West Yorkshire
Branch
AGM 2015
The Gumption Centre –
Bradford
th
28 January 2015
WEST YORKSHIRE BRANCH OFFICERS & COMMITTEE 2007/2008
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Branch Officers 2013-15
POSITION
NAME
Place of Work
Branch Chairperson
Trish Vollans
BT
Branch Secretary
Mark Elwen
BT
Financial Secretary
Richard Freeman
BT
Vice Chairperson
Frances Burke
Telefonica
Assistant Secretary (TFS)
Simon Cropper
BT
Assistant Secretary (Postal)
VACANT
Youth Officers
Haroon Taj
Jack Senior
Jordan Mattison
Capita O2Telefonica
Royal Mail
BT
Branch Political Officer
Richard Freeman
BT
Branch Equality Officer
Glynis Winestein
Women’s Officer
Cathy Rhodes
Branch Organizer
Mizan Muqit
Welfare Officer
Richard Freeman
Health & Safety Officer
Tony Murphy
Retired Members’ Officer
Peter Kennedy
Capita O2
BT
The above officers were elected for a two year term 2013 - 2015. Those starred have been elected since
the 2013 AGM due to the previous officers resigning.
Branch Committee lay members:
Kevin Pattison
Naveen Gulati
John Thompson
Retired
O2 Capita
Portable Member
Lisa Midgley
Welfare Fund Trustees
1
Frances Burke
2
Trish Vollans
3
Samantha Halstead
4
Peter Kennedy
Telefonica
Branch Auditors
1
2
2
G Hartley-Havers
L Albani-Hawa
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Workplace Representatives 2013-15
BT
Trish Vollans
Mark Elwen
Tony Murphy
Peterlee Smith
Ian Bell
Simon Cropper
Kevin Smith
Ian Fraser
Phil Brooks
Chair
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Openreach SM
Openreach SD
Openreach SD
Openreach SD
TSO
Capita O2
Frances Burke
Steve Faber-Hinton
Cathy Rhodes
Naveen Gulati
Chair & Principal Officer
Secretary & Principal Officer
Vice Chair & Principal Officer
Principal Officer
Craig Bartlam
Julian Collins
Maria Gliata
Paul Knowles
Sapna Kumari
Sarah Parkinson
Haroon Taj
Robin Sibley
Left Capita November 2013
Telefonica
Zoe Walmsley
Liza Midgely
Principal Officer
Manpower
Mike Henson
Phil Cocking
TelerealTrillium
Dawn Matthews
Phillip Poston-Robinson
Transferred to Cofleys in June 2014
Royal Mail
Peter Johnstone
Stuart Tempest
Simon Weston
Vehicle Workshops – North East
Vehicle Workshops – Mid Yorks
PO Engineers – Leeds Mail Centre
3
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
AGENDA
Page Number shown where there is a written agenda item.
Page
1)
Chairpersons Opening Comments
2)
Apologies
3)
Minute silence. (Obituary List)
4)
Appointment of Tellers
6
Section 1
7
Minutes of the previous AGM
8
Section 2
13
6)
Secretary’s Report
14
7)
Financial Secretary’s Report
16
9)
Nominations for Branch Officers
21
10)
Nominations for West Yorkshire Branch Committee
22
11)
Nominations for BT Section Committee
23
12)
Nominations for O2 Telefonica Positions
24
13)
Nominations for TelerealTrillium Positions
25
14)
Nominations for Manpower Positions
25
15)
Nominations for Welfare Fund Trustees
26
16)
Nominations for Auditors
26
17)
Nominations for National & Regional Positions
27
18)
Employer Reports:
5)
BT, Manpower, Romec, TelerealTrillium, Computacenter
28,29
Telefonica
30
Capita O2
31
19)
Organiser’s Report
32
20)
Women’s Officer’s Report
33
21)
Youth Report
22)
Political Report
23)
Retired Members’ Report
24)
Welfare Report
34
25)
Health & Safety Report
35
26)
Equality Officer’s Report
27)
Union Learning Report
34
36
4
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
28)
Branch Motions to the Annual General Meeting
29)
Motions to Conference:
30)
38
General
49
TFS
40
Q & A / Any Other Branch Business
5
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Obituary List 2014 – 15
During the past year we have learned, with regret, of the deaths of the following respected colleagues of
the Branch.
Graham Brook
B Walker
P England
J Clarke
P Chainey
M Driver
R G Paul
K Davies
Please turn off your mobile phones
6
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Section 1
Minutes
of the
2014 AGM
7
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Minutes of the West Yorkshire Branch Annual General Meeting 30th January 2014
Great Victoria Hotel - Bradford
Total present 26
Chair - F Burke then P Vollans
Secretary – M Elwen
Financial Secretary – R Freeman
1. The Chair thanked those attending.
2. Apolgies. The following apologies had been received:
Dave Jukes, Glynis Winestein, Steve Faber-Hinton, Leticia Albani-Hawa, Naveen Gulati.
3. Minutes Silence - A minutes silence was held in remembrance of those members who had died during
the previous 12 months.
4. Appointment of Tellers - Not required
5. Minutes of the previous AGM
These were agreed. Moved by Peter Kennedy, Seconded by Kevin Smith
6. Secretary’s Report
Mark Elwen spoke on his written report. There were no questions.
R Freeman mentioned that since the last AGM G Jones, P Tallett and K Pattison has resigned from the BT
Committee.
7. Financial Report
R Freemen said that as Leticia Albani-Hawa had not be available to audit the branch accounts Kevin
Pattison had carried out the joint audit with G Hartley Havers.
8. M Elwen & F Burke spoke on their written reports.
Frances Burke had provided a separate written report. There were no questions
Q. If membership was up why had branch income gone down?
RF. New members are not paying as much as the mainly BT and O2 people who have left.
C Rhodes said she felt believed the accounts were well managed.
