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Tribute to Nancy Dangerfield
Nancy died in August this year, and as well as all her CND activity, she was an active member of the
Glasgow Health Service Branch of ASTMS and MSF (predecessor unions of Unite).
Nancy fought tirelessly for the Health Service, and was always at the forefront of campaigns, marches, and
demonstrations, encouraging others and delighting everyone with her enthusiasm. She took part in the 1982 demonstration in London, travelling by bus with other branch members and campaigning in
several cities on their way to London: photograph below – Nancy is second from the right with the shoulder bag with the “campaign” badges on it.
She was a socialist, and believed firmly in the basic principles of trade unionism – proud of the example set by her father, a draughtsman, who had refused to work overtime as long as there were colleagues unemployed.
Nancy simply believed that people should have a decent, peaceful life. That health, education, employment, good housing and transport were the priorities, and
not wars and arms. That people should be treated fairly and with dignity, and these were the things she campaigned for. She had an endless collection of goods
she would faithfully boycott if their production was unethical, or they supported an unethical regime. She worked hard for the CND and for Amnesty International.
She was a very intelligent, cultured woman, with extensive knowledge of literature, drama, art, and cinema , and especially liked attending the Glasgow Film
Theatre, where a seat is now dedicated to her memory.
More than anything, Nancy loved life, and was a great joy to be with. She had a great sense of humour. I remember an occasion when her access to the bus
station was restricted because a police barrier surrounded the area of the Tory party conference in the Concert Hall., and instead of being annoyed; she thanked
the police for protecting the people of Glasgow from all these Tories!
She enjoyed travel, meeting people, and nurturing friendships. She was proud of the successes of her daughter Anne, and son Gordon – and enjoyed the
company of her grandchildren. With courage and determination and against all medical predictions, she managed to survive to see her great granddaughter Molly.
It is the example set by Nancy’s courage, determination and humour in either campaigning or fighting her illness which will live on in those who knew her.
She had a much fulfilled life, and will be missed by all her friends and family.
Tribute by Marlene Barrie.
(posted 22/11/2009)
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Lab staff accept out-of-hours offer
Laboratory staff in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have voted in a postal ballot by 270 votes to 127 votes (644 ballots issued) to accept the final offer from
management. The detailed work to convert the offer into a form suitable for terms and conditions will begin on Monday 16th November. Regional Officer Gordon
Casey and the negotiating team would like to thank the laboratory reps for their assistance in the conduct of the ballot and the members for participating in the ballot in such high numbers.
Summary of the main points of the agreement:
Working practices:
Normal repertoire of work available 8.00am to 8.00pm. Restricted repertoire outwith theses times.
The introduction of shift working to provide 24/7 cover where necessary. Cover can also be provided by a combination of shift and on-call or solely by on-call
where appropriate. Shifts will average 37.5 hours per week.
Current staff can volunteer for the new system but must give 12 months notice to quit. Future contracts will make participation compulsory.
Payments:
For hours worked Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, staff will receive their normal hourly rate. For shift hours worked outwith those times, staff will receive
their normal hourly rate plus an hourly supplement –
Biomedical Scientists: £25.12
Cytology Screeners: £16.01
Medical Laboratory Assistants: £13.64
For on-call rota, biomedical scientists will receive an availability payment of £25. If called from home, they will receive £25.12 per hour + one hours travelling time.
Saturday working will either be part of the normal shift pattern or an additional rota. If additional rota, it will be paid as per on-call rota (but without travelling time).
All payments, except for work done when called out, are superannuable and thus add to pension entitlement.
(posted 20/11/2009)
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Branch supports postal workers
At the October 29th meeting, it was agreed that the Branch supported those members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) who are in official dispute with their employer, Royal Mail. The CWU said that the strikes are in protest against panic driven cuts to pay, jobs and services. The Branch agreed to donate
£500 to the CWU strike fund.
(posted 02/11/2009)
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Senior representative coverage
Following the elections held earlier the this month for senior representatives, the areas of responsibility have been reviewed. The current list can be found by
clicking on the Advice button above or here. Group representatives and members are reminded that the list is subject to change, and depends on the balance of
Senior Representatives’ commitments. The details are intended as points of first contact and any current individual arrangements which differ remain valid.
