Dear Member
You have recently been sent via e-mail a survey from BCC in respect of Delivering Successful Performance (D.S.P.) We are urging you to complete it. You may recall when BCC brought this in to replace the Appraisal System, UNISON along with ASPECT (Association of Professionals in Education & Children’s Trust) agreed to trial for a year with the caveat of a robust review at the end of the year. The other Union AEP (Association of Educational Psychologists) has refused to implement this and have advised their members accordingly.
Therefore you will understand that in order that a robust review can be achieved there does need to be a high number of responses to the survey to ensure that a balanced view can be sought. We will be able to access the results in order to see that there is true accountability.
You may or may not be aware that it is BCC’s intention to introduce Contribution Based Pay. This is to replace the current pay award system, i.e. an annual cost of living award, where financially possible together with increments to those who are not at the top of their pay range. BCC’s proposal is to link a pay award to the outcome of an individual staff member’s D.S.P. Only those who achieve a certain level and perform to a certain degree will be eligible to receive a share of a financial pot. UNISON is not comfortable with this position and we are currently in negotiations with BCC, AEP and ASPECT.
We feel that had the Appraisal System been used consistently and appropriately throughout the organisation, together with the Policies for Performance, there would not have been the need to purchase the software, commission consultants for advice, or indeed all the associated costs to bring in D.S.P.
Your response to this survey is vital in deciding how we go forward with the negotiations and the future of your pay remuneration.
Yours Sincerely
PENNY GRAY
Branch Secretary
BOB WALTER
Branch Chairman
Friday, 2 March 2012
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Branch AGM
The branch AGM will be held on Thursday 2nd Feb 2010 starting at 1pm, Mezzanine Room 1, New County Offices, Aylesbury.
A buffet will be provided from 1230, please give the branch office a ring if you will require refreshments no later than 6th Jan 2012.
A buffet will be provided from 1230, please give the branch office a ring if you will require refreshments no later than 6th Jan 2012.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Terms and Conditions proposals Meeting 5th Dec.
A meeting has been arranged for Monday 5th December 2011
at the Aylesbury Ex-servicemen's Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury
starting at 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm.
to discuss the latest Terms and Conditions proposals
after our recent meetings with Management Side.
Please make every effort to attend so the Branch has your views as a member.
Bucks County Branch UNISON
at the Aylesbury Ex-servicemen's Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury
starting at 12.30 pm until 1.30 pm.
to discuss the latest Terms and Conditions proposals
after our recent meetings with Management Side.
Please make every effort to attend so the Branch has your views as a member.
Bucks County Branch UNISON
Monday, 28 November 2011
Picket lines for Wednesday 30th Nov. 2011
Dear member
Arrangements are now in place for picket lines for the proposed strike on Wednesday 30th November 2011.
There will be four picket lines at County Hall, Aylesbury commencing at 7 am until 10.30 am followed by a rally in Kingsbury Square then walking to the Railway Club for 11.00 am
There will be one picket line at Area Office, Easton Street, High Wycombe commencing at 7 am until 11.30 am with another rally starting from Wycombe Hospital walking to The Hub in Easton Street.
Refreshments will be provided at the Aylesbury and High Wycombe rallies.
There will be a further picket organised by the Chiltern District Council Branch of UNISON where we suggest members working in Amersham join if they wish.
We would welcome the support of members to join us on the day.
See you there.
Arrangements are now in place for picket lines for the proposed strike on Wednesday 30th November 2011.
There will be four picket lines at County Hall, Aylesbury commencing at 7 am until 10.30 am followed by a rally in Kingsbury Square then walking to the Railway Club for 11.00 am
There will be one picket line at Area Office, Easton Street, High Wycombe commencing at 7 am until 11.30 am with another rally starting from Wycombe Hospital walking to The Hub in Easton Street.
Refreshments will be provided at the Aylesbury and High Wycombe rallies.
There will be a further picket organised by the Chiltern District Council Branch of UNISON where we suggest members working in Amersham join if they wish.
We would welcome the support of members to join us on the day.
See you there.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Day of Action on the 30th of November 2011
Support Continues to Grow for the Day of Action on the 30th of November 2011
Support for the day of action by public service workers over changes to our pension schemes continues to grow.
Hundreds and thousands of UNISON members, are furious, frustrated, and shocked at the government’s plans to take money out of public service pensions schemes.