8
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
GUEST SPEAKER
Jez Rhodes of the GMB gave a talk on the support group he runs for men with issues of anger
management and domestic violence. This group is supported by the GMB.
K Pattison suggested the CWU could set up something similar as with the financial hardships many
families have this is something that is likely to get worse.
9. Organizers Report
M Muqit spoke on his written report.
CR suggested the CWU organise at Capita O2 in Dearne Valley.
Q. Why do the CWU not have recognition in other companies such as Sky?
MM - The union has to get 50%+1 before it can officially request recognition.
ME - Few employers invite a trade union in and a union has no legal right to enter a company’s premises
to recruit.
Q. Does the union recruit contractors, Kelly’s and Quinns?
ME – Yes if does but some of these are classed as ‘self employed’ which is very debateable but means the
union has difficulty representing them.
Q. What are membership levels in OR?
ME – In BT level is around 92% in branch.
JB – Level in OR was around 95%. Makes the union very strong.
10. Women’s Officer Report
As written.
11. Youth Officers’s Report
As written
12. Political Report
As written.
RF urged people to consider joining the Labour Party.
CR said we need to get young people involved and educated about politics.
KP said people should make sure they vote in the Euro elections to ensure extreme parties like the BNP do
not get seats.
9
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
13. Retired Members’ Report
As written
RF referred people to his written report.
14. Welfare Report
As written.
15. H&S Report
As written.
TM also added that Openreach SD would be having a ‘H&S Day’ doing spot checks in the near future. The
date would be advertised.
16. Equality Report
No report submitted.
ME said the union was looking at proportionality and was debating such things as ‘reserved seats’ and
‘alcohol free meetings’. The Branch needed members’ views on this.
There was a short discussion.
CR said as Women’s Officer she would be doing all she can to encourage more women to become active.
17. Learning Report
As written.
18. Branch Motions to the AGM
None received.
19. Motions to Conference
General:
Rule 11.6.3
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. Such rebates shall be released
to the Branch once either the bank balance holds less than 12 months equivalent rebate or on application
to the SDGS and the NEC if required for exceptional expenditure. The money in this account shall not be
used for any other purpose by CWU HQ, except that any interest accrued shall be additionally used to
grow membership.
Delete and replace with:
10
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
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. Such rebates may be released to
the Branch once either the bank balance holds less than 12 months equivalent rebate or on application to
the SDGS and the NEC if required for exceptional expenditure. The money in this account shall be
additionally used to grow membership.
Mover – M Elwen
Seconder - R Freeman
ME spoke on the motion explaining this was to release the £6m ‘stuck’ in this account to help grow
membership.
The motion was carried.
Telecoms:
LEAVE
Conference is concerned about the continuing problems our members are facing when trying to book
annual leave throughout the leave year. This has arisen as Capita work on a much reduced percentage of
leave allowance compared to the previous employer Telefonica.
This conference instructs the T&FSE to negotiate improvements of the percentage of leave allowed
throughout the year striking a healthy work life balance and ensuring all members get at least two weeks
together over the summer leave period if this is their first choice.
Conference would expect these negotiations to commence immediately following the close of this
conference in order that this situation is not allowed to continue.
Moved: F Burke
Seconded: C Rhodes
CARRIED
SICK ABSENCE
Conference notes that the aggressive style of managing sick absence at Capita within the Telefonica
contract over recent months is totally unacceptable. The stringent approach taken by management is
totally punitive and disproportionately affects members with disabilities and long term illness.
The T&FSE are instructed to negotiate improvements in the policy to include :
A)
As per the Acas codes of Practise to include an informal warning stage of the process.
B) To ensure that an fair and equitable process is detailed taking into consideration the Equality Act in
relation to individuals with disabilities and those suffering from long term sickness
Moved: F Burke
Seconded: S Faber-Hinton
CARRIED
11
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
20. AOB
The Chair urged anyone who may be interested in becoming active to get in touch.
12
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Section 2
2015 AGM
13
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Secretary’s Report
Branch Officers
Since the last there have been few changes to the actual branch officers. The exception is the Youth
Officer position which, because several people expressed an interest in the position, the Committee agree
to extend this to three positions with three new officers, Jack Senior, Jordan Mattison and Haroon Taj in
Royal Mail, BT and Capita O2 respectively.
Although Dave Jukes was no longer a branch officer, after taking up a national position for the CWU he
was still a member of this branch. However in 2014 he was elected to a new national Assistant Secretary
position and as such become a member of the CWU headquarters Branch – se ending any formal links
with this branch. Over the years Dave Jukes has been has worked extremely hard for this Branch and its
members and I wish him all the best in his new position.
Glynis Winestein has also decided to step down as Equality Officer and this will be the first time in many
years she has not held a position either nationally or at branch level. Glynis is another person who has
worked tirelessly for the CWU and its members.
Richard ‘Fred’ Freeman retired from BT in 2014 but (thankfully) continued his roles for the Branch as
Financial Officer, Welfare Officer and Political Officer as well as carrying personal cases in non recognised
employers.
Branch Meetings
In addition to the AGM held in Bradford in January 2014 branch meetings were also held in Leeds in April
and Bingley in November.
Branch Committee
The Branch Committee met in August, November and January.
Training
A course for new representatives at Capita O2 was held in the Autumn and Branch Officers and
representatives attended a number of courses at Alvescot Education Centre and in the region.
Branch Membership
Branch membership stands at 3009 as of 31st Dec. Not counting retired members the membership is 2473
compared to last years figure of 2372. Most of this increase is through non recognised employers such as
BskyB. Whilst we have seen slight declines in Telefonica and Capita O2, BT membership has stayed steady
around the 1,100 with losses being made up mainly from the Openreach recruitment program.
