SCOTTISH WATER BRANCH

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Last Updated 28th November 2006

A section has been added for the Branch Constitution
 

Please use the contacts page to comment to appropriate branch officials or email unisonscowater@freeuk.co.uk

Present:

Fred Gibson, Paul Hyles, Iain Diamond, David Wilkinson, Andy Nisbet,

Elaine Noble, Willie Fortune, Jim Anderson (JSA), Fergus Allan, Gareth Lithgow,

Barry Allibone, Ravi Nathan, W Rintoul, D MacInnes

David Wilkinson in the chair

(Note: in abbreviation SW refers to Scottish Water; SWW refers to Stephan Walker; JA refers to Jim Anderson (Shetland); and JSA refers to Jim Anderson (Edinburgh))

Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from: Steve Scott & Jim Anderson (S)

Minutes of previous meeting (5^th July 2005)

Minutes of previous meeting were approved (proposed JSA, seconded BA)

WF advised he has received a copy of the minutes.

Matters Arising

FA confirmed that the member in Dumfries has retired due to ill health. The branch has approved paying her life membership and this will enable her to use the unions legal services should they be required. PH to discuss with the member.

SWW and ID to work on branch budget – ongoing.

New account is to be opened at the Dunfermline. Disputes fund to be ring fenced.

AN to purchase 3 digital cameras for safety reps and to put procedure in place for distributing - ongoing

Query was raised on the suitability of SJIB accreditation for M&E staff as it may compromise ability of M&E staff to supervise contractors.- ongoing.

Deadline is mid-September for next newsletter, stewards encouraged to put issues forward.

Any instances of Managers / Team Leaders not complying with T&C’s to be passed back to SW/DW. Issue at the minute where members are working extra hours, not being allowed toil and not being paid as per T&C’s (“operational staff” only) – Item to be added to newsletter.

Annual Conference reports

Delegate FA issued a report of a selection of conference motions.

Branch Secretary

Stephan Walker announced his resignation on the 15^th August. All stewards present asked that he be thanked for the work he has done for the branch and its members.

It was agreed that Steve Scott, currently Depute Secretary, takes over the Secretary position until the next AGM, in accordance with Unison rules.

It was acknowledged that the time required to fulfil the Branch Secretary’s job was too great to try and ‘fit in’ alongside a ‘day’ job. Accordingly it was agreed that a request be made to SW to designate the Branch Secretaries position full time. Safeguards will be required to protect the individuals career. JA agreed to consult John Jones as to what the UU policy is.

JA agreed to take on the Depute Secretary position if some provision for facilities time can be agreed with SW.

WF raised concern that facilities time was not only required for senior branch officials because some stewards are finding difficulties getting time off for union and BU commitments. While the partnership agreement allows time off the management do not meet their obligations.

It was agreed that DW writes to SW thanking him for his hard work for Unison members over a considerable number of years and the purchase of a small gift was agreed.

SW Council Rep

DW agreed to take up Unison’s position on the SW Council. It was agreed that the policy of no substitutes was completely unacceptable and disenfranchised our members should the nominated member be unable to attend.

WIC’s Draft Determination

SW Council meets on the 25^th August and top of the agenda is the WIC’s draft determination. It was agreed that the WIC’s figures show a massive reduction on SW management’s figures and posed a great threat to members and also the Scottish community and environment.

Rewards Group

Currently ongoing - Unison is represented by Steve Scott on the Differentials Group and Iain Jones and Donnie Elder on the Skills and Competencies Group.

Issues being discussed include pay progression, competencies, job skills & flexibility. The differentials group is looking at costs and impacts of raising salaries to median levels.

There is a concern that SW may argue that Scottish Exec limits of around 2.8% will have to cover pay progression, differentials and the cost of living award. The Branch will have to resist this strongly.

UU have just received 3.3% with no strings and it was agreed Unison require a proper cost of living offer with no strings. It was agreed that a below inflation pay settlement will have a direct impact on member retention.

BUC Reports

Labs - EN – discrepancy of £5 now been paid.

