tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195118302012-02-16T17:57:53.587ZThis is the weblog for Nottinghamshire County Branch of UNISON. We place items here to seek members' comments. If you wish to comment, please ensure that you include your name and workplace. This is to ensure that the blog is not abused by spammers and non-members of the branch.Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-57636940773508304472007-09-30T21:28:00.000+01:002007-09-30T21:34:09.497+01:00

Dear ColleaguesThe Government are proposing to close the Student Financial Support Local Authority offices on a National basis, they are centralising the service to operate in Darlington. There are 150 Local Authorities around the country.A pilot scheme has been in operation since March 2007 involving 6 Local Authorities, UNISON believes that they have not delivered the service to time lines or

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-8185455178717669102007-07-30T17:55:00.000+01:002007-07-31T14:13:29.549+01:00

Well what a great day! The sun shone (and more importantly it didn't rain!) The event at the Arboretum was well attended with more people than last years turnout. Lots of people made the effort to dress up and the entertainment was fab!The UNISON stall was set up and shared with the Notts CC staff group owing to the lack of a table from the organisers. Brian and myself set up the banner on the

Phil Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14583829313550179944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-16434509454297231422007-07-17T18:01:00.000+01:002007-07-17T18:58:38.636+01:00

Hi All,This was attended by about 70% of our normal LGBT Notts. County Council Staff group people and came up with a few proposals for motions at the LGBT Delegates conference in Glasgow. These were:Campaign to alter the Blood Transfusion Service Policy to stop it excluding LGBT peopleCampaign to stop homophobic bullying in schoolsCampaign to allow retired members of UNISON to still contributeI

Phil Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14583829313550179944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-90609013120519296022007-06-14T08:02:00.000+01:002007-09-30T21:41:08.865+01:00

Members need to be aware of the change in the date for their diary this autumn, so please make a note of the revised date in your diary now!As part of UNISON's Keep the NHS Working campaign, the union has identified Saturday, 3rd November to hold a national demonstration in support of of the NHS. Building on the successes of our Keep the NHS Working and NHS Together campaigns, the demonstration

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-47642629186793340982007-05-30T10:32:00.000+01:002007-05-30T10:47:55.263+01:00

Whilst the laying of the LGPS Benefit Regulations for England and Wales in April signalled the end of the main negotiations, a few issues remain outstanding. UNISON is lobbying hard at every level to secure a timetable for a statutory consultation on extending full protection under the Rule of 85 from 2016 to 2020. As part of this effort we need to ensure that LGPS employers respond favourably to

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-24106800434823125492007-05-08T12:22:00.000+01:002007-05-08T12:24:23.569+01:00

We wish to place on record that this report, on the restructuring of HR in the new Resources Department, has not been agreed with the Trade Unions. It was published without the Trade Unions seeing the final draft.TU Representatives met Management on 20th April to explain our members concerns about a proposed “final” draft that they felt:· did not clearly set out the service implications of

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-46674795529595112372007-03-07T12:15:00.000Z2007-03-08T12:38:37.145Z

Yesterday, 9 members of the Branch went down to London as delegates to the Specal Local Government Conference on Pensions held at the Alexandra Palace. The delegates were elected at a Branch Committee earlier this year and had been given a mandate about how to vote on all the motions that were circulated to branches in advance.After an eventful trip across London (one delegate lost her tube

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-16679346769250884082007-02-22T13:19:00.000Z2007-02-22T13:40:52.254Z

Following the meeting of members of HR on 15th Feb. UNISON wrote to Jack Markiewicz raising several concerns. He has responded following a meeting of HRMT on 20th Feb and the correspondence is set out below for members:15/02/2007 16:04To: Jack MarkiewiczccSubject: HR job description consultation deadlineJack,Following this morning's meeting, members have asked for an extra week to consider job

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-44493523483114519562007-02-12T15:52:00.000Z2007-01-31T14:57:16.874Z

From: Notts UNISONTo: Local MediaFor: Immediate useUNISON, the biggest union at Nottinghamshire County Council, is calling on County Councillors to reconsider their plans to increase home care charges in the County.Jill Turner, Branch Secretary for UNISON, said “The Council has proposed to increase hourly charges from £7 per hour to £8.50 per hour; this is an increase of 21%. The maximum charge

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-79627705626251790382007-01-31T14:54:00.000Z2007-01-31T14:57:17.127Z

The following was submitted to departmental management this afternoon.Dear all,Our members have made many comments direct to managers across the new department and we do not intend to repeat those comments in this response.However, we wish to place on record that:Many of our members across the new department still cannot readily see from the job descriptions where their current work is to be done

