Union Learner Reps (ULR) come to Barnet

Whilst we have been relatively successful in running 15 courses for staff in Environmental Services we are acutely aware that all Council staff should have the same opportunities.

This September, 10 UNISON members completed their ULR training. They are due to attend the first meeting with training champions for all the service areas across the Council this December. We hope this will be the start of training opportunities for all staff regardless whether they belong to a trade union.

ULRs are really Learning Champions, government legislation has ensured that ULRs have a legal entitlement to carry out their role.

We are keen to recruit and train more ULRs.

If you are interested in finding out what is involved please contact Carmen Bruno (UNISON Life Long Learning Coordinator) carmen.bruno@barnetunison.org.uk

Barnet UNISON providing training for new UNISON stewards in Barnet

Without stewards the union would not exist. That is why our branch is determined to keep providing training for any UNISON members taking on the responsibilities of a steward.

We have run several courses locally (Hendon Town Hall) because we want stewards to relate what they learn directly to their workplace. Everyone who has been on the course has given the course a ‘big thumbs up’.

Taking on the steward’s role is a responsibility, but you are not alone. We have an extensive network of stewards and Officers, all at the end of the phone or email.

But we always need more stewards, so if you are interested please contact the Barnet UNISON office julie.crouch@barnetunison.org.uk and we will arrange for someone to call you.

Barnet UNISON and Barnet Council collect Awards for Return2Learn

Last week Barnet Council and Barnet UNISON accepted two Awards for Employer of the Year and Life Long Learner of the Year, from College of North East London (CoNEL)

It may be news to Barnet Council staff but yes it is true.

It is a reward for the all the hard work done by the UNISON Life Long Learning Coordinator Carmen Bruno working in partnership with the managers and staff in Environmental Services.

Return2Learn is spreading across the whole council. We are hoping to confirm that there will be an Open Day to promote Return2Learn in early February 2007.

If you want to know more about what it means and how to access courses please email: carmen.bruno@barnetunison.org.uk

Fremantle workers update Nov 2006

Fremantle have written to Barnet UNISON complaining that our previous article was misleading. Firstly is is good to see that the Blog is being read.

So what was misleading?

The misleading bit is the reference to the 'fluctuation clause'. We reported "Fremantle and Catalyst have decided that it is easier to attack experienced hard working low paid workers than approach Barnet Council and demand they honour the contract.”

Fremantle insist this misrepresents the situation.............

But wait a minute.......according to our Regional Officer, Fremantle have repeatedly ignored our requests to hold off the attacks on Barnet Fremantle workers conditions until the outcome of their disccussions with Barnet Council have been completed.

So, Fremantle, how about an early Christmas present for your staff?

Call off your plans to attack their terms and conditions and start pursuing the REAL alternative....sitting down with Barnet Council to implement the 'Fluctuation clause'.

I am sure staff and relatives and the trade unions would fully support this initiative....let's work together.

We are waiting.....................................

Government Snubs union’s call for Pensions justice - Glenn Kelly (Local Government NEC member)

With the best pension scheme in Europe netting a £28,000 a year for a MP’s, Phil Wools the local Government minister got to his feet last week to lecture us on why the government needed to attack our pension because of affordability

Despite over 1000 delegates lobbying parliament on Wednesday 22nd November to call on government to protect our pensions New labour (who we fund to the tune of £2m plus a year) have now put their new offer on the table, as predicted they want to us to pay more for less.

Protection

Having already scrapped the right to retire at 60, (if you have 25yrs local government service) which has saved the employers £15billion, they have refused to even move on the protection offered for existing members of the scheme. Only those over 50 are being offered protection.

We pay more they pay less!

They now want us to pay more. At the moment ex manual workers pay 5% of their salary in pension contributions and the rest pay 6%.

The government offer is now saying contribution rates will be 5.5% on the first £12k earned and 7.5% on rest. It will be some of the lowest paid who will suffer most out of this.

But, It won’t stop there, unlike the past where the rates of contribution were fixed they now want us to bear the brunt of any future problems. They are proposing that the amount we pay is reviewed again in 2009 for any further changes being implemented in 2011.

Whilst we pay more, the employers will be able to cut their contribution rate down to 13.2% from 14.5%.