SE Ops – PH - Recruitment policy and procedure has been issued for comment. This should be sent to every BU but this has not yet happened. There is an implication for bumped positions. The policy should be re-issued as a final draft prior to being approved by SWC.

It was recognized there is a persistent problem with draft documents being issued on an ad hoc basis sometimes resulting in an inadequate response. It was agreed that SW is advised that all such documents be sent to JA who will coordinate responses.

SWS - JA - Bonus may be dependant on the financial residual (overhang) being lower than £154.9 M. This is yet to be agreed – info still awaited from management. The secondment policy must be revised for Q&S 3 and safeguards built in. JA and DH (Amicus) are involved in these negotiations.

DW is required to step down from the Forum and a replacement will be sought from the Aberdeen office.

Management are being asked to rule out offshoring. Management have advised their intention to remain in Riverside House and representation is being made as to what facilities need upgrading to meet SWS standards.

Regular meetings take place with UU in Carlisle and notes of the last meeting were circulated. UU are discussing introduction of ‘ mobex ‘ a GPS based spy system that allows management to monitor locations from which all calls are made. Regulatory pressure has resulted in 500 voluntary redundancies to be announced

Contact Centre – A pilot scheme using revised T&C has been set up. Management have given assurances that full consultation will be carried out. It was agreed that management provide start date and duration of the scheme.

Developer Services - Problems are ongoing with workflow staff struggling to meet targets.

Branch Officers Reports

Chairman – DW – gave further details about the branch development weekend. All stewards wishing to attend have to ensure they have advised Barbara. Partner rates are available. Agenda is being developed and will be circulated prior to the weekend starting 2.00 on the Friday.

DW also outlined the issues he would be trying to resolve at the SWC - firstly to set out Unison’s agenda and priorities. These include introduction of a change management policy.

Branch secretary – no report

Treasurer : – ID – Dunfermline account is to be opened and the full balance transferred to the new account. He will issue a full report at the next branch meeting however the current balance is £18178. He is also preparing a draft budget.

Service Conditions :

JA requested approval to attend a pensions seminar organised by the Water & Environment Exec – this was agreed. It was proposed the branch set up a sub group to coordinate information, lobby and communicate issues to members. This was agreed and the sub group will consist of JA, WF, PH and BA. The group will get together at the development weekend and prepare a response to issued raised at the AGM’s. JA will prepare a layman’s guide to all the pertinent issues.

14 members in the Prestwick office are having problems with out of hours provision.

OMC issues include-

Training

Half hour break without pay

New rota is 6 A3 pages

Management are trying to implement new systems that were never agreed.

Problems are being experienced in Treatment and SW Contracting with short term cover provision.

There is a concern that changes have been made to T&C without approval or discussion at the SWC. HR have issued a document regarding Standby arrangements without approval.

Disciplinary procedures – management refuse to provide the necessary documentation or what was provided was of very low quality and also fail to provide sufficient notice of hearings taking place. In one instance management continued pursuing a member when he had nothing to answer to.

NSO’s in the East are having problems with management wanting to change out of hours provision.

JA requested DW raise these issues at the SWC. Other issues identified are mileage rates and time/cash in lieu of hours worked.

Health & Safety

It was agreed that AN and PH attend the Hazards Conference in Leeds.

AN highlighted that management have updated their H&S statement. It stated that it was to be signed by the Unison full time official. It was agreed this should be signed by the Branch H&S Officer.

DSE’s are to be carried out at Balmore Rd.

Safety reps are having a meeting in September. Date to be confirmed.

Accidents and near misses – Transco are arguing a JCB hit and the accident line was not answered.

If a utility strike is unavoidable e.g. with a plastic pipe why are the members still being pursued?

All members must be encouraged to use the safe digging procedures AT ALL TIMES!!!!!. Management must ensure all cat and genny machines are calibrated and checked annually.

AN requested he be reimbursed for flowers he bought for Maggie Denhom – this was agreed.

Publicity

The next newsletter will be posted out at the end of September – any articles will be appreciated by the editor.