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-42226930064852684112007-01-30T12:27:00.000Z2007-01-30T12:51:13.114Z

The following response has been received from the Human Resources Management Team.Common Questions1) Key information is missingThere has been some concern raised over key information not being available.We have been keen to make the consultation over the revised structure meaningful and, therefore, it was not appropriate to have job descriptions, grades, impact tables produced until the structure

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-47479547125705634672007-01-19T08:16:00.000Z2007-01-19T08:24:01.633Z

The following was sent on behalf of UNISON members in CYP Department on 20th December 2006.I am sending the following comments on behalf of Unison - these are not our exhaustive comments and others may follow. Our first comment is that the timing of the consultation means that consultation may be rushed. Many people are off work over the Christmas break and whilst we do appreciate an extension of

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-81548281624828253692007-01-16T19:38:00.000Z2007-01-16T19:49:21.517Z

The following was sent on behalf of members in Communities Dept on 12th January 2007.Dear Mr BurrowsCommunities Department RestructuringTrade union representatives have attended a number of meetings as part of the consultation process. We have actively encouraged members to send in their comments and we request that these are all taken on board.We wish to make the additional comments:The lack of

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1168872652451575982007-01-15T14:45:00.000Z2007-01-15T14:50:52.686Z

We have received extensive views, emails, phone calls, steward discussion.We also arranged three joint Consultation briefings for all staff both trade union members and non members, these venues covered North, Central and South.Approx 120 plus staff attended these meetings.The Project Manager Pete McGavin took questions, concerns views and opinions from the floor.Each session ended with members

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1168612833567513312007-01-12T14:40:00.000Z2007-01-15T19:13:15.113Z

The following was sent to management on the afternoon of 12th January 2006.Dear all,UNISON has held many meetings with our members during the consultation period. We have gathered together the comments and questions about the structure below for submission in time for the revised deadline of 12 th January 2007 . There might be further comments and questions about the draft job descriptions and

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1168376633609544152007-01-09T20:55:00.000Z2007-01-09T21:03:54.046Z

The conference took place in Manchester in November 2006. Two Notts UNISON Branch delegates have written up their experiences.This was my first year as LGBT Officer for the Branch and so arranging for the conference felt quite daunting. With the paperwork sorted out and submitted to deadlines and everything booked we spent a weekend beforehand meeting together with other delegates from the Region

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1165401382264078112006-12-06T10:31:00.000Z2006-12-06T10:36:22.653Z

WOOLAS HOLDS FIRE ON DRAFT REGULATIONS – UNISON PRESSURE PAYS OFF!Local Government Minister and LGPS Regulator Phil Woolas has agreed to hold back draft Regulations based on the unacceptable Parliamentary statement and DCLG letter he released last week. They appeared without warning the day after our successful lobby of Parliament on 22 November.It is understood that the Minister will be writing

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1164789589374118982006-11-29T08:26:00.000Z2006-11-29T08:39:49.640Z

As reported in our previous posting, Local Government Minister Phil Woolas has spiked the negotiations over our pension scheme. Minutes before the LGA and the Local Government Employers were due to consider fresh proposals from the trade unions, he made a Statement in Parliament, announcing the core aspects of the new pension scheme for England and Wales from 1 April 2008. Neither the employers

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1164636099149598392006-11-27T13:57:00.000Z2006-11-27T14:01:41.400Z

Local Government Minister Phil Woolas yesterday made a hostile intervention which spiked talks between the unions and the employers, in which real progress was being made over proposals for the ‘new look’ LGPS.Minutes before the employers were due to consider fresh proposals from the trade unions, Minister Phil Woolas made a Statement in Parliament, announcing a new pension scheme for England and

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1163760527972526402006-11-17T10:45:00.000Z2006-11-27T13:21:28.720Z

Hundreds if not thousands of UNISON members are likely to have been affected by the Christmas hamper and voucher company going bust. Overall 100,00 people mostly on low incomes have lost £40m with typical customers losing £500This is especially lamentable as Farepak's customers have taken the responsible route and saved throughout the year for Christmas instead of accumulating debt.HBOS who acted

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1163417791267510232006-11-13T11:21:00.000Z2006-11-13T11:36:40.296Z

UNISON raised the following on behalf of our members following the second round of briefings/workshops on 30th Oct and 3rd Nov:The lack of supporting information presented at the meeting makes it difficult to make informed comments. Would need to see old and new structures together.If the authority has a priority to reduce sickness levels how does it propose to do this with reduced resources?Has