If the government proposals go ahead our members have told us that they will need to rethink their retirement plans, and many can’t see how they will be able to continue to do highly physical jobs until their late sixties.
Nurses, paramedics, refuse collectors, street cleaners, and police civilian staff are amongst those public service workers who stand to lose substantial sums of money as a result of proposed changes to their pension schemes.
We now know that somewhere in the region of 3 million public service workers will be participating in this day of action, these include the civil service and teaching unions.
Our hope is that the government will get down to serious negotiations.
On the 30th of November Picket lines will be going up in front of Police Stations, Hospitals, Council Offices, Colleges and schools across the Thames Valley area.
It is UNISON’s intention to actively engage with the public, so we will be talking to the public, handing out leaflets, and speaking at rallies from one end of the Thames Valley to the other.
A UNISON spokesperson said
“Our members are not asking for much – they’re doing the responsible thing, going without between 5 and 8% of their salary to save for their retirement. When they do get their pension, it won’t be a fortune – the average pension in local government is £3,800 a year, but for women, it’s less than £2,800 – just £56 a week. Over half of women pensioners in the NHS receive a pension of less than £3,500 a year hardly a gold plated pension..If government ministers were really interested in pensions fairness, they would be tackling the real pensions crisis – the lack of retirement provision in the private sector. Two thirds of private sector workers do not get a single penny from their employers towards their pension. Although this will cost taxpayers billions in means tested benefits in the long run, its still used to pit private sector against public sector – fuelling a damaging narrative that could lead to poverty in retirement for all.”
A number of rallies are planned for the day – details from http://www.unison.org.uk/southeast/
Support for the day of action by public service workers over changes to our pension schemes continues to grow.
Hundreds and thousands of UNISON members, are furious, frustrated, and shocked at the government’s plans to take money out of public service pensions schemes.
If the government proposals go ahead our members have told us that they will need to rethink their retirement plans, and many can’t see how they will be able to continue to do highly physical jobs until their late sixties.
Nurses, paramedics, refuse collectors, street cleaners, and police civilian staff are amongst those public service workers who stand to lose substantial sums of money as a result of proposed changes to their pension schemes.
We now know that somewhere in the region of 3 million public service workers will be participating in this day of action, these include the civil service and teaching unions.
Our hope is that the government will get down to serious negotiations.
On the 30th of November Picket lines will be going up in front of Police Stations, Hospitals, Council Offices, Colleges and schools across the Thames Valley area.
It is UNISON’s intention to actively engage with the public, so we will be talking to the public, handing out leaflets, and speaking at rallies from one end of the Thames Valley to the other.
A UNISON spokesperson said
“Our members are not asking for much – they’re doing the responsible thing, going without between 5 and 8% of their salary to save for their retirement. When they do get their pension, it won’t be a fortune – the average pension in local government is £3,800 a year, but for women, it’s less than £2,800 – just £56 a week. Over half of women pensioners in the NHS receive a pension of less than £3,500 a year hardly a gold plated pension..If government ministers were really interested in pensions fairness, they would be tackling the real pensions crisis – the lack of retirement provision in the private sector. Two thirds of private sector workers do not get a single penny from their employers towards their pension. Although this will cost taxpayers billions in means tested benefits in the long run, its still used to pit private sector against public sector – fuelling a damaging narrative that could lead to poverty in retirement for all.”
A number of rallies are planned for the day – details from http://www.unison.org.uk/southeast/
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Pensions Vote YES
Dear Member
UNISON is asking its members to vote YES in the ballot for industrial action to protect public sector pensions.
Current proposals mean that most people will pay more and work longer to get a pension that will be worth less.
UNISON has tried to negotiate in good faith for secure and affordable pensions – but ministers won‟t listen.
Public service pay has been frozen while inflation soars. There have been widespread redundancies, cuts to pay and conditions and closures of the vital services our communities rely on.
This unprecedented attack on pensions is the final straw.
UNISON is balloting for strike action initially to start on 30 November. We are also working with other trade unions and community groups to organise local and national protests in support of public sector pensions.
We need a big YES vote and a high turnout to send a clear and united message to ministers that “enough is enough” and to help persuade them to withdraw their current unfair and unjustified attacks on pensions. The ballot opens on 11 October and closes on 3 November.
