www.ywater-unison.org.uk September 2016
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UNISON newsletter
Convenor’s Report
Challenges of Brexit Whatever your views on the result of the referendum, the outcome was for Brexit. The efforts of UNISON in supporting the maintenance of workers’ rights and Health and Safety laws through continued membership of the EU went by the wayside. Many have subsequently seen the folly of their ‘protest vote’, some have been very bullish in their attitude to those that voted to stay, maintaining that the vote has been done and those that voted to stay have to accept the outcome now or move, then there are the others. As a nation, we are all now in for a rollercoaster ride as our unelected prime minister takes us out of Europe and will be free to impose Conservative values upon us all without serious challenge. The fuel of the outcome has also impacted severely upon the Labour party, with opportunists creating a rift in the membership by voting down the incumbent leader and creating uncertainty through a leadership election. As members of the branch, we must all work together to ensure that our future as a ‘Nation alone’ does not work against our individual needs. Campaigning for a better Britain, for a better workplace, for our NHS and for our children must now be our rallying call and our recruiting tool. The vote is done, and we now need to work together, whatever your religious beliefs, political leaning, skin colour or gender, together is how we will beat the rise in national intolerance. Neil Auty
Yorkshire Water
Ian Blakeley Branch Convenor
What will Blueprint bring? The Previous change brought under Blueprint triggered a redundancy process. Efficiencies of £30 Million are usually achieved by losing heads. Many UNISON members still tell me they would want to leave via voluntary redundancy. We found out last time that many skills were lost and headcount numbers went back up.
What does the Health and Safety Improvement plan have in store? Life Saving Rules are a must, so is cultural improvements in safety, we must stop believing we are all superhuman. These rules can only be introduced with an initial period of amnesty and then a fair culture process which is being worked up now. 80 themes is a lot to do and will take time to work upon, so please bear with us if your health and safety rep colleagues are away from the day job a little more than usual. YW/KWS Pay. What are members looking for? Pay talks will commence soon as the two year pay deal comes to an end LOOP are unaffected as the five year deal is still in place. Your reps will be asking what members wish to be included in our shopping basket. Please speak to any union rep or directly to me. How does the Holiday pay rulings affect members? The joint unions are in talks with the company over the rulings Lock v British Gas and Bear Scotland v Fulton which mean overtime should be considered in statutory holiday pay calculations, sick leave, etc. We will keep you posted Round up Through retirements we have recently said goodbye to Rosealene Ballan, Dave Milburn and Tom Little, all tireless Trade Union reps, all who will be missed.
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UNISON Yorkshire Water newsletter
Charity cheque presentation in memory of Jo Cox “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us” Jo Cox MP, 2015 On 16th June the MP for Batley and Spen and our fellow UNISON member, Jo Cox, was brutally murdered outside her constituency surgery at Birstall library. Jo was a hardworking MP, a passionate campaigner, a mum of two young children and a proud Yorkshire lass. She’d dedicated her life to fighting for others and after her death a fund was set up in her honour. The YW UNISON branch has donated £500 to Jo’s fund to help three excellent charities. The fund has already raised £1.5 million and this will be split between; The Royal Voluntary Service, to support volunteers
combatting loneliness in Batley and Spen; HOPE not hate, who challenge and defeat the politics of extremism within communities across Britain; and The White Helmets, a group of volunteer search and rescue workers in
Syria. Our thoughts are with Jo’s family, friends, and her brave and devoted staff who are carrying on to help the people of Batley and Spen after Jo’s tragic passing. Emily Brady
On The NAuty Step… Neil Auty There are many things said by a great many colleagues that do not get heard outside of small groups, and if they are heard, they are tucked away in dark places because they offend the sensibilities of those that can actually influence change. So here are some of noises from the shadows…
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“I feel that there is no reward for working hard as I am a permit writer and have been for some time. Initially this helped to place me at the top of my Banding, but as Bands have changed I have not been moved, resulting in new starters who are almost earning the same as me with over a decade of experience across the business.”
up new people that already earn more money than I do?” So from the NAuty Step, the hope is that the company will recognise actual experience skills, pay accordingly and not block progression pay after it has been agreed. The Step awaits the next noises from the shadows.
