Union Office, British Telecom, Becket House, New Dover Road,

Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3BB

Tel: 01227 760311 Fax: 01227 815929 e-mail: cwumeridian@btconnect.com

Health & Safety Report for 2016

This last year, has been a difficult one. Mainly for me, personally trying to juggle my Carer role with the ever increasing workload of Regional Chair & Branch Safety Coordinator, but with our USR’s and Anne’s help, we still managed to tread the tide of company attacks and make headway. However, with my wife’s health continuing to decline, it was with a heavy heart that I accepted BT’s offer of voluntary release in October. Not an easy decision, as I really have enjoyed my Health & Safety role on your behalf. I could have continued, but did not feel that I was able to commit the necessary time to do the role justice. Hence, the time was right for a successor.

Over the past years, Anne Nickolson was my apprentice. She became, almost a fulltime resident of the CWU’s training facility in Alverscot, attending not only the required education, but more. Now some of you, who’ve fallen foul of BT’s temperament, have known that Anne sat between two disciplines. One, Health & Safety, the other – Industrial Relations (disciplines and the dark art of protection). So, it was quite a surprise when Anne didn’t just go the other way but rocketed herself to the top of the food chain and became the Openreach SPOC for the south east. The lead negotiator and central point of contact for Openreach management, is a very important role within the CWU previously occupied by our other escapee, Peter Browning. My planned successor in a way, escaped as well and I have to say, that you’re all very lucky to have her fighting for you.

The branch has had to undergo a re-org. The best laid plans have been altered and I have the pleasure in announcing that Meridian’s new Safety Coordinator will be Ian Pippard. A long serving USR with many years of service and experience, who will now become your oracle (think I spelt that right) and supporting contact for all things Safety. He can be reached on 07850 725840 or email ian.pippard@openreach.co.uk

Before signing off, there is one piece of work that I have been negotiating nationally, that I would like to draw you attention to. ‘Working On or Near Water’, which I raised with BT many moons ago, regarding the interpretation and lack of knowledge within the workforce on this important requirement. Six years later, we have agreed the latest version of the working practice which we urge you all to use. Details are in the recent “Safe & Well” which we insisted that Openreach publish. It is my last accomplishment within the Safety arena and I happily bequeath it to you all -  Enjoy!!!

We would both like to thank all Meridian safety reps for their hard work during this year; Steven Wallace, Ian Pippard, Paul Lillis, Alan Tozer, Dave Booker, Martin Shaw, Richard Bostock, Harry Groom Jobey, Dean Poole and Peter Browning.

Stay safe, remember safety is everyone’s responsibility, and anyone can report problems or faults!  If you would like to join us as a USR, come and talk to us or ring the branch office.

My last message to you all for the coming future, is look after yourselves, don’t let the Bar Stewards get you down and emphatically SUPPORT the CWU. The representatives are there to help you and be a conduit of information & help. They are not the CWU!      You All are.  Union means a collection of and that means a Collection of you, as one force for good. The CWU.

Signing Off and good luck for your future.

Terry Letchford (Hea, lth, & saf, ty Retired)