Help us to spread the word so that your colleagues in UNISON vote YES in the ballot. There are posters and leaflets to put up and hand out. Information about the campaign and ballot can be found on the UNISON website. Our contact centre UNISONdirect is also dealing with queries on 0845 355 0845. If you have not received your ballot paper by 17 October please phone them to request a ballot paper. The cut off point for requesting a ballot paper is noon on 31 October.
Please vote YES to protect your pension.”
Bucks County Branch UNISON
UNISON is asking its members to vote YES in the ballot for industrial action to protect public sector pensions.
Current proposals mean that most people will pay more and work longer to get a pension that will be worth less.
UNISON has tried to negotiate in good faith for secure and affordable pensions – but ministers won‟t listen.
Public service pay has been frozen while inflation soars. There have been widespread redundancies, cuts to pay and conditions and closures of the vital services our communities rely on.
This unprecedented attack on pensions is the final straw.
UNISON is balloting for strike action initially to start on 30 November. We are also working with other trade unions and community groups to organise local and national protests in support of public sector pensions.
We need a big YES vote and a high turnout to send a clear and united message to ministers that “enough is enough” and to help persuade them to withdraw their current unfair and unjustified attacks on pensions. The ballot opens on 11 October and closes on 3 November.
Help us to spread the word so that your colleagues in UNISON vote YES in the ballot. There are posters and leaflets to put up and hand out. Information about the campaign and ballot can be found on the UNISON website. Our contact centre UNISONdirect is also dealing with queries on 0845 355 0845. If you have not received your ballot paper by 17 October please phone them to request a ballot paper. The cut off point for requesting a ballot paper is noon on 31 October.
Please vote YES to protect your pension.”
Bucks County Branch UNISON
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Pension Meetings, dates and venues
Meeting in Aylesbury Monday 10th October 2011 - 12-30 to 1.30 pm
The Aylesbury Ex-Servicemens Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury.
Meeting in High Wycombe Wednesday 12th October 2011 - 12.30-1.30 pm
The Hub, Union Baptist Church, Easton Street, High Wycombe
Meeting in Amersham Tuesday 11th October 2011 - 12.55 - 155 pm
Chiltern District Council Offices, Large and Small Committee Rooms,
King George V Road, Amersham
UNISON is asking its members to vote YES in the ballot for industrial action to protect public sector pensions.
Current proposals mean that most people will pay more and work longer to get a pension that will be worth less.
UNISON has tried to negotiate in good faith for secure and affordable pensions - but ministers won't listen.
Public service pay has been frozen while inflation soars. There have been widespread redundancies, cuts to pay and conditions and closures of the vital services our communities rely on.
This unprecedented attack on pensions is the final straw.
UNISON is balloting for strike action initially to start on 30 November. We are also working with other trade unions and community groups to organise local and national protests in support of public sector pensions.
We need a big YES vote and a high turnout to send a clear and united message to ministers that enough is enough and to help persuade them to withdraw their current unfair and unjustified attacks on pensions.
The ballot opens on 11 October and closes on 3 November.
Please spread the word so that your colleagues in UNISON vote YES in the ballot. There are posters and leaflets to put up and hand out, and plenty of information and FAQs on the website.
There will be a ballot hotline open from 17-31 October on 0845 355 0845.
Please vote YES to protect your pension.
Bucks County Branch UNISON
The Aylesbury Ex-Servicemens Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury.
Meeting in High Wycombe Wednesday 12th October 2011 - 12.30-1.30 pm
The Hub, Union Baptist Church, Easton Street, High Wycombe
Meeting in Amersham Tuesday 11th October 2011 - 12.55 - 155 pm
Chiltern District Council Offices, Large and Small Committee Rooms,
King George V Road, Amersham
UNISON is asking its members to vote YES in the ballot for industrial action to protect public sector pensions.
Current proposals mean that most people will pay more and work longer to get a pension that will be worth less.
UNISON has tried to negotiate in good faith for secure and affordable pensions - but ministers won't listen.
Public service pay has been frozen while inflation soars. There have been widespread redundancies, cuts to pay and conditions and closures of the vital services our communities rely on.
This unprecedented attack on pensions is the final straw.
UNISON is balloting for strike action initially to start on 30 November. We are also working with other trade unions and community groups to organise local and national protests in support of public sector pensions.
We need a big YES vote and a high turnout to send a clear and united message to ministers that enough is enough and to help persuade them to withdraw their current unfair and unjustified attacks on pensions.
The ballot opens on 11 October and closes on 3 November.
