News and updates
Unite-in-ACTS members employed by Lancashire UNISON were forced to take strike action on 29 and 30 May with two more days planned for 5 and 6 June. This decision, following a successful legal ballot, was not taken lightly but members felt they had no alternative following the lack of action and a reasonable offer from the Branch Secretary. Our members have been requesting they are paid on UNISON pay scales for the equivalent branch roles they undertake. The Branch Secretary has even agreed through a Job Evaluation to the equivalent grades on the UNISON scales but has refused to engage in any meaningful discussion on a regrade. The request would only put them on comparable pay with many other branches across the region and country. We are asking all members to sign a solidarity petition with our Lancashire BES colleagues. Please sign at https://forms.gle/eUxCEQoQJRfqpKff8
Branch employed staff members in Lancashire take strike action over pay
Staffing review: it's not a done deal
The staffing review is slowly inching towards completion, though perhaps it’s not quite as near the end as a recent pearl update would lead you to believe. The message – which was not agreed with the staff trade unions — suggested harmony reigns and we are close to implementing the changes. But very little has been agreed so far – the only thing that has been agreed is that this is not a cost-cutting exercise and there will be no redundancies as a result. Nothing else is close enough to completion to start consulting on and there will be a full consultation before any recommendations come into effect. Further, any new roles mooted will need to go through UNISON’s agreed job evaluation process to be properly graded by trained reps from management and the trade union sides. This includes the caseworker role which has been floated and the new apprentice organiser role, which would need significant discussion before it’s brought in, says the staff unions. There would be no need to evaluate the workplace organiser post, as this is just a rebranding of local organisers and no significantly new ways of working are being suggested. Progress in the work on regions has been “bumpy”, but has been made, according to staff side secretary Abby Kimatas. But a private consultant has been brought in to complete the work on UNISON Centre, prompting concerns from the trade union side about full consultation and engagement. “We’re concerned that external don’t always fully understand what different departments at head office do, so it’s important staff are fully engaged with the process.”
Branch committee briefing (May 2025)
Branch Development Day – The Branch Secretary reported that the event held yesterday had been well received and a report, plus revised Branch Action Plan will be tabled at the July Branch Committee meeting for discussion. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that the ACTS TU Side are due to meet on 16 May 2025 to consider the Workstream 2 report. The National Trade Union Side are also meeting on 20 May 2025 to consider the report. Trade Union Officers Report: Staff Survey – There will be comms sent out shortly and a national action plan will be agreed. Policy Working Group – This group is to be reconvened. Joint Trade Union Statement on Supreme Court Judgement – The Branch Secretary reported on the statement in support of our members and the Joint Officers have raised this matter with UNISON. The Branch Chair reiterated our position that trans members had the full support of the branch. Individual members were again encouraged to seek support from their Senior Steward or a Branch Officer. Vacancies – Regional Organiser permanent appointments were now ongoing. A number of Senior Stewards advised that not all Regional Organiser posts have been advertised and the Branch Secretary will take this up with UNISON. North West BES Industrial Action – It was reported that our members in Lancashire Unison Branch are taking strike action on 29th and 30th May and the 5th and 6th of June and the branch have agreed to pay full pay for these dates. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to Unite UCU branch who are currently taking industrial action. Date of next meeting- The next Branch Committee meeting will be a TEAMS meeting on 12 June 2025.
Branch committee briefing (April 2025)
Branch Development Day – The Branch Development Day will take place on 14 May 2025 and the Branch Secretary will be sending the programme out next week. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that at the last meeting of the Staffing Review Group there was a presentation from Carly French Director of HR and Staff learning on recent work on UNISON Centre structures. And the next meeting of the Staffing Review Group is on 29 April 2025.The General Secretariat Group are meeting to discuss the staffing review Trade Union Officers Report: Equal Pay Audit – The audit is overdue and a number of actions from the previous audit have not been carried out. Health & Safety Policies Consultation – Responses have been sent to UNISON. Imprests – still being discussed with UNISON. Pay Erosion Working Group – due to meet on 30 April 2025 Pay 2026 – the staff trade unions will be submitting a pay claim as usual this year. Vacancies – The Branch Secretary reported that a number of posts have now been advertised and dates have been set for interviews. Property Review – The Branch Secretary reported that the trade unions had received a draft policy and responded to UNISON. AGM 2025 - The Branch Committee agreed motions 4 to 8 which had been remitted from the AGM, they will now be referred to the TU Side. ACTS TU Side – The Branch Committee elected Dan Simmons to the vacant seat on the ACTS TU Side. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to the Greener Ealing Dispute Fund and £100 for medical products for Cuba. Date of next meeting - The next Branch Committee meeting will be a Hybrid meeting on 15 May 2025.
Branch committee briefing (Mar 2025)
Branch Development Day –The Branch Development Day will take place on 14 May 2025 and the planning group will be meeting to discuss arrangements Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that there had been a meeting of Workstream 2 earlier today. The meeting considered comments from the trade union side and agreed some changes to the draft report. The Branch Committee were advised that a TU Side newsletter was being drafted and would include matters relating to the staffing review. Trade Union Officers Report: Abby Kimantas reported that Joint Officers have received a draft Office Closure Protocol which they will respond to. Joint Officers have met with the General Secretary regarding a number of concerns and are waiting for a response. Vacancies – The Branch Secretary reported that a number of vacancies have now been advertised and asked Senior Stewards to contact him if there are any problems. Property Review – The Branch Secretary reported that the Brighton office has now closed and there are discussions taking place around Middlesborough, Edinburgh and Wales offices. The Branch Secretary thanked the Senior Steward in the South East for all her work in representing our members. AGM 2025 - The Branch Secretary advised that the final notice for the AGM will be sent out on 7 March 2025 and that the closing date for proxy votes is 17 March 2025.The link for members to register for the AGM will be resent. The Branch Committee also agreed their position on the Rule Changes and Motions. ACTS TU Side – The Branch Committee were advised that there is a vacancy on ACTS TU Side and it was agreed to seek nominations to be considered at the April meeting. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to the Burston Strike School appeal. Date of next meeting - The next Branch Committee meeting will be a TEAMS meeting on 17 April 2025.