UNISON Branch Executive Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
Tuesday 12th March 2015
Classroom, Education Unit, Western Isles Hospital, 6.00 pm
Mairi Murray Chairperson Janet Tierney Secretary
Stephan Smit Vice Chairperson Alistair Morrison Treasurer
Kath Mace Welfare Officer Alison MacVie Education Officer
Catriona MacAulay Steward (VC) Janet Marshall Communication Officer
1. Apologies
Apologies have been received from Moira Sykes and Richard Galloway.
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th March 2015 were approved by Janet Marshall and Stephan Smit.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 Issue: Attendance at Branch meetings
Discussion: Very few Stewards attend.
Action: Janet Tierney to encourage all Stewards to attend meetings.
3.2 Issue: Pay as if at Work PAIAW
Discussion: Mairi Morrison and Janet Tierney together with Elizabeth Shelby (RCN) recently met with Jenny Porteous Director of HR to discuss the implications of the Scotland wide Pay as at Work scheme. Backdating these arrears of pay to 2008 could cost NHS WI approximately £500,000 under Agenda for Change. When discussed at a recent APF, UNISON were informed of a delay to the process as the reports were not ready. Reassurance was NOT given that this would be sorted quickly, therefore even more arrears will be accruing during any delay.
4. Treasurer's Report
4.1 Issue: Report
Discussion: Alistair Morrison submitted a report stating that at 30th April 2015 the accounts were:
Current Account £18322.71
Industrial Action Fund £378.69
Chairperson Altocard £498.91
Secretary Altocard £499.49
Treasurer Altocard £442.79
Petty Cash £3.55
Total £20146.14
Forthcoming financial commitments will include training, conference and meeting costs, and consideration is to be given to holding a meeting in the Southern Isles.
There are currently 348 members.
4.2 Issue: Donations given
Discussion: £200 was paid to support Glasgow Homeless Caseworkers on strike and £200 was paid to the Glasgow Foodbank. The Branch was told that some of the recent donation to the local Foodbank has gone to the Southern Isles.
4.3 Issue: Request for donation considered
Discussion: It was agreed that £50 be donated to the Nae Pasaran project,
Action: MM to contact them.
4.4 Issue: Promotional items for Student Nurse sessions and inductions
Discussion: Stocks are getting low of items to give away,
Action: JT to look at the catalogue and suggestions to be made for the next meeting.
4.5 Issue: Branch Bank Account
Discussion: Branch bank accounts are changing from the Unity Bank to Natwest in July 2015, the account number will stay the same but the sort code is changing. No Unity cheques to be written from July 2015, any branch of RBS may be used in the future. ALTO cards will continue as normal.
5. Secretary's Report
5.1 Issue: Report
Discussion: In March there were 2 joiners and 1 leaver, In April there were 7 joiners and no leavers. 4 of the joiners were from Blar Buidhe. The target for membership/joiners has been exceeded.
Action: JT to contact these new members and invite them to become Stewards.
6. Welfare Officer's Report
Issue: Reports
Discussion: Kath Mace attended a recent meeting and hopes to attend the Welfare AGM. Thanks has been received from the recipient of a gift.
7, Training Officer's Report
7.1 Issue: Organising Steward Training
Discussion: The next new Steward training course is at the County Hotel 2nd - 5th June, UNISON WI Health branch has 2 attending so far.
Action: KM to contact Jane Atkinson regarding completing the Steward training.
7.2 Issue: Other courses
Discussion: Many of the mainland training courses have been cancelled, JM noted that the Writing Skills course she was due to attend was cancelled through poor take up.
8. National Conference
Issue: Delegates
Discussion: In addition to KM and JM attending, as the National Conference is being held in Glasgow, it has been agreed that this Branch would like to send more visitors.
Action: Alison MacVie to find out if she can attend as a visitor.
10. AOCB
10.1 Issue: Industrial Law
Discussion: AM reported that an email was received from Rhoda Grant, MSP Highlands and Islands, that the law is changing for employees of public bodies: before industrial action is taken, 40% of those eligible to vote must be in favour.
Action: SM to approach the UNISON branch of the local council and Rhoda Grant for a discussion.
10.2 Issue: Local Integration
Discussion: As Integration of certain sections of NHSWI and CnES continues it was agreed that a local UNISON Integration evening be held soon.
Action: MM to contact Ken Matthews regarding integration of local branches, and the feasibility of having a local co-ordinator. SS to attend if possible.
10.3. Issue: Scottish Terms and Conditions
Discussion: A request for details of the Injury Allowance in STAC has been sent by HR to Willie Hamilton.
Action: MM to respond.
10.4 Issue: Southern Isles
Discussion: Catriona MacAulay reported that there are many staff changing and at present staff are feeling stretched.
10.5 Issue: Agenda for Change
Discussion: A new edition of the Scottish Agenda for Change is available.
Meeting closed 7:30pm
Date of Next Meeting
Date: Tuesday 9th June
Time 6:00pm
Venue: Education Unit, Western Isles Hospital