Please spread the word so that your colleagues in UNISON vote YES in the ballot. There are posters and leaflets to put up and hand out, and plenty of information and FAQs on the website.
There will be a ballot hotline open from 17-31 October on 0845 355 0845.
Please vote YES to protect your pension.
Bucks County Branch UNISON
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
BCC CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS
You should by now have had sight of the BCC Changing Times Special sent out to employees regarding changes to Terms and Conditions, if not look on the BCC intranet.
UNISON has arranged a meeting on Thursday 8th September 2011,
between 12.30 and 1.30 pm in the Aylesbury Ex-Servicemen's Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury, to seek your views on these changes.
Please make every effort to attend
BUCKS COUNTY BRANCH UNISON
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
PROTECT OUR PENSIONS CAMPAIGN
PROTECT OUR PENSIONS CAMPAIGN
The country is facing radical change due to the incoming Coalition Government, and proposals following the review of the Pensions scheme by Government adviser Lord Hutton. These proposals, if not challenged threaten to shake up the system of state pension for up to 750,000 public sector workers, directly reducing pension benefits and increasing the age at which people may retire.
The proposals of Lord Hutton, that directly impact on UNISON members:
v To raise the current retirement age
v To alter the way in which pensions are calculated
v Increase individual pension contributions
In response to this radical proposal UNISON have acted quickly and all branches have met to discuss the way forward. The Buckinghamshire branch arranged a general meeting for all local members in the Ex-Serviceman’s club on Walton Street in Aylesbury on the 29th May 2011. The meeting was held to launch and support the national UNISON ‘Protect Our Pensions Campaign’, and discuss the issues for Buckinghamshire members in more detail. If you were unable to attend this very informative meeting, there are a number of Facts Sheets available free of charge from the Branch Office. These include: Ten Key Facts and Myths Exposed, which explain what the review findings are, and investigations into the truth behind the statements within the documentation.
At the meeting, members were informed that UNISON as a national Union are reviewing all of the Government information, which states that long term cuts have to be made in order to make the pension system sustainable in the future.
The Protect Our Pensions Campaign was devised to inform all members of the latest information and encourage support to challenge the findings and proposal of the Hutton Review. Extra personnel will be required to ensure that each UNISON branch and their members are fully up to date with the latest information; these active volunteers will be our Pension Champions and Pensions Contacts.
Thank you to Martin Cross for volunteering to be our first Pension Champions, and to Steve Belfrage and Keith Stokes for becoming our first Pension Contacts. Without the support of our members it would not be possible to take such an active part in this vital campaign to protect our pensions.
“It is time for everyone to get involved, just remember no one person can do everything, but every one of us can do something!” Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON
Contacts:
Martin Cross 01296 382646
macross@buckscc.go.uk
Steve Belfrage 01296 388606
sbelfrage@buckscc.gov.uk
Keith Stokes 01296 383063
kstokes@buckscc.gov.uk
The country is facing radical change due to the incoming Coalition Government, and proposals following the review of the Pensions scheme by Government adviser Lord Hutton. These proposals, if not challenged threaten to shake up the system of state pension for up to 750,000 public sector workers, directly reducing pension benefits and increasing the age at which people may retire.
The proposals of Lord Hutton, that directly impact on UNISON members:
v To raise the current retirement age
v To alter the way in which pensions are calculated
v Increase individual pension contributions
In response to this radical proposal UNISON have acted quickly and all branches have met to discuss the way forward. The Buckinghamshire branch arranged a general meeting for all local members in the Ex-Serviceman’s club on Walton Street in Aylesbury on the 29th May 2011. The meeting was held to launch and support the national UNISON ‘Protect Our Pensions Campaign’, and discuss the issues for Buckinghamshire members in more detail. If you were unable to attend this very informative meeting, there are a number of Facts Sheets available free of charge from the Branch Office. These include: Ten Key Facts and Myths Exposed, which explain what the review findings are, and investigations into the truth behind the statements within the documentation.
At the meeting, members were informed that UNISON as a national Union are reviewing all of the Government information, which states that long term cuts have to be made in order to make the pension system sustainable in the future.
The Protect Our Pensions Campaign was devised to inform all members of the latest information and encourage support to challenge the findings and proposal of the Hutton Review. Extra personnel will be required to ensure that each UNISON branch and their members are fully up to date with the latest information; these active volunteers will be our Pension Champions and Pensions Contacts.
