Minutes of the Scottish Water Branch Meeting held on Tuesday 18^th July Belford Road Edinburgh

Present:        

 David Wilkinson in the chair

 
Apologies for absence

 
Apologies were received from:

Claire Wilson; Alison Yule; Jim Anderson (Shetland);Richard Mould

 
Minutes of previous meeting (13^th June  2006 )

Minutes Approved as correct record:   -   Paul Hyles

Seconded:  Andy Nisbet

Matters Arising

 
Branch Recruitment Drive: Still no contact with Mary. SS to contact Mary as a matter of asap.

Mailing List

DW informed the Branch Executive that he had made good progress in some areas, but requested Executive members to supply him with workplace names of Unison members so that he can complete the list.

 
.Facility Arrangements For Shift Workers.

 
SS informed the Executive that he had made contact with GF but still awaiting response. DW said that he thought GF was on holiday for 3 weeks. SS to contact GF as soon as he returns from holday.

 Scottish Water Council

 CROSS FUNCTIONAL WORKING – DW informed the Executive that SWC had confirmed that with regard to the Elgin grievance, that the changes proposed were changes to working practice rather than a change to Terms and Conditions. After some debate, DW said that he intended to refer the matter back to the men. He also intends to raise this matter with Ken Seaward to see if there are any grounds for referring the matter to a Tribunal.

DIFFERENTIALS: DW advised that the meetings held so far looking at appeals, have been very successful inasmuch as those cases with even a small element of merit, have been approved. However, there have been a number with no merit in respect to the parameters laid down and they have been dismissed.

BUC Stakeholder

DW reported that the matter had been raised at SWC and objections had been tabled with regard to the remit contained within the latest set of proposals. A debate within the Executive centred on whether or not the JTUG endorsed the removal of all TU representatives in protest at the latest proposals. However, it was accepted that the JTUG agreed to continue with the current represention provided that the BUC Stakeholder Group returns to it’s original remit. It is now accepted that the BUC Stakeholder Group will remain a facilitating group with regard to communications between the BUC’s and SWC as well as training matters.

SCOTTISH WATER BONUS

DW advised that this issue was discussed at SWC with particular reference to raising the value of the Bonus. It has remained static since Bonus arrangements were introduced and it was felt that an increase was required. The principle has been accepted but discussions around the detail will continue.

SCOTTISH WATER CONTRACTING

DW reported on an up-date from Jim McLean where he was challenged on the issue of contracts. A further meeting will be held to be attended by WF.

STAGE 4 GRIEVANCE – SAMPLING COURIERS

DW gave the background to this complex issue. It raises very important questions regarding of what constitutes part-time workers and shift workers and the entitlements that stem from that. After some debate, DW concluded by saying that the GMB were unhappy at the decision by SWC and were keen to take this to a Tribunal. The Branch will await the outcome as this may have a significant effect on other areas of SW.

Branch Officer Reports

 
BRANCH SECRETARY

SS reported on the results of the Consultation exercise. The outcome was very poor. Some 36 responses in total with the result marginally in favour of Option B (19/17) After lengthy debate it was agreed that SW Branch reports back to the main meeting in Glasgow at the end of the month that in view of the response and the evident apathy, we reluctantly accept Option A.

 
SS reported on the recent report “Fair & Affordable Water” which was presented to the Water Service Group Conference. He commended the contents of the Report. As usual Unison are leading the way in new approaches to a fairer charging system for all users. SS will distribute the report more widely.

 
SS and DW reported on the meeting with Oscar Olivera, the Bolivian activist, who, along with many others was instrumental in kicking out private water companies from Bolivia and replacing them with Community based structures. The meeting lasted for nearly 2 hours and there was a very interesting exchange of views and experience.

BRANCH TREASURERS REPORT.

 
FA gave his first report as interim Branch Treasurer. He informed the Branch that since he took over and had a chance to study the situation it was clear that the Branch had been over-spending every month since the beginning of the year. Although the Branch has received a recent increase in our monthly retention, it was agreed that we adopt some prudent measures in the shape of cheaper travel and accommodation etc to allow the Branch to live within its means every month.

 
HEALTH & SAFETY

AN reported that and new draft of the Drugs & Alcohol Policy is to be re-drafted. There was some concern that it seem to place undue emphasis on disciplinary action.

AN also confirmed that the Stress Working Group is also due to meet soon, as well as the Standby Group.

 
SCOTTISH WATER SOLUTIONS

 
JA reported on the imminent re-structuring about to take place. With regard to Q&S 2 there is real concern over the serious financial overhang, we will keep track of in relation to potential impact on staff. JA also referred to discussions on the Secondment arrangements which have yet to be finalised.

 
BUC REPORTS

 
Various reports were received. With regard to SW Assets, PH gave a full report. Of note were the continuing lack of a definition of “consensus”. Also, the issue of Differentials has also been raised.

 
Elaine Noble (EN) reported on the review of Laboratory Services. Elaine referred to 7 proposals under discussion, although 2 were definitely non-starters. She said that she would make a more detailed report at the next Executive.

 
AOCB

 
AN raised the issue of the requirement for a workplace steward for Castle House. DW said that Alistair Mack was interested and that we should make contact to arrange.