UNISON - Scottish Electricity

Energy Retail Pay Update - 20th December 2011

2011-12-20T23:16:00.000Z

Now that the pay deal has been sent out for everyone to read through, it may be helpful to go into a few points in more detail to give an insight into the talks that took place.
Energy Retail as a whole is not expected to make a profit for this financial year. The economic situation in the country as we all know has led to many job losses, causing customers to go into debt, making them unable to afford the rising cost of energy bills etc. Whilst these factors are out with our control, Management felt that they could not justify a pay rise given the current financial performance of the Retail business and therefore proposed a 0% award for 2012 with only a guaranteed 1% in 2013. Members of the ERJNCF felt this was unacceptable as staff are working hard to try and achieve results and with inflation at 5% the cost of living is continuing to rise.
Further talks led to an improved offer of 1% for 2012 and a minimum of 2% in 2013, going up to 4% if EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) targets are exceeded. After much discussion it was made clear that this was the best offer that the company were ina position to offer. Whilst we would have hoped for a higher figure to recognise the work of a loyal workforce, we have to also consider job security given that other energy suppliers are suffering the same losses in their retail sectors. Many of them have had to cut jobs or sell off failing parts of their business in order to balance the performance of the company as a whole.
Taking all of the above factors into account, the members of the ERJNCF agreed to a Fully Recommended Settlement.
The ballot papers for the pay deal will be issued in January with a two week voting period.
Every member should use their vote and also think carefully about all of the factors above when considering whether they are willing to accept the terms on offer.

Pensions Day of Action

2011-11-30T23:54:00.000Z

Up to two million people took part in the largest strike action since the General Strike of 1926. In Glasgow thousands took part in a march and rally to defend their pension rights.

After the march they attended a packed rally to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the rights that they have earned.

The day was not without Union humour and some even dressed for the occasion:

See more about the day at UNISON Scotland and UNISON main site.

World Aids Day - 1st December

2011-11-30T23:22:00.003Z

World AIDS Day 2011

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

Why is World AIDS Day important?

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV/AIDS and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding.

You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.

Please join officers of the branch at the World AIDS day service at St Mary's at 300 Great Western Road, Thursday 1st December at 7pm. This is a community gathering with music and speakers. All denominations welcome.

Please also see UNISON's best practice guidance on HIV and AIDS in the workplace at http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/14541.pdf

Myth and Reality of Unions

2011-11-27T19:26:00.004Z

If you read most of the Media you will regularly be told how damaging Trade Unions are. About how they are damaging the economy and are outdated dinosaurs out of date and out of touch with the country. To see a few of the most popular misconceptions answered go to Red Pepper

Many UNISON members will be taking part in a one day strike on 30th November. Despite what you may have read it is not a case of greedy public service workers wanting to protect huge pensions. The average public service pension is around £7,800 a year, for women working in local government the average is £2,800 a year, while the median for women working in the NHS is £3,500 a year. You can see more at the main UNISON site and the UNISON Scotland site.

There will be a number of rallies on 30th November to support the action. More details can be found here and here

UNISON Call Centre Health & Safety Survey.

2011-11-05T18:31:00.001Z

Thanks to all those who participated in the Call Centre Survey. We will update you on the results when known.

The Robin Hood Tax Campaign — Public

2011-10-30T00:30:00.001+01:00

The Robin Hood Tax Campaign — Public

Energy Retail Restructure 30th September 2011

2011-10-12T19:45:00.009+01:00

The final changes were given at the most recent ERJNCF meeting. This meeting covered the roles in the Band 2 to Band 5 scales. There will be a minimal impact on Band 2 employees. Approximately 30 roles will be affected in Operations and Sales but all those affected will be offered alternative roles, there will not be an option of Voluntary Severance. Should any member be affected and want assistance they should contact one of the Cathcart Stewards.

It is planned that there will be a reduction in roles for Bands 3-5. 633 jobs are at risk with 588 roles being available in the new structure. It is expected that the difference will be made up by employees applying for Voluntary Severance. All affected employees should have had their initial one-to-one meeting to be advised that they are at risk and to discuss the options available to them by 14th October. Any member affected should contact us for assistance as and when required.

It goes without saying that all the Unions involved are agreed that Compulsory Redundancy is not an option in this restructure process. We will be meeting with the Company in November for an update on how the restructure is progressing.

Energy Retail Restructure 23rd August 2011

2011-10-12T19:44:00.002+01:00

The ERJNCF met again on 23rd August to be advised of the next stage of the current restructure. The roles affected fall into the paybands OL18, OL17 and Band 6. A number of employees saw their roles removed as well as 10 employees in a "reduce and match" role. As previously advised alternative roles will be found for those who wish to remain within ScottishPower. Voluntary Severance may be available to some if it is sought. 1-2-1 meetings will be held at the beginning of September. Any member affected is reminded that they can seek assistance or advice by contacting us.

Energy Retail Restructure 10th August 2011

2011-10-12T19:42:00.000+01:00

As members will know there is a restructure now underway affecting Energy Retail. The first meeting gave details of the changes affecting Business Transformation and 32 roles in Band 19 and 20. If affected you will have received an e-mail giving full details. Although there are a number of roles are affected there has been confirmation that roles will be found for all who wish to stay with the Company. There may be Voluntary Severance available for some affected Staff if they wish to apply.