September 2023

GMB Union Update – Time For Arbitration

Bulletin September 2023    

 

GMB Union Update – Time For Arbitration

Dear GMB Members,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and we want to thank you once again for your patience. As reported in the last update, ACAS have agreed to arbitrate but the Company were still insisting that negotiations continue and they requested a further meeting this week.

In order not to further delay the process we proposed a virtual meeting so that it could be done as soon as possible, where the Company offered, on top of the 5.15%:

  • An extra 3p an hour (0.25%) from April 2023 and;
  • Another 3p an hour (0.25%) from August 2023.

This offer proves that despite repeated denials over the years, G4S can dip its hand into its own pocket to pay Officers more than it receives from DWP.

 Now when the Company claims that “9.2% is simply not a viable option and risks the entire future of the DWP contract.” members have every right to be sceptical that the Company paying an extra 3-4% from its own pocket is somehow going to risk a multimillion pound contract.

Since talks have commenced your LNC have adjusted your claim to the lowest measure of inflation in December 2022, CPIH 9.2%, down from RPI 13.5%, in an effort to ensure that members do not fall behind the increased cost of living and to reach agreement.

The LNC holds the view that this offer is still substantially below any cost of living measurement and falls well below members expectations as expressed in your claim, so we are once again calling on the Company to move urgently to arbitration.

It has previously only taken a few emails to agree the terms of arbitration so unlike the Company we don’t see that taking up too much time or resources.

Please ensure you share this update with non-members and encourage them to voice their opinions on pay by joining

GMB: https://www.gmb.org.uk/join-gmb

In solidarity,

GMB DWP LNC                                                                                                             

GMB National Officer                                                 

GMB Union Update – Time For Arbitration Read More »

National Equalities Summit

We’re pleased to confirm that we are running five online National Equality Summits this Autumn – giving our underrepresented members the chance to come together to develop their knowledge of workplace organising and campaigning.

 

All Regions are invited to send attendees who belong to the five equality groups to the summits, with no limit on how many members can attend and no requirement for any level of experience. This learning and development opportunity is open to all members who identify with the relevant group, and members new to campaigning are most welcome.

 

Please see more details here: gmb-equality-summits-2023 (gmb-southern.org.uk)

 

As a result of there being no limit to the number of attendees, it has been agreed that we will advertise the summits to all GMB Southern Region members. However, Branches like yours will be informed of who has applied to attend and asked to raise any concerns.

 

Please share this information with your members and ask them to apply for a place using the links below:

 

Race Summit – Black, Asian and minority ethnic workers: Saturday 4 November 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMUdNM0gxSU9KUTEyN0k1NThMSzNGVFNGSi4u

Disabled Workers Summit: Saturday 18 November

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMU5YN1ZYWTdPSzRaVThKQ1pKMldJSUZUMC4u

Young Workers Summit – Workers age 30 & under: Saturday 25 November

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UQkZTMDNKU1A0NjBSMENJVUVVRkNYSEkyTS4u

Women Workers Summit: Saturday 2 December

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UNUZURjFHMDUyMlNCR1dZTlI3TEVPRUYyVi4u

LGBT+ Workers Summit: Saturday 9 December

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMjM5QU5VN0lCWVNINzZXT0xZVkFOSENYNS4u

 

The deadline for applications to be received by the Region is Thursday 5th October at midday.

 

National Equalities Summit Read More »

G4S DWP Update

Bulletin September 2023

GMB Union Update – ACAS Agree to Arbitration

 

Dear GMB Members,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and we want to thank you once again for your patience.

Like you, the LNC are exceptionally frustrated by the continual delays, the Company are obviously doing everything they can to avoid participating in arbitration.

Your LNC can only guess that the Company are scared about potentially having to pay members any additional money that comes from their own pocket, not just what DWP have funded them.

However we can report some good news.

ACAS have advised that they are prepared to arbitrate on the pay for 2022/23.

 

But this won’t come as a surprise to members now, the Company are still trying to avoid arbitration and are seeking another meeting (18th September) to table another offer.

We cannot emphasise this enough that the Company is deliberately doing this to try and undermine your collective strength and position.

Your support is invaluable in these negotiations, and we thank you for standing together in solidarity.

If you require further information, please contact your local GMB Representative or GMB Office.

Please ensure you share this update with non-members and encourage them to voice their opinions on pay by joining GMB: https://www.gmb.org.uk/join-gmb

In solidarity,

   GMB DWP LNC                                                                                                                                                                  GMB National Officer

G4S DWP Update Read More »

Mitie Pay Update September

September 2023

MITIE HMT 2023 PAY UPDATE

Dear Members

We hope this bulletin finds you in good spirits, we want to keep you informed about latest developments and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to achieving fair terms for all members.

We understand and share your frustration with the delay in getting this matter resolved, ACAS have now confirmed arrangements and the meeting will now take place on Monday 18th September at their offices in Victoria Street SW1.

We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we navigate through this process.

We will keep you updated on further developments.

In Solidarity

Mick Butler

GMB Union Regional Organiser

Please ensure that any colleagues who aren’t yet GMB members have their say on pay by joining GMB: https://www.gmb.org.uk/join-gmb

Mitie Pay Update September Read More »

Creating a Robust Profession: Improving the Perception of Security Workers

Security workers play a crucial role in our society, ensuring the safety and protection of individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. However, the perception of security workers has often been negative, with many considering it as a stop gap job rather than a respected profession. It is time for the security industry to unite and work together to change this perception and create a robust profession that attracts dedicated individuals.

One of the key factors in improving the perception of security workers is to offer better terms and conditions. Currently, many security jobs are low-paid with long working hours and limited career progression opportunities. This not only discourages talented individuals from considering security as a profession but also attracts workers who are not truly interested in security but rather see it as a temporary source of income.

To address this issue, security companies should strive to offer competitive salaries and benefits to their employees. This would not only attract skilled professionals but also incentivize them to stay in the industry for the long term. Additionally, providing opportunities for career development and progression within the security sector would give workers a sense of purpose and motivation to excel in their roles.

Another important aspect of improving the perception of security workers is to enhance their training and education. Currently, the training requirements for security workers vary widely.By establishing enhanced standardised and comprehensive training programs, security workers can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and professionally.

The current professional certification system (SIA) for security workers does add some credibility and legitimacy to the industry. This certification serves as a good start but needs enhancing further. Although SIA certification is mandatory. more needs to be done to raise the overall standard of the industry.

The security industry also needs to actively engage in public outreach and education to change the perception of security workers. This can be done through various means such as community events, educational campaigns, and collaboration with other industries. By showcasing the importance and professionalism of security workers, we can challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that have plagued the industry for far too long.

In conclusion, it is imperative for the security industry to come together and improve the perception of security workers. This can be achieved through better terms and conditions, enhanced training and education, and active public outreach. By creating a robust profession that attracts dedicated individuals, we can ensure the safety and security of our communities while offering fulfilling careers to security workers

Creating a Robust Profession: Improving the Perception of Security Workers Read More »