(posted 29/10/2009)
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Laboratories out-of-hours offer: postal ballot details
Biomedical scientists, MLAs and cytology screeners employed in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde laboratories will receive a printed ballot paper posted to their
home address in the week beginning 2nd November. Group representatives should already have supplied a list of members addresses to Group Secretary Ian
Forbes. In the event of a member not receiving a ballot paper by 5th November, their group representative should contact Ian Forbes (Ian.Forbes@ggc.scot.nhs
.uk) urgently. Completed ballot papers should be returned individually in the supplied postage paid envelope to arrive no later than 13th November.
(posted 26/10/2009)
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Laboratories out-of-hours offer: proposal details
Details of the proposal have been circulated to laboratory group representatives and a summary may be downloaded here.
In brief:
- Out-of-hours is defined as all hours outside Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.00;
- Time worked out-of-hours as part of a shift rota will receive an additional payment of £25.72 per hour for BMSs (= 1.5 times the top of Band 6); £16.40 per
hour for cytology screeners (= 1.5 the top of Band 4); and £13.97 per hour for MLAs (= 1.5 times the top of Band 3). It should be noted that out-of hours shift
working is part of the 37.5 average hours per week and that these payments are in addition to normal salary;
- Time worked as part of an on-call from home rota or a Saturday morning rota will be paid at the above hourly rates plus an attendance allowance of £25. Calls
from home will include travelling time of 1 hour.
- Staff transferring from current conditions are protected by the organisational change agreement and will suffer no financial detriment, if their current payments are higher.
(posted 26/10/2009)
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Lab reps back out-of-hours deal
Laboratory representatives met on Thursday 1st October to discuss the latest final offer from NHS GG&C management. After a full discussion, it was agreed by
a large majority that the new offer should be the subject of a postal ballot with a recommendation to accept.
In order to facilitate this decision, laboratory group representatives need to e-mail the Group Secretary with a list of the names and addresses of the BMS, MLA
and cytology screener members within their group. These names will be checked against the Head Office membership list and written ballot papers issued by Regional Officer Gordon Casey.
(posted 05/10/2009)
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Group election results
At the first biennial general meeting of the Group since the integration of the Amicus and T&G sections, the following were elected:
Chair: Stuart Burnside, elected unopposed
Secretary: Ian Forbes, elected unopposed
Senior Representatives: Group Secretary plus Joe McIlwee; George Walsh; Stuart Burnside; Jim Spencer; Linda Delgado; Donald Sime; Charlie Kinstrie and James
Ito elected unopposed, leaving one post vacant.
Assistant Secretary: James Ito, elected unopposed.
It was agreed that the remaining positions consisting of representatives on Area Partnership Forum, Acute Partnership Forum, Mental Health Partnership Forum,
Joint Glasgow Partnership Forum, CH(C)P Partnership Forum and the Health & Safety Forum should be remitted to the senior reps committee for them to make
recommendations to the November meeting of the Group.
(posted 05/10/2009)
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Unite membership ‘falls by almost 400,000’!
According to figures released by the TUC, most of the top 10 unions recorded modest increases in membership last year. A tidying up of records within Unite
following the integration of amicus and the T&G resulted in a recorded membership drop of almost 400,000 (20%). Despite the drop in recorded membership, Unite
remains the largest trade union within the UK with 1,557,892 members.
(posted 16/09/2009)
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Group nominations for Scottish Health Sector Committee
The September meeting of the NHS GG&C Group formally agreed to the following nominations to the Scottish Health Sector Committee of Unite:
NHS GG&C seats: Cheryl Hagan, Linda Delgado, Ian Forbes and Donald Sime;
National Women’s seats: Lisa Cameron and Esther O’Hara;
BAEM seat: Jim Ito
The Group recommends that representatives attending the Scottish Health Sector Conference on Friday 2nd October vote for the above candidates.
In a separate vote, the Group nominated Linda Delgado and Lynn Scott for the Glasgow/Renfrewshire Area Activists Committee.
(posted 16/09/2009)
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New standing orders approved for GG&C group
New standing orders (SOs)for the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Group of Unite were approved at the September meeting of the Group. The SOs will apply with
effect from the next Group meeting which is due to be held on Thursday 1st October. The new SOs may be downloaded from here.
