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UNIONS AT
The impact of unions in the workplace
The average hourly ea
rnings
for union members, co
mpared
to £12 for non-member
s
£14
INTRODUCTION 3
LEARNING AND SKILLS 4
HEALTH AND SAFETY 5
WORKING FOR EQUALITY 6
PROTECTING VULNERABLE WORKERS 7
BUILDING GREENER WORKPLACES 8
WORKING WITH EMPLOYERS 9
UNIONS AT WORK 10
WHAT IS THE TUC? 11
» CONTENTS
These benefits range from more productive, more committed and better-motivated staff to greener, safer and more equal workplaces.
Representing around a quarter of working people in a third of workplaces across the South West, trade unions are present in every sector of the economy: they include computer programmers and shop assistants; factory workers and footballers; bus drivers and airline pilots; teachers and actors; musicians and journalists; motor mechanics and those working in agriculture. Union membership is higher amongst women and graduates.
WORKPLACE JUSTICE
It is important that people are treated fairly when changes are made or problems arise at work. Unions help resolve conflict and settle disputes. Far fewer workers take legal action at Employment Tribunals when unions are involved because matters can be resolved at work.
PAY AND CONDITIONS
On average, union members receive higher pay, better sickness and pension benefits, more holiday and more flexible working than non-members. Statistics from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills show the hourly earnings of union members averaged £14 in 2010, 16.7% more than the earnings of non-members (£12 per hour). Higher pay is more than matched by higher productivity, which the government estimates to be worth between £3.4 and £10.2 billion to the UK economy.
Union members benefit from having a voice in their workplace. Allowing workers to participate in the decision-making of a company makes them feel they have more control over their working lives, improving morale and reducing absenteeism.
UNION REPS
It is union representatives who make the big difference in our workplaces. Without the dedication of the estimated 13,000 volunteer reps in the South West, neither unions nor employers would be able to receive the benefits.
Union reps volunteer and are elected by their colleagues at work. They are trained by their union to represent and support people. Health and safety reps have rights to raise concerns over hazards.
Different unions have different names for reps – shop stewards, father or mother of chapel are examples – but all do the same job, representing their colleagues.
This booklet showcases the tangible benefits of trade unions in the South West, while recognising the huge contribution made by the reps themselves.
» INTRODUCTIONTrade unions have a positive impact in the South West, not only for the region’s 500,000 members, but also for their employers and the rest of the workforce
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UNIONS:the people who brought you the weekend
3
U N I O N S A T W O R K
ULR AWARD
KEV MAGGS
GMB Learning Rep A&P Falmouth, Cornwall
Kev organised learning open days at
work, attracting more than 150 people,
with his colleagues subsequently
embarking on courses as varied as
contract law and car body repairs.
He said: “Some people have been
able to gain a qualification for a job
they’ve undertaken for years, and with
numeracy and literacy improvements,
have been able to understand
their pay slip for the first time.”
» LEARNING AND SKILLSHelping members access education and training is a key priority for unions in the South West
In 2010 alone 1,500 Union Learning Reps (ULRs) were trained up to help their colleagues develop new skills ranging from numeracy and literacy to IT skills and foreign languages.
Many employees take advantage of the region’s 46 learning centres, working with employers to gain new qualifications, to the obvious benefits of both parties, allowing employers to fill vacancies from within their own company.
Other courses are more vocational, with union members enjoying learning how to arrange flowers, take digital photographs or indulge in yoga. Such courses, arranged on demand by union members, boost
productivity by giving employees something to look forward to at work.
Research commissioned by unionlearn shows that 73% of ULRs and one half of managers reported that ULRs have had a positive impact on either employer-funded or non-employer-funded training, with 60% of managers saying ULRs helped address employee skills gaps.
Both ULRs and managers report that ULRs are more likely to have had a positive influence in increasing employee participation in training where ULRs are active, where managers value their activities, and where managers negotiate with union representatives when deciding training matters.
...of managers said UL
Rs
helped address emplo
yee
skills gaps
60%...
4
Government research estimates these reps, nationally, save society as much as £578m annually as a result of reducing time lost to occupational injuries and work-related illnesses of between 286,000 and 616,000 days.
They lower the accident rate by ensuring safe working practices, and reduce ill-health caused by the stress of working long hours, being bullied, and working in environments with poor lighting and ventilation. Put simply: unionised workplaces are safer workplaces.
The TUC’s Senior Health and Safety Officer, Hugh Robertson, said: “Unions make a difference. We reduce injuries, improve ill-
health and help change the safety culture within an organisation.
“Good employers are already working with unions. We need the rest to start recognising the benefits that unions can bring.”
