Government Proposes NHS Pay Cut

In their late submission to the pay review board, the government has proposed a 1.5% pay rise for all NHS staff. As inflation is now around 3.5%, this amounts to a 2% pay cut. No doubt this is to soften up the unions so that they accept a slightly smaller pay cut.

More Stewards Elected

Two further elections have taken place in accordance with TGWU rules. Pauline Watson has been elected steward for the Brighton team and Anne O'Malley has been elected steward for collection teams in North London. As with all T&G stewards, their jurisdiction extends beyond their own teams so that staff always have support when needed such as during steward's annual leave.

Election of Local Branch Officers

The election took place at a quorate meeting of Mitcham team for steward and union learning rep on Friday, 6th October 2006 as stated on the election announcement posted at the Mitcham base. The vote was by show-of-hands as allowed by the T&G rules and there was an unanimous vote for David Linsey as steward and Lauren Goff as union learning rep. Whilst David Linsey was appointed a steward in July 2006, this further confirms his status.

Amicus to Ballot Lab Staff

Amicus will be balloting staff for possible strike action following management proposals to close most of the 14 processing centres and replace them with three new centres. There is no evidence that this will lead to a more efficient service. In fact, what evidence is available points to this being a backward step. The full news is on the BBC website.