(posted 16/09/2009)
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Branch library additions
The latest additions to the Branch library are “Law at Work 2009” and “Unions and climate change”, both published by the Labour Research Department. Copies
of these and other items in the Branch Library (click here) may be borrowed via one of the senior reps. In case of difficulty, contact the Branch Secretary.
(posted 01/09/2009)
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Donald Sime re-elected
Congratulations to Unite member Donald Sime who has been re-elected as the Chair of the Staff Side of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Area Partnership Forum. Donald’s new term of office commences on 1st October for a period of 4 years. As Chair of the Staff Side, he will be nominated by Greater Glasgow Health
Board to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being for the position of Employee Director, a post that he has held for the last 4 years.
In addition to his role in the Area Partnership Forum, Donald is Chair of the Unite NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Group and Chair of Glasgow Health Service Branch of Unite.
(posted 23/08/2009)
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New subscription rates
With effect from 1st September 2009, the following monthly contribution rates will apply:
Full-time employees (21 hours/week or more) £10.96
Part-time employees (less than 21 hours per week) £ 4.98
Discounted rate £ 1.08
(Under 18; retired, unemployed etc)
(posted 23/08/2009)
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Scottish Health Sector Conference
All Group Representatives should have received an invite to attend the first Unite Scottish Health Sector Conference to be held on Friday 2nd October at 11.00 am
in the Woodside Lesser Halls, Glenfarg Street, Glasgow G20 7QE. All group representatives are urged to attend.
Any representative having difficulty in obtaining time-off to attend should contact Regional Officer Gordon Casey (NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde) or Regional
Officer Michael Fuller (NHS Forth Valley).
(posted 23/08/2009)
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Lab reps reject latest ‘final offer’ on out-of-hours
At the special meeting held on Thursday 6th August, laboratory representatives heard a report of the recent meetings with management. The main report was
made by Regional Officer Gordon Casey and supplemented by Donald Sime, Ian Forbes and Jim Ito. At the first meeting on 24th June following the ballot rejection,
Gordon Casey had presented management with a list of the reasons that members had given for voting against the offer. At subsequent meetings, management
made a number of changes to their original ‘final management proposal’ culminating in the revised final management proposal presented to us on the 6th August.
In summary, the new ‘final management proposal (revised)’ makes a few minor changes to clarify, for example, the positions with regard to Saturday morning
working, part-time staff and the requesting of annual leave. However, three areas of staff side concern have either not been addressed or made worse:
Rotas
- one of the significant objections to the offer was that staff did not know what shifts etc they would be asked to work. Management said that they were
unable to provide rotas for each individual department, but would provide example generic rotas. As of the last meeting, no such example rotas had been provided;
Compulsory participation
in out-of-hours - management’s amendments make it clear that compulsory participation will not only apply to staff new to the
service but also anyone who ‘voluntarily’ applies for and obtains a vacant or new post including posts and vacancies created by organisational change;
Superannuation
- in the offer as written originally, it was the opinion of your negotiators that the shift payments were superannuable regardless of whether
they were being worked on a compulsory or voluntary basis. It would appear that the Scottish Public Pensions Agency were in agreement with that view,
because management having met with the SPPA, have changed the method of payment in an attempt to make shift payments only superannuable if compulsory under contract.
As members had rejected the original ‘final proposal’ by ballot and the latest ‘final proposal (revised)’ was a worse offer, the negotiators recommended that the
latest offer should be rejected without a further ballot. After discussion, during which representatives expressed support for the negotiators, it was agreed that
we formally reject the latest offer. It was further agreed that any and all future negotiations would continue to be based on the whole group (i.e. all laboratory
departments, all disciplines and all hospitals) and that any attempt by management to make offers or changes on a piecemeal basis would be resisted. Any such
attempts must be rejected and reported immediately to the Group Secretary, Ian Forbes.
(posted 09/08/2009)
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Lab reps meeting to discuss latest final offer
A special meeting of laboratory reps within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has been called for Thursday 6th August to discuss the latest final offer on out-of-hours from management. The meeting will take place in the STUC after the normal Group Reps Committee and has been scheduled for 3.30 pm.