“If competence is measured in hard cash paid, how can I train
Please note: The views expressed are those of the Authors and not necessarily of either the Editor or of the Branch. The Branch does not endorse any companies.
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Social media – friend or foe? More and more people are putting their private lives in the public domain and all this personal information can be read by anyone. “As you probably spend more time working than doing anything else you may wish to blog about work, but first stop and think about it. Whilst blogging about football or going down the pub may be harmless, blogging about your boss, your colleagues or any aspect of work could lose you friends, cost you your job or even land you in court facing a defamation suit.” UNISON reps at Kelda are experiencing an increasing number of disciplinaries linked to social media usage. It is not always clear to members what types of behaviour on social media will result in disciplinary action particularly when they believe their actions out of work are nothing to do with their employer. Guidance • Think carefully before posting anything online as comments made need to be considered that others may find offensive
• Set your security settings on high and review the settings regularly. • Be careful not to get tagged into any photos that may cause you embarrassment. • Be familiar with the company policies on social media and conduct. • Do not put where you work on Social media sites. Keep business and pleasure separate. • Be careful what you write and avoid abusive or threatening language. • Have a clear understanding of what comments about work your employer will find acceptable. • Always make sure you log out of Facebook after using it. • Be aware employers may scour websites looking for information before a job interview. Please remember that UNISON is not saying ‘do not use social media to keep in contact with friends, workmates and family’ however, be aware these are not the only people who will be able to see what is being posted. Ian Blakeley
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Transfer of TV licence from DWP to BBC The BBC is reported to be considering how it can cut back on the free TV licences for the over 75s, two years before it takes over the responsibility for providing the concession. In December 2015, the broadcaster hired Frontier Economics, the company chaired by former cabinet secretary Lord O’Donnell, to look at a range of options including how to reform the free deal. Options could include raising the age threshold for receiving a free licence, or taking away the right from those who live with younger people. NPC General Secretary Dot Gibson said “The minute the Chancellor announced passing responsibility for the free TV licence over to the BBC, we know its future would be in danger. The BBC is under financial pressure and will look to make savings wherever it can but it really isn’t the job of an unelected broadcaster to administering the government’s wider welfare policy.” The report of the BBC’s intentions has again raised calls to end other universal benefits such as the winter fuel allowance and the free bus pass and instead introduce a means test.
Women’s Group for female UNISON members UNISON Yorkshire Water Branch would like to establish a Women’s Group and are seeking expressions of interest. The group is designed to encourage women to meet and socialise with some outside activities. If you would like to be involved please contact Sandra Halmonroyd, UNISON Representative.
Take a look at our Yorkshire Water UNISON Website at www.ywater-unison.org.uk
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UNISON Yorkshire Water newsletter
Conference updates National Delegate Conference 2016 – Brighton The highlights of four days of motions and opinions: Dave Prentis gave his usual rousing speech on the Tuesday. How we all need to come together and fight the Austerity agenda. “We have more in common than that which divides us. Despite all we face, there is no obstacle that can stand in our way. Our name defines us – one voice, one vision, one union: Proud to be UNISON.” But before that he opened by paying tribute to murdered MP and UNISON member Jo Cox. Saying how she had been a “young, vibrant woman – she stood for everything we believe in.” Jeremy Corbyn also gave a rousing, tub thumper of a speech. Telling us that a Labour government would immediately repeal the Trade Union Act. “We would go further, We would strengthen trade union and employment rights. We would be a government that says that trade unions are a force for good and a force for equality in our society.”
