TABLE OF CONTENTS SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE AGENDA. Page

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1 SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Instructions to Delegates 2 Statement by Paddy Magill 3 Timetable/Programme of Business 4 Branch Voting Strengths 5 Conference Procedures and Agenda Notes 10 Standing Orders 11 Members of, Officers and Standing Orders Committee 17 AGENDA Section 1 - Rule Section 2 - Rules 8 and Section 3 - Rules 7 and Section 4 - Rules 10 and Proposals not Admitted to the Agenda Page 1

2 SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE Monday 29 th April 2019 Bournemouth International Centre Instructions to Delegates ADMISSION TO CONFERENCE Before leaving home make sure you have your Membership Card and Agenda. Admission to Conference is by the appropriate credential card only. STANDING ORDERS Read your Standing Orders thoroughly. If you have any doubt about any Standing Order consult the Standing Orders Committee. HAND VOTING Votes are normally by a show of hand voting cards. Hold your hand voting cards high in order to avoid mistakes. CARD VOTES Voting delegates - Ensure you have your Conference voting cards. ADDRESSING CONFERENCE Position yourself 15 cms from the microphone and speak normally. NOISE LEVEL DURING CONFERENCE Please keep as quiet as possible during the proceedings of Conference. LUGGAGE If you need to bring bags or suitcases into the conference hall please do not leave them unattended. Please also ensure that bags and suitcases do not block aisles or stairways. PROHIBITIONS The terms of Standing Order 9 are drawn to the attention of all delegates: The use of mobile phones or devices (Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops) must be switched off or set to Silent, while in the confines of the Conference Hall. During in Camera debates recording and or reporting of these debates shall be strictly prohibited. No documents, posters or banners shall be circulated, distributed or displayed within the Conference Hall without the permission of the Standing Orders Committee. Page 2

3 STATEMENT STATEMENT Dear Colleagues On behalf of the General Conference Standing Orders Committee, welcome delegates and visitors to this 2019 Special Rules Revision Conference of the Communication Workers Union convened under the terms of Rule This means that proposals will be deemed carried if they have obtained a majority of votes within each constituency. In preparing the agenda, the SOC were mindful that the Conference has been called by the NEC in order to ensure that those elements of Redesign that require a Rule change can be enacted. Obviously this will be up to Conference to decide but it is the view of the SOC that given the number of proposals, it should be possible to complete the agenda should our normal way of working be followed. Finally, on behalf of the Standing Orders Committee, may I wish everyone a successful conference and if you have any queries or problems with either the Agenda or Standing Orders please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely Paddy Magill General Conference Standing Orders Committee, Chair Page 3

4 TIMETABLE TIMETABLE/PROGRAMME OF BUSINESS Monday 29 th April Conference opens with Presidents Address Adoption of General Conference Standing Orders Committee Report (including reference backs) Rule 6 Amendment Rule 8 and 9 Amendment Rule 7 and 11 Amendment Lunch Rule 7 and 11 continued Amendment Rule 10 and 14 Amendment General Secretary Presidents Closing Statement Conference Closes Page 4

5 VOTING STRENGTHS MEMBERSHIP OF THE TELECOMS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSTITUENCY REF BRANCH GENERAL 21/819 Central Counties and Thames Valley /827 South East Anglia /831 North Anglia /032 Midland No /238 Leicester and Midshires /601 Algus National /803 East Midlands /809 Coventry /404 South Yorkshire /669 Tyne and Wear Clerical /727 Bradford and Financial Services /808 North East /817 Lincolnshire and South Yorks /830 West Yorkshire /024 Northern Ireland Telecoms /274 Manchester Combined /646 Mersey /664 Manchester Clerical /730 Bootle Financial Services /731 Bootle IPSL 94 25/732 Northern and National Financial Services /801 Isle of Man /821 Lancs and Cumbria Combined /833 Preston Brook and Bury /156 Glasgow and Motherwell /825 Edinburgh, Dundee and Borders /829 Scotland No /049 South East Central /353 Portsmouth, West and Isle of Wight /805 Meridian /459 Somerset, Devon and Cornwall /828 Great Western /807 Mid Wales, The Marches and N.Staffs /816 North Wales and Chester Combined /823 South Wales /250 AIM Branch 59 30/252 Greater London Combined 3777 Page 5

6 VOTING STRENGTHS REF BRANCH GENERAL 30/810 Capital /811 London and West /834 South London, Surrey and North Hampshire /001 Greater Mersey and South West Lancs 905 TOTAL 58,520 Page 6

7 VOTING STRENGTHS MEMBERSHIP OF THE POSTAL CONSTITUENCY REF BRANCH GENERAL 01/001 Essex Amal /002 Colchester and District Amal /003 Eastern No /004 Eastern No /005 Eastern No /006 Eastern No /008 Suffolk Amal /009 South Central Postal /001 Birmingham District Amal /002 South Midlands Postal /003 Leicestershire /005 Wolverhampton District Amal /006 Derbyshire Amal /007 North Staffordshire Postal /008 Nottingham District Amal /001 Doncaster and District Amal /002 South Yorkshire and District Amal /003 Bradford and District Amal /005 Leeds No.1 Amal /006 York and District Amal /007 Hull and East Ridings Amal /008 Newcastle Amal /009 Darlington Amal /010 Cleveland Amal /011 Durham County /012 North East Coastal Amal /001 Northern Ireland Combined /002 Northern Ireland East /003 Northern Ireland West /002 Isle of Man /003 Cheshire No.1 Amal /004 North West Central Amal /006 Greater Manchester /007 North West No /010 East Lancs Amal /011 North Lancs and Cumbria 2918 Page 7

