The purpose of this LTB is to advise Branches of major forthcoming initiatives on National Postal Workers Day 14^th December and our People Post Campaign.

Members’ Home Mailing – Next Week

All CWU members will receive a home mailing next week explaining the objectives of the People’s Post Campaign, why it matters to them and how the pressures of rigged competition and a fully privatised Royal Mail are linked to many of the difficult issues members face in their workplace.

The pamphlet will also set out our plans for National Postal Workers’ Day on the 14^th December and how this will coincide with the launching of an online petition in support of the campaign objectives.

In essence, we are hoping to make the 14^th December (traditionally the highest posting day of the year) a celebration of the role postal workers play in delivering the universal postal service each day to 29 million addresses across the UK.

How CWU members can help

Crucially, the pamphlet goes on to set out how members can help promote the day and our ongoing campaign.  The pamphlet itself is designed to be used as a poster publicising National Postal Workers’ day and we are asking members to take selfies with the poster of them, their office and with customers and share these via social media.  We are also asking CWU members to come up with their own innovative ideas to publicise the day and the importance of their role and postal services.

To coincide with the day we will be launching an online petition designed ultimately to achieve 100,000 signatures which will trigger a fresh debate in Parliament about the future of UK postal service, the threat of competition and in particular the Regulators role.  The timing of this will allow us to build momentum over the coming weeks and months in anticipation of the Regulator announcing the results of their consultation to bring forward more competition dogma around March/April next year.

Media Coverage

The union has worked hard to secure a number of national press articles on the day and these will be shared with Branches electronically as they are published.  We have also taken adverts out in the Daily Mirror, New Statesman and Big Issue.  Additionally, a number of high profile figures and MPs have pledged their support for National Postal Workers’ Day and we will be sharing their videos, messages and tweets on the day.

The People’s Post petition will also be going out via email to all CWU members with email addresses.  This will of course also be circulated on a wider basis.

The General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary (Postal) will also be visiting workplaces on the day to further raise the profile.  Next week we will be working to increase the opportunity for media coverage, although as everybody knows, this will ultimately depend on the news agenda for that day.

What we need from Regions, Divisions, Branches and members

We understand that National Postal Workers’ Day falls at a very busy time of the year for our Branches and members – but it also presents a real opportunity for publicity given the Christmas pressure period.  Ultimately, we need support from all sections of the CWU and our members to make the day a success.

We are asking Representatives, Branches, Divisions and Regions to undertake the following activities in support of the campaign.

1. We ask that Regions/Branches send out a press release to all local media contacts in their area – we have attached a draft to assist you with this.
2. We request Regions/Branches give consideration to taking out adverts in local publications. A version of the national advert is attached and we are happy for Branches to use this at local level.
3. The link for our People’s Post Petition is www.supportthepeoplespost.co.uk – we ask that all Regions/Branches share this via their email systems, social media pages, websites and through sending text messages to members.
4. Branches should organise photoshoots on the day with members holding their National Postal Workers Day posters. These should be shared via social media using #PeoplesPost or emailed to peoplespost@cwu.org
5. We believe that our members are an underused resource for us as a union. We ask that members find innovative and exciting ways of getting our messages out on the day. Prizes will be provided for the best members, Branch and Regional photos. To support Branches and CWU Representatives we have attached to this LTB the following documentation.

• An advance copy of the pamphlet (not the printed version), this should be used by our representatives as a brief to explain Postal Workers’ Day and our campaign to our members.
• A model press release for Branches to use with their local media.      
• Finally, further information will sent out next week, particularly on the online petition. Please do everything that you can to support National Postal Workers Day.
• The external pressures brought about by the privatisation and unfair regulation of the Postal Industry is having a direct impact on the issues we are dealing with in offices across the UK. National Postal Workers Day offers us an opportunity to celebrate the role of postal workers and raise the profile of our campaign.
• We would also ask you to ensure the content of this LTB and in particular the CWU Reps Brief is provided to all reps as soon as possible. Please consider supplementing our national message with your own tailored Branch message in your workplaces.
• We would urge Branches to select a manageable number of units and focus their efforts on these.
• It is essential that all Branches and representatives play an active part in making the day a success.
• Conclusion

Yours Sincerely

General Secretary                                        Deputy General Secretary (P)Dave Ward                                                     Terry Pullinger