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Unison Cymru/Wales Gas Branch
British Gas Industrial Action Ballot Update: (23/09/08) You may recall that we recently held a second consultative ballot to gather members' views regarding the progress of the dispute. To assist with the consultation, a series of forums were arranged and all members on the mailing list were also contacted. Following this consultation, it was made clear to us that our members here in the Cymru/Wales Gas Branch still felt the assurances were not enough and that the industrial action ballot should still be conducted. The results were (from the responses received): 10.2% - in favour of the progress made and accepted the assurances 83.9% - felt more could still be done and wished to continue with the industrial action ballot 5.9% - other We'd like to thank everyone who kindly responded and took part. Click here to read more. Update: (04/09/2008) As preparations for the industrial action ballot proceeded apace, a crucial meeting between Steve Bloomfield, UNISON’s Head of Utilities and Phil Bentley, M.D. of British Gas took place on Monday 1st September. The purpose of the meeting was to explore all avenues that could lead to a settlement of the current disputes we have with the company on Off-Shoring and Pensions. There can be little doubt that this meeting would never have taken place had it not been for the firm stand taken by UNISON and its members in deciding to ballot for industrial action. A big thank you is owed to all branches and members who have supported UNISON in its struggle to achieve a just and fair settlement of these two important areas of dispute. On 10th September UNISON will hold a special meeting of its National Sector Committee of national reps. Between now and then the national reps will be talking to members about the position reached. The main issue to be decided is that should the national industrial action ballot continue or are the assurances secured from Phil Bentley a fair basis on which to settle the disputes. We would like to gather ALL members views on this very important issue. Please complete and return your comments by either responding to this email or by contacting your Workplace (TU) Representative. All forms must be returned no later than: 9am - Wednesday, 10th September 2008. Your Branch representatives have organised three forums to obtain members views and enable an open discussion. These are to be held on: Monday, 8th September 2008 Pembroke Room - Ground Floor First Session: 12.00pm - Second Session: 1.30pm - Third Session: 5.00pm
If you are unable to attend or have any queries, please contact your local steward.
UNISON Bulletin -
Click here -
Consultation Ballot Form -
Click here - END The recent consultative ballot of members on the pensions issue produced a clear majority of members against the company's plans for pensions and in favour of an industrial action ballot. This result was considered by UNISON's National British Gas Sector Committee on 25th June. During the debate it became clear that the pension's issue was not the only one that members locally were aggrieved about. Among the other issues were off-shoring, the transition of P4 staff to new L7 team leader posts and the potential loss of income faced by BGE Level 8 members as a result of the introduction of a new pay system. Upon much discussion, the decision was taken to recommend industrial action on two specific issues: pensions and offshoring. It has been more than 25 years since UNISON went to ballot in the gas industry and the decision wasn't taken lightly. Our national team have made the views of staff very plainly - which British Gas/Centrica has clearly ignored. We are now at the stage (and with regret) where we need to get ALL members involved and together, ensure that the terms and conditions of existing and future employees are protected. Vote YES! You don't need to be in a pension scheme to be involved in the ballot or to take industrial action - this does affect us all! Even if you're not in a pension scheme at this moment in time, you may wish to be in one in the future... and what guarantees are there that there won't be any further changes to any of the existing schemes? Over the years we have also seen many activities being offshored - just in the last few months the company has taken the following decisions:
We cannot accept any more. We must act now and stand together! Your UNISON Cymru/Wales Gas Branch representatives recommend YES for action. Ballot papers will be issued to members' registered home address from Thursday, 4th September 2008 and will close on Friday, 26th September 2008. Update: (29/08/2008) UNISON has been very busy preparing to run an industrial action ballot and members were previously advised that the ballot would commence early September - and this is still the case. However, in order for all the preparations to be completed efficiently and whilst UNISON continues with the consultation on the legal challenge, the start of the ballot is likely to be delayed slightly - and should be no longer than 1 or 2 weeks. We hope in being able to confirm dates and provide a further update early next week. The ballot will be conducted independently by the Electoral Reform Society and your Branch representatives will be holding a series of meetings to discuss the issues with members. Please contact UNISON Direct on 0845 355 0845 to ensure all your details are up to date.
Questions and Answers - For your frequent questions and answers, please click here. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us:
All communication will be dealt by a UNISON representative and will be treated confidentially. |
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