Latest News
AGM 2010
The AGM was held on Wednesday 3rd February in Arthurlie house and
unfortunately not enough members turned up to form a quorum of 40.
The election ratification will be held at the firsts Branch meeting in March.
Branch Secretary’s Don Holmes
I got to know Don when he became the Branch Secretary at n AGM about 10 years
ago that fell into disarray as the first Brach secretary suddenly left the
podium and gave up his job.
Don stepped in and since then has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the
Branch over the years.He has lead the branch to industrial action for pay on a
number of occasions. Marches and rallies in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Eastwood will
not be the same again. On Picket line it was always a great pick up when he
arrive with news of what was happening else where. It was usually positive and
with a anecdote of any altercations that had taken place at HQ.
He is a great organiser and his skills will be missed.The major work in the
branch over these years has been around the single status agreement and equal
pay and it was at the start of this I began to realise that I was lucky to have
on the team. When I started looking at Single status and Equal pay it was like a
foreign language but Don had it sussed and he had it sussed quickly. As a result
of the actions taken then, this Branch has been perfectly placed to defend
itself against litigations from no win no fee lawyers. Last year a number of
branch officers attended UNISON’S offices in West Campbell street to take part
in a enquiry into this since the money grabbing lawyers were hovering and they
probably still are. At the meeting our regional officer at the time Peter Veldon
was interviewed for about 10 / 15 minutes. Then Don went in and after an hour
and half he came out (it was getting onto 8.00pm in the evening). UNISON’s legal
team had brought the discussion to an end that day –They had enough information
to deal with east Renfrewshire Branch issues and plenty of background
information to help them with other Branches throughout Scotland.
Don as well as being Branch Secretary has for the last few years been the
Welfare Officer - a job that has given him great pleasure since he saw the good
that it was doing for individuals in time of need. The speed of the help being
delivered, and how quickly it could make a difference, to members in serious and
urgent need. Very fulfilling.
During the years I have known him there have been happy and sad times. Life
is life it goes on and we need to take each day as it comes. He has been a great
support to me at particular times of sadness and I can only hope that I have
been able to help him too.
Don has always been a keen sportsman. He played hockey when he was younger
and now he is the secretary of the Troon Bowling club. There are a few folk in
the West of Scotland going around with serious injuries as a result of tangling
with don (and not all of them inflicted in a sporting arena!).I am sorry to see
him go. I am also sorry for the way in which the Branch allowed his substantive
post to be devalued so much and this is something we must guard against if the
future.I would like to thank Don for everything he has done and achieved for the
Branch and wish him well in the future.
Welfare
UNISON Welfare provides listening and
support, financial assistance, breaks and holidays, debt advice, personal advice
and you can contact them on 020 7551 1620 or email
welfare@unison.co.uk or
www.unison.org.uk/welfare.
Equal Pay claims
The Branch will continue to support our members with Equal Pay claims
and those staff who are currently involved in the Job Evaluation Appeals
process. A top priority for the Branch in 2010 remains negotiating possible Job
Enrichment. Through the support of workplace stewards and contacts we have
achieved progress this year in supporting our members, however with the tasks
ahead it is important that if you have any concerns regarding your working
conditions you get yourself involved in the process. If you think you are
eligible for a further pay claim please contact the Branch
top | 
East
Renfrewshire Branch
|
