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Apologies for
absence
Apologies were received from:
Steven Gordon, Kate Brown, Elaine
Noble, Bill Rintoul, Steven Gordon. Richard Mould,
Minutes f previous
meeting (7th
March 2006)
Minutes Approved as correct
record: - Paul Hyles
Matters Arising
Branch Website; With regard to the Website DW
reported a large number of “hits” indicating a strong interest.
Branch Recruitment Drive: There has been a significant
increase in Branch membership over the past few months. However, the
Executive agreed to invite Mary Scott, Unisons’ Recruitment Officer, to
assist us in formalising a strategy for the Branch for the coming year.
SW Wholesale / Retail Split
With regard to TUPE , DW agreed to
circulate up-to-date information.
Scottish Water Contracting
With regard to the on-going
discussions regarding new T’s & C’s, WF gave an up-date. After
discussion, it was clear that further questions required to be answered and
it was therefore agreed to arrange a further meeting with Jim McLean. JSA to
accompany WF
Out Of Hours Supplement Group;
It was confirmed that Andy Nisbet
will be the Unison Rep on this Group.
Pensions
DW and SJS gave the current up-date
on the dispute. Action pencilled in for the 26th April has been
suspended following agreement to continue tri-partite talks with the
employers and the Government. To date no further information has been given
as to the progress of these talks. The Branch Executive expressed it’s
concern regarding the lack of information regarding the suspension. It was agreed that the Branchs’ Industrial
Action Committee re-convene to look at the action of the 28th, to
see where we were successful and where weakness could be identified in terms
of organisation.
Branch Officers
Reports
Branch Secretary
The Branch Secretary gave the report
which centred around the day of action over pensions as well as the up-date
on the pay and differentials negotiations. SJS was asked to contact Joe
DiPaola regarding the issue of strike breakers to determine Unison policy in
advance of the meeting of the sub committee. SJS reported a large upsurge in
new members which was extremely pleasing. Lists of new members were
circulated to the Executive seeking approval. This was given. SJS has
undertook to contact Graeme Ferguson to get an up-date to the figure quoted
on the Intranet.
Scottish Water
Council
Pay Award
DW gave an up-date on the latest
position. Although the agreement has yet to be ratified, details are
circulating throughout Scottish Water. This is unhelpful due to the fact that
a number of issues still require clarification; eg follow through into
overtime and standby as well as the pay ranges moving by the same percentage
points. DW had hope to receive confirmation of this but we are still awaiting
Scottish Executive approval on the pay deal and confirmation from Andrew
Walker that there will be the requisite follow through on standby and
overtime etc.
BUC
Stakeholder Group
WF
voiced concern about the shift of emphasis of this group. It’s remit seems to
have altered and appears to be trying to prepare the way to allow BUC’s
decide on their own Terms and Conditions. The Branch Executive expressed its’
opposition to this move and asked that this be raised at the JTUG in order
that all member unions of the SWC adopt a common line of opposition.
BUC – Southwest Assets
AN raised the issue of standby being
imposed on members despite the fact that it is not within their contract. AN
reported that the men are adamant that they do not wish to undertake standby
duties. DW to contact Ken Seaward to establish the position of members
contractually.
Treasures Report
Iain Diamond gave a brief report on
the Branch Accounts. Currently, Branch finances are healthy.
Health & Safety
AN and PH reported on H&S issues.
AN reported that a Hazards Conference was being held in Manchester on July 16th – 18th.
It was agreed that Andy and Paul attend this meeting, and that Steven Horne,
as a new H&S rep be contacted to see if he would be interested in attending
AOCB
1) VR Package – DW undertook to
circulate the draft proposals for comment. Feedback required within 2 weeks
2) AN reported that Alison Yule
was finding it difficult to attend meetings due to the fact she works evening
shifts. SJS to check out facilities time arrangements with Graeme Ferguson.
Date of next
meeting
It was agreed that the next Branch
meeting will be held in ‘Forth House Stirling on 18th May 2006 at 1000 hrs.
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