8 VOTING STRENGTHS REF BRANCH GENERAL 05/012 Darwen Capita /013 Warrington Mail Centre /001 Glasgow District Amal /002 Scotland No /003 Grampian/Shetland Amal /005 Scotland No /006 Clyde Valley Amal /007 Orkney 42 06/008 Highland Amal /002 Portsmouth and District Postal /003 Southdowns, Weald and Rother /004 Kent Invicta /005 South East No /001 Western Counties /002 Plymouth/East Cornwall Amal /003 Bournemouth and Dorset Amal /004 Wessex South Central /005 Bristol and District Amal /006 Gloucestershire Amal /007 South West No /009 Jersey /010 Guernsey /011 Worcester and Hereford Amal /012 Cornwall Amal /001 North Wales and Marches /002 Shropshire and Mid Wales /003 South East Wales Amal /004 South West Wales Amal /005 Gwent Amal /002 Mount Pleasant /004 London Phoenix /007 London No /009 Northern Home Counties Postal /011 London Parcels & Station Amal /012 Northern/North West London /013 East London Postal /015 West London Postal /016 South East London Postal and Counter /017 London South West /018 Kingston Area /019 Romford Amal 1684 Page 8

9 VOTING STRENGTHS REF BRANCH GENERAL 10/020 Harrow and District /021 South and East Thames Amal /022 Croydon and Sutton Amal /023 South West Middlesex Amal /006 South Central MT /819 Central Counties and Thames Valley 77 21/827 South East Anglia 20 21/831 North Anglia 21 22/032 Midland No /238 Leicester and Midshires 32 22/239 Midlands MT /803 East Midlands 43 22/809 Coventry 30 23/404 South Yorkshire 58 23/808 North East 61 23/830 West Yorkshire /024 Northern Ireland Telecom 61 25/821 Lancs and Cumbria Combined 41 26/156 Glasgow and Motherwell 35 26/157 Scotland MT /825 Edinburgh, Dundee and Borders 18 27/805 Meridian 61 28/053 Western MT /459 Somerset, Devon and Cornwall 36 28/828 Great Western 96 29/807 Mid Wales, the Marches and North Staffs 4 29/823 South Wales 37 30/122 London Regional MT /252 Greater London Combined 3 30/255 London Postal Engineering /001 Greater Mersey and South West Lancs 1751 TOTAL 120,455 Page 9

10 SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE PROCEDURES Article I. NOTES ON CONFERENCE PROCEDURES AND AGENDA The General Conference Standing Orders Committee has prepared the Standing Orders, Agenda and timetable/programme of business in accordance with its responsibilities under the terms of Rule The General Conference SOC has asked that the following procedural points be specifically drawn to the attention of the delegates: 1. All proposals have been categorised A: Those motions which in the view of the SOC requires a decision by Conference, in accordance with Rule a para (ii). 2. Proposals composited by the General Conference Standing Orders Committee are followed by the names of the sponsor included in the Composite. The consequential rulings indicated alongside certain motions are those determined by the General Conference Standing Orders Committee in consultation with the Conference Chairperson (President). The following may sponsor Rule Proposals under the terms of Rule 15.1: NEC Branches Regional Committees Page 10

11 STANDING ORDERS SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE 2019 STANDING ORDERS 1. The sessions of the Special Rules Revision Conference shall commence in accordance with the timetable. 2. TIMETABLE a (i) President s Address (ii) General Secretary s Address (iii) Adoption of Special Rules Revision Conference Standing Orders Committee Report (including appeals/reference backs) (iv) Sections of Special Rules Revision Conference Business b Conference is divided into half-day sessions. If the business of any section is completed within the timetable, the Conference shall proceed immediately to the next section of business. If all the business of the final section is completed within the timetable, the Conference shall return to the earliest uncompleted business. c A proposal that has been called for debate by the Chairperson before the end of a section is reached, shall be moved, seconded, debated and decided upon, subject to Standing Order 3n. No subsequent proposals for the variation of the timetable to compensate for time lost by this procedure shall be admissible. 3. PROCEDURE IN DEBATE a Every member of the Conference must remain in their seat, except the one who may be addressing the Conference and, should the Chairperson rise, no-one else shall continue standing nor shall anyone else rise until the Chairperson has resumed the Chair. Article II. PEAKERS S b A delegate when speaking from the rostrum shall address the Chairperson. If two or more persons desire to speak at the same time the Chairperson shall decide to whom priority will be given. No person shall be allowed to speak twice on the same question, except the mover s right of reply under Standing Order 3i. c All speeches shall be confined to the subject under discussion. d Delegates may only refer to documents which have a bearing on the subject under discussion. e f (i) Proposals standing in the name of a Branch must be moved by a delegate from that Branch or by the Secretary of the Regional Committee to which the Branch is attached, if specifically requested to do so by the Branch responsible for the proposal. (ii) Proposals standing in the name of a Regional Committee must be moved by a delegate from that body. (iii) Proposals must be seconded or else they shall be deemed to have fallen. (iv) Rule & will also apply. A proposal may be seconded formally or by a speaker making a seconding speech. Page 11