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1161769514005930772006-10-25T10:40:00.000+01:002006-10-25T10:45:16.443+01:00

Britannia Building Society is removing the arrangement fee from its remortgage packages, with effect from Thursday 28 September.UNISON members taking a Britannia remortgage package will benefit from no arrangement fee or administration fee, a free standard valuation, and free conveyancing, including compulsory disbursements - a saving of £829* for a typical customer. In addition UNISON members

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1161002067969682952006-10-16T13:17:00.000+01:002006-10-16T13:39:24.973+01:00

The next six weeks are going to be absolutely crucial to the future of the LGPS. The LGA and the Employers are pushing for a worse scheme for higher contributions despite saving money already by removing the 85 Rule and introducing the 25% lump sum commutation. And neither they or the Government have yet agreed to more protection so…every single UNISON member covered by the scheme is being asked

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1160650215841990852006-10-12T11:42:00.000+01:002006-10-12T11:50:16.266+01:00

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE USENOTTINGHAMSHIRE UNISON SUPPORTS BLACK HISTORY MONTHOctober is celebrated as Black History Month in the UK and Nottinghamshire UNISON's Black Members Group has been working with a number of organisations including the City and County Library services, performance artists "Blackdrop" and the Broadway Cinema to put on a range of events.A display has been set up in

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1158084562852098502006-09-12T19:08:00.000+01:002006-09-12T19:09:24.620+01:00

Saturday 17 JuneAfter a long and arduous journey, involving late trains, trains which needed carriages adding on, misleading instructions from station staff and late changes of platforms which required dashes up and down steep flights of steps with bags we could barely lift (Anneka Rice could not have done better!) we arrived at our hotel, albeit somewhat later than expected. Our hotel was very

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1158063625243931562006-09-12T13:08:00.000+01:002006-09-12T13:20:30.333+01:00

As part of our campaign to raise the profile of the Branch in the wider community, and to encourage non-members to join, the Branch has bought pitchside advertising boards at Notts County FC. These have already appeared on TV (during the BBC East Midlands Today coverage on Monday 11th September of NCFC beating Accrington Stanley last weekend).

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1157227608866860722006-09-02T20:24:00.000+01:002006-09-02T21:06:49.166+01:00

THE NHS IS ON ITS KNEES, GET ON YOUR FEET TO SAVE IT!DEFEND THE NHS MARCH AND RALLYNottingham: Saturday 23rd September11 am @ Forest Recreation Ground(Goose Fair site - Assemble from 10 am)The joint UNISON/RCN march will call for:The Government to give NHS Trusts more time and money to clear their deficitsAn end to privatisationSupport to stop the sale of NHS LogisiticsMarch will leave the Forest

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1156937241730037262006-08-30T12:21:00.000+01:002006-08-30T12:27:49.266+01:00

PRESS RELEASEFROM: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE UNISONTO: ALL LOCAL MEDIADATE:30th August 2006FOR IMMEDIATE USECrisis in Social Care in NottinghamshireNottinghamshire UNISON today called on the County Council to act to stop the decline in services to the elderly and the vulnerable in the County as a result of the Council’s budget crisis.Following the statement by Notts Coroner, Dr Nigel Chapman, about the

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1156343543850225952006-08-23T15:08:00.000+01:002006-08-23T15:36:32.366+01:00

New Nation newpaper on 17 July 2006 ran a front page report headed "Reggae War Is Back On" after gay campaigners put pressure on music venues to prevent certain artists performing. There had been an agreement in place whereby dancehall artists refrained from using homophobic lyrics but gay campaigners said the agreement had been broken after Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer had made

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1155824964192601682006-08-17T15:29:00.000+01:002006-09-15T08:08:25.876+01:00

Each year, the August Branch Committee meeting is held at the Education unit in Bestwood Park.The meeting, open to all stewards in the Branch, is held in the morning and is followed by a lunchtime barbeque as a way of thanking stewards for all the hard work they do on behalf of members.It also gives stewards and Branch Officers an opportunity to visit the tree we planted in memory of former

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1155134969331460662006-08-09T15:34:00.000+01:002006-08-09T15:49:30.526+01:00

Since I became LGBT officer I have been aware of issues about the way equalities monitoring information is held by Notts County Council. Last year the Council extended its monitoring to include sexual orientation and gender identity questions however this was simply added to information already collected on race etc without any consideration of the sensitivity and need for confidentiality to be