Thank you to Martin Cross for volunteering to be our first Pension Champions, and to Steve Belfrage and Keith Stokes for becoming our first Pension Contacts. Without the support of our members it would not be possible to take such an active part in this vital campaign to protect our pensions.
“It is time for everyone to get involved, just remember no one person can do everything, but every one of us can do something!” Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON
Contacts:
Martin Cross 01296 382646
macross@buckscc.go.uk
Steve Belfrage 01296 388606
sbelfrage@buckscc.gov.uk
Keith Stokes 01296 383063
kstokes@buckscc.gov.uk
Monday, 16 May 2011
Pensions Meeting
Bucks County branch of UNISON has arranged a Pensions meeting
which is taking place at the Aylesbury Ex Services Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury
between 12.30 - 1.30 pm on Monday 23rd May 2011.
All UNISON members are welcome to come along
to the presentation which will be given by Ruth Smith, Regional Organiser from Reading.
UNISON Bucks County Branch
01296 382026
which is taking place at the Aylesbury Ex Services Club, Walton Street, Aylesbury
between 12.30 - 1.30 pm on Monday 23rd May 2011.
All UNISON members are welcome to come along
to the presentation which will be given by Ruth Smith, Regional Organiser from Reading.
UNISON Bucks County Branch
01296 382026
Monday, 11 April 2011
Is 'Delivering Successful Performance' quite what it seems?
You may have seen information from HR coming round about their new performance management system - Delivering Successful Performance. Indeed staff have been invited to sign up for employee briefings on this new system, and management training is already underway. So, what are they not telling you about Delivering Successful Performance? Bucks County Council are required under their own agreement with us to negotiate with us in relation to the principles underpinning any performance management scheme. Negotiations were underway for many months during 2010. There are two things you need to know about those negotiations: 1) When the scheme was first put to us it included a link to performance related pay. This would have been a major change to your terms and conditions of employment, meaning your pay could be adjusted up or down according to how well your manager rated your performance. We argued against this, and were successful in having it removed from the scheme; 2) We have not agreed to this scheme. On the basis that it could easily be used as a way to bring in performance related pay in at a later date, we have continued to oppose it. We do not believe it will deliver successful performance any better than the old appraisal scheme, if it were implemented properly and fairly by well trained managers. Our work around this issue has not stopped. We will continue to oppose any form of performance related pay which could be used to cut staff pay. We will continue to challenge the fact that this has been introduced without our agreement. We will continue to work to ensure that the scheme is properly reviewed and withdrawn if it is not working. If you go to the briefings, let us know your views so that we can feed them into our discussions with HR on this. Were we right to oppose performance related pay that could have led to your pay being cut? UNISON Is your Trades Union and will always argue for your best interests. Spread the word - everyone needs to be in a Trades Union these days, especially in Bucks County Council UNISON BUCKS COUNTY BRANCH
Monday, 24 January 2011
Property Services meeting Mon 31st Jan
UNISON have arranged a meeting for all Property Services members on Monday 31st January 2011 in Comt Boardroom, New County Offices, Aylesbury, between 1 pm – 2 pm.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Branch AGM
The Branch AGM will take place on
Thursday 27th January 2011
Mezzanine Room 1, New County Offices.
Meeting starts at 1 pm with buffet from 12.30 onwards.
Please confirm with the Branch Office if you will require refreshments.
01296 382026
Thursday 27th January 2011
Mezzanine Room 1, New County Offices.
Meeting starts at 1 pm with buffet from 12.30 onwards.
Please confirm with the Branch Office if you will require refreshments.
01296 382026
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
THE BUCKS COUNTY UNISON PAY CLAIM FOR 2011/12
THE BUCKS COUNTY UNISON PAY CLAIM FOR 2011/12
UNISON is submitting the following claim for a pay increase for our members in 2011/12.
1. An increase of at least £250 on all salaries and spinal column points from the bottom of Range 5 to the top of Range 12.
2. An increase of at least £400 on all salaries and spinal column points from the bottom of Range 1A to the top of Range 4. UNISON believes that the Government’s proposal of £250 for those earning up to £21,000 is not a realistic increase for those living and working in Buckinghamshire.