(posted 04/08/2009)
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Cartmail welcomes TUC defence of public sector pensions
Gail Cartmail, Unite assistant general secretary, has welcomed the TUC’s briefing on public sector pensions saying “These new TUC findings expose the myth
being peddled by the right-wing media and commentators that hard-working public servants are living in the lap of luxury once they have retired.” The TUC
briefing states “Fat-cat pensions in the public sector are a myth, says the TUC. Unlike in Britain's boardrooms, top public servants are all members of the same
pension scheme as other staff. The majority of public sector pensioners receive a modest pension of less than £5,000 a year. The average local government
pension is just £4,000 a year and half the women on NHS pensions get less than £3,500 a year.”
TUC general secretary, Brendan Barber, said “employer groups and opposition politicians are saying that public sector pensions should be levelled down so that
Britain's nurses, teachers and other vital public sector staff should face the same hardship when they retire. Each day seems to bring new dodgy statistics and
scaremongering about the cost of public sector pensions, along with bogus claims that there are easy public spending cuts to be had.
'The public sector is rightly a big employer and giving its staff a decent pension - as all employers should - does not come free. But the costs of public sector
pensions are affordable, they are not out of control and far from paying out fat cat sums the majority of public sector pensions are under £5,000 a year. Nor are
they unreformed, with big changes in almost every scheme to help cope with longer lives.”
The full TUC briefing may be downloaded from:
www.tuc.org.uk/extras/publicsectorpensions.pdf
(posted 04/08/2009)
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Mixed picture on inflation
Branch members puzzled by the Government’s official statistics on inflation (Retail Price Index minus 1.6%; Retail Price Index minus mortgage interest up 1.6%;
Consumer Price Index up 1.8%) should note the wide variation within these average figures. Within the RPI figure of minus 1.6%, fuel and light went up by 9.6% (gas up 24%) and food up by 5.3%.
(posted 04/08/2009)
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Shift work risks
Shift work carries a number of health and safety risks according to a new report. The report, by Andrew Watterson of the University of Stirling, claims that shift
workers not only face the same risks as workers on normal hours but also risks all of their own. Watterson says “Atypical working hours have been linked to
conditions including breast cancer, prostate cancer, heightened injury and disaster risk, fatigue, heart disease risk factors and pregnancy problems.” The report,
“While you were sleeping”, may be downloaded from:
www.hazards.org/hours/shiftwork.htm
(posted 04/08/2009)
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Free safety guidance
As part of its five-year strategy, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced that it will make all its publications accessible in pdf format on its website within a year (editor’s italics, but I would like to welcome the HSE to the 21st Century). Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC said “Union safety
representatives need access to the safety guidance and approved codes of practice that the HSE produces to deal with problems at work or to challenge their
employers when they cut safety corners.”
(posted 04/08/2009)
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Labs out-of-hours negotiations continue
Following the announcement of a membership ballot rejection of the NHS GG&C management final offer on out-of-hours working, a meeting of laboratory
representatives was held on 11th June. At this meeting the reasons for the rejection were discussed and it was agreed by an overwhelming majority that
Regional Officer Gordon Casey should approach management to see if it would be possible to amend the agreement to make it acceptable. At a meeting with
management on the 24th June, Gordon (accompanied by Ian Forbes, Donald Sime and Jim Ito) informed management of the detail of our objections to the offer
including issues over superannuation, lack of specific rotas, voluntary versus compulsory participation etc. Management agreed to consider Gordon’s submission
but could make no commitments. There was another meeting with management on the 15th July but no significant progress was made. Further meetings with
management have been arranged for late July and early August. Laboratory representatives and members will be kept informed of any substantial progress or, indeed, the breakdown of negotiations.
(posted 19/07/2009)
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New Rule Book
The union’s new rule book, which came into operation recently, may be downloaded here.
(posted 19/07/2009)
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New UK on-call terms and conditions will be delayed to 2011
The on-call working group of the NHS Staff Council has confirmed the persistent rumours that negotiations were proceeding at a snail’s pace by announcing that
the previous implementation date of 1st April 2010 is now some point in 2011. A formal announcement extending the protection of existing arrangements until a
date in 2011 is expected in September.
(posted 19/07/2009)
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AfC Review Advice
Staff, who requested a review, within Health Science Services have now been issued with letters inviting them to submit their review evidence within eight
weeks of the letter. A draft version of revised guidance from the Branch may be downloaded here.