Equal Ops

EN is to contact HR again for clearly defined policies on disability .

One lady member who was disabled ended up leaving which was influenced by management refusing to provide the facilities she was legally entitled to.

It was agreed the branch sponsor Eileen Dinning to the tune of £25

Welfare

FA to investigate what Croyde Bay facilities are available and what qualifies for assistance.

Recruitment

Radios have now arrived.

Unison link now on SW website

Correspondence

The circulated list of correspondence was issued.

BR was approved to attend retired members seminar.

£100 for London bombing victims was approved.

One lady member may attend the LGBTG Group conference. This was approved. ID to investigate procedure for financing costs.

RN was approved to go on the Black members conference

Justice for Columbia – renewal approved.

Iain Barclay has agreed to represent members in the SWS supply chain team and on the BUC.

Kirsten Dean is a new steward in the lab. HR to be advised.

Dave Pennington bowling competition - Unison banner to be collected.

AOCB

Water and the Environment seminar 14-16 Oct. WF and up to two others approved to attend.

OMC - new BUC to be created. Management expected to try and make T&C changes immediately.

Date of next meeting

The next Branch meeting will take place on 4th October 2005 at 11am in Kingshill House, Aberdeen.

Minutes of the Scottish Water Branch Meeting held in Unison Offices, Edinburgh, 5^th July 2005.

Present:

Steve Scott (PT) Fred Gibson Paul Hyles Iain Diamond

Maggie Denholm David Wilkinson Andy Nisbet Elaine Noble

Willie Fortune (PT) Jim Anderson (JSA) Fergus Allan Kate Brown

Barry Allibone Ravi Nathan

Jim Anderson chaired prior to arrival of David Wilkinson.

(Note: in abbreviation SW refers to Scottish Water; SWW refers to Stephan Walker; JA refers to Jim Anderson (Shetland); and JSA refers to Jim Anderson (Edinburgh))

Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from: Stephan Walker, Jim Anderson, Hugh Strachan and Derek Rumgray.

Apologies from Steve Scott and W Fortune who had to leave early due to other commitments and missed the remainder of the Meeting.

Minutes of previous meeting (24^th May 2005)

WF & AN never received any minutes. Secretary to speak with Barbara. Minutes of previous meeting were approved .(proposed AN, seconded WF)

Matters Arising

FA to pursue assistance from Unison Welfare re convalescence for member - continued.

Item 5.2, SWW and ID to work on branch budget - ongoing

Item 5.4, AN to purchase 3 digital cameras for safety reps and to put procedure in place for distributing.

Item 5.4, Query was raised on the suitability of SJIB accreditation for M&E staff as it may compromise ability of M&E staff to supervise contractors.- ongoing.

Item 5.6, Deadline set for few weeks for next newsletter, stewards encouraged to put issues forward.

Any instances of Managers / Team Leaders not complying with T&C’s to be passed back to SW/DW. Issue at the minute where members are working extra hours, not being allowed toil and not being paid as per T&C’s (“operational staff” only) – Item to be added to newsletter.

Annual Conference reports

Delegate Fergus advised he would complete a written report for branch for next meeting, conference was a success and it was good to see the first time visitors.

WF thanked the branch for allowing him to attend as a visitor, point of note for next conference would be for the Branch to organise and inform delegates of how the sharing facility works and also delegates should be given a mandate.

JSA – advised mandate normal procedure, on this occasion this was not necessary so delegates were asked to listen and vote accordingly.

MD advised she enjoyed her first conference experience. One point made was expenses to be paid in advance - ID advised this can be done if requested.

PH also enjoyed the conference and handed round a paper on the pensions. He requested that the Branch keep the pressure on and put Pensions on the Agenda as a standing issue - this was agreed.

AN –good conference, advised there is usually a meeting of Scottish Area on the Monday to discuss motions. Branch delegates should attend this next time if possible.

RN advised that fringe meetings were very interesting.