3. A reduction in the standard working week to 35 hours without loss of pay.
4. An increase in the basic annual leave entitlement to 25 days per year for those who currently fall below this figure.
BACKGROUND TO THE CLAIM
Buckinghamshire County Council staff are vital in supporting the local community currently under stress. Buckinghamshire County Council should seek to preserve jobs, whilst recognising the work that employees have done to bring about widespread improvement through a modest pay rise.
The modest pay increase is affordable and in line with the Chancellor’s statement to the House of Commons on 22nd June 2010. “A two year pay freeze will be introduced from 2011/12 to Public Sector workforces, except for those earning £21,000 or less, who will receive an increase of at least £250 a year.”
The growing number of redundancies across Buckinghamshire County Council places greater strain on our members and has a direct negative impact on the local community and services.
A fair and modest settlement is affordable. The un-affordability argument generally put forward does not reflect the increased level of Buckinghamshire County Council reserves in recent years.
There is still widespread use and high expenditure on agency workers and consultants which does not make good sense in terms of good employment practice, service delivery and cost.
The recent economic situation, with inflation levels (RPI 4.6%, CPI 3.1%) has markedly increased the cost of living for local government workers and left many in debt.
Ongoing recruitment and retention difficulties could be largely overcome by a fair settlement this year, and in future years, which would also help to improve Buckinghamshire County Council’s current reputation in the employment market.
Over recent years, our members have experienced pay cuts in real terms. UNISON believes this has contributed to falling staff morale amongst employees, and a feeling of being undervalued at a time of heavy work pressure and job insecurity.
The latest Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ‘Employee Outlook’ Survey found that public sector workers are the ones most likely to report that they are working under excessive pressure. The truth is that Buckinghamshire County Council employees provide vital services to our local community. Each redundancy or loss of staff is a direct cut in those services and local economies which elected Members have a responsibility for.
Our members are being expected to shoulder an unfair share of the current public expenditure cuts, whilst being forced to undergo unprecedented and often unnecessary levels of change within Buckinghamshire County Council. Buckinghamshire County Council will find the process of change far easier to undertake if our members believe they are being treated with a level of dignity and respect.
On ‘Dragons Den’ a certain gentlemen recently said, ‘If you have a problem don’t employ consultants, ask the people on the shop floor. They’ll give you the answers’. In this respect a closer dialogue with elected Members and Senior Management of Buckinghamshire County Council would be welcomed by UNISON regarding job stability, redeployment and avoidance of compulsory redundancy along with a desire to see a fair approach on all employment and staff issues
UNISON is submitting the following claim for a pay increase for our members in 2011/12.
1. An increase of at least £250 on all salaries and spinal column points from the bottom of Range 5 to the top of Range 12.
2. An increase of at least £400 on all salaries and spinal column points from the bottom of Range 1A to the top of Range 4. UNISON believes that the Government’s proposal of £250 for those earning up to £21,000 is not a realistic increase for those living and working in Buckinghamshire.
3. A reduction in the standard working week to 35 hours without loss of pay.
4. An increase in the basic annual leave entitlement to 25 days per year for those who currently fall below this figure.
BACKGROUND TO THE CLAIM
Buckinghamshire County Council staff are vital in supporting the local community currently under stress. Buckinghamshire County Council should seek to preserve jobs, whilst recognising the work that employees have done to bring about widespread improvement through a modest pay rise.
The modest pay increase is affordable and in line with the Chancellor’s statement to the House of Commons on 22nd June 2010. “A two year pay freeze will be introduced from 2011/12 to Public Sector workforces, except for those earning £21,000 or less, who will receive an increase of at least £250 a year.”
The growing number of redundancies across Buckinghamshire County Council places greater strain on our members and has a direct negative impact on the local community and services.
A fair and modest settlement is affordable. The un-affordability argument generally put forward does not reflect the increased level of Buckinghamshire County Council reserves in recent years.
There is still widespread use and high expenditure on agency workers and consultants which does not make good sense in terms of good employment practice, service delivery and cost.
The recent economic situation, with inflation levels (RPI 4.6%, CPI 3.1%) has markedly increased the cost of living for local government workers and left many in debt.
Ongoing recruitment and retention difficulties could be largely overcome by a fair settlement this year, and in future years, which would also help to improve Buckinghamshire County Council’s current reputation in the employment market.
Over recent years, our members have experienced pay cuts in real terms. UNISON believes this has contributed to falling staff morale amongst employees, and a feeling of being undervalued at a time of heavy work pressure and job insecurity.
