workers of england union newsletter issue 08 winter 2015 · pdf filejoin today! workers of...

Workers of England UnionNewsletter

Issue 08Winter 2015

CARLETON MAFLIN - Union PresidentMobile: 07989988018

TOGETHER WE WIN!

Join Today! Workers of England Union

You can join the Workers of England Union online today:

www.workersofengland.co.uk or by phone on 01206 766899

Protecting YOUThere is no need to go into a Disciplinary or Grievance Hearing on your own. Our focus is protecting our members in their workplaces.

Representing YOUThe Workers of England Union is a campaigning Trade Union that is open, democratic and progressive. We will make sure your voice is heard.

Supporting YOUThe Workers of England Union will help you to improve your working conditions.

TOGETHER WE WIN!CARLETON MAFLIN - Union President

Mobile: 07989988018

WEU

ONLY£9.95per month

3

Thank you for your continued

support - ask your friends & colleagues

to join

4Message from the General Secretary

5Membership Report

6Join online

7Legal Support

8In the News

10WEU opposes fat-cats

12No Need to be Desperate

13Bus Driver’s Charter

14Employment Issues

17Employment Specialist

18Frequently Asked Questions

20The Barnett Formula

22Campaining

24Contacting the Office

Call us on: 01206 766899

or email: [email protected]

or you can visit our website at:www.workersofengland.co.uk

Articles or images for publication may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected], or by manuscript/hard copy and sent to: Cannon House, 17 Nelson Road, Colchester, Essex C03 9AP. Manuscripts should be typed or carefully hand-written. The preferred formats are firstly e-mail attachments in Word format and secondly a ‘clean’ manuscript from a computer printer. The copyright of any material submitted to Workers of England Union Newsletter, either copy or images, is deemed to be held by the submitter unless otherwise stated at the time of submission. In submitting copy or images, the submitter gives the right for the copy or images to be published by England! in print and on the internet. If you are in doubt please contact the office before sending in material. No fee will be paid for publishing copy or images unless specifically negotiated in writing. Views expressed by the Workers of England Union! are not necessarily those of the editorial team. Copyright on all matter first published by the Workers of England Union is reserved by the Workers of England Union, Cannon House, 17 Nelson Road, Colchester, Essex C03 9AP.

Find us on Facebook:Workers of England Union

4 5

Membership Report

James BlackMembership Secretary & Representative

Hello and WelcomeDear member,As we draw towards the tail end of 2015, it is with great pleasure that the Workers of England Union can acknowledge what has been a truly incredible year. Our Union has grown, consolidated and surpassed expectation in practically every area - be it membership, finances, national coverage or campaign issues, the Workers of England Union has gone from strength to strength over the past twelve months.

At a time when the largest unions in the country find themselves under threat from proposed government legislation, falling membership and strained political affiliations, the Workers of England has reaped the benefits of our no nonsense approach to representation and our non political stance. This approach is essential because it allows us the freedom and flexibility to react to the ever changing face of employment. Employment law is bit like the sea - ever changing with the constant ebb and flow of new legislation or decisions made by the tribunal services; unpredictable due to the various interpretations of it that can be made by England’s many employers; deep enough to give you the feeling that you will never quite get to the bottom of it!

Much like the sea, Employment law can be a treacherous obstacle if you don’t give it the required respect or navigate the correct course. This is where the Workers of England excel, guiding our trusty vessel and our members through occasionally stormy seas in a way that the larger unions - with their titanic efforts so regularly struck by employment icebergs - seem incapable of. Perhaps this is because they have stuck to the same old sailing routes, using methods and approaches to workplace issues that are no longer the best course of action. The Workers of England Union, with its modern approach and traditional values, sets its course based on the latest advice and guidance, ready to adapt should we find that the tide has shifted.

So, if you are not already a member of the Workers of England Union and you don’t want to find yourself trapped aboard a sinking ship, perhaps it’s time you considered jumping aboard the good ship WEU - because together, we win.

It’s fairly safe to say that 2015 has been a remarkable year for the Workers of England Union. In terms of membership, the most striking new developments have come in the form of where our new members are based and what they do. Historically the Workers of England Union has always had a strong presence within Transport, Healthcare and Security. However, in recent times we have seen a surge in members joining from a variety of sectors, such as Retail, Manufacturing, Construction and Civil Service positions. Similarly, where as our main regions have always been London and the South East, we are now handling a multitude of cases from all over England - North, South, East and West. Part of the reason for this expansion is the success of our new ‘Online Application Form’. The process is quick and easy to use, providing near instant membership and access to professional Trade Union advice and support. You can check out the WEU homepage by visiting www.WorkersofEngland.co.uk From there it should be easy to find the application form - simply click on the green button which says “Join Online Today”.