Redundancy rights attacked

At the moment you can take your pension at 50 if your made redundant and in many council’s you can also get added years. Both these measures are now to go and you will not be able to take your pension even if made redundant before the age of 55 this is to be introduced in 2010

Attack on the ill health retirement rights

At the moment if your declared permanently unfit for your job you can take your pension and get added years service. The government are now proposing that is not enough. If your declared unfit for your job but told you are fit for “any gainful” employment even outside public services then you lose the right to this benefit and will only get the pension you’ve accrued.

On top of this even if you are declared unfit and get your ill health pension, it could be taken off you, if later on your declared fit for gainful work. This could be a bully’s charter of the sick.

Accrual Rate

The only real plus on offer is the promise that the accrual rate will now be 1/60th rather than 1/80th. In the main this would mean that you could get a bigger pension or a higher lump sum than currently.

However this higher rate will only apply to service after 2008. The government documents do not mention what happens to all your existing service.

In return for this slight increase we will all be forced to work an extra five years longer or lose significant proportion of our pension.

What next

The local government executive meets on Monday the 4th December we must ensure that this offer is rejected and the strike ballot is to begin.

Save local swimming pool in Grahame Park - Barnet College

After 30 years, Barnet College has decided to close the swimming pool at its site on Grahame Park Way in Colindale by 21/12/06. The college stated that it had been ‘forced - entirely because of financial considerations - to take this action’, citing issues such as the age of the pool and that future remedial costs would be unaffordable.

Pool users however, have been advised by Barnet College that it is because they want to convert it into accommodation for either staff/students. If extra accommodation is required, then all options should be explored fully. There was no consultation with students, community group pool users, the general public or staff, all of whom use it. The pool was closed down during mid October 2006 and by the end of October, the decision had been made to close it permanently. This was despite Barnet College not yet having applied for the necessary planning permission, which could take at the least, many months.

The swimming pool never made a profit, although it generated an income from community group users. Staff over the years have presented income generating schemes, none of which to date have been adopted, but a further proposal is being presented by Barnet UNISON. Sponsorship could have been sought. Lottery funding could also have been a viable possibility, as a community college in London recently received £ 400,000 for their sports programme.

This swimming pool is in the middle of a deprived north London estate, which is in desperate need of sports facilities. A representative for Jewish and Muslim community pool users stated that it will be impossible to replicate the single sex sessions offered for religious reasons, at the College. Low income families will also be deprived of affordable swimming lessons. Finally, members of the public, all students (including those with disabilities and those on sports courses) and staff at Barnet College have lost their local pool for ever.

Everyone knows that swimming is a great form of exercise and the benefits to our health are numerous. Exercise is key to weight management, a healthy heart and greater energy levels, and, coupled with a sensible diet, is essential for us all to live a long and healthy life. It is also very important for children to learn the habit of taking regular exercise early on in life and swimming can be a fun way to keep fit.

Time is of the essence, this pool is due to be closed by mid December. Once closed, it is highly unlikely to re-open again due to damage to the water pipes.

Barnet UNISON with the support of the Teaching Union (UCU) have started a petition and are seeking urgent talks with the College.

Please support our campaign by writing immediately to Tony Alderman, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Barnet College, Wood Street, Barnet, EN5 4AZ, telling him that Barnet College must keep the pool open. If you are in a position to offer sponsorship or make a substantial donation to finance this community pool, please contact UNISON on 020 8359 2088.

Fremantle workers dispute gathers momentum

A packed public meeting of angry relatives and Fremantle staff demanded to know why local politicians were not getting involved in this dispute. Eddy Coulson UNISON Regional officer reported that there has been a slight shift in negotiations but that there was still a long way to go.

UNISON Fremantle Convenor Carmel Reynolds questioned the wisdom of reducing the sick pay entitlement. "We don't want staff coming into work sick and infecting vulnerable residents, the consequences could be fatal!"

What angered relatives and staff the most was to learn that a fluctuation clause in the contract between Barnet Council and Catalyst Housing in the event of a funding problem was being ignored. It appears that Fremantle and Catalyst have decided that it is easier to attack experienced hard working low paid workers than approach Barnet Council and demand they honour the contract.

