People who know Steve will confirm he is dedicated to Health & Safety (H&S) and the Wellbeing of our members. This, in part, comes from him having to deal with the horrific fatalities of 2 members of his Branch while at work, as well as a number that have died from mesothelioma. Steve’s mantra is: ‘members must leave work in the same condition that they arrived, and those that suffer from poor mental health, should be offered the appropriate support’.
As a union we have recently lost one of our greatest assets, former National H&S Officer, Dave Joyce
Whilst Dave had his own way of doing things, his knowledge and dedication to H&S was second to none. There is little doubt he will be sorely missed. While the union has attempted to fill the gap with a sea of excellent H&S Reps, we still have a way to go. Steve believes we must ensure that our internal structures are fit for purpose and that we understand who will be interfacing with senior managers on the issues that require a national intervention.
Steve welcomes the fact that we are recruiting a Health & Safety Policy Assistant, but we must understand this person will not be filling Dave’s shoes by dealing directly with industrial matters, the Postal Executive has taken on that mantle, and they must deliver.
There is a mountain of issues that need addressing, including: levels of fatigue arising from increasing workloads; an ageing workforce; dog attacks; muscular skeletal; members with disabilities; as well as a plethora of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. RM’s current approach to Drugs & Alcohol is a disgrace and will lead to victimisation if left unchallenged.
Steve is trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and was instrumental in setting up the CWU national MH ‘Project Team’ with MH Leads in each Region. We now have over 500 Reps, mostly trained by CWU MHFA trainers. The primary aim is to raise awareness and guide people to appropriate help where needed.
Steve is currently leading on a Mental Health Joint Working Group with Royal Mail. A Lead Ambassador has been appointed in every business unit. Steve is determined to ensure we involve trained CWU Reps in local ‘Action Groups’. More on this soon.
Steve’s motivation is articulated in a very personal speech at Labour Party Conference in 2018 which received a standing ovation:
This was followed with an update in 2021 which can viewed here:
CWU's Steve Jones Supports Mental Health Composite At Labour Party Conference 2021
Steve said: “One thing I will always carry with me is a CWU Rep saying, that if it wasn’t for the work of the Union on mental health he wouldn’t be here! If re-elected to the Postal Executive, I will remain committed to improving the wellbeing and safety of our members.
CWU Postal Members are asked:
Please support Steve Jones in the forthcoming election for the Postal Executive
Source: Ian McMullon
See also: Save Our Safety Campaign News Archive