12 STANDING ORDERS COMPOSITE PROPOSALS g h i j All sponsors of a composite proposal will be responsible for agreeing the allocation of moving and seconding speakers from amongst those named within the composite proposal, notwithstanding the terms of SO3e(i) and (ii). The mover of a proposal shall be allowed to speak for not more than 3 minutes and any other speaker (including the mover exercising the right of reply) for not more than 3 minutes. In exceptional circumstances a speaker may request special permission of Conference to speak for a longer period, if agreed, it shall not exceed a further 2 minutes. The moving speaker shall have the right of reply to the debate only if there has been opposition and shall not introduce any fresh matter but shall be limited to answering the debate. The NEC shall be allowed one speaker (including all Officers and any NEC appointed representative) in debate on all proposals except those standing in the name the NEC. Exceptionally, with the permission of Conference, a second NEC speaker may be allowed. With the exception of Branches and Regional Committees moving and seconding a proposal (under SO3e), Branches and Regional Committees, are entitled to only one speaker in each debate. k The NEC (including all Officers and any NEC appointed representative) shall in addition to moving and exercising the right of reply be allowed a maximum of one speaker (which may be the seconder) in a debate on proposals standing in the name of the NEC (SO3i applies to the NEC). l No proposal shall be spoken upon except by the mover, until it has been seconded. The mover of a proposal who sits down without speaking upon it shall lose the right of addressing Conference, but shall still have the right of reply (SO3i) applies. The seconder of a proposal who sits down without speaking upon it shall not lose the right of addressing Conference. ENDING DEBATE m Any delegate who has not spoken on the proposal before Conference may move That the proposal be now put on the seconding of which the Chairperson shall immediately and without discussion put this proposal to the vote. In the event of it being carried by a simple majority of Conference, Conference shall proceed to vote on the question itself, subject to SO3j and the right of reply as stated in SO3i being exercised. n Any delegate who has not spoken on the proposal before Conference may move That Conference proceeds to next business on the seconding of which the Chairperson shall immediately and without discussion put this proposal to the vote. In the event of it being carried Conference shall at once proceed to the next item on its agenda. Page 12

13 STANDING ORDERS Article III. WITHDRAWAL POINT OF ORDER o p q r s Any proposal or composite proposal may be withdrawn from the Agenda at any time by the sponsor(s) who shall notify the Chairperson of the Standing Orders Committee at the earliest opportunity. Once it has been moved and seconded, however, it shall not be withdrawn except with the agreement of Conference by a simple majority vote. POINT OF ORDER Any person wishing to question the proceedings of Conference may rise on a point of order, and when called shall state the procedural point in exact terms, whereupon the Chairperson shall immediately give a ruling or refer the matter to the Standing Orders Committee for a decision. Any person raising points of order must seek to prove one or more of the following:- (i) That the speaker is using unparliamentary language. (ii) That the speaker is digressing from the subject of the proposal. (iii) That the rules of the Union are being broken. (iv) That there is an infringement of the customary rules of debate. (v) That there is an infringement of the Standing Orders (which shall be referred to the Standing Orders Committee). The Chairperson s ruling on a point of order shall be final unless it is challenged. The correct method of challenging the ruling shall be to move: I wish to challenge your ruling. Such a proposal shall be carried by a simple majority. The Standing Orders Committee shall have the right to enter debate on all matters affecting the decisions and role of the Committee. Debates In Camera which have not previously been notified in the Agenda can be requested by a delegate or the NEC prior to the commencement of the debate. If such a request is supported by a simple majority of the Conference, it will be granted. 4. VOTING PROCEDURE a Voting at the Special Rules Revision Conference shall normally be by a show of hand voting cards, in accordance with regulations established under Rule b A card vote may be called for, either by the Chairperson of the Special Rules Revision Conference or when 30 delegates are on their feet calling for such a vote, immediately on the announcement of the decision of the hand voting card vote. When a card vote is taken it shall be based upon a count of Branch membership conducted as close to conference as possible. During a card vote all persons must remain in their seats and no person shall enter or leave the floor of Conference. All card votes of the effective membership represented by delegates shall be collected by the Standing Orders Committee. Page 13

