billy Hayes, Tony Kearns,
Jeannie Drake, Dave Ward, Tony Rupa, Kevin Slocombe
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE
Maria Exall (Chair), Mark Baulch, Graham Colk, Angela Green
(RAC), Noel McClean, Lesley McLean, Katrina Quirke (WAC),
Bernard Roome, Beryl Shepherd, Laurie Smith (LGBT), Tony
Sneddon (DSNAC), Ian Ward. Officer: Michele Emerson
HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Dave Warren (Chair), Eddie Beese, Pete Donaghy, Gary Jones,
Steve Jones, Joe Malone, Davie Robertson, Andrea Snowden, Ian
Ward. Officer: Dave Joyce
POLITICAL FUND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Peter Donaghy (Chair), Carol Alcock, Graham Colk, Maria Exall,
Steve Jones, Peter Keenleyside, Andy Kerr, Joe Malone, Beryl
Shepherd, Dave Warren. Officers: Billy Hayes (General Secretary),
Jeannie Drake, Dave Ward.
NATIONAL DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Graham Colk (Chair), Carol Alcock, Bernard Roome.
Officer: John Baldwin
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
DISABILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS COMMITTEE (DSNAC)
Tony Sneddon (Chair), Elspeth Bettany, Brian Booth, Marian
Brain, Nicola Coughlin, Dave Curtis, Pat Friskey, Michelle Laidlaw,
Willie Marshall, Eric Parker, Paul Pritchard, Jim Robertson, Ted
Stead, Steven Taylor, Gail Wright. NEC: Ian Ward, Lesley McLean,
Bernard Roome. Officer: Michele Emerson
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMITTEE
(LGBTAC)
Laurie Smith (Chair), Diana Carver, Neil Cocks, Dave Daniel, Colin
Elcome, John Ellsbury, John Irwin, Paul Smith, Duncan Strivens,
Simone Woods. NEC: Maria Exall, Noel McClean, Bernard Roome.
Officer: Michele Emerson
RACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RAC)
Angela Green (Chair), Gus Alleyne, Greg Amissah, Colin Bell,
Abid Chaudri, Freddie Jones, Mizanul Muqit, Susie Mwasambili,
Bola Omoyeni, Cyril Onyejekwe, Winston Richards, Amarjite
Singh, Ian Taylor. NEC: Mark Baulch, Graham Colk, Ian Ward.
Officer: Michele Emerson
RETIRED MEMBERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RMAC)
Nobby Clark, Phil Lloyd, Charlie Love, John Martin, Ernie Purkis,
Pat McClean, Dennis Rose, Stan Skinkis, Allan Trotter. Officer:
Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE (WAC)
Katrina Quirke (Chair), Tracy Buckley, Tricia Clarke, Pat Clouder,
Vicki Cornelius, Jackie Gatward, Angela Green, Maureen Hooper,
Annmarie McCall, Susie Mwasambili, Anne Robb. NEC: Lesley
McLean, Linda Roy, Beryl Shepherd. Officer: Michele Emerson
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (YAC)
Stephen Gribben (Chair), Yasir Ali, Gareth Driscoll, Gareth Eales,
Gabby Glastonbury, Lisa Hadley, John Hardey, Joanne Lawton,
Mark Patterson, Jodie Pearce, Simon Scott, Stephen Ratcliffe,
Emma Forrest (Ex Officio). NEC: Eddie Beese, Gary Jones, Steve
Fishwick, Noel McClean. Officer: Simon Sapper.
24
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

