The purpose of this post is to provide an update from the members’ meetings on Thursday 12th February 2009 to discuss the outcome of the roll out of the Turret pilot and the staffing levels at Warbreck.Thanks to all the members who attended the meeting and gave their views.
As ballots of the members had taken place at the start and during the Turret pilot it was considered to be best practise if one did so at the conclusion of the roll out of the pilot stage to ascertain membership feedback.
The results of the questions put to the members at the meeting on 12th February 2009 were close (however there was a majority in favour) on the question of whether or not members were (at present) able to state their preference as to starting/ finishing times and availability to work the Turrets without coercion. This was explained in the meetings that in certain areas people being asked and then re-asked repeatedly if they could undertake additional turrets slots even though they had not stated that slot within their preferences (although the slots were within their availability). We Agreed to re-iterate to the employer that the word coercion is very important in the agreed joint statements i.e. members are not to be subjected to coercion when it comes to covering the turrets slots.
As far as the second question was concerned members overwhelmingly agreed that PCS should continue negotiations, to reduce the amount of time spent on Turrets, and secure additional resources in the DCPU. This is particularly pertinent due to the latest agreed Joint statement.
The next stage is to continue the ongoing negotiations to try and reduce to a minimum (if not eliminate) the 4 Pm to 5 Pm Turret slot; to ensure that there is a reasonable maximum numbers of hours that someone can work on the Turrets (pro rata for part time staff) and to ensure that the commitment to increase Helpline staffing levels is honoured.
As ever; if you are aware of any breaches to the agreed Joint statements (in word and spirit) then please do not hesitate to contact Dean Rhodes, Emma Haslehurst or Duncan Griffiths.
