Unite at Steria
Unite is the largest union in Steria, though we are
proud to work alongside other union colleagues in the Steria Joint
Union Committee. (Connect, CWU).
Unite in Steria
Unite has four recognised collective bargaining units in Steria –
the CFS account (primarily in Manchester and Skelmersdale), the
Barclays Steria Partnership (BSP) Account (Northampton), the Royal
Mail account (Chesterfield) and the Boots account (Nottingham). Lay
representatives, i.e. Steria employees who are recognised union
representatives, from these different accounts make up our Steria
Unite Reps Forum (SURF). This meets regularly by conference call
to-co-ordinate activity.
The best example of this was in the 2009 pay round when our
members in the CFS and BSP accounts took a joint stance over pay
and secured an improved pay offer. The joint wording of that agreed
between UNITE and Steria is shown here.
Steria and Unite sign long term pay
deal
“Steria and the union Unite have agreed a pay settlement for
Steria employees within the Co-operative Financial Services (CFS)
and Barclaycard (BSP) Collective Bargaining Units.
It aims to advance and protect the respective interests of
Steria and Unite in an era of uncertainty, and ever increasing
competition. For Steria it aims to provide longer term stability to
provide existing and potential customers in the financial services
sector with services at advantageous prices enhancing
competitiveness and delivering greater value. For Unite, it aims to
recognise and reward the skills and contribution of its
members.
It resolves the Unite pay claim for 2009/2010 and provides
for a 3 Year Pay Review Agreement, with increases above price
inflation (RPI)
Mark Cook, Chief Operating Officer for Steria said: “We have
worked extensively with the Unite union in devising this pay award
for our employees. This pay award fits comfortably within the UK
company pay review initiative and is fundamental in allowing us
continue to provide high levels of customer service whilst safe
guarding jobs and our competitive position alongside competitors, a
prudent strategic move in times of economic uncertainty. We feel
that this is an excellent foundation for success, we are now
working at closer links with Unite going forward.”
Peter Skyte, National Officer of Unite, said: “We are
pleased that despite the current climate we have been able to
secure an agreement which recognises and rewards the skills and
contribution of our members. This deal provides the basis for long
term stability in our relationship with the company, and the
opportunity to develop a closer working relationship in the future
to the mutual benefit of the company, its workforce and our
members.”
In addition to this, Unite has members throughout Steria and at
the following client and Steria locations: Birmingham, Bracknell,
Brighton, two Bristol offices, Brentford, Chester, Coventry,
Edingburgh, Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, Knutsford, Leeds,
Liverpool, Reading.
Unite produces email and paper newsletters to keep members
informed about what is going on in the company, and to campaign
over issues from pay and pensions to job security.
Union recognition gives employees extra rights (whether they are
union members or not). Union membership helps you exercise your
rights (whether you’ve already got union recognition or not). All
union members get free legal protection and representation as
members of Unite are entitled to free legal advice. Representation
services cover a range of issues, both inside and outside the
workplace. We can help with personal injury claims, employment
matters, wills, conveyancing and many other legal issues.
In the current economic climate, now is no time to be outside
the union. If you’re not already a Unite member, please join.
If you join online,
please also let the rep who acts as our membership secretary within
Steria (Jo.Culverhouse@barclaycard.co.uk)
know so that you can start receiving newsletters etc straight
away. If you’re already a member – why not get more involved
or simply ask a colleague to join?
The effectiveness of the union depends on the size and
involvement of its membership. Join the union and help us to help
you.
UNITE contact details
Richard Milner – Senior rep BSP and current chair SURF –
richard.milner@barclaycard.co.uk
Chris Martin – Senior Rep CFS and current vice-chair SURF -
Chris.Martin@cfs.coop
