Branch Secretary’s Report
Stewards
and Officers and Members:- Here
we are again, another year has passed, this job really doesn’t get any easier,
but it would be even harder without the support from all of you here today, so
I need to say a huge thank you to all of you.
Nothing really changes in the world of trade
unions in the workplace. The past year has been yet another difficult year for all
of your elected stewards and Officers, who have been dealing with a multitude
of issues.
As a branch committee we have had to deal
with many things from representing members who have fallen foul of disciplinary,
attendance policies etc. Re-structures appear to have tailed off slightly but
only to be replaced with the Admin review. We have had to make some difficult
decisions, which to be fair is why you have elected us.
Policies:- Every year we are trying to improve on existing policies
when they come up for review, for example we have just recently agreed a much
need improved family leave policy, which takes into account the new legislation
relating to maternity/Paternity leave, but what we are particularly proud of is
that we now have is recognition for fertility treatment, and have achieved some
paid time off for both the female receiving the treatment and also partners
wishing to take time off work to support a partner undergoing fertility
treatment for up to two days paid leave in any leave year. Now we know that this isn’t overly generous,
but it’s a great start, and I think this is a first in local Government, so
maybe we are helping to change perceptions.
The attendance Policy that was
reviewed last year was imposed upon us, and implemented without Trade Union
Agreement. We were unable to negotiate a better deal for those of us who suffer
with a Disability related illnesses, this particular issue was a big deal for
us, and that is one of the reasons why we couldn’t agree to it.
Now we are getting into dangerous
territory as an organisation. We have been given a new policy to review, the
Employee Data Monitoring Policy, this will give the employer the right to use
CCTV monitoring and any other electronic monitoring equipment to spy on employees
and to use the data collected when carrying out
Disciplinary’ s, or attendance issues, it is imperative that we kick
this into touch, personally I believe this is illegal and they shouldn’t be
able to do this unless there is strong evidence to suggest that a crime is
being committed. On this basis I have requested advice from our Regional
representatives.
It is vital that we have your
support on this one; we will take it to a ballot if necessary. This is an invasion of your privacy; we must
not allow this policy to go through! It’s a step to far” I have already had two
cases in the last 12 months within the same service area, where CCTV footage
and entry fob data has been the main driving force behind two long serving members
of staff, with no previous records of a disciplinary nature. This is nothing
short of Spying on you, together we can tell the Council what we think! But we
must be one voice!!
Re-structures/Admin Review
Re-structures was the main focus for the branch in previous years, and
haven’t we had some bad ones!! Whilst they haven’t completely gone away, they
are being disguised under the banner of the Admin Re-view, even after repeated
warnings to the employer about how this will not work in this authority, (as we
are too small and to diverse) it is clear that our opinions have not been considered,
I would challenge anyone who has already been through this process to tell me
if they completely understand how this works, Because it has certainly baffled
me and my colleagues on your Branch Committee.
We as a branch are very concerned about the Admin Review for some good
reasons, primarily, we are concerned that some individuals will be
unnecessarily made redundant based on their poor review outcomes. Secondly if
they are so concerned about productivity, it is our belief this is going to have
a huge detrimental effect on just that, it really does not make any sense what’s
so ever.
Partnership Payment
As many of you will remember we had quite an issue with the way that the
Partnership Payment was calculated, as it appeared that HR had moved the goal
posts without seeking agreement, or at least finalising it! this in turn, meant
that some of you were a £100 light in your salaries. That being said we came out the other side
with a much better deal going forward for all eligible recipients.
Recruitment.
Recruitment will always be one of our main focuses; to be affective; we
must at all costs, keep our membership numbers up! And that isn’t just our
responsibility as a branch committee, but yours as well, we are all part of
this union, and I urge you strongly, to encourage your colleagues who are not
members, or new starters to Join, tell them what we do, tell them don’t leave
it till it’s too late, because if they
do leave it, they’re in trouble, and we cannot represent them until they have
been a member for six weeks. I think we have proven to you all, how valuable it
is to have a trade union presence within the workplace. Without them your T&Cs would be appalling!
Nice
Things
We recently funded the purchase of Table Tennis equipment, which has
been well used and a few competitions have taken place, it has to be one of the
best things we have invested in for a while. If you fancy a game get in-touch
with David Brown in Regeneration-Major Projects team.
The Membership Christmas Parties were a great success again especially
the Raffles, this year we will be doing something similar, unless any of you
has any better ideas please let us know, if it’s affordable, we’ll do it.
Once again thank you all for your continued support.
Caroline Glendinning
Branch Secretary
17/02/2015