14 STANDING ORDERS Procedure for a card vote shall be as follows. The voting delegate/s of each Branch shall be required to place in a ballot box a card indicating the effective voting membership of the Branch for, against, or abstention on the question requiring the decision, subject to the provisions of Rule Once the SOC have announced the conclusion of the card vote, no further voting cards shall be included in the count. On completion of the vote the General Secretary shall arrange for the counting of the votes and the issue of a circular to each delegate attending Conference recording the vote of each Branch and the result. When the proposal being voted upon has a consequential effect on the following proposal(s), Conference will proceed to the next item of business unaffected by the card vote result. When the card vote result is announced Conference will return to the earlier item provided it is within the timetable. c A proposal to amend the Rules must receive a majority, of the votes cast in support, including a majority within each of the following: (i) The Postal Constituency; (ii) The Telecoms & Financial Services Constituency; To be deemed carried, and shall then become operative immediately following the close of conference. (Rule refers) 5. APPEALS/REFERENCE BACK PROCEDURE a Written notice of appeals/intention to move reference back against decisions of the Standing Orders Committee as published in the Agenda regarding:- (i) proposals not admitted to the agenda (ii) inclusion/exclusion of proposals in a composite (iii) the priority/placement given to a proposal (iv) timetable/programme of business (v) the Standing Orders for Conference (vi) the consequential rulings on proposals must reach the Standing Orders Committee at CWU Headquarters by midnight Monday 8 th April 2019 by to conferences@cwu.org Such written notice must advise of the intention to appeal/move reference back to alter the published agenda with details and reasons for doing so. After consideration of appeals/reference backs by the SOC, Branches or Regional Committee s wishing to continue their appeal/reference back must seek to do so by addressing conference at the commencement of business on Monday 29 th April All parties advised by the SOC that their appeal/reference back has not been accepted will require an appeal card entitling them to address conference when called to do so by the chairperson of conference during the adoption of the Special Rules Revision Conference Standing Orders Committee report. Page 14

15 STANDING ORDERS b c d Challenges to other SOC decisions as printed or announced in supplementary SOC reports must be made at the time the supplementary report is moved. Such challenges can be made to Conference by a delegate, when called to the rostrum, advising Conference that they wish to challenge a decision of the SOC and giving the reasons why. All appeals/reference backs will be deemed carried if they have the support of a simple majority of Conference. The NEC will also be required to follow these procedures. 6. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS a Motions to suspend Standing Orders shall only be allowed to deal with business or circumstances that could not have been foreseen when the timetable/programme of Business was adopted. b The Chairperson may accept a motion for the suspension of Standing Orders provided no proposal is on the floor being debated. Any such motion must state the Standing Order/Orders involved and also state the nature and urgency of the business as to why the suspension is required. The Chairperson shall immediately refer such a motion to the Standing Orders Committee who shall express their view before the vote is taken. A motion for the suspension of Standing Orders will be carried if supported by a simple majority of the Conference. c At the end of the period of suspension of Standing Orders the Conference shall return to the published timetable. No subsequent motion for the variation of the timetable to compensate for time lost by the suspension of a Standing Order/Orders or the discussion of such suspension shall be admissible. 7. NEC ACCEPTANCE (Rule Amendment Proposals) a The NEC will indicate, in an SOC document published prior to Conference, the proposals (excluding their own) which they are prepared to accept. When the SOC report is adopted, those proposals will be deemed to be carried subject to Standing Order 7d, and will not be debated. Subsequent consequential rulings will be applied accordingly. b c d Opposition to the acceptance can only be registered by advising the Standing Orders Committee prior to the Standing Orders Committee Report being moved at the commencement of Conference. The Branch(s) registering opposition to NEC acceptance shall be published in the relevant supplementary report, (Rule (i) refers). Challenges to NEC positions of accept referred to in subsequent supplementary SOC reports will be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 5b. The acceptance of proposals under the terms of this Standing Order shall not take priority over consequential rulings. Page 15

16 STANDING ORDERS e However, notwithstanding the provisions of 7a d, all sponsors of proposals do not have the facility to register opposition to acceptance of proposals standing in their own name. 8. PROHIBITIONS Mobile phones or devices (Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops) must be switched off or set to silent, while in the confines of the Conference Hall. During In Camera debates, recording and or reporting of these debates shall be strictly prohibited. No documents, posters or banners shall be circulated, distributed or displayed within the Conference Hall without the permission of the Standing Orders Committee. Page 16

17 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND OFFICERS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE AND OFFICERS General Secretary D Ward Senior Deputy General Secretary A Kearns Deputy General Secretaries A Kerr T Pullinger National President National Vice President B Shepherd J Loftus M Ali S Banbury A Bouch T Cooper N Darbyshire T Fussey S Halliwell S Jones M Kavanagh C Maden C McGlynn K Rose L Simpson D Tee J Upton B Weatherall D Wilshire Officers D Bowman M Baulch S Bridge N Cotgrove J East A Eldred R Ellis A Furey D Joyce D Jukes T Lavelle B O Brien D Robertson T Rupa B Taylor Standing Orders Committee R Alldritt P Callaghan J Gaby P Magill D Mitchell T Sneddon J Stevenson P Thomas Details correct as of February 2019 Page 17

18 SPECIAL RULES REVISION CONFERENCE AGENDA PROPOSALS Page No. Section 1 Rule Section 2 Rules 8 and Section 3 Rules 7 and Section 4 Rules 10 and Proposals Not Admitted to the Agenda Page 18

