RHONDDA CYNON TAFF
LOCAL GOVERNMENT BRANCH
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BRANCH COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday 19th August 2009
PRESENT: Peter Crews, Kevin Jouvenat, David Smith, Helena Watson, Anita Lewis, Jeff Thomas, Mike Williams, Alex Clark, Angela Pring, Ceri Mogridge, Glenn Jones
1. Apologies Terry Evans, Graham Evans, Gail Jones, Dilys Jouvenat, Belinda Jeffries, Kate Jeffries, Dean Price, Ron Eveleigh HW commenced meeting by offering her condolences to Billy Liddon who passed away on 15th August. The family have requested that donations be made to Cottage Hospice (Friends of Y Bwythyn) rather than floral tributes. Committee agreed to £100 donation
2. Presentation by UIA Insurance 2.1 Committee welcomed UIA Representative David Beechener who gave a short presentation on UIA products and services available to UNISON members. 2.2 Info leaflets and posters etc were distributed for Stewards to make members aware of UIA.
3. Minutes of Last Meeting The minutes were accepted for accuracy
4. Matters Arising (not on agenda) 4.1.2 RCT Alcohol and Smoking Policies PC updated committee with news that RCT had gone ahead with the Alcohol Policy without acknowledging Unison’s reservations on enforcing this rule. PC wrote to RCT and attended a corporate management meeting to discuss concerns that Unison had not agreed to this policy and that legal advice had been sought. A formal apology had been received from RCT and further questions are to be put to cabinet. PC is still awaiting feedback on the Smoking Policy. 4.6.3 APSE National Seminar – PC reminded anyone interested in attending to put names forward for registration. 4.4 National Delegates Conference/ National Local Gov Conference Committee discussed issues surrounding general attendance at Conference which had been raised at National level. It was agreed that PC would put forward a motion at Regional Council for an attendance protocol to be put in place to tackle these issues. 4.4.1 Committee agreed to call a meeting at a later date to discuss these issues in more depth. 5.2.2 Training Room KJ stressed importance of finishing the refurbishment of the training room. Committee discussed equipment needed etc and advertising and promotion of the room for corporate hire. 9.1.3/9.1.4 Octopus Lottery KJ had still not received any further info on Octopus Lottery since committee agreed to donate to the cause at last meeting. KJ to liaise with GJ welfare officer. 9.2 Donation to Unite Against Fascism KJ informed committee that Dilys had sought advice from Kevan Nelson and unfortunately the Branch cannot contribute to a Political Donation. However UNISON does contribute to this cause on a National level.
5. National Conference (Discussion/Proposals) (Copies of doc handed out to committee) PC had compiled a document outlining a number of discussion points regarding preparation for, and attendance at, National Conference. 5.1 It was agreed to convene a meeting specifically for this topic.
6. Branch Secretary Report 6.1 PC reminded committee of deadline for feedback/amendment on ‘An Activist in Unison’ officer’s roles. It was decided that deadline be extended to next committee meeting date (Sept). 6.2 Regional Council and Policy Weekend (October) PC informed committee of vacancies which need to be filled for 1x women’s seat and 2x low paid women’s seat. As nobody from Branch committee was interested PC will now approach workplace contacts and activists. Current agreed delegates: DS, KJ, GE, DP, BJ, K Jeffries, AL. (HW to attend regional Council only.) 6.3 Black Members SOG PC received a written invitation from the group offering to give a presentation about their organisation. Committee agreed that PC and MW to liaise with group to organise future meeting. 6.4 LGBT – Mardi Gras Event, Cardiff 29/30 Aug 09 PC informed Committee of the event and a request for a donation to the organisers. 6.4.1 KJ explained LGBT have an unused budget of £200. It was agreed to donate this amount (£200). 6.5 Membership PC informed committee of recent changes to National Structures which would have a significant effect on membership totals within the branch. RCT Housing and Community groups have been transferred from local government to independent groups etc. However clarification had been received from Region that Capita needn’t be transferred to Monmouthshire Branch therefore these memberships will be reinstated to RCT Branch. 6.6 Bevan Foundation PC received a request for a donation to the Foundation, who carry out research and training opportunities for Unison and who are funded by donations only. Committee agreed to contribute with a donation of £100. 6.7 Training Opportunities 6.7.1 Introduction to Work/Life Balance Course, Central London, 20/10/09 It was agreed that 4 delegates should attend. Anyone interested to request a registration form from admin. 6.7.2 Institute of Employment Rights TUPE Regulations Conference Weds 18th November, London DS to attend. Committee agreed. 6.7.3 Employment Law Updates 21/10/09 Dean Price to attend 6.7.4 APSE Greening Services Conference, 16th Oct London PC suggested that those attending work in Environmental Services. It was agreed that Jeff Thomas and Glenn Jones (Green Officer) will attend 6.7.5 Handling Grievances and Disciplinaries – Cardiff Office10-11 Dec PC to liaise with Belinda for further info on running an in-house course on this subject and report back to those interested. 6.7.6 Introduction to Employment Law 5/10/09 Cardiff Office It was agreed that two reps can attend. Again PC to liaise with BJ for an in-house course. 6.7.7 Effective Speaking 18-20 Sept (Weekend Residential Course, Cardiff) It was agreed that two people attend, unless an in-house course can be organised. 6.7.8 PC informed committee that two members had successfully applied for training bursaries with UNISON. One had received £120 towards an Open University course and the other a £70 book grant. 6.8 Diaries 2010 Committee discussed previous issues regarding the annual order and distribution of diaries for members. 6.8.1It was decided that as there was a huge volume of surplus diaries remaining from last year that a max of 1,000 standard diaries be ordered for 2010 due to excessive costs following last years order. 6.8.2 Committee discussed member’s preference for desk top calendars last year. It was decided to order 3,000 Triangular Desk top calendars for 2010. 6.9 Local Government Pay Offer PC informed committee that the Pay Offer is currently in consultation with members via email. He reminded committee that the authority have threatened to withdraw the offer if it is not accepted.
7. Branch Officer Reports No reports
8. Branch Convenor Reports 8.1 Alex Clark (SWFRS) discussed issues regarding plans for more staff restructures in September and job transfers and redundancies and also conflicting issues regarding SWFRS Shared Services Board. 8.1.2 PC due to attend forthcoming Regional Council Meeting next week. Questions will be asked relating to these issues and feedback will be given to Alex and a report to be compiled ready for next branch committee.
9. Branch Project Report Consists of 3 groups – 9.1. Membership Recruitment Group (Dean) Aimed at recruitment in schools. Objective is to visit all 247 schools during start of new term to provide info and advice on membership and services and products available etc. Aim to increase and retain membership in this sector. 9.2 Recruitment and Development of Activists (Group 2) Aimed at the recruitment, training, support and development of new and existing activists. Invites to be sent out to attend forthcoming stewards meeting. Date and time to be announced. 9.2.1 PC stressed the importance of communicating with existing stewards to distribute information to members, organise meetings with them etc. All key issues to be discussed at forthcoming meeting. 9.3 Group 3 to focus on communications with members. Aims and objectives of this group to provide information to members and stewards via website, branch line etc. Main aim to improve communications and increase membership. Action plans need to be set out ASAP.
10. Membership and Recruitment Report Full report to be provided at next meeting following planned stewards meeting early next month. 10.1 New Member £25 Prize Draw Winners (drawn at random) were Laura Nash of Parc Primary School (new member) and Carol Nash of Treorchy Comprehensive School (recruiter).
11. Any Other Business PC reminded committee that a Sympathy card for Bev was available for signing.
For more information, contact: UNISON office Tel: 01443 400401
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