Conference notes that the Labour Party Policy Forum is consulting on priorities for transport at local, national and international levels, in its document “Sustainable Communities, Better Transport”. UNISON’s interest and role in sustainable, public transport provision was demonstrated by the Positively Public Transport symposium – Building World Class Public Transport held in January. The symposium […]
Conference motions
Conference notes that the issue of pensions has never been so much in the public eye, with widespread concern about the ability of schemes to deliver security in retirement. Conference further notes that Water and Environment Agency members belong to a number of different pensions schemes, which have different terms and conditions. Conference welcomes the […]
Against a background of the increased move within the water industry and other utilities away from final salary schemes to money purchase schemes this conference urges the Service Group Executive to work with the Energy Service Group Executive and the Transport Service Group Executive via the Business and Environment Working Group to mount a campaign […]
Conference welcomes the initiatives by the Transport Service Group Executive to foster and promote self-organisation in the Transport Service, e.g: – Lesbian and Gay members’ day Disabled members’ day Women’s seminar Black Members’ Group Conference calls upon the Transport Service Group Executive to work with the Water and Environment Service Group Executive and the Energy […]
The Employment Bill 2003 introduced a whole host of welcome changes to Working Terms and Conditions. In particular it introduces the right for employees to request a change to working hours based upon child-care needs. This is a positive step in securing flexible working arrangements for our members. However, in order to ensure that UNISON […]
There are an increasing number of utility companies either looking at or now using overseas call centres to resource work that has previously been carried out within the UK. Many of these call centres are being set up in the Far East where the annual salary is £2000 compared to the £12000 paid in the […]
This Conference welcomes the initiatives by the Energy Service Group Executive to foster and encourage self organisation in the Energy service – e.g. Lesbian and Gay Day, Disabled members’ Day, Women’s’ Seminar and Black Members Group. Conference urges branches, in consultation with regional self-organised groups, to encourage self-organisation in electricity and gas branches.
Conference notes that the issue of pensions has never been so much in the public eye, with widespread concern about the ability of schemes to deliver security in retirement. Conference further notes that Energy members belong to a number of different pensions schemes, which have different terms and conditions. Conference welcomes the fact that some […]
Conference notes with concern the deepening crisis in the electricity sector of the liberalised energy market. This has been demonstrated by 1.The near financial collapse of British Energy which has required the Government to provide guarantees to creditors and institute emergency legislation to ensure the continued operation of the company. 2.The financial difficulties faced by […]
Conference notes with concern the recent report published by Mitial research which claims that one third of Britain’s call centres will close by 2005, due to a predicted exodus of contracts to emerging markets such as India and South Africa. Conference also recognises that Energywatch and Ofgem intend to focus on customer response times this […]
The Water and Environment Service Group Conference welcomes research undertaken at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, which found that some 60% of Call Centre staff have suffered a voice disorder. Call Centres throughout Britain are now estimated to account for 2% of the workforce and are very prevalent in employers such as United Utilities. UNISON […]
This Conference welcomes the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive by the UK Government and looks forward to a more democratic basis for the management of the nation’s water resources. Conference endorses UNISON’s response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affiair’s consultation on the Water Framework Directive and particularly welcomes the support […]
We note with concern the proposals currently being considered by this ‘Socialist Government’ that employees may be permitted to work to 70 in order to provide adequate pension provisions for their retirement! This comes against a background of over 200 companies closing their final salary scheme in 2002 alone, and the knowledge that Energy Companies […]
This Water and Environment Service Group Conference welcomes the report of the independent work related road safety task group, which confirms TUC estimates of 1,000 deaths annually in work related deaths on the road. The issue of road risk is particularly relevant for employers like United Utilities that cover hundreds of miles North to South […]
The ruling determined by the House of Lords, that the Electricity Supply Pension Schemes had discriminated against part-timers by denying them access to the pension scheme, means that may UNISON members will see their pensions fully restored. This is undoubtedly excellent news, but requires positive action by our Employers. As this action is not forthcoming, […]