Robin Tilbrook is a highly experienced solicitor and civil litigator and is the Principal of Tilbrook’s Solicitors, Ongar, Essex.

7

GIVING LEGAL SUPPORT TO WORKERS OF ENGLAND MEMBERS.By Robin Tilbrook, Principal of Messrs Tilbrook’s Solicitors.

Tilbrook’s Solicitors offers a free telephone conversation of up to half an hour on any legal matter which the Workers of England Union’s Members are having a problem with and, where a member has a good case, we are usually happy to take the case on with a view to representing.

This has led to us obtaining substantial damages for members injured at work and successes in the courts, including already in the Court of Appeal and in the Employment Tribunals.

So if you are a paid up member of the Workers of England Union and have a problem which you need legal assistance with, please do give me a ring on 01277 896000, or email me details of your case and your contact details at [email protected] and I would be happy to see whether I can help you. Robin Tilbrook, Solicitor

CONSTANTLY UPDATED WITH NEW ARTICLES AND CONTENTwww.workersofengland.co.uk

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Legal Support

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8 9

The Workers of England Union opposes the Trade Union Bill 2015

The Workers of England Union opposes the Trade Union Bill 2015. We support the words of Jeremy Corbyn when he stated that ‘he believed the Government was attacking working people’ by introducing this Bill. It is also worth noting that some Conservative MP’s such as David Davis have called elements of the bill as being ‘something out of Franco’s dictatorship in Spain’.

Quickly detailing the Bills proposals, under current rules, strikes can be called if the majority of those taking part in a ballot vote in favour. The government wants to changes this and impose a minimum 50% turnout in strike ballots – with public sector strikes also requiring the backing of at least 40% of those eligible to vote.

The bill will also:• Double the amount of notice unions have to give before a strike can be held;

from seven to 14 days.• Allow employers to use agency workers to replace striking staff.• Introduce fines of up to £20,000 on unions if pickets do not wear an official

armband.• End the so-called check-off system for collecting union subs direct from a

salary.

Tribunal fees to be abolished in Scotland, England’s to remain at £1200

Workers in England will continue to be treated differently to those in Scotland, since the introduction of Employment Tribunal fees in 2013 there has been a significant drop in claims, as workers struggle to find the funds to take their case to tribunal after being made unemployed, many unfairly.

Workers in Scotland will soon have the financial restrictions on taking their case to Employment Tribunal lifted - we will campaign to have those same restrictions lifted in England.

In the News Tribunal Imbalance in the UK

Find out more on our website: www.workersofengland.co.uk

1110

The Workers of England opposes Fat-Cats! Over the course of the last year, the major UK Unions have been given a hard time by the press. In particular, the recent Tube strikes have caused controversy and consternation amongst the public and within the current government, who now intend to revise the law regarding the way that modern unions can operate.

WEU opposes Fat-Cats!As a Union, the WEU will of course oppose any legislation that weakens the position of our members and the work-force of England in general. However, some of the largest unions in the country have not made it easy for us to inspire sympathy for Unions amongst the general public. Allegations of political corruption, revelations of hugely inflated expenses bills, questions raised about where campaign funds are spent - these are just some of the stories that have emerged from the media over the last 12 months, all of which have created an unfavourable image for unionism in 21st century Britain. While damaging, many of these stories and allegations remain, for the most part, unproven for the time being. However, what we at the WEU find hard to stomach given the current economic climate, are the wholly undeniable and massive wage increases enjoyed by those at the top of these so called ‘big’ unions.

A well publicised ‘Union Rich-List’ revealed that the 36 highest paid union bosses received a total £4.1m between them - with those at the top of that list receiving more pay than the Prime Minister!

Perhaps this would not seem so offensive if it was apparent that the major unions are effectively combating the issues that face their members in the day to day scheme of things. Unfortunately, while certain union leaders have seen their own incomes rocket, in some cases earning more than double what they did 5 years ago, their members have seen wages, benefits and working conditions deteriorate. The WEU does not find this acceptable and we will continue to campaign against ‘Fat-Cats’ who seem focused on keeping all the cream for themselves.


BUS DRIVERS CHARTER

Bus DriversCharter

CARLETON MAFLIN - Union President

Mobile: 07989988018

We need your ideas to improve the Charter:CARLETON MAFLIN - Union PresidentMobile: 07989988018“Free yearly medical checks for night workers.”