(posted 07/06/2009)
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Branch library additions
The latest additions to the Branch library are “State benefits and tax credits 2009” and “Disciplinary and grievance procedures - a guide for union reps”, both
published by the Labour Research Department. Copies of these and other items in the Branch Library (click here) may be borrowed via one of the senior reps. In
case of difficulty, contact the Branch Secretary.
(posted 07/06/2009)
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Laboratory staff reject out-of-hours final offer
Biomedical scientists and medical laboratory assistants have voted by 55% to 39% to reject the management’s final offer on out-of-hours working. At a series of
workplace ballot meetings, many members expressed concern at the lack of detail on how a shift system would be implemented within their department. Concern
was also voiced at the fact that the new shift system would become compulsory for all new contracts. A copy of the final offer can be downloaded here.
(posted 24/05/2009)
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Employers implement Europe ruling on annual leave whilst on sick leave
The Scottish NHS has issued a circular advising NHS Boards of their obligation to implement the terms of the European Court of Justice ruling that statutory leave
must be carried over from one leave year to the next when the employee has been unable to take it because of long-term sick leave. The document states:
“The WTD entitlement to annual leave until 31 March 2009 was 24 days but it should be noted that this rose to 28 days from 1 April 2009. Both these figures include statutory/public holidays.
In effect, this means that any employee who is not able to use up their leave entitlement in a given year because of sick leave will be entitled to the difference
between any annual leave and/or public holidays taken before sick leave began and the statutory entitlement. This should be carried over and added to the
entitlement in the new leave year or, where an employee terminates and does not return to work, should be paid at full pay rates in lieu of leave. It should be
noted that staff are entitled to statutory leave only and employees are not entitled to carry over (or be paid on termination) the full amount of leave provided by
their NHS terms and conditions of employment”
The full document may be downloaded here
(posted 24/05/2009)
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Workplace ballot on laboratories out-of-hours final offer
A series of meetings is being organised this month to allow Unite members employed within NHS GG&C laboratories to vote on management’s final offer regarding
out-of-hours working. Each of the meetings will be attended by a member of the laboratories negotiating committee and will allow discussion/questions before the
vote is taken by secret ballot. The result for each workplace will be recorded and announced at the meeting. All laboratory group representatives have already
been sent a copy of the final offer - in case of difficulty, please contact the group secretary Ian Forbes ian.forbes@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
(posted 05/04/2009)
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AfC pay system ‘not sexist’
An employment tribunal has ruled that the NHS job evaluation system complies with anti-discrimination legislation and is thus not sexist. The case against the NHS
was broght by Stefan Cross, a no-win no-fee lawyer who brought a successful case against local authorities. If the case brought by Mr Cross had been
successful, it would have led to thousands of similar discrimination claims against the NHS. Mr Cross is considering an appeal.
(posted 05/04/2009)
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On-call allowances and sick pay
Donald Sime, Group Chair, has written a paper (download here) setting out the position of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde with regard to the payment of on-call
allowances during sick leave. The paper applies only to laboratory staff performing work within the out-of-hours systems as described.
(posted 05/04/2009)
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Out of hours working
There has been another meeting of the joint staff/management group of the (UK) NHS Staff Council set up to discuss out of hours working. The meeting
discussed a joint draft paper on the way forward. Items for consideration in the draft paper included:
payment for being on an on-call rota;
payment for working whilst on-call;
transition to the new arrangements.
A copy of the draft paper may be downloaded here.
(posted 15/03/2009)
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European victory over annual leave entitlement during sick leave
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has published a decision that effectively outlaws the usual NHS practice of not allowing the carryover of annual leave from
one leave year to the next if the taking of the leave has been prevented because the employee was on sick leave. The ECJ decision is that a worker cannot be
denied the right to annual leave when he or she has not had the opportunity to exercise it. Accordingly, the annual leave must be carried over into the next leave
year (or payment made in lieu if employment is terminated). The ECJ distinguished between the purposes of annual leave and sick leave; the former to allow the
worker to rest and enjoy a period of relaxation and leisure, the latter to allow the worker to recover from being ill. One type of leave cannot displace the worker’s
entitlement to another type of leave. Normally, the effect of the ECJ decision would have to wait until the House of Lords issued a ruling. However, employees of
public bodies such as the NHS are entitled to rely on the European judgment and can take legal action to enforce their rights ahead of the House of Lords ruling.
