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.