LGBT Officernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1154977273242941772006-08-07T19:04:00.000+01:002006-08-07T20:10:48.490+01:00

The Branch sponsored the Bandstand at this year's Nottingham Riverside Festival, and Sunday 6th August saw several volunteers give up their afternoon to help run the stall.The Region kindly supplied the marquee, and we supplied the balloons and sweets for the children (of all ages). We also handed out "spikeys". These are small plastic stoppers that go in the top of your bottle when you are in a

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1154444130143272152006-08-01T15:50:00.000+01:002006-08-01T15:55:30.486+01:00

Attention all LGBT SOG MembersThe next meeting will be held at 4.30pm on the 17th August.This meeting will decide on the delegation for the conference in November and report back from July's meeting.If you wish to attend please contact me on 0115 9810405 and I will let you have the details.Siobhan FordLGBT OfficerNotts County Unison

LGBT Officernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1154375962025918292006-07-31T20:52:00.000+01:002006-07-31T20:59:22.390+01:00

UNISON has published a guide to government proposals on a new Local Government Pension Scheme.While talks continue on protecting the rights of workers in the scheme - around two million people across a whole range of public services - the government has published a document called Where Next?, setting out options for a new look scheme from April 2008.The document is the beginning of informal

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1153401988662987592006-07-20T14:06:00.000+01:002006-07-20T14:26:29.233+01:00

UNISON is campaigning against the cuts of over £100 million and 5000 jobs in the NHS in the East Midlands alone.You can take part by visiting the Region's Keep the NHS Working webpage where you will find details of how you can get involved.You can also download a newsletter (in pdf format) and petitions for each of the Counties in the East Midlands that you can distribute around your friends,

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1152872994358173092006-07-14T11:18:00.000+01:002006-07-14T11:29:54.606+01:00

We have received the following request for your help and support from Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum.Dear friends,Once again, another Iranian woman has been sentenced to death by the barbaric practice of public stoning. On June 28, 2006, a court in the northwestern Iranian city of Urmia sentenced Malak Ghorbany to death for committing "adultery." Under Iran's Penal Code, the term "adultery"

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1152255834466712422006-07-07T08:00:00.000+01:002006-07-07T08:04:07.076+01:00

The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday, July 10 includes a report from the Business Improvement Board. A draft of the Business Improvement Board’s annual report is included and this contains some statements made by the County Council in response to the Board’s findings on sickness absence. In particular, the response drafted by the Council included inaccurate references to the negotiation of

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1152214988902906212006-07-06T20:42:00.000+01:002006-07-06T20:43:09.363+01:00

On 5 August 2004 trade union activists Samuel Morales and Raquel Castro were arrested by the Colombian army. In the same operation, three other trade unionists - Héctor Alirio Martínez, Leonel Goyeneche, and Jorge Prieto - were shot and killed.According to the armed forces, the trade unionists - who they allege were members of the National Liberation Army armed group - opened fire on the soldiers

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1151925442312418802006-07-03T12:12:00.000+01:002006-07-03T12:17:28.746+01:00

Attention all UNISON LGBT members In NottinghamshireJointLesbian, Gay, Bisexual & TransgenderMeetingThursday 13th July5.00-7.00pmAll members in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are welcome to come to this informal meeting with members from different branches across the County to give everyone a chance to get to meet other people as well as looking at conference procedure, motions etc.Are you

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1151324502438970852006-06-26T13:11:00.000+01:002006-06-26T13:25:16.616+01:00

Venue: THE ARBORETUM PARK, NOTTINGHAMTimes: 12pm – 6pmDate: Sunday 2nd JulyFREE ADMISSIONWith a theme of ‘a world of Nottingham music’ the city’s second Chill in the Park is bigger and better this year, taking place at The Arboretum Park on Sunday July 2nd.With over 50 different languages spoken in Nottingham, the modest but popular event, described by one reviewer as “a pocket sized WOMAD”, aims

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1150789509066518912006-06-20T08:43:00.000+01:002006-06-20T08:45:09.423+01:00

15th June 2006Dear Ms RochesterRESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE APRIL 2006 REGULATIONSI am writing to you to give the views of the Nottinghamshire County UNISON Branch on the current consultation on the DCLG’s proposed amendments to the April 2006 Regulations. We are a large Branch with 12,500 members and received very wide spread support for the campaign to protect our

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1150789390364461972006-06-20T08:42:00.000+01:002006-06-20T08:47:23.883+01:00