REPORTS

Scottish Water Council Report

BA gave brief of last meeting, Graham Hill gave presentation on how Telematics was working. 38% vehicles not being utilised - talk to be given to all BUC’s.

Some discussion about energy savings.

SWS BUC reps attended and reported on the general feeling that they don’t feel fully included in Scottish Water activities and communications.

Compensation policy - Gordon Inch of GMB had written to SWC about staff being taken off contractual overtime. This was not allowed on the SWC agenda. AN advised Human Resources should not be allowed to VETO items for the Agenda. AN advised that he was trying to reconvene out of hours working group.

DW reported that some members are refusing to carry out cross functional working in Elgin area. One member complained to the main Unison office that there was a lack of support - issue being addressed.

All stewards were in agreement that anything in relation to T&C’s should be brought back to the branch for discussion.

Bonus structure for 05/06 was being changed to avoid problems this year with the wide spread of awards.

BUC Reports

Labs - EN – discrepancy of £5 with regard to Bonus and also a sliding scale which nobody has heard of - issue ongoing. AN raised issue of samplers within the function – changes made to function make up halfway through the year.

SWS - JSA reporting – two main issues up for discussion at SWS:

Performance management - SWS system similar to SW STAR process, score of 1 - 4 gives pay progression, 4.1 or lower – nil payment.

Bonus - most staff received good payment, lowest £612. Similar system this year based on Bonus gateway £159 million of overhang.

Customer Services - AN invited to call centre BUC, issue with non interviews for STAR, some managers been dragged over coals, a random sample to be carried out by business to check STAR compliance. Kate Brown requires to be put forward to HR, for BUC. Steward to email SWW.

MD – There are grey area’s in relation to bonus payment, some members penalised when off with industrial injury.Branch agreed if illness was work related and recorded as such, Bonus should be paid as per function.

STAR – DW advised a review of STAR statistics would take place. KB stated that member morale is so low. AN advised that no one has been advised of the appeals process. PH view was that it was a complete waste of time - some targets are set such that staff cannot influence them. It was agreed by the branch to collate facts on where the STAR process has not worked and put item in newsletter.

Branch secretary – no report.

Chair – nothing to report

Treasurer :

Written report submitted to those present. FA looked at Dunfermline Building Society ethical position and it appeared good. Branch agreed that some money would be moved to higher interest account at DBC.

Service Conditions :

Stewards require to take charge intitially and do some of the donkey work, Jim and other experienced stewards are there to offer guidance and support.There are a number of cases ongoing at the minute e.g. Prestwick – NSO’s supplement.

We are winning some of the cases, these should be publicised in newsletter.

SS advised the branch that himself and JSA met with Ken Seaward on issue of standby cover, and he has agreed to take this case forward and speak with Labs initially before making case. AN stated that this is a big issue and affects treatment staff and more. FG gave example of how he has to cover standby for absent colleagues - the branch agreed that he had the right to refuse. Information on coverage of sickness absence to be added to newsletter

Health & Safety

AN advised that himself,Paul Hyles and Stephen Horne had completed an inspection of Watermark House, Livingstone – overall impression very nice building with good air conditioning, a few points were highlighted and some have been addressed. Contact has been made with Isobel Pitt with view to inspecting Balmore Road.

JA advised AN to contact Dave Hamilton (Amicus) prior to visiting Leven House.

Training on workplace inspections was carried out at last meeting, with SWW to issue various documentation.

EN asked for fire test at Juniper house as there was new system in place with regards to fobs.

FA advised of issue with temperature at Riverside, basically it is a sweat shop and problems have been highlighted to Facilities.

Publicity

DW advised that the website had received 400 hits. Deadline of 18^th set for newsletter.

Education

New TUC courses on website, stewards encouraged to put names forward.

Retired Members

DW moved to waive Jean Swan’s fee, Branch agreed

Welfare

MD raised issue about a steward’s wife being seriously ill causing stress to this person. A request was made for the Branch to support a repite break at Croyde Bay. Fergus to speak with the steward.

FA asked that the branch waive retirement fee for Judith Hetherington due to her ill health - Branch agreed.