It was agreed at the meeting that a further public meeting be called for in January next year and all efforts made to ensure both councillors of all parties and local MPs attend. Relatives and staff agreed to attend Scrutiny meeting on 13 December and ask for urgent intervention.
Please send any messages of support for the UNISON Fremantle workers to maggi.myland@barnetunison.org.uk
5 November 2006

LGPS mass lobby of Parliament: 22 November 2006

Make sure you have written to your MP?

Has your MP responded?

Has your MP agreed to meet you?

If yes, what are they saying?

If no, let the branch know

Send details of your correspondence with your local MP to Barnet UNISON branch.
Don't let her rob your Pension!

Make sure you go to the National UNISON link to keep up to date

http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/pages_view.asp?did=4149

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PAY CLAIM 2007/8 CONSULTATION

DON'T FORGET TO TAKE PART ............IT'S YOUR PAY!

We have received the circular on the National Pay Award 2007/8 today and have begun consultation with our members.

Please contact the branch if you have not had these set of questions. Closing date for members responses is 21 November 2006.

Do you agree the claim should be either 3.5% (RPI)? Yes/No

Or 5.0% (RPI plus)? Yes/No

Do you agree the claim should be flat rate only of £1,000? Yes/No

Do you agree the claim should include a flat rate of £1,000/percentage whichever is the higher? Yes or No

Do you agree to have a £6.30 underpin for 2006-7 in order to achieve the unions target minimum rate of £6.75 by October 2008? Yes or No

Do you agree the claim should include an increase in the basic annual leave entitlement by 5 days to establish a 25 days per year minimum entitlement for all employees? Yes or No

Any other proposals you think should be included/considered in the claim ?

The Branch will report back as and when we receive further details from our National Negotiators

You can always keep up to date on UNISON negotiations via the UNSION website at

http://www.unison.org.uk/

31 October 2006.

Korean Government Workers Union (KGEU) under attack

After leaving the sacked hotel workers we set off to visit some friends for dinner. As we passed the City Hall in the centre of Seoul I noticed a collection of boards that were showing some disturbing pictures. The English translation quickly explained that government workers belonging to the KGEU were facing serious attacks on their democratic rights.

Much is made of the problems in North Korea but things are not so rosy for workers in South Korea. The KGEU HQ were raided by riot police on 22 September 2006, activists have been sacked as the union fights to gain recognition and secure basic rights for their members.

Whilst taking a picture outside the town hall I managed to find two KGEU union activists who were prepared to talk albeit with the assistance of my newly recruited translator & international trade union liaison (thanks Eunhee).

Dal Soo Lee (standing on my left) is one of the sacked trade union activists, he decribed the horrendous treatment they have had to endure and sadly the consequences of being a trade union activist. Despite the risks he and his colleagues face he was still determined to keep on fighting for workers rights. It was second time within the space of a couple of hours that my experiences and life as a trade unionist were challenged. I have been an active trade unionist for over 25 years but never been in the position where the stakes were as high as for the trade unions activists I met in Korea.

I am in touch with Dal Soo Lee and his colleagues and I am hoping that somehow I will be able to publicise their struggle and build links with UNISON and other Trade Unions in the UK. If after reading this article you have any ideas suggestions or want to support the workers then email me directly at john.burgess@barnetunison.org.uk

John Burgess

PRIVATISATION – Korean style

‘Sacked hotel workers – Renaissance Hotel, Seoul, South Korea’

Whilst over in Korea visiting my new family I was emailed with details of the above workers dispute with a major multinational hotel group whose name will be familiar to many of us in the UK. Marriott hotels, to be precise it is the Renaissance Seoul Hotel.

I decided that whilst in Seoul I would drop by and see if I could chat to these workers and see if there was anything they felt I could do for them as a trade unionist living in London.

My wife (Eunhee) did have a detailed plan laid out for me on where were to go in Seoul, yet by the end of the day I can promise you that she thoroughly enjoyed her new role as unofficial UNISON translator and international trade union liaison for Korean trade unions!

The story is all too familiar one for trade unions in this country. Outsourcing, (when did privatisation become outsourcing…..did they really believe that by calling it outsourcing we would welcome it?) I digress, back to the sacked Renaissance hotel workers.

