November 2010
Members vote to accept changes
Inspire members have voted overwhelmingly to accept changes
to terms and conditions after UNISON negotiators were able to
get some improvements to the overall package.
The changes still mean cuts to terms and conditions but after
lengthy negotiations, UNISON believed there was no option but
to recommend the proposals to members. On a 45% return, 73% of
members voted to accept the proposals.
There has been widespread consultation with members throughout
this process. UNISON has also reached agreement with Inspire management
to hold quarterly meetings to monitor the effects of the operational
review so that any issues can be formally notified and addressed.
A letter will be sent out to members this week.
Branch ballots Inspire
members on changes to terms and conditions
The branch is conducting an informal ballot of all members in
Inspire on proposed changes to terms and conditions of service.
A ballot paper has been sent out to all members to be returned
by NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2010.
Following on from the series of consultation meetings between
UNISON, representatives from the Workers' Voice Forum and senior
management since July, Inspire have now put forward their final
set of proposals for the Operational Review.
Sarah Duncan, Regional Organiser said, "We are now asking
for members' opinions on whether these proposals are acceptable
or not.
"UNISON held consultation meetings with members on 20 and
21 October. At those meetings UNISON undertook to request some
amendments to the proposals.
"Management have now agreed that there will be no statutory
weekly wage cap for redundancy payments so managers' redundancy
payments will be calculated on their actual weekly wage; payment
of emergency relief hours where there is no option at employee's
standard rate; and pay protection for all staff, including Support
Workers on mid-scale points, until 31 March 2011 This means that
no Support Worker will have to take a pay cut until the next increment
is due in April 2011."
"UNISON believes that these proposals are the best that
can be achieved by negotiation. We have obtained detailed financial
information from Inspire and we are aware of the very difficult
financial climate for voluntary sector care and support services
over the next few years.
"UNISON has been convinced that Inspire's costs need to
be cut in order for Inspire to retain, and hopefully win, contracts
from local authorities and protect jobs and the quality of service
provided to vulnerable people," added Sarah.
Jim Murphy, Steward said, "Substantial savings have been
achieved through shedding posts at Head Office, including deleting
the posts of Chief Operating Officer and Depute Operations Manager,
after representations made by UNISON.
"Therefore, very regretfully, UNISON can see no alternative
to the current proposals, although we have very heavy hearts about
the severity of the salary cuts for the lowest paid staff in the
organisation.
"UNISON is committed to pressing Inspire to review Support
Worker and Team Leader salaries as soon as the organisation's
financial position improves. We have a commitment to quarterly
meetings with management to monitor the effects of the operational
review and will be keeping up the pressure to increase the hourly
rate as soon as possible."
It is very important that all UNISON members return their
ballot paper so both the union and the employer know the views
of as many workers as possible.
Click
here if you would like to join UNISON.
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