Support UNISON Plymouth City Council Branch in fight against derecognition

Fri 19 Aug 2011
Urgent message from UNISON Plymouth City Council Branch
Derecognition
As you may be aware Plymouth City Branch was informed yesterday morning it was being derecognised by the employer with immediate effect; the branch was required to vacate its office in the Civic Centre, and all facilities time etc was removed.

This decision was made by the City Council due to a breakdown in negotiations – namely UNISON’s refusal to sign an agreement to detrimental changes in our members’ terms and conditions.

We did not sign because our legal advice clearly states that the agreement is discriminatory.  Rather than return to talks to address the inequalities in the agreement the Council derecognised City of Plymouth UNISON.

This is clearly a big local story for UNISON’s Plymouth City Branch, and has been covered in local press and radio as well as nationally on political blogs etc. Today Dave Prentis has called for Plymouth City Council to “drop the macho politics and get back round the negotiating table".

All support for Plymouth City Branch is very much appreciated as we fight to protect the rights of our members. Please cascade details through your networks to all branches as we call for the widest possible awareness and support of this appalling attempt by the Council to silence our members rather than listen to the voices of their staff.

• Plymouth City Branch has set up a Facebook site to support the call for Re-recognition – visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Plymouth-City-Council-to-Re-Recognise-Unison/134393739988210?sk=wall

• Messages of Solidarity can be sent to PCC Branch at office@unisonplymouth.net

• Or please encourage messages of #solidarity on Twitter to @cityplymUNISON

• News and updates also available from www.unisonplymouth.net and via the @cityplymUNISON and @UNISONSW Twitter accounts

Thanks for any support and help you are able to provide.

Helen

Helen Willis
Regional Manager, Unison South West Region

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UNISON signs recognition deal with Police Service Authority

Date: Monday 1 February 2010

Scotland’s public service union, UNISON will today (Monday) sign a recognition agreement with the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA), and fellow trade union, Unite, which will confirm them as the unions recognised to represent police staff working for the Authority.

UNISON is the largest union representing police staff in Scotland and has around 550 members currently covered by this agreement across Scotland.

Kenny Laing - Chair of UNISON’s SPSA Sub-Group said:

“I am delighted that this agreement has been drawn up and signed. At a time when there is much work to be done in job evaluation, harmonising conditions and with various modernisation agendas, it is clearly very important that UNISON is able to represent and negotiate with the SPSA as effectively as possible. That is even more important as we face very difficult times for public sector finances.

“I look forward to continuing to work hard, alongside my other UNISON stewards, for the members in this new formal consultation process.”

UNISON has had good relations with this new employer and the agreed structure will enable issues to be addressed in an agreed procedure by both employer and union.

Jo Brigham, SPSA Interim Chief Executive said:

“The establishment of this agreement between SPSA, UNISON and Unite is a very positive step. Although we have been consulting informally with the unions, the agreement will allow us to move forward with a recognised and consistent process. This will strengthen SPSA’s working relationship with the unions and allow us to better understand and communicate with one another. We look forward to our first formal meeting in February.”

Peter Veldon, UNISON’s regional officer for Police staffs said

“It is important that UNISON’s key role within other Police staffs across Scotland, is now replicated in this new authority. There is much to be done in the next few months and membership of UNISON is essential to ensure that staff views are considered in all parts of SPSA and to ensure the best possible results for employees during the negotiations.”

ENDS


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