“Bus Drivers should be presumed innocent of public complaints unless proved otherwise.” “To make sure Union reps are notified before an Employee signs any sanction letter.”

“A new booklet (Walk around checks) PG9 (Compass) endorsed by the police.”“Tendering for contracts by the Bus Companies should exclude the reduction of Bus Driver wages.”

“Helping to maintain the physical health (welfare facilities) of Bus Drivers should be made part of the tendering process.”

Help us to help you at: www.workersofengland.co.uk

“Times on all routes should be looked into to make sure that they are achievable and the driver doesn’t feel that they have to speed to achieve their target.” “Stand down time is included in the working day with full access to refreshments.” “The availability of toilet facilities are confirmed on all routes.” “Recruitment of London Bus drivers should be within London and the Home Counties.” “There should a parity of pay between the London Underground and London Bus Drivers.” “There should be regular public consultation between the Mayor, London Transport and Bus Driver representatives so that concerns can be highlighted.”

“Bullying and Harassment of Bus Drivers by the public should be taken more seriously.”

Please e-mail any suggestions to:[email protected] or call the office on 01206 766899 with your idea.

13

UPDATENO NEED TO BE DESPERATE

JOIN A TRADE UNION THAT CARESJoin online at: www.workersofengland.co.uk


Holding on can become a desperate situation, and is potentially damaging to health. The Workers of England Union is campaigning for the appropriate amount of toilet facilities to be available on all bus routes.

We would all agree that when nature calls having access to toilet facilities becomes a priority and a worker should be confident that there is one available when needed.

A lack of toilet facilities for Bus Drivers is just not acceptable.

Whilst sitting on this bus you are probably not thinking about needing the toilet ...

... but just imagine what it’s like for the bus driver - unable to go because of a complete lack of available toilet facilities!

WEU

TOGETHERWE WIN

The Bus Drivers Charter has been a tremendous success!

Our thanks to all who gave us feedback and suggestions, helping us to develop a true Bus Drivers Charter.

Because of this success we have decided to extend our feedback deadline, so keep those suggestions coming!

Your comments have led to our “No Need To Be Desperate” campaign (see page opposite for full details).

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Employment issues - keep informedPaternity leave and pay

One of the items often overlooked is that employees may be entitled to Paternity Leave and Pay if their partner is having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement.

Key points

Paternity leave is available to employees who:• have or expect to have responsibility for the child’s upbringing• are the biological father of the child or the mother’s husband or partner

(including same sex relationships)• have worked continuously for their employer for 26 weeks ending with the

15th week before the baby is due, or the end of the week in which the child’s adopter is notified of being matched with the child (UK adoption), or the date the child enters the UK (overseas adoptions).

Employees should tell their employer as soon as possible that they wish to take paternity leave, but no later than the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. They should say when the baby is due, if they’re going to take one or two weeks off, and when they expect their paternity leave to start. Those who are eligible can choose to take either one week or two consecutive weeks’ paid paternity leave (not odd days).

Employees will need to take their paternity leave within 56 days of the actual date of birth of the child. Paternity leave can’t start until the birth of the baby; employees may be able to take some annual leave before.

15

A period of Paternity leave when adopting a child can start:• On the date of placement.• An agreed number of days after the date of placement.• On the date the child arrives in the UK or an agreed number of days after

(for overseas adoption).• The day the child is born or the day after for surrogate parents.

This is for guidance only, for further information visit www.workersofengland.co.uk


16 17

WORKERS OF ENGLAND UNION

ON

Check out the Workers of England YouTube page! We have uploaded a number of promotional and campaign awareness videos which we hope you will enjoy. To find us simply visit YouTube and search for The Workers of England Channel.

If you would like to be kept up to date with our latest uploads, please subscribe for free to our channel and receive notifications of our most recent activity.

Also, feel free to repost and share our videos to help spread the word about our union.

TOGETHER WE WIN!

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

Curriculum Vitae: The Latin translation: the ‘course of one’s life’.

Putting together a Curriculum Vitae (CV) can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. Whether it be for a new job or a promotion, keeping your CV up to date and looking fresh is extremely important.

A CV isn’t just something that is used to apply for new job, it’s a record of all your experiences, achievements, skills and qualities. It’s what I like to call a ‘working document’. Like an unfinished novel, every new experience, every new achievement and every new skill obtained or learnt gets added to it. It’s how we use this information that’s the key.

On average an employer will only spend around 7 seconds reviewing a CV, which is why the following tips could mean the difference between being short listed or filed under ‘miscellaneous (binned).

