Unite saves jobs at Tenant Services
Authority
TSA Unite members (who belong to the Unite Housing Workers’
Branch) have successfully overturned management proposals for a
mass extension of trial periods which could have placed
members at risk of compulsory redundancy.
The proposals were also shown by the union to discriminate
against women and BAME staff, the former in particular being less
likely to be ‘slotted' into roles than male colleagues.
The result comes after a decisive vote for industrial action by
Unite TSA members. The consultative ballot returned a vote of 91.8%
in favour of proceeding to a formal ballot, on a turnout
of 64.9%.
The rejection of management proposals came from across the TSA
Unite membership, and was not restricted to those immediately
affected by management plans.
It showed that members recognised the dangers of management
being allowed to disregard agreed policies, and to keeping staff in
a state of perpetual uncertainty.
The dispute arose following a restructure which resulted in
around 31 staff being redeployed into regulation roles at the end
of 2010. Around 24 were placed on three month trial periods due to
end on the 26th July. However, the TSA wrote to staff saying it
intended to impose a three month blanket trial period
extension on the team, instead of confirming staff in post.
It was an overwhelming victory for Unite, and a clear lesson
that an unambiguous and well supported threat of industrial action
wins results. Unite regional officer, Matt Smith said: 'This
is a clear example of workers standing together in a union and
showing it makes a difference.'
'The patience of the Unite's members in the housing workers
branch has been tested to the limit, they should not be expected to
pay for the mistakes of others. Unreasonable employers need to be
aware, where our TSA reps and members have led more will follow.
Non union workers need to realise joining Unite is the best defence
against these cuts and join us.'
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