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Your Branch News

Dear Member,

Take a look at what's happening near you:-

• Centrica Pension Plan Scheme Elections - Karl Whitehead nominated
  
• March with UNISON on 26th March - march for an alternative
  
• 2011 Annual General Meeting - Have your say; participate!
• Joan Ward: Winner of UNISON's Health & Safety Award
  

Don't forget to let us know your views!

Centrica Pension Plan Scheme Elections - Karl Whitehead nominated

What's happening?

If you are a member of the Centrica Pension Plan you will hopefully be aware that nominations have been sought for a member trustee.

Karl Whitehead has been nominated to stand as a candidate for British Gas Cardiff.

It is intended that voting papers will be issued in the week commencing 14th February and the result announced mid-March.

The trustees perform an important role in looking after the best interests of the pension scheme and its members. There are 3 member trustees elected by the scheme members plus 4 appointed by the company including an independent trustee. Trustees are elected for a three year term.

What do I need to do?

If you are a member of the Centrica Pension Plan you should receive a ballot paper and you will see that there are a number of candidates standing. The election uses the single transferable vote system so you can place the candidates in the order of your choice. So your first choice should have a 1 against it and your second a 2 against it and so on. You are not obliged to vote for all candidates.

Please vote for Karl by placing a '1' against his name.

Ensure you send your ballot paper in good time so it is received within the deadline specified.

Where should I go if I haven't received a ballot paper?

If you have not received a ballot paper then you should ring the Electoral Reform Services who is running the ballot on 020 8889 9203.

PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE
 

March with UNISON on 26th March - march for an alternative

On 26 March 2011, thousands of people will join the TUC march in London, to tell the government that savage spending cuts are unnecessary and unfair.

We don't believe the coalition when they say we are all in this together - their public service cuts will hit the most vulnerable the hardest.

There is an alternative:

• fair taxation
• investment in our local communities, health and education
• a more equal and just society

Your Branch will be supporting the march and would like to get as many members (and non-members) to come along. All community groups, friends and family are most welcome join us in the campaign.

There will be a series of coaches departing from all towns within Wales and the South West. If you'd like to take part, please contact Karl Whitehead - Branch Secretary.

2011 Annual General Meeting - Have your say; participate!

Members are cordially invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Branch, which will be held on:

WEDNESDAY, 23RD MARCH 2011 @ 5PM

WINSOR ROOM - FLOOR 1
BRITISH GAS
4 CALLAGHAN SQUARE
CARDIFF, CF10 5BT

Refreshments and a buffet will be provided.

RSVP by Wednesday, 16th March 2011

Nominations for workplace representatives, health & safety representatives and branch officers are being sought. These are open to all members. Please read further in relation to these elections.

It is highly recommended for you to attend. It is important to have the input from all members and the meeting will provide the perfect opportunity for a debate or raise questions.

Refreshments and a buffet will be provided. Please confirm your attendance by completing the slip found at the bottom of the invitation or by emailing Karl Whitehead - Branch Secretary - secretary@unisoncymruwalesgas.org.uk - Please let us know before Wednesday, 16th March 2011 to enable us to confirm the correct numbers to the caterers.

Download your invitation to the Branch AGM 2011 click here [word document]

Workplace Trade Union (TU) and Health & Safety Representative Elections

The Branch also invites members, who would like to volunteer and do more with their union, to be nominated to one of the following positions:-

Members can be nominated to the posts for the following constituencies:
 

Wales & West Utilities

Vacancies exist for Workplace TU Representatives and Health & Safety Representatives.
 

Centrica/British Gas

Gareth Tudur Davies (Premier Energy) Workplace TU Representative x 1

Richard Hennessy (Premier Energy) Workplace TU Representative x 1

Andrew Jarvis (Premier Energy) Workplace TU Representative x 1

Niki Goodfellow (Premier Energy) Workplace TU Representative x 1

Business Gas - Workplace TU Representative x 1

There are also 2 vacancies for Health & Safety Representative at the Cardiff site.
 

Other Employers/Locations:

Vacancies exist for Workplace TU Representatives and Health & Safety Representatives.
 

Please note: posts are at first, only open to those members who belong to the constituency where there is a vacancy. Where no nominations are received for a particular constituency, the post will be open to all members (so it is encouraged to apply even if there is no vacancy for your own constituency). Should more members apply than the allocated positions available, a ballot may be required.

If you wish to become a new activist, please complete the enclosed form and obtain the required nominations from at least 5 members. Should you have any difficulty in completing the form, please do not hesitate in contacting me or any other member of the Branch.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, 23^rd February 2011.

To find out more about doing more with your union click here

If you are interested, please contact Karl Whitehead - Branch Secretary - and complete a nomination form. To obtain a nomination form click here [word document]

Do more with YOUR Union - become a workplace contact, workplace (Trade Union) representative or health & safety representative!

Branch Committee Elections

Nominations are also invited for the following Officer posts on the Branch Executive Committee:-

Branch Secretary

Education Co-ordinator

Women Members Officer

Disabled Members Officer

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans' Members Officer

Equality Rep(s)

Communications Officer

Environmental Officer

Young Members Officer

Retired Members Secretary (must be a retired member)

Treasurer

Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator

Black Members Officer

Equality Officer(s)

Health and Safety Officer

International Officer

Membership Officer

Welfare Officer

Affiliated Political Fund Officer (elected by the APF members only)

Branch Auditor(s) (must not be undertaking any other role in the Branch)  

[word document]

If you'd like to know who currently fulfils each post, please click here.

If you are interested, please contact Karl Whitehead - Branch Secretary - and complete a nomination form. To obtain a nomination form click here [word document]

Nominations for Branch Committee elections must be received by Wednesday, 23rd February 2011 at the latest

Do more with your union - become active!