Recruitment initiatives have been held in Capita O2 and Telefonica by the officers including targeting
Telefonica shops throughout the north east. In BT officers have regularly visited Yarnfield Training Centre
to help in the BT recruitment where the numbers coming through are a real challenge – but it is good to
report a well over 90% success rate recruiting these new employees. In the private sector the Branch
organiser, Mizan Muqit has been responsible for the continued increase of membership in this area.
14
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Personal Cases
In 2013 the Branch dealt with 380 grievance and discipline cases, this compares to 282 the previous year .
Worryingly 125 of these cases were at Capita O2 which account for one fifth of the membership. There
were 89 cases at BskyB – half the membership and 51 at BT (5%).
Annual Conference
Delegates to 2014 Conference were: Mark Elwen (BT), Frances Burke (Capita), Peter Kennedy (Retired),
Trish Vollans (BT), Simon Cropper (BT), Zoe Walmsley (Telefoncia), Peterlee Smith (BT), Cathy Rhodes
(Capita) Steve Faber-Hinton (Capita), Mizan Muiqt (Branch Organiser), Peter Johnstone (Royal Mail)
For Peterlee and Peter this was their first conference and for Steve, Zoe and Cathy not only their first
conference but they also took to the rostrum to make speeches moving or supporting motions.
Unfortunately the Branch motion to General conference regarding the releasing of withheld Branch funds
for organising and recruitment was not reached. However motions on Captia O2 to TFS conference were
all carried unanimously.
Branch delegates spoke at the rostrum on each day of conference.
Finally
I would like to thank all my fellow Branch Officers, Committee Members, Workplace Representatives and
Members who have given their support and help to me and the Branch over the past year. A special thank
you to Joe Shackleton and Peter Kennedy whose voluntary work, keeping the membership records up to
date is invaluable.
Mark Elwen
January 2015
15
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Financial Secretary’s Report
Income was £104527.11, lower than the previous year (£111000). This was mainly due to the reduction of
employees in one of our main areas. This has been compensated to some extent by recruitment in other
areas however these members tend to pay a reduced rate since we do not have recognition in those
companies. We have not incurred instances where our rebate has been withheld. Even so these monies
are not lost to the Branch but are held in a special Head Office account and can be drawn upon when
required.
Overall expenditure (excluding items recoverable from Head Office) in the General Fund has been £
108,594 against a budget of £101,401.
Further savings have been made on telephones by continuing the migration of individual accounts on to a
group account with Vodaphone. .
Representative’s expenses have reduced; The Union has moved to a process where representatives’
expenses area actual costs supported by receipt.
As stated last year there has been a significant increase on the secretarial support element as there has
been a much greater demand on our field representatives.
The Political Fund account has been used to affiliate to all the 24 CLPs. The amount in the rebate from
Head office has increased. A payment of £750 was paid to the Regional Political Fund account as part of
the ‘Blueprint’ initiative.
The Welfare Fund has shown a further reduction from the previous year’s balance: from £12.5k to £10k. .
Again the budget in the coming year will be challenging. The proposed changes how the Branch functions
and represent members out of our core areas will put pressure on the finances but we must put the
Branch on a more legitimate standing to ensure we do not fall fowl of employment and Inland Revenue
regulations which may place the Branch, and Union, in a possible embarrassing position.
A fuller summary of transaction summaries are given on the separate financial report.
R.Freeman
16
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Affiliations
Huddersfield TUC
CWUHA
Y & H Pensioners Convention
Durham Miners Assoc
WCML
War on Want
Justice For Colombia
Calderdale TUC
LGBT Labour
Cuba Solidarity
Leeds TUC
Woodcraft Folk
Woodcraft Folk (National)
£25.00
£95.00
£45.00
£50.00
£50.00
£25.00
£90.00
£10.00
£15.00
£40.00
£120.00
£25.00
£25.00
Donations
Unite
LabourStart Ltd
Y & H Pensioners Convention
The Joseph Salmon Trust
Y&H Euro Office - Charities A/C
Our Milo
Rehab
Embargoed
CSEF
Teech
Jamie Oliver Food Foundation
Kirkwood Hospice
REHAB
The West Yorkshire Hardship Fund
Blake Watts Appeal (via R Case)
£60.00
£2.00
£15.00
£50.00
£360.00
£200.00
£100.00
£50.00
£486.00
£200.00
£100.00
£100.00
£100.00
£200.00
£50.00
17
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Expenditure 2014
Period Trial Balance
To
Period:
Month 12, December 2013
N/C
Name
Debit
(
2,013
)
79,236.72
(
81,397.64
)
(
2,013 )
(
312.88
)
82,263.80
(
104,509.76
)
Credit
1200
Branch Bank Current Account
1202
General Sub Account
1,439.16
(
866.16
)
1300
Politcal Fund Bank account
1,452.03
(
1,223.24
)
1400
Welfare Fund Bank account
10,230.85
(
12,453.44
)
3200
General Fund Bfwd Balance
3210
Political Fund Bfwd Balance
1,223.24
(
1,996.58
)
3230
Welfare Fund Bfwd Balance
12,453.44
(
13,989.43
