Despite the industrial action and the subsequent agreements that followed the bitterest dispute this industry has had in decades, it is fair to say that uncertainty still rules the day.

We have seen the unagreed changes to our pension scheme introduced by our employer despite both managers and postal workers alike clearly rejecting these changes in their respective consultative ballots.

What the two Unions next steps will be remains to be seen but one thing is for sure if we do nothing we give Royal Mail the green light to exactly what they want on a whole raft of issue.
In my own office (Chelmsford Mail Centre) we have the added scenario of a flat sorting machine being installed and being ready for service before Christmas.

The impact this machine will have on the amount of duties we need is quite frightening with it being anticipated it will take around 46 full time equivalent duties out of the office.

With this in mind we are in the early stages of discussing EVR’S and will be going out to the membership to see who is interested in receiving a quote.

Add this to stage three of the pay and modernisation agreement that still needs to implemented to receive this years pay rise and I think it is fair to say that the future is still uncertain.

All these issues will need to be tackled in the coming months but I am once again certain that by sticking together this Union can once more come out the other side with agreements in place that at least make the job bearable.

Vince Thurnell
Area Representative
Chelmsford Mail Centre