PCS have been campaigning for improvements to staffing levels and conditions of service in the Disability Benefits area for many years. One of the main obstacles to a successful resolution to the problems has been reluctance by the employer to acknowledge that there is a staffing shortage.
The lack of staffing has manifested itself in several ways, the most notable one being the Turret working by members in DCPU Ops and telephone coverage by all and sundry to try and maintain a service to the public. This underlying lack of staffing undoubtedly resulted in the outcome of the members’ meetings with members rejecting the extension of the Turrets and voting in a consultative ballot to back up this stance. This willingness to defend conditions of service resulted in the agreed joint statement and the pilot on the Turrets working.
Without PCS campaigning there would not have been this movement from the employer, and there would not have been an agreed joint statement and pilot on Turrets working.
So what does this mean for you?
For all members the statement indicates that the employer acknowledges and gives a commitment to addressing the staffing levels in the Helpline. They acknowledge that the level of staff on the Turrets was higher than it should be and give a commitment to return this to a more acceptable level. We intend to ensure that the employer honours these commitments.
As far as the pilot on the Turrets is concerned there is a clear acknowledgement from Senior Management that some people prefer to work early, others late and that there are other patterns. This is an important acknowledgment in terms of members’ rights to access Flexible Working Hours (for those on FWH). There is also the key statement that members will not feel coerced into working times which do not meet their stated availability. The interim review of the pilot takes place shortly (22nd August 2008) and we will raise members’ concerns at the review. We also intend to hold further rounds of members’ meetings to discuss the pilot and the work situation.
What do you do if you are not a member?
If you are not a member then you cannot attend members’ meetings or receive support from PCS unless you join first. Joining PCS also shows your commitment to defend your conditions of service. PCS have demonstrated that we can successfully campaign to secure commitments for improvements from the employer.
Unions charge a subscription to fund them. In the PCS, subs are based on 0.6% of your salary. Casual Staff get 6 months free membership.
The lack of staffing has manifested itself in several ways, the most notable one being the Turret working by members in DCPU Ops and telephone coverage by all and sundry to try and maintain a service to the public. This underlying lack of staffing undoubtedly resulted in the outcome of the members’ meetings with members rejecting the extension of the Turrets and voting in a consultative ballot to back up this stance. This willingness to defend conditions of service resulted in the agreed joint statement and the pilot on the Turrets working.
Without PCS campaigning there would not have been this movement from the employer, and there would not have been an agreed joint statement and pilot on Turrets working.
So what does this mean for you?
For all members the statement indicates that the employer acknowledges and gives a commitment to addressing the staffing levels in the Helpline. They acknowledge that the level of staff on the Turrets was higher than it should be and give a commitment to return this to a more acceptable level. We intend to ensure that the employer honours these commitments.
As far as the pilot on the Turrets is concerned there is a clear acknowledgement from Senior Management that some people prefer to work early, others late and that there are other patterns. This is an important acknowledgment in terms of members’ rights to access Flexible Working Hours (for those on FWH). There is also the key statement that members will not feel coerced into working times which do not meet their stated availability. The interim review of the pilot takes place shortly (22nd August 2008) and we will raise members’ concerns at the review. We also intend to hold further rounds of members’ meetings to discuss the pilot and the work situation.
What do you do if you are not a member?
If you are not a member then you cannot attend members’ meetings or receive support from PCS unless you join first. Joining PCS also shows your commitment to defend your conditions of service. PCS have demonstrated that we can successfully campaign to secure commitments for improvements from the employer.
Unions charge a subscription to fund them. In the PCS, subs are based on 0.6% of your salary. Casual Staff get 6 months free membership.
Without your Union, you’ll be left behind to face these changes or problems on your own.
Now, more than ever we need the strength, solidarity and bargaining power of a Union! We need to make sure that we are represented in whatever happens………
Join PCS today (if you haven't already) by printing, filling in and returning the membership form located here.