Be active in UNISON and you'll get a lot more out of your union.

• Health & Safety Representative
• Workplace Contact
• Workplace (Trade Union) Representative

Health & Safety Representative - A UNISON health and safety rep helps to make sure that people's jobs and their workplaces do not cause injury or ill-health.

UNISON members believe health and safety is the most important issue at work. Health and safety can be a matter of life and death.

Health and safety reps work to make the workplace as safe as possible. They can:

• Make representations to the employer on behalf of members on any health, safety and welfare matter

• Represent members in consultation with Health and Safety Executive inspectors or other enforcing authorities
 
• Inspect designated workplace areas at least every three months
 
• Investigate any potential hazards, complaints by members and causes of accidents, dangerous occurrences and diseases

Like stewards, safety reps are chosen by union members. UNISON provides special introductory and follow up courses for health and safety reps.

Where can I find useful information and resources?

• Go to Health and Safety Resources

• UNISON's employment advice website troubleatwork.org.uk offers useful health and safety information for members.

Your help is needed.

If you would like to find out more, please contact us.
 

Workplace Contact – This is an ideal role for someone who is interested in becoming a steward or safety rep and wants to find out more about what's involved.

What do workplace contacts do?

UNISON workplace contacts play different support roles in the workplace, including:

• Making sure members receive union and other important information

• Helping groups of members to organise effectively

• Maintaining contact between members and the union where there is an elected steward

• Supporting other activists such as stewards and health and safety reps

Workplace contacts have a more informal role than stewards or safety representatives. They can also operate as part of a network supporting an elected steward.

Where can I get support and advice?

Your own steward, your health and safety rep and your branch are all there to help and support you in whatever you are able to contribute. You can also get advice from regional offices where necessary.

The union will make sure you:

• Receive regular UNISON information

• Are encouraged and enabled to get involved in branch work

• Get training and access to education, including induction courses for members considering becoming more involved

• Know where to go for advice on dealing with workplace problems

Most branches can give workplace contacts training and support through practical experience, for example, by inviting them to observe and assist in advising and organising members and in meetings with management.

How do I become a UNISON workplace contact?

Any group of members can elect a workplace contact. This group is known as the workplace contact's constituency.

Members don't need to hold an election but should find some way of agreeing on who the contact should be.

Stewards may wish to encourage a colleague to become a workplace contact, either to assist with stewards' work or to encourage them to become more active in the future.
 

Workplace (Trade Union) Representative - A UNISON steward is an elected rep who helps organise, recruit and represent members in their workplace.

Stewards are the backbone of UNISON. Without stewards there would be no one there to act as the link between members and the union and to organise and support people in the workplace.

What does a UNISON steward do?

As a steward you can:

• Talk to, recruit and organise members around workplace issues

• Talk to members about workplace problems, advice them and keep them informed of latest developments

• Represent members in your workplace

• Be involved in how your branch and union is run.

Will I have to negotiate with my employer?

It helps if stewards go to meetings with employers - it's usually the best way to talk to them! But you won't be forced to do anything you don't want to do and we will offer you training and backup.

Some stewards may be involved in local negotiations or in grievance or disciplinary cases - with training and support from the union. Senior stewards or convenors often take part in negotiations about pay and conditions with employers.

What if I'm worried I can't do everything?

Different stewards get involved in different activities depending on experience, skills and time factors.

UNISON is very much in favour of job sharing for stewards. This way you can spread the load, work together and support each other. Job sharing should be agreed with your branch.

You could also consider becoming a workplace contact and see how much you're willing and able to do.

Do I get any training?

All new stewards are encouraged to go on an induction course and on a course for handling grievances and disciplinary matters.
 
You'll receive regular information on training courses covering a wide range of workplace issues. These are normally run at regional level.

Who can I go to for support and advice?

Colleagues, workplace contacts and more experienced stewards, health and safety reps and branch officers will all help you.

How do I get hold of information and resources?

• UNISON's produces guides and information sheets on negotiating issues, including a monthly news sheet called Bargaining Update available from Bargaining Support.

• You'll find free online employment advice for members and the public at our website www.troubleatwork.org.uk

• UNISON's magazine inFocus will keep you up to date with all the latest news and developments. Go to inFocus

• U magazine is the magazine for all UNISON members, including stewards. Go to U magazine.

Joan Ward: Winner of UNISON's Health & Safety Award

We are delighted to communicate that Joan Ward from New Connections in British Gas Cardiff has been announced as the winner of UNISON's Health & Safety Award for Wales.

Joan will be collecting her award tomorrow and will be presented by Peter Crews - Regional Convenor - and Paul O'Shea - Regional Secretary.

The award is being honoured in recognition for her outstanding service and dedication to health & safety during her many years as a volunteer in the branch.

Branch Secretary, Karl Whitehead says: "Joan has been an asset in ensuring health and safety areas have been a priority. We are proud this has been recognised not only by the staff but also throughout the union."

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There is no better time to be a member of a recognised Trade Union, only a recognised Trade Union can negotiate on your behalf. By being a member of UNISON you have the full support of your local Workplace Representatives, your National Representatives and the Full Time Officer in your area offices.

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Our strength is in our numbers... the more members we have, the stronger we are and the greater our voices can be heard.

Members are reminded that they can contact their local representative to express their views or to forward any questions. Alternatively, please feel free to email us at queries@unisoncymruwalesgas.org.uk - other contact methods may also be found at the bottom of this message.

Regards,

Unison Cymru/Wales Gas

Contact us with your queries:

• by email - queries@unisoncymruwalesgas.org.uk
• by speaking with your local UNISON representative - click here
• or online - click here


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