Page 7 - Journal dec2017

exposure to asbestos when they worked at the old
Electric Vans In Royal Mail
Royal Mail has recently purchased 100 electrical parcel office.
vehicles for use on delivery and collection, with the “Whilst it would be wrong to make any specific
South Delivery Office in Nottingham due to receive a comments on the cases raised, or worry people unduly,
number of these vehicles shortly. there are real questions now surfacing in relation to
asbestos exposure, and possible linked illness, for
Chris Kerry, area safety rep said: “These vans have
individuals who had worked at the former site.”
been purchased by Royal Mail in order to seek to
Chris Kerry added: “Any member who worked at the
reduce its carbon footprint, which is to be welcomed.
“However, there are real challenges going forward old parcel office and who has concerns should contact
for Royal Mail in moving to a more ‘green fleet’, not me at the main branch office, for advise. Members
least the infrastructure and investment needed across should also consult with their GP on any concerns they
may have and to do so as soon as possible.”
the company in moving to electrical powered vehicles
Mark Harper, branch secretary said: “As the old
and other green options.”
parcel office was closed back 1995, we have already
The Youth Agenda.
started the work seeking to contact members who had
Late November saw trade unions from across the
worked there, including our retired members.”
Midlands hold an event in Nottingham to highlight the
Adding: “Due to the potential serious nature of this
specific issues faced by younger workers in the UK
issue, the branch is also in direct contact with CWU
today.
headquarters on steps being be taken.”
Commenting on the ‘what’s left for young people in
Sleaford Delivery Office.
the world of work’ event, Steve Bosworth, branch
Agreement reached to address delivery point growth
young workers officer said: “This was an important
and unfair workload at the Sleaford Delivery Office
event in bringing young workers together. There are
following a prolonged period of talks at both local and
real issues facing all workers today, but
disproportionately younger workers as facing an area level.
employment model based on zero hour contracts and Brendon Richardson, local rep said: “Over the past
pay exploitation.” few years now there have been a number of joint
Steve Bosworth added: “There is a job of work here commitments to tackle the relentless growth in
delivery points at Sleaford, but sadly these have only
for the whole trade union movement in addressing this
been short term fixes.
shameful and unacceptable situation and events like
“The aim this time is to secure a more longer term
this one in Nottingham will hopefully start this
necessary process.” agreement for the office as the Sleaford area will
continue to see large-scale delivery point growth over
Asbestos At The Old Parcel Office.
the next number of years.”
The past months have seen the issue of asbestos
Ian Pointer, area delivery rep said: “Our talks aim to
related medical condition surface for former members
conclude with all the new agreed arrangements being
which worked at the old MLO parcel office, on brook
rolled out in January, including an office re-pick.
street, Nottingham.
“Talks have not been easy but I am hopeful that the
Speaking on this issue, Chris Kerry, area safety rep
arrangement now agreed will address the issues of
confirmed: “We have received a number of enquires
delivery point growth and resulting unfair workload.”
from former members on the issue of possible

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Office: (0115) 9518362 or email: cwu.ngsec@yahoo.co.uk

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