We turned up outside the hotel and to my dismay it looked like we had missed them, I took a picture outside the hotel and turned for one last look when I noticed a group of women sitting on a large mat next to a van. I quickly walked up to them and launched into a short speech unfortunately in English. The were taking a noodle break and were a little bemused or maybe frightened when a large bald headed man wearing a UNISON rugby shirt started speaking to them in English. I was saved by Eunhee, who quickly put them at ease (if anyone can be at ease talking to me?) quickly explaining that I had heard from a trade union colleague about the dispute and that I belonged to a trade union and was eager to speak with them.

What followed was humbling but incredibly powerful experience for me. They quickly as if by magic provided a small fold away chair for me to sit on as my attempts to sit cross legged met with fits of laughter and concern that I had suffered a serious physical injury!

They explained that their jobs had been outsourced and the Hotel had used all sorts of bully boy tactics to intimidate them, they are all over 50 years old and all had been arrested at least twice by the police on the say of the hotel. How could this be happening? Sadly trade unions still have a long way to go in Korea. Although more attention is focused understandably on North Korea, Trade Unions in South Korea are having a difficult time and belonging to a trade union and becoming an activist comes with a serious health warning! These women have taken their case to court and won! The outsourcing breached legislation yet despite the court order to reinstate them they are still unemployed. They are not getting any financial assistance, so they having to rely on friends and family.

I asked how long they would wait and they are clear they are there for the duration no matter what the Hotel tries to do!

They are being supported by Lee, Ok-Soon (Chair) Korean Federation of Private Service Workers’ Union (KFPSWU); they rang her and put me on the phone (they said she spoke English). I was enthusiastically extolling the virtues of the sacked workers and what I would like to try and do back in London when she managed to interrupt me to say could I email her as it had been such a long time since she had spoken English! Luckily Eunhee took the phone, explained who I was, that I was relatively harmless and would email her on my return to the UK.

Back in London I made contact with Ok-Soon (KFPSWU) asking for more details. I would love to be able to see messages of support sent to them and emails sent to the Hotel and Government asking them to negotiate with the trade union. I would like to see some financial aid for the sacked workers and build links with their trade union. I would hope that Trade Unions in Uk do not use Marriott Hotels whilst this dispute is ongoing?

That is my challenge, if you read this article and have any ideas suggestions or want to support the workers then email me directly at john.burgess@barnetunison.org.uk

I see that they have published the pictures of my visit which you can see on their blog site at http://blog.naver.com/hsl8809

John Burgess

UNISON Pensions 31 August update

NEWSLETTER 31 (UPDATED) 25 AUGUST 2006

New Look Scheme – Regional Briefings

Six of the regional briefings on the DCLG consultation for the “new look” LGPS have now taken place. These briefings were well attended and saw lively debate on the four options being put forward by the DCLG and the Trade Union Side options. It is important that branches and those attending use the information given out to consult with their wider membership. In particular we would ask that branches seek members’ views on the issues raised in the briefings and then feed them back to their regional pension contact. We want to have a full picture of members’ opinions before we draw up our formal response to the DCLG consultation. We also want feedback on the negotiating options put forward by the Trade Union Side.

Branches should use our briefing paper “Options for new LGPS - Trade Union Side Objectives” to also canvass members’ views. This document can be found on the pensions section of the UNISON website www.unison.org.uk/pensions. The PowerPoint presentation on the “new look” scheme will be available for download form the pensions section of the UNISON website next week.

In order to keep up with the regular updates from UNISON HQ

Go to www.unison.org.uk/pensions for updates

best wishes

John Burgess

Branch Secretary

Feedback from Return2Learn Tutor

"Second chance " - Malcolm Seward CONEL Tutor

We are just coming to the end of the tenth Communications skills course. This means around one hundred learners will have received level one certificates. For many of the learners this opportunity was the first time back in a learning environment since leaving school. For many as well, it is the first certificate they have ever received.

The learners admitted to having mixed emotions about the opportunity to attend a course. Fear of looking stupid, making mistakes, showing themselves up. They soon realised that by working in pairs or small groups, the support or help they needed was available.

Once their initial fears were allayed they all applied themselves and kept me very busy asking for more!