General Tips:• Be Specific – Use bullet points or short paragraphs• Keep it to 2 pages maximum• Make it look visibly attractive• Tailor it to the job you are applying for• Focus on key achievements and use positive language• Check the spelling and grammar is accurate• Don’t leave any gaps

If you are looking for a new job or thinking about that upcoming promotion, get in contact via the number below.

To access our Employment Specialist services please contact Chris Napier on 07468 490 704

18 19

FAQFrequently asked questions

More of your questions answered in the next edition

How do I join?

Recently the Workers of England have implemented an on-line application process, which enables potential members to join us via our website (www.workersofengland.co.uk). This is in addition to the more traditional methods of joining over the phone or by completing a paper application form and sending it to us by post.

Whatever the method, it is very simple and straight forward to complete our membership process, requiring some personal information, a little bit about where you work and your bank details (in order for us to set up a direct debit). Feel free to call our offices on 01206 766899 or visit our website and click on the “Join Online Today” button.

Can my boss refuse to let you represent me?

Under Section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999, it is your statutory right in the UK to be accompanied by a union official of your choice when facing disciplinary or grievance action at work. Whatever your boss might tell you and your colleagues, they are not legally permitted to refuse entry to a Trade Union representative who is present in an official capacity on behalf of a member.

This is regardless of any recognition agreement with another union, whether they are familiar with union practices or would simply prefer to handle issues of discipline in their own way - you have a right to independent advice and representation, it’s up to you to make sure you exercise that right by joining a Trade Union that cares.

What makes the WEU different from other unions?

The main thing the sets the Workers of England Union apart from other unions is our independent status and the use of representatives who aren’t based at your workplace. Most unions will appoint one of your colleagues to provide representation when needed. The Workers of England believes this puts a representative at an immediate disadvantage, when you consider that he or she would likely have the same boss as you do, potentially creating an awkward and unbalanced situation for everyone involved.

By appointing a representative from outside of your workplace, we are able to provide support and advice from a completely independent perspective. We don’t have to concern ourselves with what your boss thinks about us and whether it will affect our job if we become involved in a workplace dispute on your behalf. Our membership is the only consideration we have when we are asked to represent.

Do I need to be a member to access your advice and help?

The Workers of England Union is a membership organisation that prides itself in providing first class representation and advice for its members. Unfortunately the world we live in is not an ideal one and we aren’t able to provide this service for free, charging a reasonable membership fee to cover our costs and keep our union running. This being the case, membership to the union is obligatory if you would like to access our support, advice and representation - and it is a rule that we are sadly not able to make exceptions for. This is out of respect for our fee paying members who make monthly contributions to the union in return for our continued support.

It should also be noted that the Workers of England Union has a 3 month probationary period in which we can exercise our discretion with regards to representation. This is not to say that we will not represent a new member for three months as, unlike most other unions, we will regularly take up and fight the case of a new member if that is what is required. What we are unable to do is, for example, take a complex case forward to tribunal on behalf of someone who has either not made or has made very little contribution to the union. This is to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of and effectively be used as a free source of legal representation and advice.

20 21

UK identifiable expenditure on services by function, country and region, per head indexed, 2013-14. Data from National Statistics.

General public services

Defence Public

order & safety

Economic affairs

Environment protection

Housing & community amenities

Health Recreation,

culture & religion

Education Social

protection

Total Expenditure on Services

England 84 101 97 88 94 88 99 86 99 98 97

Wales 174 139 102 129 122 108 99 147 107 114 111

Scotland 194 103 102 183 152 166 107 177 101 107 115

Northern Ireland 187 - 166 152 81 246 106 202 106 120 123

The Barnett Formula - unfair to England

UK Average £8,936 per head of population

England £8,678

Wales £9,924

Scotland £10,275

Northern Ireland £10,961

Dear Member We have been asked on a number of occasions why we campaign for an English Trade Union Congress and an English government. The following figures show how unfair the current system, known as the Barnett formula, is to the English taxpayer (that means you). It means that England is experiencing unneeded cut-backs in Health and Education.

NoteThe Conservative government has no intention of making any changes to the formula.

The chart below shows how much money is spent per head on various services in England compared to the other nations of the United Kingdom.

22 23

Dear Member The Workers of England Union continues to campaign on your behalf. Below is a selection of our campaigning leaflets.

We would also like to introduce you to our latest campaigning leaflet (page opposite). We chose this campaign as our team was shocked by the size of the salaries and pension pots that some of these individuals take home.