FA to complete letter for Anthony Nolan Trust and enclose cheque as agreed at previous meeting.

Recruitment

Well done to AN/KB - 18 new members recruited.

SUB GROUP – DW, SWW, ID, WR, BC , group hoping to move this issue forward very soon.

DW gave brief on recruitment session with Robert Rae at Dundee. Some of the tactics discussed were:

-target potential new members after pay day

-improve TU involvement in induction process

-advertise on payroll slips / get or buy advertising space in SW publications

-encourage drop in surgeries.

-have links from SW site to our application form.

-freebies

-prize draws

Correspondence

The circulated list of correspondence was issued.

AOCB

PH advised the branch that a number of members had approached him again with regard increase in mileage rate. What happened to sypnosis passed to branch in December asking for issue to be brought up via joint unions to SWC.

RN – asked if branch would consider donation to Cuban fund, this was agreed.

Date of next meeting

The next Branch meeting will take place on 23^rd August 2005 at 11am. Location to be Glasgow as there will be a presentation for Jean Swan. Exact venue to be confirmed.

Minutes of the Scottish Water Branch Meeting held in Unison Offices, West Campbell Street, Glasgow, on 19^th April 2005

Present:

Steve Scott (PT) Fred Gibson Paul Hyles Bill Rintoul

Maggie Denholm Ivor Martin Ken Seaward (PT) Donnie MacInnes

Stephan Walker David Wilkinson Andy Nisbet

Willie Fortune (PT) Jim Anderson (E’burgh)

Gareth Lithgow Fergus Allan

David Wilkinson in the Chair

(Note: in abbreviation SW refers to Scottish Water; SWW refers to Stephan Walker; JA refers to Jim Anderson (Shetland); and JSA refers to Jim Anderson (Edinburgh))

Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from: Jim Anderson (Shetland) and Iain Diamond.

Apologies from Steve Scott, Ken Seaward and W Fortune who had to leave at lunchtime and missed the remainder of the Meeting. Apologies also intimated by Fred Gibson and Bill Rintoul who had to leave early during the Afternoon session

Minutes of previous meeting (22^nd February 2005)

Minutes of previous meeting were approved (Proposer JA / Seconder WF)

Matters Arising

Stephan reported on Operational Management Centre. He received a reply from HR on the working groups – their remit, structure and trade union involvement.

ACTION :- Secretary to communicate Unison reps remits on the groups.

It was confirmed that Ian Diamond transferred money to the Disputes Fund.

Fergus Allan/ Ian Diamond to continue to investigate high interest accounts.

Secretary confirmed that every steward was circulated with members lists.

Secretary raised issue of Branch Development weekend. Agreed Bill Rintoul to assist. Check out September dates in Stirling.

Secretarys Report

Pensions

A written report was circulated with the minutes. Secretary took questions regarding issues contained within the report. Paul Hyles raised the issue of Pensions.

He asked that, if possible, a newsletter be sent out to all members containing information regarding pensions. It is quite clear that a lot of information coming out from Scottish Water is old and, in some cases, vague. Unisons information appears to be more detailed and therefore our members would benefit from a newsletter giving the definitive position.

Annual Conference

Introduction to Conference

A one day course (for those that had not attended at an Annual Conference before) will take place on the 4^th May 2005.

Branch “Visitors” to Conference – need to provide two (2) passport sized photographs to Secretary by 13^th May 2005.

Accommodation ( Delegates & Visitors)

Questions regarding accommodation for this event were raised. Accommodation had not yet been finalised – Possibility of nearby Travel Lodge was found to be fully booked.

SWW and SS to look into this and advise at next meeting

Website

DW advised that the Branch Website had now been updated and it now contained important information for ”Retired” members.

Any one wishing items added or changes made to Website to advise DW in the first instance.

Branch Newsletter

The latest edition of The Source was to be used to re-launch the Branches Website. The content was to be revised and it would now also contain the Minutes of the last Branch Meeting in an effort to make the work of the branch more transparent and hopefully to get people interested in joining the Branch.

