Upload
jesse-dunlap
View
214
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Staff Induction:
Trades Unions
Mark Sinfield
UNISON Branch SecretaryJoints Unions Convenor
1. The Role of Trades Unions1. Negotiations and Consultations
2. Representation
2. Services to Members
3. How Unions Work
4. How You Join
Negotiations and consultations
Collective Bargaining
– Agreements between the University and a trade union are binding on all staff the union is recognised as representing
– The University can use this mechanism to change your contract
Negotiations and consultations
Partnership Working– The University recognises the value of the trades unions as
representing and speaking for staff.
– The Unions recognise the benefits of avoiding confrontation and being involved at earlier stages in the development of policy and procedures.
– The approach is based on mutual respect and good communications.
– It doesn’t yet extend much beyond senior management level.
Central paradox
The unions are deeply woven into the fabric of University governance and
administration
The unions are self-governing, democratic organisations, recognised by the
University but not answerable to it.
The effectiveness of the union rests on its membership
You join to strengthen that effectiveness
Negotiations and consultations
Negotiations and consultations
Pay and Grading• Cost of Living increases negotiated nationally• Nationally agreed pay spine• Local grade structures
Recent changes
• Major re-working of grades
• Intensive negotiations with unions
Negotiations and consultations
Job Evaluation• System for determining grades• Agreed with the unions• Operated jointly with the unions
• All grades are determined according to the same criteria
• Otherwise it would be all determined by management say-so
Negotiations and consultations
Terms and Conditions of Employment
e.g.– hours of work– holidays– sick pay– pensions
Re-negotiated and harmonised August 2006
Negotiations and consultations
Health and Safety– Trades unions have a clear legally defined
role in Health and Safety matters and significant powers.
– The unions are represented on the University Safety Committee.
– There is a network of Safety Reps in departments, though more volunteers are always needed.
Negotiations and consultations
Other policiese.g.– redundancy procedures– fixed term contracts– discipline and dismissal– dignity at work
The University listens
The Union is your voice
Representation
• Right to be represented written into many policies
• Representation can mean:– Someone with training and experience– A bit of support– A witness– A spokesperson– A broker– Legal representation at an Employment Tribunal
Services to Members
• Legal advice and representation• Financial benefits (insurance, mortgages)• Welfare support• Education and training• Holiday clubs
Not what it’s all about, but worth checking out
How Unions Work
• Who is “the union”?– The members, who elect stewards and officers [mostly also doing a full-time job]
• Benefits of belonging to a national union– Expertise– Professional support and advice– Training– Communication and solidarity with others
Which Union? (1)
The University recognises the following unions:
UCU (University and College Union) [formerly AUT]
UNISON
Unite – The Union [includes Amicus (formerly MSF & EETPU)
TGWU (includes ACTS)]
Which Union (2)
• Staff on academic pathways 1, 2, 3
• Professional & administrative staff on Grade J and above
• Professional & administrative staff on grades A-H
• Technical and Craft Staff• Senior Domestic Staff
• Manual Staff
• UCU
• UCU
• UNISON
• Unite [Amicus]• Unite [ACTS]• Unite [TGWU]
Staff categories are normally represented as follows:
(Grade I could be either)
How do I Join?
• Contact details and/or forms available from websites:
go toUniversity website homepage
thenInformation for Staff
thenTrades Unions
• Or go to national websites: www.ucu.org.uk www.unison.co.uk www.amicustheunion.org www.tgwu.org.uk
Pick up a leaflet