May 2024

Branch Meeting

QUARTERLY BRANCH / HEALTH AND SAFETY MEETING 
 
The next quarterly Health and Safety meeting will be held on: 
 
Date: Friday 14th June 2024 
 
Start Time:10:00 am 
 
Venue: GMB 3 Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY
  
I trust you will be able to attend and whould be grateful if you could arrange with your Manager to be granted the appropriate paid time off to attend. 
 
Please would you confirm your attendance via email to infoWelling@gmb.org.uk   
 
Please be advised that parking at the Welling office is limited, you should therefore park in the side streets – Roseacre Road (to the side of the office) has free parking. 
 
I look forward to seeing you, on the 14th June.  
 
Regards
 
Dave Gigg
G36 Security Branch Secretary

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EMPLOYMENT INSPECTORATE INVESTIGATION AGENCY PULLS OUT OF PROVIDING STAFF

Dear members,

The strength and resolve of members continues grow.

The pictures and videos from the picket lines and demonstrations all across the country, and around the world, are amazing.

This week we have issued cease and desist letters to the key agencies that you have notified us of.

Already one agency, SGS, have replied to say that they have reviewed the requests from G4S for staff on strike days and given their concerns, are no longer going to be providing those staff.

We expect that as the dispute continues the remaining agencies will reconsider their position too.

We have also been asked to supply further information to the Employment Inspectorate to support an investigation into the supply of staff on the strike days past.

The SIA have also been contacted about the use of agency staff and we will continue to hold agencies accountable.

Separately we are also calling on DWP to join the negotiations at ACAS as this issue now impacts them directly – they can’t avoid their responsibilities to be a part of the solution.

This also extends to the health and safety breaches that members are alerting us to across the sites.

Members continue to join GMB to secure a better pay offer and win back dignity at work!

Please click the link to see a short message about the industrial action – https://youtu.be/4cCGn2ReGRs

We will continue to stand together in solidarity and strength.

Yours in union,

GMB DWP LNC Reps & GMB National Officer

EMPLOYMENT INSPECTORATE INVESTIGATION AGENCY PULLS OUT OF PROVIDING STAFF Read More »

On The Picket Line – Fair Pay for Security

On The Picket Line – Fair Pay for G4S DWP Security Guards

The GMB and G4S have been in discussions regarding a pay raise effective December 1st, 2022. Initially, G4S proposed a 5.15% increase, while inflation hovered around 13.5%. As negotiations progressed to stage 2, G4S insisted on us taking the offer to a ballot, which was subsequently rejected by the members.

Following protocol outlined in the recognition agreement, consultations were held through ACAS, but proved unfruitful as G4S failed to sufficiently enhance the offer. After two additional meetings, it was determined that binding arbitration was necessary.

The GMB outlined terms of reference (TOR) specifying the dates and period the pay increase should encompass. However, G4S sought to impose restrictions, capping the maximum arbitrator award at 7%. This proposition was deemed unacceptable and contrary to the agreement’s intent.

The GMB has held numerous meetings, during which G4S attempted to enhance the offer by manipulating award dates and percentages. Subsequently, they sought to utilize the 2023 award to sweeten the deal.

In response, the GMB conducted a ballot among members regarding strike action, resulting in an overwhelming mandate with over 90% supporting the strike.

G4S security guards employed on the DWP contract serve as essential workers, safeguarding civil servants and the public. On the frontline, they regularly face verbal and physical threats, placing themselves at risk. Shockingly, more than 70% of G4S DWP Guards currently earn minimum wage, a situation deemed unacceptable. These dedicated professionals, integral to community safety, deserve salaries commensurate with their responsibilities.

Both DWP and G4S must present a fair pay offer that acknowledges the vital role these workers play in protecting and serving the community.

On The Picket Line – Fair Pay for Security Read More »