)
4020
Branch Rebates from Head Office
104,527.11
(
111,014.57
)
4050
Branch Expenses Refunded by HO
6,267.15
(
5,533.07
)
4021
Branch Rebates Withheld
4030
Branch Grants from Head Office
4051
Branch Death Benefit Refunds
5,856.00
(
6,476.00
)
4210
Politcal Rebate Receivable from Head Office
3,546.36
(
3,547.68
)
4400
Welfare Received From Branch Fund
(
1,481.17
)
4500
Welfare Donations
(
200.00
)
4510
Welfare Collections
(
1,520.00
)
4520
Other Welfare Income
5000
Political Affiliations to CLP's
114.00
(
126.00
)
5120
Political Other Grants to CLP's
316.00
(
1,074.93
)
5210
Political Affiliations
(
50.00
)
5250
Political Meetings, Subsistance, Travel
551.55
(
2,255.69
)
5260
Political Donations
1,610.00
(
5270
Political Other/ Misc. Expenses
5280
Political 20% regional Political Secretaries
5300
Political Bank Charges
6000
Welfare Payments & Grants to Members
6100
Other Welfare Fund Expenditure
7100
Branch Computer & Related Equipment
7110
Branch Other Furniture & Equipment
7200
7210
(
24,181.83
)
(
415.00
(
)
(
662.24
)
(
709.53
)
(
5.00
)
(
5,610.24
)
(
2,039.30
)
2,561.43
(
2,986.29
)
15.00
(
2,428.54
)
Branch Telephones
5,602.53
(
4,651.81
)
Branch Postage
1,395.53
(
2,743.52
)
7220
Branch Printing/ Publishing
2,162.68
(
6,525.30
)
7230
Branch Secretarial Support
22,462.04
(
11,222.18
)
7240
Branch Other Administration Expenses
10,642.56
(
16,175.86
)
7350
Branch Insurance Premiums
7360
Branch Other Amenities
7400
Branch Expenses Refundable from HO
7410
Branch Death Benefits Refundable from HO
7500
Branch Meetings, Subsistance, Travel
7502
Recruitment & Retention T&S
759.27
7,864.84
(
)
385.75
(
810.66
)
6,186.45
(
5,092.32
)
5,124.00
(
7,208.00
)
26,235.86
(
21,968.39
)
1,221.65
(
19.68
)
18
)
)
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
7510
Branch Special Leave
7520
Branch Ballots
7540
7546
Branch Training and Education
Branch Training & Education: Education
Centre
7600
282.31
(
388.95
)
(
2,622.13
)
4,890.03
(
1,925.33
)
100.34
(
662.25
)
Branch Honoraria
5,354.00
(
7700
Branch CWU Annual
5,696.30
(
7,283.21
)
7710
Branch CWU Specials
479.79
(
3,219.93
)
7800
Branch Purchase of HO goods
12.50
(
85.00
)
7810
Branch Region/Zone Committee Fund
1,718.10
(
1,338.75
)
7820
Branch AGM & Meeting Room Costs
5,276.11
(
6,205.40
)
7830
Branch Legal & Medical Costs
7840
Branch Donations
7850
)
350.00
(
90.00
)
2,255.00
(
5,785.00
)
Branch Affiliations
680.00
(
543.00
)
7860
Branch Social Functions
890.50
(
636.00
)
7870
Misc expenditure
7900
Branch 1% to Defence Fund
1,045.53
(
1,110.27
)
7910
1,045.53
(
1,110.27
)
261.39
(
277.57
)
7930
Branch 1% to Regional Secretaries
Branch 0.25% to Regional Womans
Committees
Branch 0.25% to Regional Learning
Committee
261.39
(
277.57
)
8000
Branch Welfare fund
(
1,571.17
)
8110
Branch Contributions to HO
269.30
(
547.76
)
8300
Branch Audit fees
100.00
(
100.00
)
8400
Branch Bank Charges/ Commission
5.34
(
0.91
)
7920
(
)
( 250,268.26 )
19
(
250,268.26
)
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Proposed Budget 2015
Budget
2014
Proposed
Budget
2015
N/C
Name
3200
General Fund Bfwd Balance
7100
Branch Computer & Related Equipment
7110
Branch Other Furniture & Equipment
200.00
100.00
7200
Branch Telephones
4,600.00
4,900.00
7210
Branch Postage
2,600.00
1,900.00
7220
Branch Printing/ Publishing
5,500.00
3,500.00
7230
Branch Secretarial Support
11,500.00
29,000.00
7240
Branch Other Administration Expenses
15,000.00
18,000.00
7350
Branch Insurance Premiums
130.00
130.00
7360
Branch Other Amenities
800.00
600.00
7500
Branch Meetings, Subsistance, Travel
7502
Recruitment & Retention T&S
7510
Branch Special Leave
7520
Branch Ballots
7540
121,600.00
2,000.00
22,000.00
**
7546
Branch Training and Education
Branch Training & Education: Education
Centre
7600
Branch Honoraria
7700
Branch CWU Annual
7710
Branch CWU Specials
7800
Branch Purchase of HO goods
3,000.00
18,000.00
**
300.00
300.00
0.00
1,000.00
2,000.00
5,000.00
4,316.00
5,227.25
11,000.00
8,000.00
}
}
}
}
100.00
100.00
1,800.00
7810
Branch Region/Zone Committee Fund
1,800.00
7820
Branch AGM & Meeting Room Costs
5,000.00
5,500.00
7830
Branch Legal & Medical Costs
200.00
400.00
7840
Branch Donations
3,500.00
3,000.00
600.00
600.00
0.00
0.00
50.00
0.00
7850
Branch Affiliations
7860
Branch Social Functions
7870
Misc expenditure
7900
Branch 1% to Defence Fund
950.00
1,216.00
1,216.00
250.00
304.00
7930
Branch 1% to Regional Secretaries
Branch 0.25% to Regional
Committees
Branch 0.25% to Regional
Committee
950.00
250.00
304.00
8000
Branch Welfare fund
4,600.00
6,080.00
8110
Branch Contributions to HO
0.00
300.00
8300
Branch Audit fees
100.00
100.00
8400
Branch Bank Charges/ Commission
5.00
5.00
100,301.00
119,582.25
7910
7920
Womans
Learning
20
includes
**
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations for Branch Officers 2015-17
POSITION
NAME
Branch Chairperson
Trish Vollans
ELECTED
Branch Secretary
Mark Elwen
ELECTED
Financial Secretary
Richard Freeman
ELECTED
Vice Chairperson
Frances Burke
Andrew Sowinski
BALLOT
Assistant Secretary (TFS)
Simon Cropper
ELECTED
Assistant Secretary (Postal)
VACANT
Youth Officers (3)
Jack Senior
Jordan Mattison
Yusuf Patel
ELECTED
Branch Political Officer
Richard Freeman
ELECTED
Branch Equality Officer
Frances Burke
ELECTED
Women’s Officer
Cathy Rhodes
ELECTED
Branch Organizer