The Central Legal Office (CLO) of NHS Scotland has issued a briefing paper to the NHS which can be downloaded here. Numerous other pieces of advice can be
downloaded from the CLO website here
(posted 15/03/2009)
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Senior Reps responsibilities
Following the election of George Walsh as a senior representative, the areas of first responsibility have been re-organised (taking into account the absence on
long-term sick leave of Charlie Kinstrie). Members are reminded that if they have a grievance they should first raise it with their line manager. If this fails to
resolve the issue, they should request assistance from their local group representative who may, if appropriate, involve a senior representative. Details of the
senior representatives within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde can be found under the ‘Advice’ tab above.
(posted 15/03/2009)
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AfC GG&C review protest
Donald Sime in his capacity as NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde’s employee director has written to the Board’s Director of Human Resources to complain on behalf
of the joint trade unions about the slow progress that is being made in carrying out AfC reviews and letting staff know the result. In his letter, Donald points out
that support services staff had their reviews completed by November but are still awaiting the results and the unions are concerned about progress within nursing and midwifery.
(posted 15/03/2009)
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General Secretary election result
Congratulations are due to Derek Simpson who has been re-elected as joint general secretary, receiving just under 38% of the votes cast. Turnout was low with
less than 15% of eligible members voting. Kevin Coyne who was nominated by Glasgow Health Service Branch, came third. The result in full:
Simpson 60,048 (elected)
Hicks 39,307
Coyne 30,603
Reuter 28,203
(posted 15/03/2009)
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Kevin Coyne statement
It's particularly important that our members in the NHS vote in the election for Joint General Secretary. There is an opportunity for our members to vote for and
elect a General Secretary who has experience in the NHS, and who has a proven track record of representing our members with integrity, commitment and ability.
I was the National Officer for Health from 2005 onwards, responsible for all members working within the NHS and healthcare. I quickly gained respect amongst
leading lay members, fellow officers and other unions as I got to grips with my brief, leading the union's campaigns against PFI, privatisation and Independent Sector Treatment Centres.
I also fought hard for our members in Maintenance Craft roles, dealing with their issues just as diligently as any other groups. I fought for the RRP on every site,
and led a strike at Doncaster over the issue. I made sure that every professional group in the Health Sector was part of a strong union, with a place for every
member whatever their job. In short, I put the members first in my job as a National Officer, and I ensured that our union delivered for members. I want to do the
same for the whole union.
(posted 17/02/2009)
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General Secretary election
Members should have received, or will shortly receive, a ballot paper for the Joint General Secretary election for the Amicus section of Unite. Glasgow Health Service Branch nominated and supports Kevin Coyne for this vitally important post. Kevin visited our Branch earlier this month and made clear his support for
involving members in the decisions of the union rather than the current unaccountable system. He criticised Derek Simpson for previously having been elected on
a platform which stated that it was wrong to stay on beyond 65 and misusing members money by living a lavish lifestyle at their expense. In a bitter irony these
are the very things of which Derek Simpson is accused. If you wish to see an end to headlines in The Times like these:
Union chief Derek Simpson's secret deal over perks and pay rise
Workers on minimum wage subsidise union leaders' lavish lifestyles
Derek Simpson's pay and perks will dismay members of Unite union
Vote for Kevin Coyne
www.coynecampaign.co.uk
(posted 16/02/2009)
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Branch supports NHS car parking bill
Glasgow Health Service Branch supports the members’ bill in the Scottish Parliament launched by Paul Martin, MSP on hospital car parking.
The bill would apply across the Scottish NHS estate, including hospitals such as Ninewells and Glasgow & Edinburgh Royal Infirmaries, which continue to levy charges.
Paul said: "My bill will make it illegal for a health board to levy parking charges on patients, visitors or staff - or anyone who has to visit a site for whatever reason
. If commerical sites like Braehead and the Fort can provide free parking, it is a sad reflection that people who are being cared for in hospital and their families
have to pay to park. It is an extra hassle that patients and their families do not need at what is already a stressful enough time."
To Sign up to Paul’s online petition please click here.
Maureen Jenkins, Branch Secretary, asserts “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s policy on car parking has caused a great deal of stress to our members on
many of the Board’s acute sites such as Stobhill, the Southern General, and Gartnavel. It is also iniquitous that our members and patients at Glasgow Royal
Infirmary are still charged for parking due to the PFI deal that the Health Board signed. I would urge all Unite members to sign the on-line petition”.
