LTB 600/18 – Post Office: Two Year Collective Agreement – Pay
No. 600/2018
22nd October 2018
Dear Colleagues
POST OFFICE: TWO YEAR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT – PAY
Branches will be aware that our Post Office members are facing very difficult times, with the constant attack on their jobs and on the future of the Crown Office Network. This was of course exacerbated with the recent announcement of further franchising to WHSmith of 74 Crowns.
Despite this dire situation, we clearly needed to resolve pay for our members, especially as the pay date was 1st April 2018. Indeed, for those members contemplating the possibility of being TUPEd to WHSmith or conversely taking a Settlement Agreement, it should be noted that both pay increases are guaranteed for TUPE purposes and crucially will flow through to the compensation monies linked to a Settlement Agreement.
I would therefore like to advise Branches that the Postal Executive has unanimously endorsed a two year Pay Agreement for all Post Office members as follows:
• 2.8% consolidated pay increase from 1st April 2018 flowing through to all allowances including London Weighting and overtime rates.
• 2.5% consolidated pay increase from 1st April 2019 flowing through to all allowances including London Weighting and overtime rates.
• Improved annual leave entitlements from 1st April 2018 as follows:
| Current Entitlements | New Entitlements |
| 25 days annual leave for all new starters | 25 days annual leave for all new starters (no change) |
| 28 days annual leave after 10 years’ service | 28 days annual leave after 5 years’ service |
| 30 days annual leave after 15 years’ service | 30 days annual leave after 10 years’ service |
The principle of a revised Incentive Scheme for Crown Office members with £100 lead-in payment. Negotiations to conclude this matter will need to be undertaken; however, many of the key aspects have already been
agreed, including the move away from quarterly payments to an annual payment, following the conclusion of the financial year.
• Harmonisation of bonus potential for Postal Assistants with Crew members, making for an increased opportunity of £900 p.a vs the current £750 (a 20% increase in value). This helps our lowest paid members.
• The next pay review date is 1st April 2020.
A Joint Statement that is also being published today is attached to this LTB for your information.
Next Steps – Members’ Consultative Ballot Timetable
The Pay Agreement will now be the subject of an individual members’ ballot; the timetable is as follows:
• Ballot papers dispatched Wednesday 24th October (2ndclass post)
• Ballot closes and result declared Wednesday 7th November
Assuming a YES vote in this consultative ballot, the pay increase and all arrears will be made with December salaries. The Post Office is unable to process the increase and arrears in November salaries due to the implications for the payroll system of the recent Salary Exchange Agreement.
This pay agreement is the best that can be achieved through negotiation and as such is worthy of members’ support. Consequently, the Postal Executive has no hesitation in recommending this two year Pay Agreement to Branches and our members.
Further developments will be reported.
Any enquires in relation to this LTB should be directed to Lea Sheridan on 020 8971 7361 or lsheridan@cwu.org
Yours sincerely
Andy Furey
Assistant Secretary