» HEALTH AND SAFETYThere are thousands of health and safety reps in the South West, trained to internationally recognised standards
HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD
MARK TRIPCONEY
CWU, BT, Goonhilly Downs, Cornwall
Mark consulted with management and
colleagues to combat work-related
stress, creating a guide for members that
has been adopted by other branches.
He said: “Nothing I have done at work
can surpass seeing two colleagues,
who were suffering and on the verge
of resigning because they could not
cope, return to health and work.ӣ578MThe amount that government research estimates reps, nationally, save society as a result of reducing time lost to occupational injuries and work-related illnesses
5
U N I O N S A T W O R K
Unions actively fight discrimination and help promote equal opportunities and diversity at work
EQUALITIES AWARD
MAUREEN WILLIAMS
USDAW, Tesco, Quedgeley, Gloucestershire
Maureen has organised a number of
equalities events in her workplace and
has been pleased with the reaction
from colleagues and employer.
She said: “They have improved
members’ understanding around
inequalities issues and also, I hope,
given confidence to people facing
discrimination to raise their concerns
with the union. They are a step closer to
getting staff to stop stereotyping people
and show respect for all staff, regardless
of their sex, ethnic origin, creed, colour,
religion of sexual orientation.”
» WORKING FOR EQUALITY
They provide general equalities courses, together with specific courses such as dealing with dignity at work, which covers harassment and bullying, gender issues, sexual orientation, BME or migrant workers.
Not only do unions’ equalities work make better, more diverse workplaces, but they also play a key role in reducing pay inequality. Research shows workers who tend to face discrimination are better off in
a unionised workplace, with women recording a 9% improvement, black and Asian employees 8% and manual workers 13%.
Unions have been at the forefront of campaigns for equality and have led many breakthough court cases againsts discrimination. But the high profile legal challenges start with members and reps taking up cases at work knowing they have the backing of the powerful resources and legal expertees of unions.
13%The diffe
rence in pay
between a manual w
orker
in a unionised and
a non-
unionised workpla
ce
6
The TUC’s Commission on Vulnerable Employment found that more than five million workers in the UK – one in every five employees – are being ripped off by rogue bosses.
Some employers break laws by paying cash in hand below the minimum wage or forcing staff to work unpaid overtime. Other bad bosses were taking advantage
of legal loopholes to sack staff, cheat them out of cash and paid holidays and force them to work in unsafe conditions.
Unions have also been active on behalf of migrant workers, welcoming them into our communities and helping those who do not have English as their first language.
CAMPAIGNING AWARD
GMB REPS
Nicholas and Harris Bakery Salisbury, Wiltshire
GMB reps have worked hard to embed
the union as an essential part of the
company’s operations, concentrating
on work-based learning, health and
safety and representing members.
Steward Piotr Synowiec said: “With the
growth of migrant workers, especially
from Poland and Iraq, membership
grew and through providing education
the relationship between the
company and the GMB improved.”
» PROTECTING VULNERABLE WORKERSUnions, through the TUC, have been at the forefront of ensuring better treatment for Britain’s 3.1 million agency workers
5,000,000One in every five employees are being ripped off by rogue bosses
7
U N I O N S A T W O R K
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
SALLY CHILDS
UNISON, NHS Dorchester, Dorset
Sally has introduced a range of green
initiatives at work, including installing
recycling facilities and encouraging
staff to walk or cycle to work.
She said: “I’m really pleased that
people have got involved. There has
been a real change in culture.”
» BUILDING GREENER WORKPLACES
They can be instrumental in reducing costs for employers and making a positive contribution towards tackling climate change.
A survey of more than 1,300 reps carried out by the Labour Research Department in 2009 found extensive evidence of union involvement in climate
change measures in the workplace. Across the private and public sectors negotiated agreements, climate committees, audits and inspections, and training are all ways in which union environmental
reps can act as catalysts for climate change at work.
Unions have a critical role in helping to change employer attitudes and ‘greening’ workplaces
£20,000pa...
The amount saved b
y the
Princess Theatre,
Torquay
through BECTU ULR
Martin
Roberts’ work in c
hanging
from tungsten to L
ED lights
8
» WORKING WITH EMPLOYERSUnions not only make a difference to workers, they can also bring benefits to employers and the wider community
£3.4 - £10.2bnThe benefit to the economy through greater productivity brought about by giving employees more say in the workplace
UNION REP AWARD
DEBI POTTER (JOINT WINNER)
UNISON, Dorset Police
Debi has worked for Dorset Police
as a control room operator, station
desk officer and divisional resources
manager for 20 years, yet it is her
role as branch secretary of UNISON
that has proved the biggest and most
satisfying challenge of her career.
