Work in the NATIONAL
HEALTH SERVICE
FEBRUARY 2011/02
Agenda for Change Agreement under Threat due to Government
Reforms
Pay Enabling Agreement – Nationally the trade unions have all
rejected the proposal tabled in the ‘Pay Enabling Agreement’
which could have led to a suspension of pay progression and pay
increases for two years. Employers are attempting to ‘sell’ this
deal locally. You need to contact your local GMB Office if your
workplace/trusts commence a local dialogue on this issue with
the local staff side.
Key Terms and Conditions – Update
29TH April – Public Bank Holiday – After a local consultation
of GMB workplaces in the NHS, the general response was that
the Public Holiday should be paid as per the Agenda for Change
agreement. Nationally the employer has responded by saying:
“Where employees are required to work on 29th April 2010,
payment and conditions of service will be those which apply on a
normal Friday with a day off in lieu. Other staff would be
entitled to a day’s paid leave”
The employer nationally is unable to agree to any additional
payment at the enhanced rates and employers locally will now be
determining their arrangements locally. A further update will
follow.
National Recruitment Retention Premia – NRRP. If you are
in receipt of a NRRP you need to contact your local GMB office.
Proposals have been tabled to cease the NRRP and transitional
arrangements are currently being consulted on.
Threat to the Agenda for Change Agreement – Although the
application of the Agenda for Change agreement has varied
locally some trusts have now begun to introduce terms and
conditions outside the Agenda for Change agreement. The GMB
is collating information to assess to what extent this practice is
happening and therefore email nhs@gmb.org.uk to share your
experience of this. Please note if you require specific advice you
need to secure this through you local GMB Branch or Office.
GET ORGANISED and Save the
NHS - Many GMB reps and
members have been organising their
workplaces to strengthen the GMB
membership and structures. GMB
members and reps are asked to redouble their efforts and ensure that
all non union members are asked to
join the GMB so that collectively we
can challenge the government’s
proposals and keep the NHS in the
Public Sector. Following on from
the previous GMB newsletter you
need to continue to build on the
activity already started:
1. Organise a GMB meeting to
discuss how the reforms will
affect you locally. Elect a
small group of members to
organise a visit to your local
MP’s constituency office.
2. Ask your local GMB Office
to issue a local press release
highlighting key issues on
your local trust.
3. If you do not have a local rep
in your workplace, now is
the time to stand up and take
this role. Contact your local
GMB office to discuss this
further.
4. If your work colleagues have
not joined the GMB – now is
the time to build solidarity
and GMB membership, ask
them to join the GMB.
Join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join
Why Join?
GMB is Britain’s fastest growing trade union.
GMB is a campaigning trade union; its job is
to get the best deal for GMB members at
work and is committed to building a strong
TRADE UNION BARGAINING BRIEFING – ADVICE
NOTE - The Government has asked the NHS to find around 20
billion pounds of savings in England; devolved nations are going
through their own challenges. Either way GMB reps need to be
equipped with the best advice as to how to manage these difficult
times.
organisation in every GMB workplace, and so
help make every workplace safer. Whoever you
are, wherever you work in the NHS:
joining GMB is the right decision.
GMB wins over £50 million each year for its
members who have been injured or made ill at
work. This service is free to GMB members as
part of their membership package.
GMB members work in every part of the UK
The Health unions are currently putting together an advice note
for you. The briefing is designed to offer advice and support to
local reps on a number of key issues as part of any local
challenges being pursued. This briefing will cover the following:
•
•
•
Key features to consider in any accounts shared with the
trade union side.
How to access a trust’s financial plan.
Key questions and guidance on budget pressures.
This briefing will be issued to you shortly.
economy doing every type of job imaginable
including your Sector. GMB members are men
and women, full and part time, young and old
and are made up of a wide and diverse cross
section of our society.
Every day of the year GMB Workplace
Representatives are solving members' problems
and providing expert guidance and advice to
members at work on a range of issues including:
•
hours of work
•
pay
•
work life balance
•
job security
•
pensions
•
health & safety
•
legal advice
•
how to deal with bullying and
harassment
•
equality at work
•
disciplinary and grievance matters
GMB has almost 20,000 GMB
trained Workplace Representatives members who voluntarily give their time to
negotiate, advise and represent work
colleagues who are GMB members. Backing up
these GMB Workplace Representatives is a
network of full time GMB Organisers and
specialists who are experts in the world of work.
DAY OF ACTION – 1st April 2011 – A day of action is being
planned in the NHS. This is not industrial action but a day
which will involve some sort of activities where NHS staff,
patients and relevant stakeholders need to be brought together to
raise issues affecting your local NHS. Your local GMB NHS
Officer will be able to discuss any activity you would like to plan
for this day. Please note any activity will need to take place in
your own time as you will not be able to participate whilst you
are working. Perhaps a lunchtime meeting could be organized or
a visit to your local MP’s constituency office.
MEET YOUR LOCAL GMB TEAM - The GMB National
Health Advisory Group exists to advise, represent and organise
NHS workplaces across the country. If you wish to discuss
local issues you can contact your local GMB NHS National
Rep through your local GMB office or visit the GMB website.
The National Officer in the GMB who leads on Health can be
contacted on rehana.azam@gmb.org.uk.The GMB National
Health Sector is always keen to listen to the views of GMB
members and reps and therefore if you wish to discuss how
GMB can strengthen its profile and organisation email
NHS@gmb.org.uk,
JOIN THE GMB -You can join the GMB on line
www.gmb.org.uk or complete the attached membership
application form. GMB members in the Health Service include
Nurses, Medical Admin Staff, Ambulance and Paramedic Crew
Workers, District Nurses, Porters, Cleaners and Kitchen Staff.
NHS workers across all grades can join the GMB and many are
members of the GMB. Full –time workers can join for £2.60
per week or any one working less than 20 hours can join for
£1.45 per week.
Join online at www.gmb.org.uk/join