Mizan Muqit
ELECTED
Welfare Officer
Richard Freeman
ELECTED
Health & Safety Officer
Tony Murphy
ELECTED
Retired Members’ Officer
Peter Kennedy
ELECTED
BAME Officer
Mizan Muqit
ELECTED
21
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations For West Yorkshire Branch Committee 2015-17
BT (2)
Capita O2 (2)
NOMINEE
VACANT
Royal Mail
Steve Faber-Hinton
Cathy Rhodes
Naveen Gulati
VACANT
Capita Other
Bilaal Sacha
BSkyB
Hamza Javaid*
Virgin Media
VACANT
Telefonica
VACANT
Any other employer (3)
Zahid Rasool (Lowell Financial)
Imran Rehman (Jet2)
John Thompson
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations For West Yorkshire BT Committee 2015-17
POSITION
Chairperson
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Assistant Secretary
NOMINEES
Trish Vollans
Mark Elwen
Anthony Murphy
Simon Cropper
Peterlee Smith
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Kevin Smith
Ian Bell
Phil Brook
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Committee:
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations For Capita O2 Principal Officers 2015-17
3 Positions
NOMINEEs
Frances Burke
Tasadiq Bashir
Naveen Gulati
Steve Faber-Hinton
Cathy Rhodes
Andrew Sowinski
Nominations for the Capita O2 Section Committee 2015-17
14 Positions:
Sameera
Madasar
Mona
Tasadiq
Frances
Nicola
Julian
Steve
Sarah
Naveen
Rahmid
Paul
Zainab
Sapna
Mandy
Sarah
Yusuf
Cathy
Faisar
Robin
Andrew
Richard
Imy
Fahran
Aftab
Ali
Atkinson
Bashir
Burke
Chambers
Collins
Faber-Hinton
Forsyth
Gulati
Jamal
Knowles
Kouther
Kumari
Lewsley
Parkinson
Patel
Rhodes
Shan
Sibley
Sowinski
Wood
Younas
Zafar
Ballots held for all positions. The result will be announced at the AGM.
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations For Telefonica Principal Officers 2015-17
1. Zoe Walmsley
2. Liza Midgley
ELECTED
ELECTED
Nominations For Telefonica Committee 2015-17
Trish Drury
Dave Gardner
ELECTED
ELECTED
6 vacancies
Nominations For Telerealtrillium Workplace Representative 2015-17
1
Phil poston-Robinson
ELECTED
Nominations For Manpower Workplace Representatives 2015-17
None received.
Nominations For Royal Mail Positions 2015-17
Mid Yorks Hub VWS - Stuart Tempest
North East Hub VWS
Leeds Mail Centre – Mark Moore
ELECTED
Non Received
ELECTED
25
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Welfare Fund Trustees
1
2
3
4
Frances Burke
Peter Kennedy
Trish Vollans
VACANT
ELECTED
ELECTED
ELECTED
Branch Auditors
1
2
K Pattison
L Albani-Hawa
ELECTED
ELECTED
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Nominations for National & Regional Positions
General Secretary – Billy Hayes
Assistant Secretary TFS – Sally Bridge
TFS Chair
TFS Vice Chair
Beryl Shepherd
Brendan O’Brien
NEC
Tom Cooper
Nick Darbyshire
Chic McGlynn
Karen Rose
Julia Upton
TFS
Stephen Albon
Tracy Buckley
Tracey Fussey
Ken Woolley
Dave Tee
Openreach North East SPOC* – Viv Hayes
Openreach Customer Service SPOC* - Mark Elwen
Openreach National team*:
Dave Mitchell
Garry Woodman
Phil Thomas
John Donnolly
Chick McGlynn
Capita O2 National Team (One position):*
Frances Burke
Andrew Sowinski
Race Advisory Committee* – Mizan Muqit
Women’s Advisory Committee* - Trish Vollans
*NB – Where the cut off date for nominations, or when ballots will take place are not yet known further
nominees will be accepted once they are known and, if required, a decision made at a further branch
meeting.
27
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Employer Reports
BT
Pay - The CWU secured a 2% increase to base pay plus a flat rate increase of £200 from 1st April 2014 all
of which is fully consolidated and pensionable. Also a further 2.5% increase to base pay from both 1st April
2015 and 1st April 2016 also fully consolidated and pensionable. The £200 flat rate increase was to address
the ever widening gap between the lowest and highest paid grades.
Performance Management – Within the branch performance management cases have been well down on
previous years hopefully demonstrating that the steps put in place by the union and BT are beginning to
work. Those steps include a management training programme and an escalation process for the union to
use where cases have not been resolved satisfactorily locally.
New Starters on New Terms & Conditions – One of the biggest issues the union had to decide upon was
whether to agree the taking on of new starters within BT of different terms and conditions to existing
employees. BT’s commitment was to taken on 3000 plus new employees. After a two day conference the
BT branches agreed to the new T&Cs after the Executive had managed to get significant improvements to
the original terms being offered.
Global - Towards the end of 2014 a number of issues arose in BT Global, including attendance patterns
and TUPE. These are still ongoing.
Openreach - In Customer Service the new grading was finally agreed and implemented in April. The CWU
managed to secure fewer down grades than originally planned and compensation for those that had been
working at higher grades.
New resource has been taken on in Service Delivery with branch officers Peterlee Smith and Simon
Cropper travelling down on an almost weekly basis during October/November to assist with recruitment
at Yarnfield Training Centre. The West Yorkshire Branch has been one of the leading branches in giving
assistance.