It is vital that every branch and as many members as possible respond to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consultation on its interim proposals for extending the protection arrangement for LGPS members. (The DCLG has replaced the ODPM). In response to our industrial action on 28 March and the Joint Statement with the LGA, the DCLG proposes to amend the April 2006

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1150208087744945122006-06-13T15:14:00.000+01:002006-06-13T15:16:55.313+01:00

On 12th May, UNISON gave it's formal response to proposals to restructure the County Council. We have now received a response from Roger Latham, the Chief Executive, dated 6th June and this is set out below.Dear Jill,Restructuring proposalsI refer to your response to the restructuring proposals that were presented to County Council on the 18 May 2006. Your response raises a number of concerns

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1148401396424196362006-05-23T17:23:00.000+01:002006-05-23T17:26:23.640+01:00

Equalities NewsWatch out for the equalities news coming up in the latest edition of Notts Unison News (NUN). Selwyn and Siobhan have even been persuaded to pose for the cameras so you know who we are if you meet us - the things you have to do to get in print! We have even persuaded Mike to include a supplement in the FE newsletter. Let us know what you think. We are hoping to keep a regular

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1147418698027080772006-05-12T08:21:00.000+01:002006-05-12T08:24:58.030+01:00

Following the end of UNISON's consultation on the improved offer on redundancy pay, the results were:546 to accept the new policy75 to reject the new policyIn light of this result UNISON Branch Officers confirmed that they will follow the members decision and accept the new proposals. This was done formally at Informal Corporate Joint Forum on the 10th May.However the unions requested further

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1147418468597665542006-05-12T08:14:00.000+01:002006-05-12T08:21:08.600+01:00

UNISON has issued the following statement about the Nottinghamshire LGPS investing in arms companies:"UNISON is appalled to hear that our pension fund is supporting companies whose activities we strongly deplore. The arms trade creates misery and suffering across the world and staff will be deeply upset to find out that they have unknowingly contributed to it.Although £16 million is a small

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1147417952490384032006-05-12T07:57:00.000+01:002006-06-13T15:21:38.946+01:00

Issues Arising from the Council ReportSection 2.2The response to concerns raised by the last consultation can best be described as cursory. A number of quite serious concerns were raised, none of which are dealt with in any sufficient detail. Will there be any proper consideration of concerns to ensure that decision makers, whether these be councillors or chief officers are aware of the issues

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1145865063490112552006-04-24T08:42:00.000+01:002006-04-24T10:56:34.743+01:00

This Friday, 28th April, is Workers' Memorial Day (WMD) when we are asked to "remember the dead, fight for the living".You are invited to attend a WMD short service of rememberance and thanskgiving from 12 to 12.30 pm, with a vigil outside on the steps of St Peters Church, St Peter's Square, Nottingham from 12.30 to 12.50. This will be followed by a procession to Weekday Cross to lay empty shoes

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1144853153624968842006-04-12T15:37:00.000+01:002006-04-12T15:45:53.640+01:00

UNISON today agreed to recommend suspending planned industrial action over pensions after the joint unions agreed a basis for further talks with employers.The formal decision to suspend further industrial action will be taken by the industrial action committee on Thursday, but representatives of all service groups have agreed the move.General Secretary Dave Prentis said: "The joint union/LGA

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1144846432132475852006-04-12T13:33:00.000+01:002006-04-12T13:53:52.156+01:00

The TUC have issued a press release at lunchtime today (click here for details) stating that:"At a meeting of all the unions representing members covered by the Local Government Pension scheme this morning (Wednesday) a proposed joint statement with the Local Government Association was unanimously recommended for endorsement. Each of the unions will now urgently be holding their necessary

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1144526220539206152006-04-08T20:43:00.000+01:002006-04-09T11:52:38.803+01:00

Prior to the LGA letter (see below: blog entry at 10.11pm on 7th April) the unions announced a rolling programme of action that will see every UNISON region take part over the three days in the following order:=>25th April: South East, Eastern, South West and Greater London=>26th April: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland=>27th April: Northern, North West, Yorks and Humberside, East and West

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1144444888543430182006-04-07T22:11:00.000+01:002006-04-08T07:37:18.316+01:00

The following letter has been sent out by the LGA to all Local Authority Chief Executives this afternoon.Although UNISON welcomes the commitment of the LGA to enter into negotiations on a way forward, at the time of writing a formal proposal has not been tabled with the TUC, UNISON or other involved trade unions, contrary to the employer’s statement. We are seeking urgent clarification from the