The latest Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ‘Employee Outlook’ Survey found that public sector workers are the ones most likely to report that they are working under excessive pressure. The truth is that Buckinghamshire County Council employees provide vital services to our local community. Each redundancy or loss of staff is a direct cut in those services and local economies which elected Members have a responsibility for.
Our members are being expected to shoulder an unfair share of the current public expenditure cuts, whilst being forced to undergo unprecedented and often unnecessary levels of change within Buckinghamshire County Council. Buckinghamshire County Council will find the process of change far easier to undertake if our members believe they are being treated with a level of dignity and respect.
On ‘Dragons Den’ a certain gentlemen recently said, ‘If you have a problem don’t employ consultants, ask the people on the shop floor. They’ll give you the answers’. In this respect a closer dialogue with elected Members and Senior Management of Buckinghamshire County Council would be welcomed by UNISON regarding job stability, redeployment and avoidance of compulsory redundancy along with a desire to see a fair approach on all employment and staff issues
Monday, 1 November 2010
Members Special offers
The link belows will take you to the latest Unison Members offers page.
http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits/special.asp
http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits/special.asp
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Isn't it time you joined Unison and had your say.
The Council is proposing changes to the current Terms and Conditions of Bucks Pay employees.
They have formally written to the Trade Unions to seek their agreement on the following changes:
Mileage rates - move to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rates (40p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter) - this will save around £653,000 per annum.
Lease car mileage rates - move to HMRC lease car rates which vary according to engine size - see the HMRC mileage rates http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cars/advisory_fuel_current.htm - this will save around £45,000 per annum.
Subsistence Policy - increase the rates to £4.00 for breakfast, £5.50 for lunch, £3.00 for tea and £10.00 for dinner but with more detailed rules on when an employee can claim, e.g. employees will only be able to claim lunch if they are working outside of Buckinghamshire - this will bring us in line with market rates.
Private Medical Insurance (BUPA), which is available to those employees on Range 7 and above - close the scheme to new and existing employees not currently in the scheme - approximate saving of £20,000 per annum.
Regular Car User Allowance - remove the allowance from all staff currently in receipt but discussions are underway with the Trade Unions on a new scheme for those posts where a car is considered critical to the operation of the Authority.
Unison have asked for a response to the councils final proposals by Tuesday 26 October. If agreement is reached it is planned that the changes will come into effect on 1 February 2011.
Contact:
Unison 01296 382026
or email unison@buckscc.gov.uk.
The Unison Branch office is located in
Judges Lodging,
Walton Street,
Aylesbury
by the Swan rooms entrance
Aylesbury
They have formally written to the Trade Unions to seek their agreement on the following changes:
Mileage rates - move to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) rates (40p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter) - this will save around £653,000 per annum.
Lease car mileage rates - move to HMRC lease car rates which vary according to engine size - see the HMRC mileage rates http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cars/advisory_fuel_current.htm - this will save around £45,000 per annum.
Subsistence Policy - increase the rates to £4.00 for breakfast, £5.50 for lunch, £3.00 for tea and £10.00 for dinner but with more detailed rules on when an employee can claim, e.g. employees will only be able to claim lunch if they are working outside of Buckinghamshire - this will bring us in line with market rates.
Private Medical Insurance (BUPA), which is available to those employees on Range 7 and above - close the scheme to new and existing employees not currently in the scheme - approximate saving of £20,000 per annum.
Regular Car User Allowance - remove the allowance from all staff currently in receipt but discussions are underway with the Trade Unions on a new scheme for those posts where a car is considered critical to the operation of the Authority.
Unison have asked for a response to the councils final proposals by Tuesday 26 October. If agreement is reached it is planned that the changes will come into effect on 1 February 2011.
Contact:
Unison 01296 382026
or email unison@buckscc.gov.uk.
The Unison Branch office is located in
Judges Lodging,
Walton Street,
Aylesbury
by the Swan rooms entrance
Aylesbury
Friday, 8 October 2010
19th Oct. TUC Lobby of Parliament
ON October 20, the Chancellor will set out the details of the coalition’s spending plans for the next three years in the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). We know it will contain savage cuts that will not only hit vital services but threaten the fragile economic recovery.
The event will kick off with a rally in Westminster Central Hall at 12.30pm (doors 12.15pm). The main hall holds more than 2000 people and we want to see it filled with members, activists and service users from across the country. The rally will open with TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber and close with Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary and chair of the TUC’s Public Services Liaison Group. Other speakers will be drawn from civil society organisations and campaign groups, as well as the front-line providers and users of public services.