Even the learners who were fearful of computers at the outset were asking for further work. From discussions with learners I know they valued the chance to improve their skills and get to grips with computers. Without fail the learners asked me about progression routes.

The attendance was excellent and I have enjoyed immensely working with all the learners. I think that the authority and UNISON should be very proud of the opportunities that have been made available and hopefully will be made available and hopefully will be made available in the future.

I would also like to thanks Carmen for her tireless efforts and support.

Feedback from Learners on Return2Learn courses

The Learners

"I’ve enjoyed this course immensely. During the five sessions I’ve started to gain more confidence in my ability to overcome the lack of knowledge regarding my communication skills. I also feel more confident in helping my seven year old daughter with her home work. I sincerely hope further courses are more forth coming. "(Refuse Department)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the return to learn course as it was very engaging and well structured. I personally wasn’t very attentive at school and failed to grasp the most common aspects of the English language. So this course was extremely helpful to me as I am more attentive now as I have matured and I have been able to pick up small but important basic s to help me in my future. The teacher was very good and because the class was very friendly I found that I was able to interact and learn more about communication and listening, this has helped me in my job as it requires me to communicate and listen whilst recording the data that is being passed to me." (Parking Attendant)

"This is my last week on the course. I have gained more confidence in writing, punctuation and to write reports. I feel a better person for the following reasons, I have learnt to work together with more people, and feel more confident to talk to people. I would like to take this much further and hope more courses become available. "(Refuse worker)

Return2Learn comes to Barnet

Amazing results……..
I became the Life Long Learner Coordinator at the end of November 2005 and in all my time within the Trade Union Movement this has become one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had.

On the very first morning of the open day, we signed up 70 members of staff. The courses started in January this year and by the end of July we will have had 11 courses for over 150 staff. It has been amazing to watch the staff arriving for the first day a bit apprehensive hoping it was not going to be like school, then two weeks later I meet staff in the depot and they are saying:

“These courses are really great and I am learning something from them”, “I have been able to help my kids with homework which I have never been able to do before, not having the confidence”, or “Do you know I thought I knew how to write letters but really I had forgotten.”

To see some staff who have had very little formal training ask “more please”, has been great.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those operational managers who have helped make this work and make a difference to their staffs lives.

This small project has now spread not only across the Council into Social Services, Educationn/Schools, Resources, other Partner organisations are wanting to take up these exciting opportunities.

If you want to know more about the FREE Return2Learn course

then give me a call at the UNISON office or

email to carmen.bruno@barnetunison.org.uk

Carmen Bruno (Life Long Learning Coordinator)

Social Services Convenor

Hello and welcome

My name is Maggi Myland and I am responsible for organising and representing members working across Adult Social Services, Children's Services and Early Years and Play.

I have a team of stewards across social services but we are always looking for more. If you work in social services and don't have a steward then please contact me at the UNISON office on 0208 359 2088 or email maggi.myland@barnetunison.org.uk

Fremantle Campaign

Care standards at risk!

Barnet UNISON conducted a survey of pay and as you can see a Fremantle Care worker comes out bottom of the Low Pay League Table. Incredible that a job which involves working with vulnerable residents should warrant such a poor wage.

“What does a care worker do?”

A care worker in the course of their duties will have to provide personal care, administer medication, monitor physical and mental health. They work shifts Monday to Sunday, mornings, evenings. In some of the settings there are specialist units to meet the needs of residents with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Mental Health and Learning difficulties.

“Do they need to have training?”

Yes. They would need to attend the following courses: Manual Handling, Food Hygiene, Medication administration, COSHH, Basic First Aid, NVQ’s up to level 2 ( as required by National Care Standards Commission).
Phewww. Is that all?

Our case is clear, care staff play a crucial role in the quality of life of vulnerable people. We call upon Fremantle to think again. Call off the dismissal notice and sit down with the trade unions to discuss a safe and sensible way forward.

Carmel Reynolds ( Barnet UNISON Fremantle Convenor) and John Burgess ( Branch Secretary)

Pensions...Pensions...Pensions......

(Our Hendon Town Picket line made the UNISON National 'In Focus' magazine last month)

Welcome to the first Barnet UNISON

Pensions Blog Update.