She said: “Being able to make a
difference is what keeps me going.
Everyone is going through a tough
time at the moment
but working with the employer
we’ve been able to reduce some of
the pain by renegotiating policies
and offering different solutions.”
STEVE GALLIN (JOINT WINNER)
PLUSS, Community, Exeter, Devon
Steve talks about his role as a rep
with a quiet passion that is the result
of many years of dedication and
commitment to his colleagues.
He said: “What keeps me going is
the welfare of others. The union is
very, very important. Without it there
would be no negotiations, things
would just be implemented.”
By giving employees a voice at work, union reps significantly improve labour retention and reduce absenteeism. The alternative tends to be: if you’re not happy at work then you know where the door is!
Health and safety reps also reduce the number of working days lost to ill-health, saving companies between £45 and £207 million each year.
Through employee involvement, workers are more able to feel to participate in the decision-making of a company and feel they have more control over their working lives. This greater productivity is worth between £3.4 and £10.2
billion to the economy.
9
U N I O N S A T W O R K
They are mainly run by volunteers in workplaces with back-up from professional officers and legal support.
Unions are democratic, with members having the chance to stand for most positions from workplace rep to general secretary. They vote on their policies at annual conferences and take decisions to collectively benefit their members.
Recognised union reps have a statutory right to reasonable time off and facilities to undertake their duties. For example: if a union
member is to be disciplined or has a grievance, they can ask their rep to support them.
The rep has the right to stand down from their normal job to
do this. Organisations without a union need more HR or personnel staff to provide some of the advice and support offered by reps. In such places, employers are more likely to turn to solicitors and legal firms for advice. The government calculates union reps save up to £43m a year as a result of reducing the number of legal challenges.
» UNIONS AT WORKThe right of workers to form a union, independent from their employer, is a basic human right recognised around the world. In Britain, unions are organised to represent particular occupations or sectors.
JOANNE KAYE
UNISON South West Regional Secretary
“Our reps are the frontline for our
members – giving advice and support,
and making sure the voice of UNISON
members is heard loud and clear.
“I’ve worked for the union for 20
years and been a lay rep before
that. I can honestly say there is no
greater privilege to stand up for your
co-workers and make sure they’re
organised, determined and strong.”
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10
The TUC:
➜ brings Britain’s unions together to draw up common policies
➜ lobbies the government to implement policies that will benefit people at work
➜ campaigns on economic and social issues
➜ represents working people on public bodies
➜ represents British workers in international bodies, in the European Union and at the UN employment body – the International Labour Organisation
➜ carries out research on employment-related issues
➜ runs an extensive training and education programme for union representatives
➜ helps unions develop new services for their members
➜ builds links with other trade union bodies worldwide
» WHAT IS THE TUC?The Trade Unions Congress (TUC) is the voice of Britain at work. With 58 affiliated unions representing 6.2 million working people from all walks of life, it campaigns for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad
6.2 million
The number of work
ers who
are members of a u
nion
NIGEL COSTLEY
South West TUC Regional Secretary
“The South West TUC strives to speak
up for all of the region’s workers. We
have a vision of a diverse workforce,
fairly treated and well paid for their
skills and hard work. Low pay and poor
performance has held back our economy
and left families struggling to cope
with high prices and housing costs.
We all want to feel proud of the work
we do and know that our contribution
is respected by our employer. Unions
help make that a reality at work.”
11
U N I O N S A T W O R K
The most recent comprehensive assessment of the contribution by union reps towards improved business performance was made by the government in 2007.
In addition, more recent figures show the work of union reps also results in:
Overall productivity gains worth between
£4bn – 12bn to the UK economy
Savings of at least
£19 million as a result of
reducing dismissals
Savings to employers of between
£82m – £143m in recruitment costs as a
result of reducing early exits.
The report found that the work of union reps resulted in:
Savings to employers and the exchequer of between
£22m – £43m as a result of reducing the number of Employment
Tribunal cases
Benefits to society worth between
£136m – £371mas a result of reducing working days lost due
to workplace injury
Benefits to society worth between
£45m – £207mas a result of reducing
work related illness
12
£578MThe amount
that government
research estimates r
eps,
nationally, save soci
ety as a
result of reducing ti
me lost
to occupational inju
ries and
work-related illness
es
South West TUC
Church House,
Church Road, Filton
Bristol BS34 7BD
t: 0117 947 0521
f: 0117 947 0523
Edited by Nigel Costley and Tim Lezard [email protected]
Photographs by Clint Randall www.pixelphotography.co.uk
Design by Rumbawww.rumbadesign.co.uk
Printed on recycled paper containing 80% post-consumer waste
January 2012