Training Course Information would now also be provided in the newsletter.

This information is to be supplied by B.R (See Training Officers Report)

Additional items were also now being sought and a contribution from the “Young Members” Rep was particularly being sought for the next issue.

The role of the Braches H&S Officers to be highlighted in the next edition of the newsletter. AN to assist DW with article.

Branch Development Weekend

Discussions to place in respect of possible revised dates and venues.

It was agreed that the earlier dates being put forward to the meeting meant that a large number of Stewards could not attend due to prior commitments.

It was agreed that SWW and DW investigate booking the Stirling Highland Hotel in September/ October for this event and that they will report back on this at the next meeting

It was accepted and agreed that the Resource Centre Support Staff would be invited to attend at the Saturday Evening Dinner and that the event would in fact end on the Saturday evening prior to this meal thus allowing those who wished to leave at the end of the event to do so.

Branch Officers Reports

Treasurer’s Report

JSA advised that as ID was ill he was unable to attend, however ID had forwarded the Monthly Branch Finance Report to the Branch Secretary, Vice Chair, Secretary and himself and that although he did not have the documents to hand, he could report to the meeting that all the Branch accounts were in credit.

The Disputes Fund the money which had been taken out to cover the retention held back by Unison in 2004 had been replaced.

FA and ID were still investigating alternative high interest accounts.

Young Members

Newly appointed - No Report received.

Training Officer

BR reported that all up and coming Shop Stewards Education Course details could be found on both the STUC and Unison Websites.

BR intimated that TUC Courses are free and Unison Courses had to be paid for by the Branch.

A “straw poll” of those Stewards present was taken in order to take a first pass at the future Training needs of the Branch (Notes taken by BR).

All new Stewards were reminded that in order to become “Accredited” that they had to undertake the Unison Shop Stewards Induction Course.

Discussion to place of the possibility of an “Experienced Stewards” Refresher course and if this could be done as part of the Branches up and coming “Development Weekend”. BR and DW to investigate

BR to also investigate the possibility of some Branch Officers Training.

Retired Members

Meeting informed that the Branch now had 63 Retired Members

1388 Full Members (as per SW/ Unison information and Docas).

Retired Member’s can via the webs “Google Group” access a range of comprehensive contacts inc Unison Scotland to help and support them.

Welfare

FA reported that the member who had previously been given assistance to help with recovery from long term illness and had to return early from the holiday arranged due to family problems, really should again be considered by the Branch for a short holiday.

In respect of the previously cancelled break for this member the Branch had received a £25 refund from Unison Welfare. The Bournemouth Hotel costs however had been non–refundable.

FA pressed those present to consider allowing this member to go again for a short break to help with her convalescence to Unisons own “Croyde Bay“ holiday village. It was agreed that FA should investigate the costs for this and see if Unison welfare would render assistance and then report back at the next meeting.

Health & Safety

AN advised that the Minutes of the last H&SCC meeting had been circulated. Some present intimated that they had not seen copies of this document.

SWW advised that he would liaise with AN to ensure that all Stewards received copies in future. (Next H& SCC meeting will be held on 14^th June 2005).

SWW advised that as AN now had a large H&S workload across Scottish Water and that as the issues he was dealing with were a Unison legal obligation, that the Branch needed to ensure that the Branch was adequately represented at all formal H&S Meetings. Given the H&S Officers present workload, it had now become obvious that AN needed additional support in dealing with all of the Scottish Water H&S issues.

SWW suggested that perhaps the Branch needed a new Post of “Assistant H&S Officer” discussions ensued and this new post was agreed.

P.Hyles was Proposed for the post by: SWW and Seconded by: JSA.

As no other candidates were forthcoming a vote was taken and P. Hyles was duly elected unanimously by those attending.

Service & Conditions

JSA intimated that he had inherited some cases (5) from H MacDonald and Two new cases. He was pursuing these on behalf of the members concerned. The main issues involved being:

“Buy Out” of Contractual O/T. (1)

Job Relocation. (2)

Loss of Bumped Redundancy opportunity. (3)

Misuse of Company Mobile Phone and Vehicle.(1)

Discussion then took place on “Custom and Practice “and how this affected possible contractual status in respect of Standby and O/T arrangements.