19 SECTION 1 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 1 Delete Rule and insert: 1. General The Union shall be divided into Branches constituted under the authority of the NEC and subject to the Branch Model Constitution. In exercising this authority the NEC shall have regard to the CWU Branch measures of success approved by the NEC, local circumstances, members wishes and the requirement for an efficient, financially viable organisation. 2 Delete Rule and insert: If Carried 3 Falls Branches are responsible for promoting the interests of their retired members and for engaging with their retired members to actively involve them in dealing with these issues, accordingly branches shall establish a retired members section to ensure that the interests of their retired members are protected and promoted. The retired members section shall be entitled to elect a section committee which shall be responsible for engaging positively with members of the section to actively involve them in pursuing their interests and issues. One position on the branch committee will be reserved for a representative from the retired members section, elected by and from the members of that section. That individual shall be entitled to attend branch committee meetings to ensure that retired member s issues are raised and discussed at this level. Such a representative shall not be entitled to vote on any industrial/occupational issues at these meetings. Greater Mersey and South West Lancs 3 Delete Rule and insert: The Retired Members Section shall be entitled to elect a Section Committee which shall be responsible for engaging positively with members of the section to actively involve them in pursuing their interests and issues. One position on the Branch Committee will be reserved for a representative from the retired members section, elected by and from the members of that section. That individual shall be entitled to attend Branch Committee meetings to ensure that retired members issues are raised and discussed at this level. Such a representative shall not be entitled to vote on any industrial/occupational issues at these meetings. Page 19

20 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 4 Delete Rule 9.6.3(c). 5 Delete Rule and insert: The NEC shall comprise 30 members: a) President and Vice President, but their inclusion shall not increase the numbers from their originating Constituencies b) 11 lay members elected biennially by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Vice Chair. All of whom shall automatically be members of the Postal Industrial Executive c) 2 lay members elected biennially by and from the Postal Constituency d) 8 lay members elected biennially from the Telecom and Financial Services Constituency and 1 of whom shall be the Vice Chair. All of whom shall automatically be members of the Telecoms and Financial Services Industrial Executive e) 2 lay members elected biennially by and from the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency f) 2 lay Young Workers members elected biennially. 1 of whom will be elected by and from the Postal Constituency and 1 of whom shall be elected by and from the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency g) 1 lay Retired Member elected biennially by all members of the retired sector The retired members NEC representative shall not be entitled to vote on issues that are Financial, Rule, Constitutional or issues that could be considered to have an industrial context except where they apply only to Retired Members. h) 4 lay Equality members elected biennially 1 from each of the following equality strands Women, LGBT, BAME, Disability From the date of introduction i.e two strand members will be elected by and from members of the Postal Constituency and 2 strand members will be elected by and from members of the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency. The NEC will be responsible for the allocation of the 2 seats to each constituency. The selection will be reversed at the next series of elections i.e. after a 2 year period. Page 20

21 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 6 Add new rule to precede Rule 8.1.2: All members of the will be treated equally assuming equal status and responsibilities on the NEC (except the Retired Members Sector NEC representative as outlined in these Rules). 7 Delete Rule COMPOSITE AMENDMENT Add new Rule No member shall be entitled to serve as a voting member of the NEC if they are, or become, a CWU National Officer, CWU Regional Secretary or employee of the Union. South London, Surrey and North Hampshire Midland No. 1 9 Add new rule to follow Rule 8.1.6: The NEC shall convene policy forums as appropriate on matters relevant to the business of the NEC. Regulations for such policy forums shall be determined by the NEC. A Policy Forum may be called by the NEC or at the request of Branches representing not less than 40% of the membership. Requests from Branches must be the result of a decision taken at a properly constituted Branch meeting. 10 Delete Rules and and insert: General The NEC shall set up such committees as it considers necessary for the efficient governance of the Union. The structure and procedures of subcommittees shall be contained in regulations agreed by a two-thirds majority of NEC members and shall be published to Branches. Page 21

22 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 11 Delete Rule 8.7 and insert: 8.7 Election Procedures for Biennially Contested National Executive Council and Industrial Executive Seats 1. All elections shall be by secret ballot of those members entitled to vote. Retired members shall only be able to vote for the Retired Members Sector representative of the NEC. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. 2. Only members of the Union shall be able to stand for National Executive Council and Industrial Executive positions. However, Retired Members shall be entitled to stand for the NEC Retired Members Sector position. 3. The NEC shall determine and publish to Branches, procedures and regulations. 4. The method of recommending support for candidates to its own Branch members shall be a matter for each Branch. Notification of names of candidates and voting entitlement will be published to branches in advance of the despatch of ballot papers to assist branches in this matter. 5. The ballot paper shall list candidates in alphabetical order and shall indicate forenames, or the name by which they are commonly known, and surnames. 6. Asterisks or any other mark indicating existing Executive status shall not be included on the ballot paper. 7. Candidates may submit a personal statement of not more than 300 words to be circulated with their biographical details. The grade of the candidate shall be shown in the biographical details. The personal statement and biographical details of all candidates shall be circulated to all Branches of the CWU. Candidates who wish may also submit a personal photograph for publication with their biographical details and statement. 8. All candidates from the Postal Constituency must have the nomination of their own Branch. A properly constituted Branch meeting must have approved such nominations. 9 All candidates from the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency must be nominated by a Branch or Branches having members in the Constituency. Branches shall be able to nominate as many candidates as there are seats. A properly constituted Branch meeting must have approved such nominations. Details of all Branch nominations shall be published to Branches and included with the candidates election statement. 10. All candidates from the Retired Members sector must have the nomination of their own Branch. A properly constituted Branch meeting must have approved such nominations. Page 22

