Tuesday 22 October 2013

Success Story from an Oxford City Council’s UNISON steward

 
Following fraught negotiations with a manager one of our stewards supported and achieved a reduced hours contract for a member under the flexible working policy. The request was previously refused, however, following advice, guidance and leadership from one of your stewards this was eventually reconsidered in the members favour.

I have recently gone through negotiations of the flexible working policy for childcare reasons and was surprised to find out that under the policy I only have a RIGHT to request for flexible working NOT to receive it. My right to request is only due to the fact that I am:

·         An employee;

·         Have worked continuously for 26 weeks at the date of request made;

·         Have caring responsibilities for the child or adult in respect of whom the request is being made; and

·         Not have made a formal request to work flexibly during the last 12 months (each 12 months period runs from the date when the most recent application was made).

There is a checklist for caring for adults which was something I was not originally aware of and if you are caring for a relative adult or child who you have carers responsibilities for and you would like to know more information about this please do not hesitate to contact us on oxfordunison@gmail.com or contact the local branch officer on 01865 252522.

There are 8 statutory business reasons for rejection:

a)    The burden of additional costs

b)    Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand

c)    Inability to reorganise work among existing staff

d)    Inability to recruit additional staff

e)    Detrimental impact on performance

f)     Insufficiency of work during the periods that you propose to work

g)    Planned changes.

In my case, it is worth noting that the Council turned my original request down; however they did offer me a reasonable alternative following a discussion with my Union representative at the time – I was very thankful for being member so UNISON could negotiate a settlement for me.

If it was not for the Unions Stewards keeping those lines of communications open, liaising, putting across sensible reasonable arguments for or against; then such settlements may never be gained for members.

This is one of many success stories that go unreported by our Stewards and Officers and it is time we stop dwelling on the few losses and demonstrate that we are there for you when you need us and we can influence decisions that affect you the members.

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Attendance Management Policy up for Review


Currently we have the Attendance Management Policy under review and UNISON Oxford Branch would really like your feedback on the policy – how has it affected you? What would you like included? What would you like to be removed?

If you have any feedback please sent these to oxfordunison@gmail.com or talk/email your suggestions to your Union Steward. Don't know who your nearest Steward is? Please email and we will get them to contact you.

Obviously, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to carry out your recommendations but we will certainly take them on board and consider them.

If you are interested in becoming a union representative (steward) for your area and have a direct input on Council policies and procedures (including voting at branch on passing the policies and procedures) then please contact oxfordunison@gmail.com you will have access to direct support including UNISON training sessions at no cost to yourself.

Become an active part in YOUR Local Union Branch. And be part of the decisions that affect your Working Conditions.


2024 Annual General Meeting

  2024 Annual General Meeting   Thursday 28 March 2024 15:00 till 16:00 St Aldates Tavern, St Aldates or online via Teams   One of the most ...