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1144413753318843702006-04-07T13:38:00.000+01:002006-04-07T13:44:10.990+01:00

This is to confirm that the Trade Unions in the County Council have confirmed their willingness to suspend our local action for an additional 21 days to explore an improved offer from the Council.We should receive the revised redundancy pay policy next week.Jill TurnerJoint Branch Secretary

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143971617694859932006-04-02T10:38:00.000+01:002006-04-02T10:53:37.756+01:00

We have received a couple of comments about the proposed smoking ban at the County Council. Unfortunately, the author did not include their name or workplace so we are not able to publish them. As it says at the top of the blog:"If you wish to comment, please ensure that you include your name and workplace. This is to ensure that the blog is not abused by spammers and non-members of the branch."

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143895509154436932006-04-01T13:28:00.000+01:002006-04-01T13:45:09.620+01:00

After the successful strike on Tuesday 28th March, there was some movement from the Government.30th March: Deputy prime minister John Prescott escalated the pensions dispute - by rushing ahead with the government’s changes to local government pensions. UNISON's response is Unions call further strike action31st March, morning: Guardian Newspaper carried a story about problems with MPs' pensions

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143815273526772692006-03-31T15:14:00.000+01:002006-03-31T15:27:53.663+01:00

At a meeting with trade unions in County Hall this afternoon, the County Council offered to make improvements to the Redundancy Compensation package.In order to allow talks to take place, the trade unions agreed to temporarily suspend industrial action (following the successful local ballots in UNISON, GMB, TGWU and CYWU) and are asking for the proposals to be available in time for a Joint Trade

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143730268965190942006-03-30T15:44:00.000+01:002006-03-30T15:51:09.016+01:00

More photos of the Nottingham march and rally on 28th March can be found on the Indymedia website at:Public Service Workers march for pensions. Nottingham Events Pictures 1Public Service Workers march for pensions. Nottingham Events Pictures 2Thanks to Indymedia.org.uk for the photos

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143703642187240072006-03-30T08:12:00.000+01:002006-03-30T08:27:22.206+01:00

The march ended at the Albert Hall in Nottingham. Members packed the hall.The speeches were kicked off by Chris Tansley, our Joint Branch Secretary and NEC member. He was followed by members from other unions on strike including NAPO (probation) and the rally ended with a speech from Helen Black, UNISON Regional Secretary.

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143702753056041742006-03-30T08:00:00.000+01:002006-03-30T08:12:33.073+01:00

Members gathered at the Forest (Goose Fair site) from 11 a.m.They then set off to march down the Mansfield Road into town for a rally at the Albert Hall.

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143702033775327262006-03-30T07:53:00.000+01:002006-03-30T08:00:33.786+01:00

It was a quiet morning on the picket line at Trent Bridge House. The postman wouldn't cross the picket line and only 30 to 40 people went in to work. A couple of members had exemption letters from the Branch because they were in their final year of service. One promised to give his day's pay to the strike Hardship fund - thanks Norman!

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143642659275788542006-03-29T15:25:00.000+01:002006-03-29T15:44:39.983+01:00

The Branch has 2 Equalities Officers who share the role. Siobhan Ford works in the Social Services Department and Selwyn Seymour works in the Environment Department at Notts County Council They can be contacted via the Branch Office on 0115 9810405There are 4 Self Organised Groups (SOGS). Click on the links below for more information.Black MembersDisabled MembersLesbian, Gay, Bisexual &

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143623340147004422006-03-29T10:02:00.000+01:002006-03-29T10:09:00.163+01:00

Our pensions strike banner is on the BBC national website photo gallery of yeterdays strike action: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/4854052.stmUNISON's national website also has a gallery of photos from around the UK of yesterday's action, including pickets with John Prescott: http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/photogallery.asp

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143620377980599002006-03-29T09:09:00.000+01:002006-03-29T09:19:37.993+01:00

Centenary House, West BridgfordCounty Hall, West Bridgford

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143619729652162712006-03-29T08:55:00.000+01:002006-03-29T09:08:49.680+01:00

Did you take photos of your picket line or the rally? E-mail them to us and we can post them here: strikephotos@fsmail.net

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143618924063953982006-03-29T08:37:00.000+01:002006-03-29T08:55:24.080+01:00

Over a thousand strikers marched from the Forest (Goose Fair site) in Nottingham down to the Albert Hall. If you were there, looks for yourself on the photos taken by Phil for the Branch. If you took photos of your picket line, send them to us at: strikephotos@fsmail.net

