Dear ColleaguesFollowing the 2008 Branch Annual General Meeting, Members were asked to complete a feedback questionnaire.
Thanks to all members who did so.
The comments and responses from members were, with two exceptions, extremely positive, for which our thanks. Your representatives do welcome your appreciation of the hard work that goes into this key event.
There were two key areas that you identified that required addressing: The venue and the lack of food. It was also obvious that the two went together.
The Branch Committee has addressed these concerns.
The 2009 AGM will be at the Cliffs Hotel on Thursday, 26th February, commencing at 10.15 am. We have managed to ‘square the circle’ regarding certain logistical arrangements. Tables will be provided and there will be plenty of food.
I have also been asked to point out that the Department does not permit consumption of alcohol whilst on duty and the Branch cannot generate a position where members could leave themselves open to disciplinary action.
Preferences for morning or afternoon start are split fairly evenly. There are advantages and disadvantages either way. However, PCS is a Union that takes Equal Opportunities seriously. Many part-time members find afternoon meetings much more difficult to attend, hence next year we have gone for the morning start. However, this will be kept under review for subsequent years.
I am delighted to announce that the guest speaker will be Chris Baugh, the Union’s Assistant General Secretary, and who is in fact from Blackpool.
One issue raised by many of you is the need for more time for the meeting. This is under the employer’s control. Within the resources available, we have already used every conceivable device to maximise the time. And because we have staff on fixed hours, we are not simply able to extend the meeting into members’ own time.
Industrial relations is one of the strands featuring in the pay talks. We will ask for the time for AGM’s to be increased as part of these talks.
I hope members find the above information helpful.
Yours Sincerely
Martin Jones
Branch Chair