BR advised that documents confirming the interpretation of what is considered based on “custom and practice”, thus making it a contractual item and subject to management “Buy Out” had already been produced.

BR advised that he would look these out.

Another discussion on “Cross Functional Working” took place and the issue of SW’s Role Profiles was raised.

DW advised that in most cases these had been “generic” only and could not be used to make members undertake “Cross Functional Working”. AN and PH raised the H&S issues that this requirement raised across the business functions.

DW undertook to look into the Role Profile issue.

Scottish Water Council / BUC Reports

SWC

SWW gave a report on the latest meeting of the SWC and referred all present to the latest actions list sent out by G. Ferguson.

The work of the various groups relating to possible modifications of the original Comp & Ben conditions for the staff was still ongoing, but was being orchestrated by HR.

The Skills and Competencies Group in particular was finding it tough going.

Revision of the present STAR (Performance Related Pay) system was also being discussed.

AN asked those present to impress upon lone workers the importance of using CRYSIS system and to report back on any problems.

SW Solutions

JSA. Intimated that the Design Work for Q&S II were drawing to a close and that large number of “Secondees” were shortly to be returned to their home companies It was hoped by means of the Q&S III “Start Early “ survey work and the Q&S II construction work to keep all of the SW secondees within Solutions.

Solutions Board and Managers were confident of gaining Q&SIII but Solutions were required to provide a formal submission to the Scottish Executive (via and endorsed by the SWS and SW Boards) intimating the reasons that they should be awarded the Q&S III Contract.

As intimated at the last meeting the Stewards within Solutions had been asked to provide a document in support of Solutions case for being awarded Q&S III and had (under the present circumstances) done so.

The document had been forwarded to the Branches Senior Officers for agreement and had been accepted, it was now available for any Steward to view and comment on.

Recruitment

Unison Recruitment Document now issued to Branches. SWW to take away and report at next Branch Meeting.

Meeting informed that due to continuing VS within SW that we now have only one Unison Shop Steward located within Balmore Road offices.

SWW to assist FA to seek replacement Stewards.

Correspondance

Unison East Team - Open Day (Edinburgh City Chambers).

Letter inviting Branch to send delegates to this event which is being held on Friday 13^th May 2005 received.

Agreed JSA to attend to represent the Branch

Letter from J Monan ( Branch Accounts 2004)

The Branch had received a letter from Jane thanking the SW Branch for it’s early submission of the 2004 Accounts.

All present agreed a vote of thanks be given to our Treasurer (ID) for all his hard work in ensuring these accounts were submitted well before time.

Letter from J. Sheridan:

Noted but Branch to take no action.

AOCB

Hazards Conference

AN raised this up and coming conference and asked if the SW Branch would be sending delegates. SWW advised that he had not (to date) received any information on this Conference. It was agreed that both SWW and AN to pursue this.

The Branch then agreed (in principle) to send both AN and PH to this event when the information came to hand.

Date of next meeting

Tuesday 24^th May at 1100am in the Old Board Room, Bullion House, Dundee.

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Minutes of the Scottish Water Branch Meeting held in Unison Resource Centre, 52 Shore Street, Inverness on 22^nd March 2005

Present:

Steve Scott, Fred Gibson, Ravi Nathan, Iain Diamond,

Andy Nisbet, Tom Beattie, Maggie Denholm, Ivor Martin,

Stephan Walker, David Wilkinson, Jim Anderson (Shetland),

Hector MacDonald, Willie Fortune, Jim Anderson (Edinburgh),

Gareth Lithgow, Fergus Allan, Donnie MacInnes.