23 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 12 Delete Rule Amend Rule 8.12 Delete the word Advisory from the title. 14 COMPOSITE AMENDMENT If Carried 15 Falls Delete Rule and insert: There shall be a Retired Members Advisory Committee which shall consist of three members of the NEC, including the Vice President, and thirteen Retired Members elected biennially from nominations which may be received from any Branch of the Union on the following basis. Two from Wales, two from Northern Ireland, two from Scotland and seven from England which shall be one per English Region. If a vacancy arises between elections, it shall be filled by the highest placed runnerup in the Region affected, or an election from nominations from Branches and from the Region, in the case of no runner-up from the Region affected. Central Counties and Thames Valley Eastern No. 5 Eastern Regional Committee 15 Delete Rule and insert: 1. There shall be a Retired Members Committee which shall consist of two members of the NEC who shall be the Vice President of the NEC and the Retired Members Sector Member of the NEC, and twelve Retired Members elected biennially from nominations which may be received from any Branch of the Union on the following basis; two from Wales, two from Northern Ireland, two from Scotland and six from England. If a vacancy arises during the year it shall be filled by the highest placed runner up in the most recent ballot. 16 Delete Rule Page 23

24 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 17 Amend Rule Delete the word Advisory 18 Delete Rule 8.13 and insert: If Carried 19 and 20 Fall 8.13 CWU Young Workers Committee 1. The CWU Young Workers Committee shall consist of two members of the NEC who shall be the nationally elected Young Workers members of the NEC and 20 lay members elected biennially from nominations on the following basis: one from the TFS Constituency and one from the Postal Constituency from each of the 10 CWU regions. All candidates shall be aged 29 or under at the time of election. 2. At its first meeting the Committee shall elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The CWU Young Workers Chair or their substitute shall attend the relevant Industrial Executive in an ex-officio capacity. The CWU Young Workers Vice Chair or their substitute shall not be of the same Industrial Executive remit as the Chair and shall attend the relevant Industrial Executive in an exofficio capacity. 3. The Committee shall meet at least four times a year. 4. The Committee shall aim to protect and promote the interests of young workers and shall: a) advise the NEC, its sub-committees and the Industrial Executives on any matter pertinent to young workers; b) select delegates and motions to affiliated young workers bodies including the TUC Youth, Young Labour and International forums; c) nominate candidates for national committees of affiliated young workers bodies including the TUC Youth, Young Labour and International forums. 5. Reports of the CWU Young Workers Committee shall be submitted to the NEC and the Regional Committees and other appropriate bodies for information. Page 24

25 SECTION 2 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 19 Delete Rule and insert: The CWU Young Workers Committee shall consist of two members of the NEC and 22 lay members elected biennially from nominations on the following basis: One from the TFS Constituency and one from the Postal Constituency from each of the 10 regions One from the Postal Constituency who works for a company other than Royal Mail Letters/Parcelforce and One from the TFS Constituency who works for a company other than BT/Openreach. All candidates shall be aged 29 or under at the time of election. Bootle Financial Services 20 Delete Rule and insert: At its first meeting the Committee shall elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and financial Secretary. The CWU Young Workers Chair or their substitute shall attend the full NEC and relevant Sub-Committee meetings in an ex-officio capacity. The CWU Young Workers Chair or their substitute shall also attend the relevant Industrial Executive in an ex-officio capacity. The CWU Young Workers Vice Chair or their substitute shall not be of the same Industrial Executive remit as the Chair and shall attend the relevant Industrial Executive in an ex-officio capacity. Greater London Combined Page 25

26 SECTION 3 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 21 Delete Rule and insert: Any Branch that has in excess of 12 months equivalent rebate in its bank balance shall have future rebates held centrally in a separate national account set up for that sole purpose. From May % of the funds held in the account will be returned to the CWU General Fund. The remaining 30% of the funds held in the account on this date will be placed in a fund that any Branch or Region can request a grant from for any specific project, campaigns or for assistance due to lack of funds by making an appropriate case to the SDGS. All future withheld rebates will be dealt with in accordance with the above principle. 22 Amend Rule Rule add at end: The CWU Regional Structure will be subject to review by the NEC. 23 Add new Rule to follow Objectives The Objectives of the Regional Structures shall be: To work under the direction of the NEC and oversee all non-industrial work within the Region To support the development of the union s work within the wider trade union movement, including building stronger links to TUC regional Structures To support the development of the union s political work, including building stronger links with the relevant Labour Party structures To support the development and delivery of the union s Organising and Recruitment Strategy To support the development and delivery of the union s Education, Learning & Training Strategy To support and oversee the work of our Branches and implement strategies such as the CWU measures of success To develop Regional priorities and campaigns that support the general strategies of the union To support the development of the union s Communications and Engagement Strategy Page 26