Following the maxim that ‘all politics is local’ we want members lobbying to use as much local information as possible and to link to campaigns against cuts in your workplace and/or where you live.
The Spending Review announcement on 20th October represents a key moment for the Coalition Government when the Chancellor announces the overall public service budgets for the next three years (2011/12 to 2013/14). Cuts are already hitting public services hard after the emergency Budget in June this year. UNISON, through its Million Voices campaign, and the TUC have been campaigning hard in the run up to the Spending Review to make the case for valuable public services, protecting the most vulnerable, tax raising alternatives to cuts (such as the Robin Hood Tax) and the risk of a double dip recession.
UNISON members are triple stakeholders as public service workers, taxpayers and users of public services. We need as many members as possible to attend the lobby (or branch/ regional events) and to explain to their MP how they and service users are affected by the cuts. Please contact Jenny Mason on j.mason@unison.co.uk is you are able to attend the lobby.
Please follow this link for information on how to get involved in the lobby:
http://unison.org.uk/ southeast/ pages_view.asp?did=11813
Please follow this link for TUC information on the lobby:
http://unison.org.uk/ southeast/ pages_view.asp?did=11813
Thanks for all your help and hard work so far– lets try and keep the momentum going!
Warm regards
Jenny Mason
The event will kick off with a rally in Westminster Central Hall at 12.30pm (doors 12.15pm). The main hall holds more than 2000 people and we want to see it filled with members, activists and service users from across the country. The rally will open with TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber and close with Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary and chair of the TUC’s Public Services Liaison Group. Other speakers will be drawn from civil society organisations and campaign groups, as well as the front-line providers and users of public services.
Following the maxim that ‘all politics is local’ we want members lobbying to use as much local information as possible and to link to campaigns against cuts in your workplace and/or where you live.
The Spending Review announcement on 20th October represents a key moment for the Coalition Government when the Chancellor announces the overall public service budgets for the next three years (2011/12 to 2013/14). Cuts are already hitting public services hard after the emergency Budget in June this year. UNISON, through its Million Voices campaign, and the TUC have been campaigning hard in the run up to the Spending Review to make the case for valuable public services, protecting the most vulnerable, tax raising alternatives to cuts (such as the Robin Hood Tax) and the risk of a double dip recession.
UNISON members are triple stakeholders as public service workers, taxpayers and users of public services. We need as many members as possible to attend the lobby (or branch/ regional events) and to explain to their MP how they and service users are affected by the cuts. Please contact Jenny Mason on j.mason@unison.co.uk is you are able to attend the lobby.
Please follow this link for information on how to get involved in the lobby:
http://unison.org.uk/ southeast/ pages_view.asp?did=11813
Please follow this link for TUC information on the lobby:
http://unison.org.uk/ southeast/ pages_view.asp?did=11813
Thanks for all your help and hard work so far– lets try and keep the momentum going!
Warm regards
Jenny Mason
Monday, 27 September 2010
European Day of Action.
Wednesday 29th Sept 2010
Please come and join us to protest against the potential cuts in public services and the effects on the local community.
10am - Outside Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Mandeville Road
12 noon - Outside Bucks County Council Offices, NCO, Walton Street
1.30pm - Outside Amersham Hospital, Whielden Street
3pm - Outside Wycombe Hospital, Queen Alexandra Road
5.30pm - Outside the Church near Primark, High Wycombe
Please come and join us to protest against the potential cuts in public services and the effects on the local community.
10am - Outside Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Mandeville Road
12 noon - Outside Bucks County Council Offices, NCO, Walton Street
1.30pm - Outside Amersham Hospital, Whielden Street
3pm - Outside Wycombe Hospital, Queen Alexandra Road
5.30pm - Outside the Church near Primark, High Wycombe
Facilities Staff Liason Group
Members are invited to the next meeting.
Friday 15th October 1230 to 1330 Mezzanine Room 3.
The contact for this meeting is Robert Walter.
Please make every effort to attend.
Friday 15th October 1230 to 1330 Mezzanine Room 3.
The contact for this meeting is Robert Walter.
Please make every effort to attend.
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Thompsons Solicitors success
Thompsons Solicitors have been successful in a claim for compensation for a member, the member of Bucks County Branch has been awarded £2200.00 for a personel injury.
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