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143472048128993062006-03-27T16:03:00.000+01:002006-03-27T19:50:44.773+01:00

The Nottingham Evening Post is reporting that over 200 schools are to close tomorrow because of the industrial action to defend our pensions.They list 156 County schools and 50 City Schools in the article. For the NEP article: click hereFor the County Council's list of closed schools: click here

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143195568705230792006-03-24T10:17:00.000Z2006-03-24T10:19:28.716Z

AS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW UNISON HAS CALLED A NATIONAL STRIKE TO PROTEST AGAINST CUTS TO OUR PENSIONS. UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN EXEMPTED IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL MEMBERS WILL OBSERVE OUR ACTION.PicketsWe do need volunteers to help out on picket lines. It is very important that we have good presence to demonstrate our determination to protect our pensions. Please talk to your local steward or phone the

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1143028983124758552006-03-22T11:39:00.000Z2006-03-27T15:33:08.723+01:00

As you should know by now, UNISON and 10 other local government unions are calling a day of industrial action on Tuesday 28th March in defence of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).This was announced at a joint press conference and all 11 unions have set set up a joint union website: http://www.protectourpensions.org.uk/There are newsletters and advice that can be downloaded on the branch

Bob Wattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1142931715361484612006-03-21T08:25:00.000Z2006-03-21T09:01:55.383Z

The County Council served the Section 188 notice on the Branch on 20th March 2006. The notice sets out the reason for consultation, the number of employees involved, a description of the employees, the method of selection for redundancy, method of dismissal, method of calculating redundancy pay and the headline figure of 388 potential redundancies across the authority.It includes an appendix with

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1142520683858105932006-03-16T14:46:00.000Z2006-03-16T14:54:56.683Z

At the Informal Corporate Joint Forum yesterday, we were told that the legal Redundancy Notice (S188 notice) we were expecting by 15th March was not yet ready and that it would probably be produced on Monday 20th March.We will let members know once we get the details.

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1142349807891378532006-03-14T15:18:00.000Z2006-03-14T15:23:27.913Z

This is a reminder to all members about the importance of posting your ballot paper by Friday 17th March for our industrial action ballot over the budget cuts and reductions to redundancy pay.The ballot closes on Monday and I am confident that we will have had a massive vote to defend our jobs and services. But some of you might be wondering what this campaign has to do with you. You may think

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1142253130224366922006-03-13T12:22:00.000Z2006-03-13T12:33:22.360Z

Notts UNISON has made the following comments to the County Council:i) to-date we have not been issued with detailed timescales or with information regarding the whole staffing structure, until this is available it is difficult for meaningful consultation to take place. It is our view that the ‘top down approach’ is not the most effective way of undertaking a restructuring exerciseii) whilst

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1141897239255043072006-03-09T09:10:00.000Z2006-03-09T09:40:39.560Z

We were expecting to receive the "Section 188" notice about redundancies due to budget cuts on 7th or 8th March but Corporate Personnel have now said this is not likely to be before 15th March as they don't have the information they need from Departments as yet.The relevant elements of Section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act (Consolidation) Act 1992 are:(1) An employer proposing

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1140708395565655482006-02-23T14:42:00.000Z2006-02-23T15:34:50.180Z

UNISON members lobbied Notts County Council today in defence of jobs and services that face cuts under the proposed budget.A cold and wet lunchtime crowd were warmed by impassioned speeches from representatives of UNISON, GMB, NUT and the FBU.Star speaker of the day was an angry Grace Perry (Senior Social Services Steward) who spoke from the heart, attacking the cuts and their impact on her, her

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1139929368785655872006-02-14T14:53:00.000Z2006-02-14T15:16:57.520Z

Nottinghamshire UNISON is to ballot its members employed by the County Council about industrial action over threatened cuts in jobs, services and redundancy pay. The biggest union in the County Council officially gave the Council notice of an industrial action ballot today (14 th Feb).UNISON members met at County Hall to hear Branch Officers set out the timetable for the ballot and to sign

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1139835586990106712006-02-13T12:35:00.000Z2006-02-13T13:06:05.976Z

With Redundancy Pay under threat at a time when the Council is looking to cut jobs and services and UNISON planning to ballot for industrial action, a further round of meetings for members has been arranged around the County:Tuesday 28th February 2006: Mansfield Library @ 7 pmWednesday 1st March 2006: County Hall @ 12.30 pm and Worksop Library @ 7.15 pmThursday 2nd March 2006: Newark Library @

