GSP 08-20 New Drivers – HGV Grade
16/March/2020
Description
I wish to advise you the CWU and An Post have concluded agreement for a new Drivers HGV Grade. The details are set out below and will be treated as an amendment to the Collection and Delivery Work Practice Change Agreement of January 2006.
- A new Heavy Goods Driver Grade will be introduced comprehending two levels: HGV 1 and HGV 2. The new grade will feature exclusively in the MDN Network. There will be no rotation between this role and the Postal Operative roles.
- The pensionable pay scales outlined below apply to the HGV Grade effective from the 3rd April 2020:
| 3.04.20 | 3.04.20 |
| per week | per week |
| €620.00 | €580.00 |
| €640.00 | €600.00 |
| €660.00 | €620.00 |
| €680.00 | €640.00 |
| €712.00 | €670.00 |
- The Articulated Truck, Motor Driving and Two-way radio Allowances will not apply to the HGV1 Grade.
The Motor Driving and Two-way Radio Allowance will not apply to the HGV 2 Grade.
- HGV1 drivers are liable for the full range of duties on the MDN network. HGV2 drivers are liable for the full range of duties with the exception of those which require possession of an EC licence.
- HGV2 drivers who are based at a location which includes duties where an EC licence is necessary may move onto the HGV1 rate of pay when they obtain an EC licence and on the basis that they are available to perform the full range of duties as required and directed by the Company
- The driving duties comprehended by the scope of this determination are set out in Appendix 1. The DSM and Branch Secretary should review these duties locally to confirm that they are accurately described. Any discrepancies should be referred to respective HQs by Friday 20 th March 2020.
- Drivers taking up a position in this grade will be required to sign a personal commitment to abide by the agreed principles of the Industrial Relations Protocol.
- The Company has confirmed the CWU will have sole recognition rights for the new grade. Drivers appointed to the new role will be required to accept this.
- The initial staffing process is set out at Appendix 2. Future vacancies will be filled via a competitive selection process. The Company should advertise periodically as necessary when there is a requirement to fill these roles. Future selection should be confined to internal applicants initially, but should the Company have difficulty in filling posts internally, external recruitment should also take place.
- Employees on the new scale will be assigned to network driving and will not be eligible for duty competitions for Postal Operative roles elsewhere.
- An acting list will be established for employees to ‘act’ to the higher grade where required, in the usual way.
- Where an employee is currently in receipt of a productivity allowance it will continue to be applied to this pay scale
- The HGV grade is a grade which attracts overtime payments and attendance-based allowances where appropriate.
- The current MDN subsistence arrangements will no longer apply to the new grade from the 13th April 2020. Revised subsistence arrangements compliant with Revenue requirements for HGV Drivers are:
5 Hours but less than 10 hours 14.01 per day
10 Hours or more 33.61 per day
All arrangements which are non-compliant will cease.
- The initial staffing process is targeted for completion and all employees transferred to new grades, with any operational changes required, by 13th April 2020.
- At DSUs where MDN Network duties currently rotate with a Postal Operative post, the option of remaining as is will be provided, until the DSU resdesign or Network review takes place.
- Following implementation of the initial staffing the company should advance proposals to the CWU regarding an apprentiship scheme and future training of HGV Drivers. These discussions should be completed by the 1st June 2020.
- In the event a driver is unable for health reasons to perform HGV driving work the company should examine redeployment opportunities in line with the agreed ASMP process.
- HGV Drivers will be required to comply with CPC training and Tachograph regulations. HGV drivers will also be required to undergo health screening in line with the process previously agreed by the parties.
- The Company will conduct a full review of its Mails Distribution Network in the context of the changing nature of the business (i.e., ongoing decline in letter mail and growth in parcels and packets), the revsions to the Company’s operations infrastructure (DSU consolidation and mails centre rationalisation) and changes to the national road network. The initial review should be concluded during 2020.
The Union wishes to record its appreciation to the members of the Drivers Sub Group for their invaluable contribution in finalising this agreement. Please bring the content of this circular to the attention of members.
The above timelines and approach will be subject to directions and guidelines issued for the COVID-19 pandemic.