GSP 02-26 Postal Branch AGMs
15/January/2026
Description
You will be aware from previous correspondence and the December edition of Connect, the inaugural Annual General Meetings for the revised Postal Branch structure take place over the next couple of months. This follows a comprehensive consultation process and decision by the National Executive Council, which provide a consolidated Managers, Clerical and in the main a County Postal Branch for members working in mails and parcels.
It is pleasing to report implementation of the new structure, achieved following local agreement and sign off. I wish to acknowledge with thanks the support of the representatives of the existing Branch in bringing this about, as well as the assistance provided by the CWU Regional Officers. While the existing structure has served its purpose, the agreed changes reflect a changed environment and the requirement to provide a more cohesive and professional service to members.
Inaugural AGM
The date/venue for the inaugural AGM are outlined in the attachment, and I would encourage members’ full participation and attendance to debate the issues of concern, the challenges we face and input into developing our policy to deal with these. The AGM will also elect your Branch Officers and Committee for the year ahead, decide on motions and delegates to Biennial Conference including nominations for the National Executive Council election. In compiling motions, we have for the benefit of members, outlined in Connect how to draft a motion, to ensure acceptance by Standing Orders.
All meetings will have a designated HQ Official/Regional Officer and/or NEC member in attendance to outline the Union position and to hear first-hand your views. The Standing Orders that govern the running of the meeting, were agreed locally and endorsed by the NEC in December 2025.
Final AGM
In advance of the inaugural AGM of the new Branch, there is a requirement to hold a final meeting of the existing Branch structure. The sole purpose of this meeting is to receive the Branch Secretary Report for the past year and to approve the Branch accounts. A copy of both should then be forwarded to head office. Given the limited nature of the business of the meeting, Officials/Regional Officers will not be in attendance. I trust you will appreciate the priority is we attend the AGM of the new Branch and that it is not practical to duplicate attendances over such a short period. A once over the ground approach should suffice.
Branch Accounts
The final rebate was issued to all existing Branches in November. Following the closing meeting and adoption of the 2025 accounts, the Branch Accounts should be closed and forwarded to head office. Also, following the inaugural AGM, all monies due will be forwarded to the new Branch. A new account should be opened in the name of the new Branch with the authorisation letter to issue from Union Headquarters. The AGM or newly elected Branch committee can decide on the local levy/ social funds.
Branch Secretary Training seminar
A meeting of Postal Branch Secretaries will take place in CWU HQ on the 14th April 2026, the purpose of which is to provide training and ensure consistency of approach in our dealings with management. A similar meeting will be convened for Branch Chairpersons and Treasurers at a later date. Accordingly, the standard annual training calendar will be amended to reflect the new Branch structure.
Branch Switch Over
Clearly it is not possible to implement these changes overnight, and head office will advise of the transition in respect of records, emails, funds etc. In between the closing and inaugural meeting, a caretaker arrangement should be put in place. We will also advise An Post in respect of the changes.
GSP 02-26 List of AGMs attachment