Openreach Site Rationalisation
Sovereign Street, Leeds was identified by Openreach to be a ‘trial site’ regional centre. All desk based
workers within a 2 hour travel radius have been listed as in-scope for being asked to move to Leeds. This
includes places a far away as Manchester, Altrincham, Barnsley, Sheffield and Middlesbrough.
Consultation between the company and CWU is ongoing.
After the near dispute over Winter Working last year this year the company reverted to making any
changes voluntary.
BTFS – The CWU came to agreement with BTFS at the end of 2014 for formal recognition.
Manpower DFTS Wakefield
2014 saw several members raise grievances and cases with ACAS to get the company to pay them the
correct holiday pay. Manpower’s policy of not paying holiday pay when it is taken, the Branch believes is
illegal. Thanks to Mike Henson and Phil Cocking our reps in Manpower for their hard work over the year.
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
TelerealTrillium
The branch lost some of its long term members and a representative, Dawn Matthews when
TelerealTrillium transferred some of its undertaking to Cofleys.
Our thanks go to Phillip Poston-Robinson and Dawn Matthews for their work as representatives in TT.
Computacenter
In 2014 members accepted a pay offer for a 2.6% increase on base pay and pay related allowances
effective from 1 January 2014.
ROMEC
On 1stOctober sixty six engineers, together with a number of members in Admin grades, transferred on
TUPE terms to Norland.
Contractual Terms and Conditions of the members affected are protected by TUPE legislation, but this
does not extend to protection of pensions. The union was successful in ensuring that equivalent pension
arrangements were put in place for members transferring to Norland.
Norland has confirmed that it will continue to recognise CWU for collective bargaining on behalf of the
members who have transferred.
M Elwen
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Telefonica Report
2014 was my first year on full time release from the business supporting our members.
It has been a busy year with our members facing a number of business changes.
Telefonica carried out a number of departmental restructurings throughout 2014 which resulted in a
number of downsizing exercises across the business. As a result of the unions negotiations we were able
to secure the reductions by Voluntary means. Therefore any member’s role that was at risk but didn’t
want to take VR was successfully moved into a new role.
2014 also brought the implementation of a new pay structure for all our members within the Retail Stores.
The Union was heavily involved in consultations and debates around how this would be implemented. The
union negotiated a compensation package for members that would be affected financially with the loss of
some allowances. There are still challenging times ahead for our members in Retail and the union will
continue to supports these individuals. 2014 saw an increase in cases within the retail sector for conduct
issues.
2014 saw Telefonica introduced a new performance management system. This adjusted the way you were
rated on your performance throughout the 12 month review period. This has been very challenging and
again has resulted in a number of personal cases and a number of individuals have been placed on a PIP
(performance improvement plan) to supposedly aid them in developing their skills. I personally see this as
an exercise to remove people from the business on a performance basis, and the union are continuing to
Challenge these cases.
In 2014 the union successfully negotiated a consolidated pay rise of 2.6% for our members, which was an
excellent result to say that the current RPI At the time was 2.7%.
There are still challenging times ahead of us in 2015 for our members within Telefonica. The business is
still changing and I envisage further changes throughout the business. This been said the Union will
continue to fight for the best interests of our members.
Zoe Walmsley
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Capita O2 Report
Colleagues, thank you for your continued support and for everything you have done over the last year.
Together, we have demonstrated that having a confident, positive and strong CWU in place at both local
and national level is important to all the successes that we have achieved.
Talks commenced in February between the CWU and Capita over a pay review for 2014. The CWU
presented a claim for a consolidated pay increase over and above the current rate of inflation (RPI).
Despite a derisory response of 1.7% by Capita, the CWU successfully negotiated and secured a 2.3% pay
increase. Fully consolidated and overwhelmingly accepted, our members voted in favour by a massive
94%
Various Payroll issues highlighted to Capita on behalf of members, have been resolved throughout the
year by the CWU team locally onsite in Leeds. We continue to challenge Capita over their systems, which
we feel are not fit for purpose.
The introduction of a new Social Media Policy across all of the Telefonica sites, presented concerns to
members over the use of their social media and internet usage. Because of an awareness programme
subsequently rolled out across all sites, staff are now aware of how to avoid disciplinary action.
In September, Capita issued a briefing explaining the criteria for Bonus Payments. This covered Customer
Service Advisors, Administration Staff and Technical Specialist grades. The briefing suggested changes to
the bonus payments in relation to qualifying. The CWU responded pointing out that since no consultation
had taken place and, as the bonus payment is contractual, there would be no changes without
consultation and members would not be penalised.
Throughout the year, 2014 has also produced some unprecedented change for our members. Ranging
from the sublime to the ridiculous and serving in our opinion, to antagonise and frustrate our members.
We have seen changes to the way our members conduct their work, along with their breaks. An increase
in absence and a reduction in holiday percentage has also meant less holiday availability for staff.
Coupled together with an often overbearing management, the increased targets has also led to the
introduction of formal performance management measures.
Like the previous year, Disciplines and Grievances continue to form a large part of the Principal Officers
work onsite locally in Capita O2. However it is pleasing to see that we are having a real positive effect in
some areas of the business. It is also pleasing to note that no member is yet to suffer a punitive penalty
for allegedly under-performing!
Despite a series of meetings being cancelled by Capita, in October a meeting was finally arranged between
the CWU and Capita over Pay Progression. We are really pleased to be able to report that following some
tough negotiations an agreement was reached. Tech Spec grades will now receive a back dated award
based upon their APR ratings.
There have been significant changes in our work, no doubt affecting us all. Overall however, there have
also been massive improvements in securing fairer outcomes for our members. Together, we have
stopped bullying, harassment and intimidation, saved jobs and prevented unnecessary warnings being
issued. Yet the successes we share today, have only come about through the dedication and resilience of
the current CWU team. Looking back on the accomplishments in 2014, I am pleased to say that at the
heart of each of them were our members. Because without you, there can be no success. So in closing, I
would like to thank all of you for all of your support to us.
