Result of the Members Ballot.
The purpose of this post is to provide an update from the desk top ballot of members’ who work on the Turrets in Units 1 and 4 on Tuesday 25th November 2008. Thanks to all the members who participated and gave their views.
Due to the roll out of LEAN in parts of the DCPU and also as it had been over a month since we did the walk round audits in Units 1 and 4 we thought that it would be beneficial to obtain up to date feedback (we had previously also held members’ meetings and ballot during the pilot stage).
The results of the questions put to the members on 25th November 2008 were as follows:
a) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about availability on starting/ finishing times?
Yes: 93 No: 40
b) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about being able to state your preference without coercion?
Yes: 85 No: 48
The results varied dependant upon the unit/room/section/area.
The next stage is for the details of the desk top ballot (broken down into rooms) to be raised with Senior DCPU Management.
A feedback circular will hopefully be issued providing an update.
20.11.08
Second Reminder....
- Updating Membership Records -
The Best Way to Ensure The Best Service
Due to the continual movement of Staff between various sites and/or between rooms your details held by Membership records may require updating.
Members may wish to visit the PCS HQ Website here (they will require their Membership No)or contact Membership records on 020 7801 2601 in order to confirm their current details.
Please check your Ballot Address details and that you are in the correct Branch (Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch – Code 047139).
The Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch recommends that you use your workplace address for balloting purposes (as this is where you will recive most of the information from the Branch) but you may use any address you wish.
If you had used your previous workplace address as your requested Ballot address and require your Membership No. please contact Mick Daniels on Ext: 62881 or email him.
Ex or Non Members who wish to join PCS please complete the application form found here and return to Room 7233, Norcross.
Many thanks for your co-operation and please remember to notify this office of any changes in your personal details.
Are You Registered ?
We are currently urging all members to ensure their details are up to date and request that they visit the PCS site to confirm/update the information held.
If you have not registered on the Site before please click here to be directed to the correct area of the PCS HQ website in a new window.
Please follow the registration instructions.
Once registered confirm the details are correct (you can change them whilst online) or alternatively contact Membership records on 0207 801 2601 (select option 1 when prompted).
The Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch recommends that you use your workplace address for balloting purposes but you may use any address you wish.
Please ensure you are in the correct Branch which is designated as 047139.
Many thanks for your co-operation and please remember to notify the Branch office of any changes in your personal details on Ext: 62881.
If you have not registered on the Site before please click here to be directed to the correct area of the PCS HQ website in a new window.
Please follow the registration instructions.
Once registered confirm the details are correct (you can change them whilst online) or alternatively contact Membership records on 0207 801 2601 (select option 1 when prompted).
The Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch recommends that you use your workplace address for balloting purposes but you may use any address you wish.
Please ensure you are in the correct Branch which is designated as 047139.
Many thanks for your co-operation and please remember to notify the Branch office of any changes in your personal details on Ext: 62881.
17.11.08
DWP Pay Talks Continue
Talks aimed at reaching an agreement to end the dispute in DWP over pay and conditions have continued this week. The GEC has arranged to meet on Friday 28 November to receive a full report of these discussions and the positive improvements which have been discussed.
The GEC will consider reports from the negotiators on pay, managing attendance, a replacement appraisal scheme to PDS, improvements in family friendly policies and procedures, avoidance of compulsory redundancies and improving industrial relations.
A full report of the GEC discussion and decisions will be issued after the meeting.
The GEC will consider reports from the negotiators on pay, managing attendance, a replacement appraisal scheme to PDS, improvements in family friendly policies and procedures, avoidance of compulsory redundancies and improving industrial relations.
A full report of the GEC discussion and decisions will be issued after the meeting.
Unemployment at Record High
The number of people out of work in the UK in the three months to September jumped by 140,000 to 1.82 million - the highest in 11 years.Unemployment rate rose to 5.8%, up from 5.4% in the previous quarter, according to official figures. The number of people claiming JSA rose by 36,500 to 980,900 in October - the highest monthly increase since 1992.