He stressed his trade union credentials and pride at being a UNISON member. He particularly praised union reps, branch secretaries and lay officials “who work day-in, day-out, representing people in the workplace who otherwise would not get the support they needed”. “Public services only operate because of the efficiency and effectiveness of our members and their generosity to go beyond the call of duty, day-in and day-out.” Ironically Mr Corbyn urged delegates to vote to remain in the EU referendum, stressing the future of the NHS, the threat of the TTIP trade deal, environmental standards and climate change as the main reasons. “A vote to leave would put our NHS in jeopardy.” Many of the motions are rubber stamping already well thought out ideas, few are controversial. One that seemed more controversial than I would have expected, was the allocation of two disabled seats on the NEC – in the end it was carried, but left a nasty taste in the mouth at the vitriol of certain speakers. Another
contentious motion was Branch funding (121) where all sorts of amendments were promised to get it passed and it was. Also seeming to cause more problems than it solved and we as a branch need to make sure we work within the framework to ensure we get everything we are entitled to. Of personal interest (the NEC seats aside) is the formation of a SOG type group for Contractors, those of us who are not in the main arena in the work places. There were numerous rule amendments to facilitate this, and it was passed cleanly. With the RMT strike on Tuesday, and with a show of solidarity on the Picket line, the Yorkshire Water presence was seen and certainly heard. Overall a good week, I am not sure Brighton is the best venue, it’s a long trek from here, but would urge others to go, as you will get to see how things work within the Union, and some of the Fringe meetings have to be attended to be believed. Chris Haywood Disability Rep
Regional, Water, Environment & Transport (WET) Service Group (Precis) Yorkshire Water staff were given a 2% pay rise in April 2016 in line with their two year deal with the company. The company have not passed on the additional employers National Insurance contributions as agreed under the pay agreement, however, there is concern, following comments at the company level forum that this was only for the period of the pay agreement. Following the terrible events of last year, the company is pushing forward with its ‘Life Saving Rules’. These
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have been circulated and made visible through a new computer desktop rolled out across the company. The unions are making every effort to be heavily involved in the development of the Safety Improvement Plan, though some streams appear to be moving ahead without union invitations and therefore representation being made. On the ‘Company News front’ a new HR Director has been appointed (and a new H&S Director, since this conference). A £30 million OPEX gap has been identified for the AMP, with
no solution offered, but historically, this issue has been dealt with through manning cuts. Contingency for Capital and Opex are both spent. Progression Plans have been rolled out, raising concerns on methodology in developing the salary base for roles, an inability to recruit skills at the salaries indicated, and the potential for a re-organisation across the business to implement wholesale ‘marked time pay’ to cover shortfalls in funding. Neil Auty
Please note: The views expressed are those of the Authors and not necessarily of either the Editor or of the Branch. The Branch does not endorse any companies.
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Water, Environment and Transport Conference 2016 The motions summarised below were all passed at conference. 1. Location Tracking and Telematics in Water, Environment and Transport Submitted by Water, Environment and Transport Service Group Executive Campaign for an end to telematics information being used as a disciplinary tool. Produce guidance for all WET branches on the use of telematics. Work with Branches across the service group to negotiate for improvements in the way telematics is used. 2. Protecting Pensions in the Water Industry Submitted by United Utilities Branch The Executive to organise a seminar in the winter of 2016 to cover lessons learned from disputes to encourage others who may be affected in organising against such proposals. 3. The Impact of Pension Changes on Workers in the WET Sector Submitted by National Women’s Committee Raise awareness of the implications of the new pension arrangement, and provide information on options for older workers in the WET sector who may be adversely affected; Work with the wider union in campaigning for a genuinely independent commission to review State Pension Age changes, include the impact on older women; Work with appropriate bodies in the WET Sector to look into the impact of working longer on the workforce; how members will be able to plan for earlier retirement; the potential for flexible retirement.