Steve Faber-Hinton, Principal officer Capita O2
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Organiser’s Report
2014 has been a monumental year for recruitment for the branch specifically in the non-recognised sector
which has maintained the branch’s overall yearly membership figure for 2015.All branch officers have
made efforts to recruit during 2014 especially the BT officers at the branch but 2015 is a critical year and
we must focus on recruitment of new members for the branch.
I have penetrated a number of non recognised companies for the branch this year for example Capita at
Hepworth House and Leeds Valley Park ,Vanquis Bank, Direct Line, PlusNet and Sanef Operations. I have
continued with my organising and recruitment campaign at BSKYB and increased membership by over
100%. In January 2014 the membership figure at BSKYB was around 100 members and now as of the 21 st
of January 2015 the membership has now increased to 218 and will continue to increase due to my
continued efforts with this particular company. Recently I signed up the first member at the Sky Bet call
centre in Leeds and this is a call centre which will be targeted for 2015.
Please see breakdown of recruitment figures from July 2014 to September 2014 which demonstrates my
efforts and the other branch officers in recruitment. 29 new members joined in July 2014, 41 new
members joined in August 2014 and 28 new members joined in September 2014. I solely recruited for the
branch 61 new members during this period. From October 2014 to December 2014, I assisted the
Greater London Combined branch in recruitment and personal cases and therefore recruitment for the
branch dipped however 24 BSKYB members joined from October 2014 to December 2014 and 19
members joined from the non recognised companies. Recruitment for January 2015 has started very well
with over 20 new members as of 21st of January 2015.
There has been a sharp decrease in 2014 in membership levels due to a number of redundancy
programmes and lack of recruitment activities in the CWU recognised companies like Telefonica and
Capita-O2. There has been no recruitment of new members in Capita-02 since 7th of November 2014. BT
is the exception and monthly recruitment has been stable and there has been no significant change in
overall membership levels since January 2014.
For the last 2 months, the branch have been sending stopped member lists to all officers on a weekly basis
and what has been identified that the high majority of BSKY stopped members have been due to change
of direct debit details and early intervention has been taken by me to contact these members and to get
their membership reactivated. This is an issue that has been addressed with the membership department
at head office.
Mizan Muqit
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Women’s officer Report
In my first year as Women’s Officer for CWU West Yorkshire Branch I have been made aware of many
serious issues facing women in the workplace today.
I held a CWU Awareness Day for women in O2 in the Arlington in Leeds which highlighted many concerns.
I would like to share some of these within my report. In particular the reluctance of the Company to
accommodate working women’s work/childcare requirements. Indeed over half of the women employed
by O2/Capita work part time hours due to child care needs. Informal requests for a change in shift pattern
(for example if a child begins school) are consistently ignored and formal requests for flexible working is
also being denied due to “Business needs”.
My aim for 2015 is to urge O2/Capita to treat its female workforce with more empathy and fairness when
dealing with Flexible Working. The company needs to be made aware that if it cannot accommodate such
needs, the women will suffer stress and this could lead to periods of sick absence, which whilst not only
being detrimental to the women concerned is also detrimental to the company.
Another linked concern is that the company are fervently monitoring the amount of unpaid childcare
allowed. Again this impacts working women within O2/Capita. The Company’s process states that it will
allow a “reasonable amount “of unpaid time off for childcare. However we have had an instance of a lady
who was taken to a formal disciplinary meeting as the company deemed that her level of unpaid childcare
was excessive. The warning was overturned at Appeal as good reason was given for the absences. Once
again the definition of “reasonable” is brought into question. It seems that the company wish to unfairly
penalise Members who have had to take time off to be with children who are ill and unable to attend
school for example. This situation has to stop, and again I intend to challenge the Business by raising their
awareness of the detrimental effect this punitive process will cause.
In conclusion I have learnt much in the last 12 months about women’s plight within the workplace The
issues mentioned above are only a sample of many. I will continue to support women throughout the
workplace and deal with their specific issues by challenging management and the unfair processes which
are currently in place.
Cathy Rhodes
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Political Report
The Branch is affiliated to the 23 Constituency Labour Parties (CLP) in the West Yorkshire Branch area.
The Political Fund has been used to promote fairness, equality and respect for others and has continued
to take advantage of the opportunities available to promote and press for the well being of members and,
in general all working people, through the political arena.
The Branch has continued to develop closer links with our sister branches through the NE Regional
Political Committee. Together we have been able to give substantial financial and physical support to
many Labour MPs, supportive of the CWU, enhancing the name of the CWU. The Region has set up a
‘Blueprint’ fund by levying the Branches so that we can co-ordinate and focus our efforts on helping those
Labour MPs supportive of CWU policies and those seats identified as a priority to win in order to return a
labour government.
With the General Election due to be held in May 2015 much of our effort is focused towards electing
Labour Party candidates and to oust the Tory led administration and return a Labour Government who will
support our members.
R. Freeman
Political Officer
Welfare Report
Five percent of the Branch’s income from Head office is paid into a welfare fund and administered by the
Welfare Trustees. The fund is to provide some financial assistance for members who find themselves in
financial difficulties. The current economic recession continues to hit many of our members and the
Trustees have been able to assist a number of our members by way of advice, assistance, monetary grants
and / or interest free loans thus avoiding them approaching the payday loan companies and their
exorbitant interest rates.
As the Branch Welfare Officer I have tried to keep in regular contact with members on long term sick leave
– often paying a visit and introducing myself with a small gift! Food hampers were also sent to several
members who have been on long term sick absence at Christmas.
We had not made a donation to the National Welfare Fund as our reserve was relatively low and there
have been a number of members experiencing financial hardships.