Although most of our members will be hopefully enjoying their summer holidays...the Pensions saga continues.

I hope not to complicate matters but things are becoming complicated, I will try to make some sense of what is happening in terms of consultation.

We all know about the85 rule and the right to retire at 60 proposals and the subsequent strike in March this year. We prepared to strike during the local elections unless we at least had parity with our UNISON colleagues in Health. The strike was called off but our demands were not met.

We were then told that we were going to seek a Judicial review to see if we could win the legal argument. At UNISON Confeterence there was heated debate as to whether we should be preparing for industrial action whilst awaiting a legal judgement. The Conference decision to wait and see won by a narrow majority.....the date has been set for the judical review is the 18 and 19 September 2006. Depending on the outcome of the review I think we may hear about a ballot for further industrial action.

But if things were that simple.........they are not. The 85 rule etc was just the start of something much bigger the complete overhaul of the Pension Scheme and it is important for all of us in the scheme to take note. The Governement is consulting on a number of options for the New Look scheme for further details I woudl suggest you go to the following UNISON web site http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/docs_list.asp

I attended a UNISON Regional Seminar on 17 August where it was made clear to all those present that NONE of these were UNISON options.

We felt it important that we submit our proposals .....Option E

Our Option E would have the following

• No detriment to current scheme members retiring at 60
• Partnership pensions for all (including co-habitees)
• Clarity for those joining the scheme in the future
• An increase in death benefitsParity with the other public sector schemes
• 1/60 accrualTapered contributions in the future scheme

I hope our members have the chance to see Option E and that out UNISON negotiators are able to bring this to the table once negotiations start.

Is everyone now clear?

Next.......the Government without any discussions with UNISON slipped in another Regulation change. This proposed change concerns 'discretionary payments or added years'. These are payments made to staff ( over 50) in the Pension Scheme who retire early or on the grounds of Ill Health (age does not apply in this case). Although these payments are discretionary they can mean up to a payment of six and two thirds years on to your Pension. Government are intending to abolish this method and replace it with a lump sum payment. Teh deadline is the end of September. The Council has a policy and I hope that this will be made public in order that we can consult with our members. I am hopeful however that this will be 'knocked back' I await guidance from UNISON.

So in a nutshell.....................

We are waiting to hear if we are in dispute about the 85 year rule, the New Look Pension Scheme and the Discretionary Payments issue........I haven't even mentioned the Pay Award discussions........that will have to wait for another Blog.

Please let me have any comments suggestions.

Many thanks

John Burgess

Branch Secretary

Barnet UNISON

Barnet Schools UNISON Conference 28 October 2006

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the very first UNISON Conference for School Support Staff in Barnet.

This Conference gives you the unique opportunity to meet with, speak with and lobby, speakers from National UNISON. You can learn all about their negotiations with the Government on your pay and on your terms and conditions.

The last three years have seen the start of major changes for all school staff. We at Barnet UNISON see this Conference as an opportunity for our members across all 126 Barnet schools to meet together, share experiences and find solutions to the problems that have arisen out of the changes. This is your chance to meet other school support staff and discuss issues and grievances that are common to you all.

At he Conference pay and grading, bullying, training opportunities, term time pay and health and safety issue will be discussed It is your chance to make your voice heard and to influence Branch policy.

The Conference will take place in North London Business Park on Tuesday 24 October 2006 commencing with registration at 9.15—10 am. Afterwards there will be a buffet lunch and the opportunity to talk to Branch Officers.

Invitations will be going out to every UNISON member working in a Barnet school. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so BOOK EARLY to ensure a place.
John Burgess (Branch Secretary)

P.S. We have two Assistant Branch Secretary's for Education Tracey Lowe and Susan Dunning they will be coordinating the Conference. Any questions or details please contact them at the Barnet UNISON office on 0208 359 2088

Welcome from Barnet UNISON

Welcome
As new means of communication develops Barnet UNISON will endeavour to keep up to date.
We rely on volunteers to help with our IT/Communication. For the next four months we are going to pilot this blog site to see if our members find it useful.
If you have any suggestions ideas to develop this blog please contact us on the links provided.
Thanks
John Burgess
Branch Secretary
BarnetUNISON