Gordon Casey, Unite Regional Officer, insists “the only way to get rid of car parking charges once and for all and to ensure Health Boards properly manage car
parking in the interests of staff and patients is to have a legal framework as provided in Paul Martin’s bill. Let us send a message to the Scottish Parliament by
every one of our members signing Paul’s petition”.
Report by Donald Sime, Branch Chair
(posted 16/02/2009)
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Mixed picture on inflation
Inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI) fell to 0.9% at the end of last year. Most of the decrease from the previous month’s 3.0% was due to
cheaper mortgage interest and reductions in the price of petrol. However, for those without a car or a mortgage the picture isn’t so rosy with gas and electricity
up by 36.3%, public transport fares by 14.2% and food 10.4%.
(posted 16/02/2009)
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Special Branch Meeting
All Branch members are invited to a special meeting of the Branch to be held on Thursday 5th February at 3.30 pm in the STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6NG (click here for map). The guest speaker will be Kevin Coyne; Kevin was nominated by the Branch for the post of Joint General Secretary.
(posted 03/02/2009)
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Joint General Secretary Election
The Executive Council of Unite the Union has called an election for an Amicus Section Joint General Secretary with a term of office commencing on 23rd
December 2009 and concluding on 23rd December 2010.
Members of Unite the Union - Amicus Section who joined before 2 February 2009 and who have not received a ballot paper by Wednesday 25 February should
contact teh Amicus Conference and Elections Department on 0800 7313407 without delay.
Ballot papers must be returned to the Independent Scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services in the envelope provided by no later than 12 noon on Friday 6th March 2009.
(posted 03/02/2009)
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Hundreds demonstrate against car parking policy
Hundreds of members of staff at the Southern General Hospital held a protest on Saturday against the health board’s policy on car parking. Out of more than 1700
car parking spaces, a mere 53 have been reserved those staff not lucky enough to be a permit holder. The day before the demonstration, NHS Greater Glasgow
and Clyde chief executive Tom Divers wrote to the unions stating “I am very aware of our responsibilities to ensure that there is a balanced approach to the
needs of staff and patients. The reality is that we simply do not have enough car parking spaces to meet the demands of staff to park on site and to meet that
responsibility to our patients.” Saturday’s protest was attended by full-time officers and representatives from the major unions, including Unite, and by Labour MSP Paul Martin.
Paul Martin is proposing to present a Bill to the Scottish Parliament which would abolish car parking fees on all NHS sites in Scotland (including the PFI car park at
Glasgow Royal). In addition, the bill would require NHS boards to have a management plan to ensure that car parking is managed properly. Details of his bill can be found on his website www.paulmartinmsp.org.uk Comments on the bill can be sent to Paul.Martin.msp@scottish.parliament.uk. Branch members are
encouraged to support the campaign.
Branch members are encouraged to support the campaign.
Branch members are encouraged to support the campaign.
(posted 26/01/2009, updated 28/01/2009)
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Lab reps discuss out of hours offer
Representatives from laboratories throughout NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde met last Thursday to discuss the latest management proposals, which can be viewed here and here. The documents were discussed at length and a number of decisions were taken (in order to not forewarn the management negotiators
details cannot be published; speak to your local lab rep for further information). In particular, it was agreed that it was not acceptable (and technically not possible
under the enabling agreement) to have different rates of payment for new and existing staff. The next negotiating meeting is due to take place on 3rd February.
(posted 26/01/2009)
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Southern General car parking mass meeting
A mass meeting of more than 350 staff employed at the Southern General Hospital was held on Thursday 15th January. The meeting was also attended by a
number of Senior Representaives and Full-Time Officials of various trade unions and professional organisations, local residents, local traders, the police and a
local Labour councillor. The meeting was organised by a group of Southern General staff, some of whom are trade union members, working together but outwith the formal trade union structures.
Considerable anger was expressed at the Health Board’s car parking policy. Numerous members of staff gave examples of the difficulties that they now faced
because of late/early shifts, poor public transport provision, carer commitments etc. After discussion, it was agreed that the first stage of the campaign should be
a mass demonstration at the Govan Road entrance to the Southern General on Saturday 24th January at 2.00 pm. Although this is not a trade union organised
demonstration, two Unite members are active in the campaign and we applaud them for their efforts in opposing the manifestly unfair and cackhanded actions of the Health Board.