R Freeman
Welfare Officer
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Health and Safety Report
DEFIBRILLATORS IN BT BUILDINGS
In March BT announced its intention to install a number of Automated External Defibrillators in 41 key
sites, one of those sites being Sovereign Street in Leeds. AED's are used to shock the heart when lifethreatening rhythm problems occur and can increase the chances of survival when someone suffers a
heart attack. The CWU is very supportive of this life-saving initiative and investment and many of our
members who already volunteer as First Aiders have volunteered to be trained in the use of the AED’s
Workers’ Memorial Day
Workers’ Memorial Day took place on the 28th April, as it does each year, and the purpose of the day is to
“Remember the dead, fight for the living”. This year the event took place during the CWU National
Conference at Bournemouth where a short address was given by the General Secretary and 1 minutes’
silence was observed by the delegates. Locally events were held in Dewsbury, Wakefield, Huddersfield and
Barnsley to commemorate those who had died in pursuit of their work.
BT National Union Safety Rep. Database
I have reported on this issue for the last few years but BT has still been unable to release the new
National Union Safety Representative Database due to technical glitches. We have provided them with
detailed information on all buildings our reps cover, including all contact details, the times it takes to
inspect the buildings and all follow up times. Considering BT has over 7000 buildings this has proved to be
quite a protracted task.
European Week for Health & Safety
Every 3½ minutes a person dies in the European Union of either an accident at work or an occupational
disease. The purpose of the European Week for Health and Safety is to reduce these terrible statistics. The
theme for this years’ campaign was “Working together for risk prevention – through leadership and
worker participation”. This was the second year of a 2 year campaign and although events took place
throughout Europe over that 2 year period, the main focus of the campaign was on the week commencing
the 21st October.
New laws to tackle nuisance dogs came into force in October 2014
The Union were instrumental in getting changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 introduced, following
the successful, high profile CWU "Bite-Back" campaign spearheaded by the Union's National Health, Safety
and Environment Officer Dave Joyce. In summary, the Law was extended to private land where 75 per
cent of attacks on CWU members occur and new harsher prison sentences and fines came into force. It's
not a crack-down on dog owners but it is a crack-down on irresponsible dog owners.
Finally I would like to thank the Branch Union Safety Representatives who continue to provide a safe
working environment for all within our branch area.
Tony Murphy.
Health & Safety Co-ordinator.
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Union Learning & Training
Charlie Elliott Learning centre. CWU Office, LS28 6EX
Employers; BT/RM/o2/other.
Partners; Bradford college/CCLC/TUC
Employer release.
On-going agreement with management in Leeds SMC continuing with 2 days facility during 2014 for the branch
to continue offering courses & advice & guidance on learning opportunities.
Current courses.
Basic ITQ sessions and ITQ for the terrified’ was run in the form of workshops throughout 2014, this
included ‘tablet’ sessions & through the use of outside providers UK online centres & Argos.
Future accredited ITQ Plans for the Centre (BT employers).
I am in discussions with Bradford College in providing ‘Tablet’ related courses, these could be accredited in
subject like building ‘Apps’ for example and will be open to BT staff, friends & family, to be finalised. ITQ
level’s 2&3 prices have always been popular with BT employers, but with the prices increasing over the
last 2 /3 years, and the consequences of this are people are not coming forward. If funding becomes
available again, the centre will participate again in ITQ qualifications.
Recruitment of ULR’s to the branch.
Due to the recent changes from O2 to Capita – no discussions have taken place for o2 recruitment of
ULR’s during 2014. Frances Burke, the branch vice chair is aware of the situation and hopes to re-enact in
this area over the coming year.
Two Openreach engineers have now shown interest in becoming a ULR – training is to commence
February this year.
In house training.
ULR’s; A 2 day course was run on 24/25 March 2014, for NE ULR’s in York, looking at how to provide
informal learning in LC’s & workplace. A 2nd learning & networking event took place in Hull 17th June 2014.
Non-recognised; the branch arranged 2 courses for new and existing reps in non-union recognised
companies during 2014.
A conference workshop was provided for CWU WYB reps attending conference in 2104.
A one day course was delivered to O2 capita & Telephonica new reps.
A workshop for all branch officers completed in December 2014.
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
Working in partnership with local providers.
The lead ULR has attended affiliated events and conferences (CWU & TUC) over 2014.
Other.
WYB Learners have also been guided to other providers for other areas of skills development and education.
A successful bid to an outside source (non CWU) was successful for funds to spend in the learning centre. This
money will be used to tidy up the learning centre and provide some up to date equipment, this work has
commenced.
Report provided by Trish Vollans. January 2015
37
CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
BRANCH MOTIONS TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
1. That honorarium is paid at £128 for each day of facility time taken paid pro-rata for each month
served.
Moved by - Richard Freeman
Seconded by – Jeff Brown
2. This AGM agrees that for the most part work carried out by Branch Officers and representatives
outside of agreed formal facility time is both vocational and voluntary. However it is noted that
present system of paying 'panel' members and administrative staff for essential work, and the
classing of those persons as 'self employed' is both legally and morally open to challenge. This
AGM therefore agrees that where necessary and where agreed by the Branch Committee people
will be taken on as 'employees' to carry out certain duties. Terms and conditions and pay rates will
be agreed by the Branch Committee.
Moved by – Mark Elwen
Seconded by – Richard Freeman
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
BRANCH MOTIONS TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
Rule 11.6.3
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. Such rebates shall be released
to the Branch once either the bank balance holds less than 12 months equivalent rebate or on application
to the SDGS and the NEC if required for exceptional expenditure. The money in this account shall not be
used for any other purpose by CWU HQ, except that any interest accrued shall be additionally used to
grow membership.
Delete and replace with:
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. Such rebates may be released to
the Branch once either the bank balance holds less than 12 months equivalent rebate or on application to
the SDGS and the NEC if required for exceptional expenditure. The money in this account shall be
additionally used to grow membership.
Mover – M Elwen
Seconder - R Freeman
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
BRANCH MOTIONS TO TFS CONFERENCE
None Received
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
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CWU West Yorkshire Branch AGM 2015
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