27 SECTION 3 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 24 Add new Rule to precede 7.1.2: That each Region will submit a Biennial Regional development plan to the NEC. The plan will be submitted within 3 months of the start of the term of office. 25 Amend Rule Delete all after..conferences. 26 Delete Rule and insert: The Principal Officers of the Regional Committee shall be the Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Financial Secretary. At least two of these positions should be held by women and no single individual can hold more than one of these positions at any one time. 27 Delete Rules and Rule Add new rule to follow Rule Regional Executive Committee There will be within each CWU Region a Regional Executive Committee who will oversee the work of the Region in between full Regional Committee meetings. The Regional Executive Committee will meet 4 times per year in between full Regional Committee meetings. The CWU Regional Executive Committee will comprise of the following elected representatives: Regional Secretary Regional Assistant Secretary Regional Chair Regional Financial Secretary Regional Political Officer Regional Lead Women Regional Lead BAME Regional Lead LGBT Page 27

28 SECTION 3 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) Regional Lead Disability Regional Lead Young Workers Regional Lead Retired Members Regional Lead Health & Safety Regional Lead Education, Learning & Training The Regional Executive Committee will also comprise of the following ex-officio members: Regional, Territorial & Field Industrial Leads Designated NEC Member 29 Delete Rule and insert: If Carried 30 Falls Election Procedures All elections for the Principal Regional Committee Officer positions and the Regional Executive Committee positions will be elected by Branches within the Regions on a one union basis. The election for the Regional Secretary will be on an individual member ballot of all members in the Region. To be elected to this position the candidate must receive a simple majority of the total votes cast Elections for the Regional Chair, Assistant Secretary, Financial Secretary and all Executive Committee positions will be conducted at the Regional AGM. The Regional Secretary will be the returning officer for these elections. All Branches shall be eligible to vote and will be allocated to vote in accordance with their membership size at the time of the elections. The successful candidate(s) will be those who receive a majority of the votes cast. 30 Delete Rules , and Delete Rule and insert: Regional Committee meetings shall meet four times a year. One of the Regional meetings will be a Regional Conference. Branch attendance at Regional meetings will be mandatory. Page 28

29 SECTION 3 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 32 Delete Rule and insert: 2. Decisions taken at all Regional meetings will be by a simple majority. 33 Delete Rule and insert: 1. The Regional Committee shall be composed of Regional Chair, Regional Secretary, Regional Financial Secretary, Assistant Regional Secretary, Regional Executive Committee members and delegates from Branches (the delegation strength of each Branch shall be detailed in each Regional Committee Constitution). 34 Delete Rule and insert: 1. Regional Committees will receive 2% of Branch rebate which will be paid direct into the Regional Fund. The Regional fund will be distributed on the basis of a bidding system based on clear plans and clear measurable outputs. When attending meetings the Principal Regional Officers and members of the Regional Executive Committee will be entitled to travel and subsistence to be paid from the Regional fund. 35 Delete Rules , and Delete Rules 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 and insert new rule: 7.2 Regional Sub Committees 1. There shall be six Regional Sub Committees: Regional Equality Sub Committee comprising of Branch Women s Officers, Branch Equality Officers, Branch BAME Officers and other representatives from the four equality streams Regional Health & Safety Sub Committee comprising Lead Health & Safety representatives from all Branches Regional Young Workers Sub Committee comprising of one delegate per Branch Page 29

30 SECTION 3 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) Regional Retired Members Sub Committee comprising of one delegate per Branch Regional Education, Learning and Training Sub Committee comprising of Branch Lead ULRs and Branch Secretaries Regional Political Sub Committee comprising of Branch Political Officers Regional Sub Committees shall adopt and operate the Regional Sub Committee constitution approved by the NEC. Page 30

31 SECTION 4 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 37 Delete Rule 14 and insert: Rule 14 Dispute Resolution 1. General 1. Matters of dispute arising from the rules or regulations of the Union affecting Union members shall be dealt with in accordance with this rule. 2. The purpose of this rule is to deal with all matters of potential dispute between members, with the aim of achieving settlements where disputes arise. This rule covers all aspects of union administration. 3. All potential disputes will be administered by the General Secretary s Department. The process will identify the nature of the potential dispute and will be subsequently classified as one of the following: a) breakdown in relationships b) breach of national rules Potential disputes arising from the above will be dealt with the CWU Complaints Procedure or National Disputes Committee (NDC) 4. None of the above will be actioned in the event of a dispute being contemplated or in progress either via an internal employer procedure or an external body and has reached a conclusion. 2. CWU Complaints Procedure 1. All matters requiring consideration shall be dealt with by the General Secretary s Department in line with the appropriate byelaws. 3. National Discipline Committee (NDC) 1. All matters requiring consideration and/or investigation shall be administered by the General Secretary s Department. Cases will be handled as speedily as possible, aiming to have the investigation completed within 35 days. Where there is delay, both the complainant and respondent will be notified of the reason and anticipated date of conclusion. 2. The Committee shall be served by an Officer appointed by the General Secretary. The Committee shall consist of members of the NEC, which ill be determined by the byelaws. 4. National Dispute Committee Powers and Procedures 1. All matters requiring consideration under this rule should be referred to the General Secretary s Department. Such matters may be referred by either a member or a Branch. 2. The NEC shall prescribe regulations governing the procedures for the conduct of all cases before the NDC and may amend such regulations from time to time. These amendments shall be subject to endorsement at a subsequent General Conference. 3. The NDC has the power to require the production of written evidence and attendance of witnesses who are members of the Union. In the event of non-production of written evidence or non- attendance by either of the parties involved, the Committee has the right to take decisions in their absence. Page 31