4. Equal Pensions for WET Workers Submitted by National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Committee To check the workplace schemes to which UNISON WET members contribute and where there is unequal provision for same sex surviving partners, negotiate for full equality as a matter of urgency. 5. Ensuring the Living Wage for all in the Water Industry Submitted by United Utilities Branch Conference agrees to ask the Executive as a priority piece of work to send follow up communications to those not compliant in the Water Industry with a closing date after which our findings will appear in the public domain to expose those who refuse to pay the Living Wage despite being very able to pay this not extortionate amount to all, whether directly employed or not. 6. Mental Health in WET Workplaces Submitted by United Utilities Branch The Executive to organise a seminar of WET branches in the spring of 2017 on this subject possibly facilitated by “experts” from the TUC to highlight the issue in all branches within our Service Group. 7. A Stronger, Growing Passenger Transport Forum Submitted by Water, Environment and Transport Service Group Executive To approach other transport and combined authorities currently engaged in local bargaining, to see if they will join or re-join the PTF and increase the number of UNISON members who come under its remit. 8. Working Time Regulations and the Water Industry Submitted by Thames Water (M) Branch
Distribute guidance on rest periods and the working time regulations to all WET Branches Raise the issue of working time with the water industry via the new strategic consultative forum which OFWAT have instructed Water UK to convene with the trade unions. Raise awareness of UNISON WET members, particularly those working in the water industry, about their rights to rest breaks under working time regulations. 9. Negotiating Workplace Domestic Abuse Policies Submitted by National Women’s Committee Issue further guidance to branches on negotiating workplace domestic abuse policies. (This guidance to include the business case for supporting workers experiencing domestic abuse and good practice examples, to assist branches in persuading employers to enter into negotiations.) 10. Stonewall Workplace Equality Index Submitted by National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Committee Seek information from WET branches about contact with Stonewall by the employer Encourage these branches to seek advice from UNISON branches where one of their employers is already part of the workplace equality index on how to gain maximum benefit from work with
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Stonewall and what pitfalls to avoid, via the national LGBT committee. 11. Facility Time Submitted by National Disabled Members Committee Consider what support can be given to members affected by reorganisation and or redundancy Seek to ensure protection of facility time for representatives in employers. 12. Securing Adequate Funding for Flood Defences Submitted by United Utilities Branch Conference asks the Executive to request a meeting with the appropriate Minister as soon as is practicable to try to ensure proper provision is restored as a priority and to campaign by all means necessary to ensure a future Labour Government has this subject high on their policy agenda. Conference also asks the Executive to work with Labour Link to ensure a future Labour Government adequately funds flood defences in future. 13. The Environment Agency and Major Flooding Incidents Submitted by Water, Environment and Transport Service Group Executive
Carry out a detailed survey of Environment Agency members to gather robust information about the level of strain the organisation is under. Use this information to campaign within Parliament, Government and the media against any further cuts to employee numbers in the Environment Agency. Where appropriate, the WET Executive should work with UNISON Labour Link on this campaign. As part of the campaign, specifically make the case for more resources to be allocated to adequately maintain flood defences to protect homes and businesses. 14. Contracting Out of Services in the Water Industry Submitted by Southern Counties Water Branch Issue a briefing to all WET branches on the issue of outsourcing in the water industry referencing the relevant UNISON guidance and training to support branches dealing with fragmentation Raise the issue of outsourcing with the water industry via the new strategic consultative form which OFWAT have instructed Water UK to convene with the trade unions Include how to organise within private sector contractors as a topic within the recruitment and organising training provided to branches Highlight this crucial issue in
UNISON’s “Network” Magazine, the dedicated UNISON magazine for WET members. 15. Continuing to Increase the Participation of Black Members in WET Submitted by National Black Members’ Committee Utilising the mapping information collected last year to identify areas where Black members from various branches with low levels of Black membership can come together in cluster meetings where geographically possible working with regions to facilitate these meetings and ensure that they are properly resourced, reporting on this progress at the next National WET conference in 2017. Malcolm West
The guide and agenda are available from the UNISON website
Water Industry Sector Campaign (WISC) – Precis of Report • The Living Wage in the Water Industry Sector continues to be embraced. Yorkshire water is one of the companies achieving accreditation as a Living Wage employer. Northumbrian Water join us in this accreditation, with United Utilities and Severn Trent communicating positively with the Living Wage Foundation. • The sector is waking up to the impact of Non-household retail competition albeit late in the day. Severn Trent
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and UU have proposed a joint venture in this area which is with the Competitions Commission. Acceptance will see the opening of a new office in Stoke and the loss of some jobs from each of the parent companies. • Since the WISC meeting, Thames Water has decided to transfer the retail activities for its business customers, including all charities and public sector organisations, to the Scottish company Castle Water when the non-household
market opens to competition in April 2017, declaring it as “in the best interests of all our customers”. They obviously see no profit in opportunity in pursuing retail activities. • The rumour mill trundles on, with news that Severn Trent are looking at permanent night rotas and weekends at single time for control room staff. Neil Auty
Please note: The views expressed are those of the Authors and not necessarily of either the Editor or of the Branch. The Branch does not endorse any companies.