David Wilkinson in the Chair

(Note: in abbreviation SW refers to Scottish Water; SWW refers to Stephan Walker; JA refers to Jim Anderson (Shetland) ; and JSA refers to Jim Anderson (Edinburgh))

Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Elaine Noble, Jean Swan, Lorraine Moore, Ken Seaward, Hugh Strachan, Paul Hyles, Joe McCulloch, and Richard Mould

Minutes of previous meeting (22^nd February 2005)

SWW apologised for the lack of minutes

Matters Arising

Operational Management Centre (OMC) – SWW confirmed this would be discussed at next SWC. It was noted that there were a number of workgroups on the go whose outputs were likely to affect members’ working conditions. It was agreed SWW write to Andrew Walker regarding their remits, structure, and TU involvement etc

Delegates for Annual Conference

Following discussion the following was agreed:

Water & Environment Conference –

Delegates – Donnie MacInnes & Andy Nisbet

Visitors – Fergus Allan, Richard Mould, Stephan Walker, Paul Hyles, Willie Fortune

National Delegate Conference –

Delegates – Iain Diamond, Maggie Denholm, Fergus Allan

Visitors - Paul Hyles, Ravi Nathan, David Wilkinson, Willie Fortune, Stephan Walker, Richard Mould, Andy Nisbet

SWW advised that the Standing Orders Committee for the Water & Environment Conference had referred the motion submitted by the Branch to National Delegate Conference Standing Orders Committee as the subject matter was felt to have an impact beyond Water & Environment Service Group.

SWC/ BUC/ Branch Officer Reports

Branch Secretary

SWW reported on the aggregate AGM meetings across the country. It was noted that a quorum had been achieved. An update was also given on last SWC.

SWW & DW had a productive meeting with BR covering branch development and organisation, and education. All activists will be contacted to establish what training they have had and to help identify training needs. A training register will be held to record all such information. All requests for training are now to go to BR (either direct or to resource centre) who has full authority to approve relevant training. Course lists had been circulated and guidance previously issued regarding applying for courses and time off etc would be redistributed.

Treasurer

Thanks were expressed to ID for the high quality of the written report submitted, and for submitting audited annual accounts on time. Although not ideal it was recognised that the branch accounts had been audited by branch officers out of necessity due to financial predicament of 2004. It was agreed to transfer back into the Disputes Fund the money which had been taken out to cover the retention held back by Unison in 2004 for not submitting Annual Accounts on times. It was agreed that FA and ID investigate alternative high interest accounts.

Welfare

FA reported on member who had been given assistance to help with recovery from long term illness.

Health & Safety

AN advised that the main H&SCC had been cancelled due to bad weather. A meeting had been held with Alison Mackenzie re DSE assessments in the call centre. PH had attended meeting re Risk Assessments. It was noted that there had been no formal approval of RAs for single man choke squads although instructions had been given to staff to use unapproved RAs. It was agreed AN contact PH & Lorraine Miller prior to any formal communication to SW from the Branch.

AN asked those present to impress upon lone workers the importance of using CRYSIS system and to report back on any problems.

A meeting of all Safety Reps was scheduled for 12^th April in Glasgow. This would be the first such meeting and it is envisaged meetings will be held on at least a quarterly basis.

Service Conditions

HM to demit office to JSA. It was recognised that there was a need to collate information on what local agreements existed within SW.

DW reported on outcome of Stage 4 grievance re STAR progression. There is dissatisfaction with the existing processes for grievances and this needs to be addressed through SWC.

Rewards Groups

Updates were received from IM on Pay Differentials and DW on Pay Progression. SWW had not been able to attend last steering group meeting. It was noted that the recommendation of the Pay Progression group on payments to those on the top of their salary band had been overruled by the steering group. It was further noted that the work of the Skills and Flexibilities group was to be combined with the Pay Progression group.

SE Assets BUC

Minutes of the meeting of the Maintenance Strategy group were presented. (see Item 3.1). It was noted that the outputs of the Multi Skilling, and Up skilling group potentially conflicted with the work of the Rewards group (see Item 3.1)

Contracting Services BUC

WF advised that he had represented a member of another TU (as an employee representative) at an investigation hearing for a Utility strike. It was noted that there had been several such hearings and the likely cause i