32 SECTION 4 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 4. The NDC shall consider each dispute in line with the NDC byelaws and conclude whether or not the dispute is appropriate to be dealt with at a full hearing of the NDC. 5. Following the full hearing of the dispute, in the event the NDC conclude that there has been a breach of the national rules, the NEC may exercise one or more of the following powers. a) censure the member concerned; b) suspend the member from membership or from all or any benefits of membership for such time as may be determined; c) remove the member from any CWU representative office; d) disqualify the member from holding office for such a period as the NDC may determine; e) impose a suspended sentence for so long as the NDC shall consider just and reasonable; f) expel the member from the Union. 6. There shall be a right of appeal against decisions of the NDC to an Independent Appeal Panel. An appeal against a decision of the NDC can only be brought by the charged member. 5. Independent Appeals Panel (IAP) 1. The NEC shall prescribe byelaws governing the procedure for the conduct of all cases before the IAP and may amend such byelaws from time to time. 2. The IAP shall consist of 3 Independent members, one of which shall be the Chair. 3. The IAP shall be served by an Officer appointed by the General Secretary. 4. The decision of the IAP shall be final and binding on the appellant and the Union and concludes the internal process. 6. Functions of the General Secretary and the NDC Officer in Relation to potential disputes 1. The Officer to the NDC shall be responsible for the documentation of matters requiring consideration by the NDC and for recording the proceedings of the Committee. 2. The Officer to the NDC shall notify a member of their rights under the rules of the Union and the consequences of failure to comply with any direction issued, or any penalty imposed by the NDC. The Officer will notify the General Secretary of the final decision. Harrow and District Amal 38 Delete Rule and insert: There shall be an Annual Conference of the Union held at a date determined by the NEC each year to debate and determine matters of policy. The normal length of the Annual Conference shall be 5 days with 2 days allocated to General/Rules Conference and 3 days allocated to the Postal and Telecoms and Financial Services Conferences. Page 32

33 SECTION 4 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) However, in alternative years commencing from 2020 the duration of annual conference will be 6 days. With 3 days allocated to General/Rules Conference (including 1 day on Equality) and 3 days allocated to the Postal and Telecoms and Financial Services Conferences. 39 Delete Rule and insert: There shall be the following Conferences held each year: a) Annual (General and Industrial) The following Conferences will be held biennially: a) Retired Members b) Young Workers 40 Delete Rule 10.3 and insert: General Conference Delegation Branch representation at the General Conference shall be: Membership Delegates Membership Delegates and above Representation shall be based on a count of Branch membership excluding retired members conducted as close to Conference as possible. All Regional Secretaries and Business Based Field Officials shall attend in an exofficio capacity. They may participate in discussion at the specific request of their respective parent Committee or of a Branch within that Committee, but shall not vote. A Branch may vary its delegates within the total Branch delegation entitlement. Each Branch shall strive to ensure proportionality in its delegation. Page 33

34 SECTION 4 : PROPOSALS Monday ( ) 41 Delete Rule 10.4 and insert: 1. Branches shall each be entitled to submit up to three motions to General Conference. Regional Committees shall be entitled to submit up to three motions on issues relating to Political, Equality, and Education, Learning & Training or Health & Safety sections only. 2. The NEC shall also be entitled to submit motions as appropriate. 3. Each Regional Health & Safety Sub Committee shall be entitled to submit three motions to the Health and Safety section 4. The Retired Members and Young Workers biennial Conferences shall in the year in which they are held shall each be entitled to submit two motions to General Conference. 42 Delete Rule 10.5 and insert: Voting at the General Conference shall normally be by a show of hands. A card vote may be called for either by the Chair of the General Conference or when thirty delegates make an indication calling for such a vote. When a card vote is taken it shall be based on the General Conference Branch Membership count excluding retired members. A proposition shall be treated as carried if it obtains a simple majority of the votes cast. Gloucestershire Amal 43 COMPOSITE AMENDMENT Add new rule after Rule National Officers, National Executive Members, Industrial Executive members, and T&FSE National Negotiating Team Members, should not be eligible to stand for the standing orders committee South London, Surrey and North Hampshire Greater London Combined Coventry 44 Delete Rule b) and insert: A card vote may be called by the Chair or by fifteen delegates rising to their feet calling for such a vote. When a card vote is taken it shall be based on the Conference Branch membership count excluding retired members. Greater London Combined Page 34