UCATT Midlands
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UCATT Alarmed at Birmingham Council Contract Madness
UCATT members working for Morrisons in Birmingham have been left fearing for their long-term futures after it was revealed that the Council is intent on splitting up the contract they work on.
The Council’s decision has horrified tenants groups who fear that the new proposals will lead to a far poorer service.
Morrisons currently holds the contract to provide both repairs and capital works in the north of the Birmingham. Morrisons have met all their Key Performance Indicators, have substantially reduced sickness rates and are regularly used as an example of best practice by other local authorities and private contractors.
Despite these achievements the council is intending to split the existing contract into seven areas from next April. The repairs contract will be split into two contracts, the capital programme will be divided between three existing contractors. The calls centre will be handed to Vertex whose performance has previously attracted criticism in the city. Part of the contract will also transfer to the contractor who is responsible for the southern part of the city, due to boundary changes.
Steve Murphy, UCATT’s Midlands Regional Secretary, said: “This latest madness from Birmingham Council is a kick in the teeth for tenants and workers alike. This is a high performing service, which has won widespread approval. It is simply crazy to even consider splitting it seven ways. This will cause huge instability and tenants will inevitably experience a poorer service.”
It is feared that the transfer process could lead to workers being made redundant, being forced to accept poorer pay and conditions and have a question mark placed over their pensions.
Mr Murphy added: “My members have made enormous efforts to improve their level of service. They have embraced new working practices, undertaken multi-skilling and are properly engaging with tenants. To be treated this way by the council and to face real uncertainty on their futures in the run up to Christmas, is frankly disgraceful.”
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UCATT Prepares for industrial Action in Birmingham Council Dispute
Construction union UCATT is preparing to ballot its members at Birmingham council for strike action, after the Conservative/Liberal Democrat led local authority pressed ahead with its unilateral decision to change workers terms and conditions.
Letters were sent today to the 40,500 affected workers informing them what their new terms and conditions will be.
UCATT is furious that despite numerous requests there has been no consultation with the union on the matter. Many UCATT members are set to receive new contracts, which contain vastly inferior terms and conditions.
Steve Murphy, UCATT regional secretary for the Midlands region, said: “Birmingham council leaders are acting like feudal barons, who believe they have complete mastery of their workers. Such actions are a disgrace in the 21st century and must be condemned. Strike action is always a last resort but our members have got no option due to the council’s intransigent stance.”
UCATT will now press ahead with a formal ballot for industrial action. Balloting will begin before the end of the year. An informal consultative ballot earlier this year showed overwhelming support for industrial action.
It is expected that the other town hall unions in Birmingham also affected by the council’s actions will also be seeking a mandate for industrial action from their members.
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UCATT Wins Extra Pay For Workers
Construction union UCATT has won pay rises of up to £3 an hour for over 40 workers at Swift Plant Hire based at Ibstock in Leicestershire. With 90 per cent of the workers joining UCATT the union has won recognition at the company.
The company had claimed that their staff were paid in line with the National Working Rule Agreement. On closer inspection UCATT officials found this to be incorrect. even though wages slips referred to the NWPA.
When UCATT officials challenged managers about the “unlawful deduction of wages”, the company agreed to pay the workers 3 months back pay and also agreed to sign a recognition deal with UCATT
Alan Ritchie, general secretary of UCATT, said: “The hard work of UCATT officials means that workers at Swiss Plant Hire are now receiving the wages they are entitled to. This will send a message to construction bosses throughout the country that we will not stand idly by and allow hardworking building workers to be underpaid and exploited.”
The workers involved are employed as labourers and also in the operation and management of hire tools.
Under the recognition agreement all workers will receive a new contract of employment and UCATT have signed a recognition agreement, which includes the right to shop stewards and safety representatives.
Steve Murphy, UCATT regional secretary for the Midlands, said: “This is a great achievement for UCATT and its members and shows how collective agreements can financially benefit workers.”
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UCATT Signs Recognition Agreement At Midlands Expressway
Construction union UCATT will in future represent workers on the M6 toll road.
UCATT agreed a voluntary recognition agreement with the company Midlands Expressway, after an existing union member contacted the union. The 180 workers employed by the company are predominantly employed operating tollbooths.
In future UCATT will negotiate on behalf of workers on a range of issues including pay and conditions and health and safety.
Steve Murphy, UCATT regional secretary for the Midlands, said: “By entering into this partnership agreement we hope to provide a stable platform for industrial relations. Where companies recognise UCATT vital issues such as health and safety always show a noticeable improvement.”