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1139492126035183162006-02-09T13:26:00.000Z2006-02-09T13:35:26.056Z

IntroductionUNISON recognises that the Council are facing budgetary pressures arising from a number of issues. However we are fundamentally opposed to the current budget proposals for the following reasons:Impact on service UsersWe do not believe that the Council have taken sufficient time to study the impact of these reductions on service users. What will be the impact of reductions in bus

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1139406647301194402006-02-08T13:42:00.000Z2006-02-08T13:53:22.146Z

Nottinghamshire UNISON is calling on members of the Branch and of the public to lobby County Councillors in advance of the Council meeting on 23rd Feb that will set the budget.Details can be found on the Branch website. Click on the header of this posting or click here for:>> model letters to send to your County Councillor and MP>> model text message to send to your County Councillor>> e-mail,

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1138377149620188212006-01-27T15:43:00.000Z2006-01-27T16:00:45.746Z

The deadline for the indicative ballot about action to oppose the cuts to redundancy pay was noon today. The result was overwhelmingly in favour of action to oppose:90% voted for action6% voted against4% spoiltThe result was formally announced at the members' meeting in County Hall this lunchtime. The Branch has written to the Council to inform them that we are in dispute and representatives of

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1138004708712700702006-01-23T08:17:00.000Z2006-01-23T08:25:08.730Z

The following press release was sent to local media on 20th JanuaryCouncil workers have condemned the County Council’s decision to cut the levels of redundancy pay at a time when hundreds of them are facing redundancy from budget cuts.UNISON, the biggest union in the County Council, is calling for the Council to rethink their plans.“Our members are angry the Council is planning to cut jobs and

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1137587655252956582006-01-18T12:20:00.000Z2006-01-20T16:08:21.146Z

When the Cabinet met this morning, it was addressed by Jill Turner on behalf of UNISON. Here's what she told them:"It is difficult to put all we want to say into words, and it is obviously tempting to take this opportunity with you to go through the report line by line, but we want to keep our message to you short and to the point."This is not a consultation, it is a fait accompli!"We have been

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1137512151707613062006-01-17T15:32:00.000Z2006-01-18T21:30:23.453Z

The County Council meeting on 19th January will consider a report on the future structure of the County Council. To read it click here.The report proposes moving to 4 departments with centralisation of management of IT, Finance and HR (aka Personnel). The headlines of which functions are proposed to go into which department are set out in Appendix 1 that starts on page 11 of the 23 page

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1137416977115018352006-01-16T13:03:00.000Z2006-01-16T14:34:11.150Z

At the members’ meeting on 10th January, there was a call for another meeting to be held in the Council Chamber with one of the Joint Branch Secretaries present. The originally proposed date of 17th January is not feasible as the Council Chamber is not available and the Branch Secretary who has led the negotiations about the redundancy pay has a meeting in London with LGIU about influencing

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1137066793074966372006-01-12T11:45:00.000Z2006-01-16T13:18:11.913Z

The Cabinet meeting on 18th Jan 2006 will consider the Medium Term Financial Strategy report. This the report that sets out the proposed cuts to our jobs and the public's services. To see the report click hereIt is in pdf format and you will need an Acrobat reader to see it. If you need an Acrobat reader, click here

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1136294092041734462006-01-03T13:11:00.000Z2006-04-07T23:00:25.076+01:00

Some of you may have seen the 2 reports about potential budget cuts in the Nottingham Evening Post on 30th December 2005: County Hall Jobs to be axed and Hundreds of jobs to go. The Branch has asked all Convenors to meet with their departments to discuss the possible impacts of the cuts. We will keep you informed of developments. For reports from Convenors, click on "comments" below.

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1134035308970420042005-12-08T09:37:00.000Z2006-03-31T15:31:23.033+01:00

The County Council is proposing a ban on smoking at work.We sought the views of our members via this weblog and a consultation slip in the November/December edition of Notts UNISON News with the deadline for responses of 16th December. Thanks to those who filled in the slips. The result is81% in favour of a ban, 19% against a banThis 4:1 margin gives the Branch Officers a clear mandate for

Nottinghamshire UNISONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11598615490850944079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19511830.post-1133518889401504972005-12-02T10:20:00.000Z2006-01-12T08:20:57.403Z

This is the weblog for Nottinghamshire County Branch of UNISON.We place items here to seek members' comments. If you wish to comment, please ensure that you include your name and workplace. This is to ensure that the blog is not abused by spammers and non-members of the branch.

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