Experts say unemployment could top two million within months.
The GEC will be pressing DWP management to ensure that enough, well trained, properly rewarded and highly motivated DWP staff are available to cope with this major increase.
Increase Our Pay to Match
The GEC has written to DWP management complaining that these increases have been agreed whilst pay increases for many of us in DWP this year are 0%, the governments public sector pay cap is 2%, and their target for inflation remain 2% or lower.
If canteen prices are to rise so sharply our pay should rise at least at a level to match it.
If canteen prices are to rise so sharply our pay should rise at least at a level to match it.
DWP Agree Increases in Canteen Costs
PCS has been advised by DWP management that:
“A review of the catering tariff with Land Securities Trillium (LST) has now been concluded and DWP has agreed that a tariff increase of 4.63% will be implemented across PRIME sites from 17th November 2008.”
“A review of the catering tariff with Land Securities Trillium (LST) has now been concluded and DWP has agreed that a tariff increase of 4.63% will be implemented across PRIME sites from 17th November 2008.”
National Action Suspended for Talks
The NEC agreed to suspend the national strike planned for 10 November and the overtime ban proposed to follow to enter into formal talks with the employer.
The decision was made after receiving a letter from Sir Gus O’Donnell, head of the civil service, which agreed that discussions should take place to address the concerns that form the basis of the national pay dispute and that the period during which the union could legally take industrial action would be extended by 28 days.
The programme of action which members voted for in the national ballot has been suspended while talks are taking place to find a solution to the dispute.
The NEC will meet again on 27 November to review progress in these talks.
The decision was made after receiving a letter from Sir Gus O’Donnell, head of the civil service, which agreed that discussions should take place to address the concerns that form the basis of the national pay dispute and that the period during which the union could legally take industrial action would be extended by 28 days.
The programme of action which members voted for in the national ballot has been suspended while talks are taking place to find a solution to the dispute.
The NEC will meet again on 27 November to review progress in these talks.
10.11.08
Pay Campaign: Next steps & Suspension of 10th Nov. 2008 event.
Next steps.
The last minute offer of talks by the Cabinet Secretary Sir Augustine O’Donnell is welcome news; a vindication of the efforts members have made to secure justice on Pay. It is possible of course that this is just a ruse to secure suspension of the 10th November event. Since this would achieve nothing but a delay, this would seem rather pointless. We are cautiously optimistic therefore that there will be meaningful discussions.
However, the ongoing support of members for our Pay Campaign is now more vital than ever. Inflation stands at 5%. In DWP this year, the Pay Rise has been Zero. In MOD too, there have been Zero per cent pay rises in recent years, whilst there have been billions for the banks and senior bank executives.
Those who have received Pay Progression must not confuse this with a Pay Rise. All parts of the public sector have been hit by the pay cap, but only in the civil service does this cap have to fund Progression as well. In all other parts of the public sector, Pay Progression is funded separately. For those below max, until the mid-nineties, Progression jumps were around £1,000 a year, quite separate from the Annual Pay Rise. It is this money that was looted from us in 1995, and never put back.
In DWP this year, because there has been Progression, there has been no money for a Pay Rise. Remember too, that whether you are on max or progressing towards it, the current Pay Imposition means the max will devalue by 10% or more over the 3 years of the Imposition.
If government changes hands in 2010, its worth remembering that in the mid-nineties the (then) DSS budget was frozen for 4 years on the run. DSS still made pay offers, but how would DWP or MOD cope with a frozen budget, with staff cuts already factored in? Whatever the government, we have to alter the zero percent pay rise or it will be the tip of the iceberg. None of us can afford to have our Pay driven down by 10% in real terms every 3 years. Remember the bankers enjoyed “boom” years. We did not.
We call on all members to stand firm, Support the campaign, back the NEC-and write to your MP. Campaigning works. If you are not already a member, please fill in the application form on the reverse.
Suspension of 10th November event.