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Retired Members Section If you are not yet retired, you no doubt will be at some time in the future, though the light at the end of the tunnel is dimming as the government moves the retirement age further away faster than the years pass. Please track this section of the newsletter and offer up your support to our retired members, who have all been where you are and have a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share if you would but ask. The Yorkshire & Humberside Pensioners Convention (Y&H NPC) A number of meetings have taken place since the last newsletter and the following are a selection of issues raised and discussed: The next four years of public sector spending cuts pose a threat to health and welfare of older people in particular and reinforces the importance of NPC members to join with people of all ages who are campaigning to save our NHS and the welfare state, for proper local council services and provisions for the elderly. We need to resist the ‘divide and rule’ attempts of some politicians and much of the media and ‘counterpose the need for generational solidarity’. Baroness Altman’s answer to how new pensioners receiving less than the full state pension will manage… “They will have to keep working.” Implications of the Care Act 2014, the changes we all face and the lack of finance being made available from Government to implement the proposed changes that helped them win the election. Funding is to be dealt with in Phase 2, rolling out in 2016. Dementia, and the impact of inadequate provision under the current rules for both carers and sufferers of this terrible malady. Current membership amounts to
56,000 individuals from a selection of unions and organisations. UNISON Regional Retired Members Committee of the Regional TUC forum It was noted that under the Labour government’s Future Years initiative, older people’s representatives had had biennial meetings with ministers. But the Tory government is now disbanding UKAF and funding to local regional organisations ceases from April 2016. There are efforts to find local funding for an ongoing Yorkshire and Humberside regional body, but there is a danger that local bodies could be dominated by a business orientated agenda, similar to Age UK. It may be better to concentrate on getting government recognition of the National Pensioners Convention. A Leeds branch of the NPC has been established and there are moves towards creating Pensioner’s Champion in Parliament. The CQC has consulted on its fiveyear strategy, basically doing more with less, and proposes a 40% reduction in inspections of care homes. The House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee appears to have an agenda of blaming the elderly for the problems of the young. The Regional Welfare Sub Committee Meeting Supporting Branch Welfare Officers: The Committee is to organise a Regional Welfare Seminar to which all branch welfare officers will be invited. Further information to follow. Training for Welfare Officers is being held 15 September in Leeds National information for Welfare Officers incorporated into the regional information and continuing to be circulated to Branch Welfare Officers.
Items for the regional newsletter always welcome branches to be encouraged to send in any items of interest for inclusion in future editions. A discussion was held regarding the role of Welfare Officers including supporting members, sign posting members, confidentiality of members and trust of members. Pryenean Challenge Events: This event to take place 15/19 May 2017 one member of our region has already expressed an interest in taking part. Further information to follow as soon as it becomes available. Please encourage as many people as possible to promote and support this event. Regional Policy Weekend 25/26/27 November – The committee will be holding a quiz and raffle to raise funds for welfare at this weekend. “Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!” On behalf of the Retired Members Section I would like to thank Anthony Toon for all the sterling work he has done as one of our delegates to the Regional Retired Members Committee on behalf of our section. He has fulfilled the role with integrity and humour always ensuring our priorities were fully heard. Never a dull word when Anthony attended the committee. He will be greatly missed by the delegates on the committee it has been a joy to work with him on the Regional Retired Members Committee. A loss to the Region! Thankfully not to our Branch though, as Anthony will continue as our Retired Members Secretary. Well done Anthony – a great asset to our Retired Members Section. Rosie Pickard More Retired Members news overleaf...