We give you our assurances that we will continue to campaign to improve your working lives.

Workers of England Union

CUT TOP MANAGERS’ PAY BY 20%, NOT FRONTLINE STAFF

Join Today! See overleaf for details.

www.workersofengland.co.uk

TOGETHER WE WIN!CARLETON MAFLIN - Union President

Mobile: 07989988018

WEU

Top Council Managers, NHS Directors, University Bosses should have their salaries reduced by 20% before they propose massive cuts to the services they control.

Some of these individuals have salaries higher than £200,000 a year, with pension pots of over a million pounds. There is a huge disparity in pay levels from those at the top to those at the bottom. Yet these individuals are protecting their salaries whilst proposing signifi cant funding cuts to frontline services. Do you earn anything close to £200,000 a year? Why should these government employees keep their ridiculously high salaries when they propose massive cuts to our services?

Help the Workers of England Union PROTECT OUR SERVICES by demanding that top managers’ pay is reduced by 20%.... just think of the saving. Go to our website and read more, you will be shocked!

Campaigning

Find out more on our website

The Work

ers of E

ngland

Union would

like to

give thi

s commitm

ent to

our

member

s work

ing in t

he NHS a

nd NHS st

aff thin

king ab

out join

ing our

team.

1.

That we w

ill always

listen to

the concer

ns of st

aff

2.

That we w

ill fi gh

t hard to

improve

patient ca

re by

ensuring safe s

taffi ng

levels w

ith staff b

eing gi

ven the r

equired tra

ining

3.

That we w

ill fi gh

t hard for N

HS staff

to be paid

a fair

wage with

protection of th

e enhanced

and unsocial

payments

4.

That will fi

ght hard

to sto

p the downbanding o

f any N

HS staff

regard

less

of their

experience

or role.

5.

We will c

ampaign

for fair f

unding and inv

estment fo

r the N

HS in Englan

d

so that future g

enerations w

ill see

the long te

rm benefi t

s of es

tablish

ing a

career

within the NHS.

6.

We will c

ampaign

to sto

p the cuts i

n the NHS w

orkforce

in England an

d

demand an

increase

in resource

s for th

e communitie

s across E

ngland that

ensure a m

inimum standard

of care a

nd resource

allocat

ion

7.

We will s

tand up yo

ur employm

ents righ

ts as p

rotecting N

HS staff

will

ensure patie

nt standard

s and saf

ety

We w

ill cont

inue to

highligh

t that t

he NHS in

England

is top h

eavy w

ith

managem

ent who

have o

ver infl

ated w

ages an

d pens

ions.

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE NHS

By remembering the Tolpuddle Martyrs, we

can see that England has a radical history.

There is no English TUC.

Why do the Welsh, Scottish and Irish all have

National TUC’s whilst England is denied?

There’s no voice that collectively speaks

for the whole workforce in England.

We need an English TUC, let’s make it happen! CARLETON MAFLIN - Union President

Mobile: 07989988018


or call us on: 01206 766899

REAL JOBS FOR

REAL PEOPLE.

Stop Zero Hours contracts


campaigning to improve

working conditions.

Join us.


www.workersofengland.co.uk or call us on: 01206 766899

A LIVING WAGENot a minimum wage.

Workers of England Union campaigning to improve working conditions. Join us. Bus DriversCharter


Mobile: 07989988018


CUT TOP MANAGERS’ PAY BY

20%, NOT FRONTLINE STAFFJoin Today!

See overleaf for details.


TOGETHER WE W

IN!


Mobile: 07989988018

WEU

Top Council Managers, NHS Directors, University Bosses should have their salaries

reduced by 20% before they propose massive cuts to the services they control.

Some of these individuals have salaries higher than £200,000 a year, with pension pots of

over a million pounds. There is a huge disparity in pay levels from those at the top to those

at the bottom. Yet these individuals are protecting their salaries whilst proposing signifi cant

funding cuts to frontline services. Do you earn anything close to £200,000 a year? Why

should these government employees keep their ridiculously high salaries when they

propose massive cuts to our services?

Help the Workers of England Union PROTECT OUR SERVICES by demanding that top

managers’ pay is reduced by 20%.... just think of the saving. Go to our website and read

more, you will be shocked!

Contacting the Office

01206 766899

• For Help & Support

• For Advice

• For Enquiries

• For Information

Call us on 01206 766899

Use your smart phone to scan the QR code and add us to your contacts

workers of england union newsletter issue 08 winter 2015 · pdf filejoin today! workers of...

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