This occurred at the 11th hour, leaving the Branches in a tricky position as regards getting the news out. We did tannoy announcements at Norcross and Warbreck. At Peel Park the employer did the announcement, but left out most of the message resulting in numerous queries. Some management groups picked up on this and circulated the full tannoy message. Peel Park representatives also issued a quick circular. At Warbreck the employer e-cascaded the full message, and at Norcross we issued a not-entirely-related desk drop that was ready to go, so we were available to answer questions in some blocks.
The FCB&S Branch Secretary issued a press release. Unfortunately, the Gazette chose not to run this, but some information was covered on radio stations.
If any member inadvertently took Industrial Action on 10th November, please contact your Branch Office as a matter of urgency.
The last minute offer of talks by the Cabinet Secretary Sir Augustine O’Donnell is welcome news; a vindication of the efforts members have made to secure justice on Pay. It is possible of course that this is just a ruse to secure suspension of the 10th November event. Since this would achieve nothing but a delay, this would seem rather pointless. We are cautiously optimistic therefore that there will be meaningful discussions.
However, the ongoing support of members for our Pay Campaign is now more vital than ever. Inflation stands at 5%. In DWP this year, the Pay Rise has been Zero. In MOD too, there have been Zero per cent pay rises in recent years, whilst there have been billions for the banks and senior bank executives.
Those who have received Pay Progression must not confuse this with a Pay Rise. All parts of the public sector have been hit by the pay cap, but only in the civil service does this cap have to fund Progression as well. In all other parts of the public sector, Pay Progression is funded separately. For those below max, until the mid-nineties, Progression jumps were around £1,000 a year, quite separate from the Annual Pay Rise. It is this money that was looted from us in 1995, and never put back.
In DWP this year, because there has been Progression, there has been no money for a Pay Rise. Remember too, that whether you are on max or progressing towards it, the current Pay Imposition means the max will devalue by 10% or more over the 3 years of the Imposition.
If government changes hands in 2010, its worth remembering that in the mid-nineties the (then) DSS budget was frozen for 4 years on the run. DSS still made pay offers, but how would DWP or MOD cope with a frozen budget, with staff cuts already factored in? Whatever the government, we have to alter the zero percent pay rise or it will be the tip of the iceberg. None of us can afford to have our Pay driven down by 10% in real terms every 3 years. Remember the bankers enjoyed “boom” years. We did not.
We call on all members to stand firm, Support the campaign, back the NEC-and write to your MP. Campaigning works. If you are not already a member, please fill in the application form on the reverse.
Suspension of 10th November event.
This occurred at the 11th hour, leaving the Branches in a tricky position as regards getting the news out. We did tannoy announcements at Norcross and Warbreck. At Peel Park the employer did the announcement, but left out most of the message resulting in numerous queries. Some management groups picked up on this and circulated the full tannoy message. Peel Park representatives also issued a quick circular. At Warbreck the employer e-cascaded the full message, and at Norcross we issued a not-entirely-related desk drop that was ready to go, so we were available to answer questions in some blocks.
The FCB&S Branch Secretary issued a press release. Unfortunately, the Gazette chose not to run this, but some information was covered on radio stations.
If any member inadvertently took Industrial Action on 10th November, please contact your Branch Office as a matter of urgency.
7.11.08
NATIONAL STRIKE SUSPENDED
The action on Monday and the overtime ban commencing Tuesday have both been postponed to allow time for more discussions.There will be more information on the PCS website, however please be aware that this facility is being hit hard currently with users looking for info.
The PCS national executive committee met this morning and following their receipt of a letter from the Cabinet Office have decided to suspend the industrial action for 28 days as further talks have been have been offered to address the concerns that form the basis of the current dispute.
The Branch will update members with more information as we receive it.
Thank you all for supporting PCS, the campaign and your colleagues so far.
6.11.08
Unite - Blackpool Rally - Saturday 15 November 2008, 12.00 noon
The North West Unite against Facism (website here) organisation, teamed with the Blackpool Trades Council are holding a rally in Blackpool.