(posted 18/01/2009)
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Lab Out of Hours Negotiations
The Diagnostics Directorate Glasgow and Clyde Laboratory Medicine Negotiating Forum met again on January 14th to continue discussions on service provision outwith normal working hours. The management’s latest proposals can be downloaded here. A special meeting of Unite Laboratory Representatives will be held
on Thursday 22nd of January at 2.00 p.m. in Transport House on Bath St (the T&G Office) to receive feedback from our Negotiating Team. All laboratory based
representatives are urged to attend.
(posted 18/01/2009)
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Unite suspends action on pay
A joint meeting of Unite's Health Sector National Health Industrial Committee - attended by representatives from both the Amicus and TGWU sections - decided
yesterday (Monday 12th January) to defer the industrial action phase of the pay campaign.
However Unite still rejects the 3 year pay deal imposed as a result of the governments public sector pay strategy in 2008. Ünite remains disappointed in the
actions of the other Health Sector unions in signing up to 3 year pay deal in 2008 but is determined to work with any other health sector union in pursuing the campaign now and in the future.
Unite’s National Officer for Health, David Fleming said: ‘Since Unite rejected the derisory deal imposed by ministers last spring, the world has gone through a
period of unprecedented economic circumstances and continues to do so.’
‘As a result, perceptions and attitudes have changed, which is not surprising. Given the hardships, job losses, and home repossessions affecting thousands of
our fellow citizens, the joint committee decided to defer industrial action. It was the mature and sensible course to take.’
‘The committee would like to salute the brave and principled stand that our members have taken over the last nine months and the fashion in which they supported
the work-to-rule ay of action on 3 December.’
The union’s full press release may be downloaded here
(posted 13/01/2009, updated 18/01/2009)
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Childcare and other carer rights reinforced by appeal tribunal
The rights of an employee to reasonable time off to take action necessary because of the unexpected disruption to arrangements for the care of a dependent have been reinforced by the decision of an Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).
Mrs. Harrsion was told on 8th December by her childminder that she would not be able to look after the children on 22nd December. Harrison tried but was unable
to make alternative arrangements and on 13th December informed her employer (Royal Bank of Scotland) of the situation and asked for the day off. On the 20th
December, she was told that she could not have the day off. Having no-one to look after her children, she took the day off anyway. Subsequently, she was
disciplined by being issued with a verbal warning for unauthorised absence. Harrison took the matter to an industrial tribunal which found in her favour but the
Royal Bank of Scotland appealed the decision, arguing that the disruption was not unexpected as Harrsion had two week’s notice of the problem.
The EAT upheld the original decision stating that the two weeks time lapse did not make the disruption any less unexpected, although a longer time might have
meant other arrangements could have been made.
(posted 13/01/2009)
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Group Reps welcome new regional officer
The NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Group meeting held on 8th January was pleased to welcome Regional Officer Gordon Casey. Gordon introduced himself to
the meeting and described some of his background as a trade union official for the last 20 years. In addition to his responsibilities for NHS Greater Glasgow &
Clyde (except for membership employed in Estates) Gordon is the Scottish lead officer for the voluntary sector and also covers technicians employed in the educational sector.
A formal vote of thanks was recorded to Regional Officer Michael Fuller for his contributions over the past years.
(posted 13/01/2009)
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TUC launches blog
The TUC employs numerous staff who in addition to knowing about the usual trade union related matters have considerable expertise on a wide range of
subjects including areas not normally considered part of mainstream trade unionism in Britain. In order to provide an unbiased platform, the TUC has launched a
group blog to with postings from a dozen staff covering subjects as diverse as public sector pensions, monetary policy, climate change and Obama and the US unions.
The blog may be accessed here: http://www.touchstoneblog.org.uk/
(posted 13/01/2009)
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TUC updates advice on H&S
The TUC has published a revised booklet with information on The Regulations, Codes of Practice and guidance relating to the Safety Representatives and Safety
Committees Regulations. The booklet also lists all other health and safety legislation that requires employers to consult with employees or safety representatives.
The booklet may be downloaded from http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/brownbook.pdf
(posted 13/01/2009)
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