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UNISON Yorkshire Water newsletter
Calling all Retired Members Do you want to meet old friends and make new ones? Help decide what our retired members section (RMS) does? Then join us for a chat and a cup of tea / coffee at these informal meetings:
Seats are limited at these events, so please inform us if you wish to attend. Contact the RMS Secretary below: Anthony Toon email: anthonytoon@btinternet. com or telephone: 0114 2847632
Leeds – UNISON HQ, Wade Lane, 1pm to 3pm on the 7th November 2016.
To assist the RMS to plan further meetings throughout Yorkshire, we need feedback from you: 1) Are you interested in attending meetings in your Area? 2) Do you wish to meet other retired members and form a Meeting Group? 3) Are you uninterested?
York – Tramway Club, 1 Mill Street, YO1 9PY, 2pm to 4pm on the 26th October 2016. Sheffield – Hillsborough Arena, 1pm to 3pm on the 28th November 2016. Meet the current RMS Committee, have a say in how your RMS is run, come and tell us your views on the Way Forward for the RMS. This is your RMS – please attend. Your views are important. The RMS Committee would like to see you, hear your views and suggestions.
Would you please respond to the RMS Secretary: c/o 49 Markbrook Drive, High Green, Sheffield S35 4FP If you would please include your contact telephone number or email address, we can then contact you back. John Hodgson
Attendance Allowance at risk Ministers plan to give local councils responsibility for playing Attendance Allowance (AA), in one of the biggest shift of resources within the welfare state for possibly 25 years. At present in the UK, AA is paid to 1.5 million people aged 65 years or over, regardless of their personal means. It is considered a vital support for hundreds of thousands who live independently, and without it might otherwise need to go into residential care. The Chancellor is said to favour this move because it is allegedly
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an example of devolution agenda of giving more responsibility to local councils. The change would also mean that councils would receive a major cash injection into their funds at a time when social care budgets are under immense pressure. However, campaigners are worried that the money will be less than currently spent by the central government and the councils would not ring-fence it leaving those who already receive AA may find they are rationed out of the system or end up getting less than before.
Who’s Who Your Branch Officers are here to help Secretary Convenor Branch Chair Branch Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Membership Health & Safety Communications Education and Lifelong Learning Young Members Women’s Officer Black Members Disabled Members Officer International Labour Link Officer Loop Lead Rep Retired Members
Natalie Mladenovic-Haigh Ian Blakeley Paul Kelly Shaun O’Dell Paul Smith Janette Murray Graham Phillips Neil Auty
Unemployed Sec Welfare Officer LGBT Officer Recruitment Officer
Adrian Roberts Carys Jones Sandra Halmonroyd Aniqa Ali Hashmi Chris Haywood Lisa Buxton Emily Brady Sandra Halmonroyd Anthony Toon 0114 284 7632 anthonytoon @btinternet.com John Hodgson Malcolm West Claire Williams Rachael McDonald
To contact an officer please phone the main switchboard 01274 691111 and ask to be transferred.
Yorkshire Water
Now you can join UNISON online! www.unison.org.uk/join Joining online is now so easy. Applying shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes. Existing Contact Details If you change your contact details, please ensure that your new ones are emailed to Janette Murray, Membership Secretary as soon as possible to allow any future updates/news/ballots to be sent to you.
Please note: The views expressed are those of the Authors and not necessarily of either the Editor or of the Branch. The Branch does not endorse any companies.