Once again the BNP are unfortunately holding their "party" conference in the New Kimberley Hotel on Blackpool Promenade.
The Protest will assemble in the square at the top of Victoria Street, Blackpool (near side entrance to Winter Gardens) and then march to protest outside New Kimberley Hotel, 585-589 New South Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1NQ.
The promotional flyer can be found here.
DCPU Turrets Members Meeting (Units 2 & 3)
DCPU members will be aware that on Monday 24th November 2008 a “new ways of working” has taken place in your unit on the staffing of the Turrets.
We keep members informed as to the latest position from meetings with the employer in a series of circulars, however as the new way of scheduling the Turrets has rolled out into your unit we thought that a members’ meeting was needed to gauge feedback.
We have arranged a members’ meeting as follows for units 2 & 3:
Wednesday 26th November 2008
Warbreck Canteen
Warbreck Canteen
2:15 pm
45 minutes has been agreed for you to attend the meeting.
If you have read this post and are not a member; then please complete the application on the form found at the link on the top right hand side of this page.
Turret Pilot Update - Result of Members Ballot - Unit 5
The purpose of this post is to provide an update from the desk top ballot of members’ who work on the Turrets in Unit 5 on Tuesday 4th November 2008. Thanks to all the members who participated and gave their views.
As there was a meeting with Senior DCPU Management in Unit 5 to formally discuss the roll out of the pilot we thought that it would be beneficial to obtain up to date feedback (we had previously undertaken two walk rounds and audits of the rooms and also held a members’ meeting and ballot during the early stages of the roll out).
The results of the questions put to the members on 4th November 2008 were as follows:
a) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about availability on starting/ finishing times?
Yes = 40 No = 11
b) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about being able to state your preference without coercion?
Yes = 35 No = 15
The next stage is for the above to be raised with Senior DCPU Management on Tuesday 4th November 2008. A feedback circular will hopefully be issued from the meeting.
As there was a meeting with Senior DCPU Management in Unit 5 to formally discuss the roll out of the pilot we thought that it would be beneficial to obtain up to date feedback (we had previously undertaken two walk rounds and audits of the rooms and also held a members’ meeting and ballot during the early stages of the roll out).
The results of the questions put to the members on 4th November 2008 were as follows:
a) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about availability on starting/ finishing times?
Yes = 40 No = 11
b) Do you think that the roll out of the pilot on the Turrets has delivered its stated aims set out in the joint statement about being able to state your preference without coercion?
Yes = 35 No = 15
The next stage is for the above to be raised with Senior DCPU Management on Tuesday 4th November 2008. A feedback circular will hopefully be issued from the meeting.
PCS Health Advice for all Members using telephones
Acoustic Shock Definition
In lay terms, it is a sonic surge, or shock delivered via a telephone system.
It is caused by a sudden spike or surge of noise at a given frequency that will damage the ear.
The effects vary from a ringing in the ear for a short period of time, to permanent damage of the inner ear affecting the organic mechanisms of balance.
Key factors to record if an incident of acoustic shock occurs
The following information should be recorded:
- Date and time of the incident
- Details of the source of the exposure
- Description of the noise
- Duration of the exposure
- Details of the headset and telephone equipment used
- Whether the incident was electronically recorded (a copy should be kept for future reference)
- Symptoms experienced by the operator directly related to the acoustic shock incident
DWP Guidance
Guidance states that staff who are exposed to acoustic shock incidents should record these as near misses.
If however, the incident causes you an adverse response then the incident should be recorded as an accident/injury using the AR1 form currently (at time of post) found here.
To assist with this staff should follow the Guidance for the completion of Accident, Near Misses and Workshop Health Issues Report Form AR1 which at present can be found here.
In addition to completing the AR1 form any adverse effect should also be reported to your GP for advice.
Further information on Acoustic Shock and good practices for call centres can be found on the HSE website here.
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