NATIONAL WELFARE FUND
BRANCH REASON AMOUNT £
London Parcels Amal Illness 750.00
London Parcels Amal Domestic 500.00
Watford No.1 Domestic 500.00
East London Postal Domestic 200.00
Wigan Amal Domestic 500.00
London No.7 Domestic 800.00
Cornwall Amal Illness 300.00
Beds Herts and Bucks Domestic 800.00
Coventry Area Domestic 500.00
Coventry Area Domestic 1,000.00
Northern Ireland Eng Domestic 7,000.00
North West Central Amal Domestic 1,000.00
Midland No.7 Domestic 200.00
London No.7 Illness 600.00
South West & Thames Valley Domestic 750.00
South & East Wales Amal Illness 200.00
East London Postal Bereavement 600.00
Leeds No.1 Illness 800.00
Plymouth and East Cornwall Domestic 200.00
Worcester and Hereford Bereavement 700.00
South Central No.1 Domestic 200.00
Alliance and Leicester Domestic 300.00
South Central No.1 Domestic 200.00
Mid Wales and The Marches Domestic 500.00
South West Engineering Domestic 750.00
South West Engineering Domestic 0.00
South West Middlesex Bereavement 750.00
South West Middlesex Illness 1,000.00
Scotland No.1 Domestic 500.00
Suffolk Amal Illness 600.00
South Central No.1 Illness 500.00
South West No.1 Domestic 500.00
North Lancs and Cunbria Illness 600.00
Eastern No.5 Bereavement 800.00
Headquarters Illness 1,000.00
Cambridge Illness 750.00
Gloucestershire Amal Illness 750.00
Liverpool Clerical Domestic 800.00
North West Central Amal Domestic 400.00
Plymouth and East Cornwall Domestic 250.00
Tyne and Wear Clerical Domestic 1,000.00
Merseyside Amal Illness 500.00
Coventry Area Domestic 500.00
Eastern No.4 Illness 500.00
Bournemouth and Dorset Illness 500.00
Eastern No.3 Illness 500.00
Plymouth and East Cornwall Domestic 500.00
South West Region Domestic 500.00
Romford Amal Illness 400.00
Romford Amal Illness 400.00
NATIONAL WELFARE FUND CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007 25

NATIONAL WELFARE FUND CONTINUED
BRANCH REASON AMOUNT £
Bristol and District Amal Domestic 500.00
London Parcels Amal Domestic 300.00
Sheffield District Clerical Illness 500.00
Coventry Branch Domestic 600.00
Eastern No.4 Bereavement 500.00
Midland No.7 Illness 300.00
South Central No.1 Domestic 500.00
Wigan Amal Domestic 300.00
East London Postal Illness 400.00
North East London Illness 500.00
Birmingham District Illness 500.00
Greater Manchester Illness 500.00
Northern Ireland Clerical Illness 500.00
North West Central Amal Domestic 650.00
Mount Pleasant Domestic 400.00
Leicestershire Domestic 500.00
Midland No.7 Domestic 800.00
North Wales & The Marches Domestic 500.00
Headquarters Illness 300.00
Headquarters Domestic 200.00
Bristol and District Amal Domestic 400.00
Wolverhampton District Bereavement 1,000.00
Solent Amalgamated Illness 200.00
Coventry Area Domestic 200.00
Gloucestershire Amal Illness 500.00
Headquarters Bereavement 1,000.00
North Lancs and Cumbria Illness 750.00
Nottingham and District Domestic 300.00
Nottingham and District Domestic 750.00
Leeds No.1 Illness 800.00
East London Postal Illness 500.00
South West Middlesex Domestic 300.00
North West Central Amal Illness 750.00
South Devon & Cornwall Domestic 650.00
Glasgow and District Illness 500.00
Glasgow and District Illness 500.00
Eastern No.5 Illness 300.00
Northern Ireland No.1 Illness 300.00
South Central No.1 Illness 800.00
South Central No.1 Domestic 300.00
Northern Ireland No.1 Illness 300.00
South East Thames Amal Domestic 500.00
Plymouth and East Cornwall Illness 500.00
Scotland No.2 Illness 1,000.00
South West Middlesex Bereavement 500.00
Newcastle Amal Illness 750.00
Leeds No.1 Domestic 500.00
East London Postal Domestic 400.00
North West Central Amal Illness 800.00
East Lancs Amal Domestic 500.00
TOTAL 60,150.00
26
l National Executive Council Annual Report 2006-2007

l 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX • www.cwu.org • 0208 971 7200 • General Secretary Billy Hayes www.billyhayes.co.uk
01597 Published by the Communication Workers Union 2007