Minutes:
Motion on behalf of the Labour Group
This Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members make in our workplaces. This Council values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions and we recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.
This Council notes with concern the Trade Union Act 2016 which will negatively affect this Council’s relationship with our trade unions and our workforce as a whole.
It is noted that the Act will incur administrative costs in forcing the Council to monitor and publish information about how many employees carry out union duties. This Council does not think that this excessive monitoring of recognised trade unions is an appropriate use of the Council’s money and resources.
This Council is clear that facility time, negotiated and agreed by us and our trade unions to suit our own specific needs, has a valuable role to play in the creation of good quality and responsive local services. The Council also recognises the contribution that our trade unions have made in using facility time to speed up the terms and conditions review, and restructures, used to deliver savings across the Council. Moreover, the Council recognises that restricting facility time will only delay disciplinary, sickness and grievance procedures, at which employees have a statutory right to be represented by their union. This would make escalation and additional costs to the Council incurred from tribunal fees, more likely.
This Council is happy with the arrangements we currently have in place for facility time. We see this as an important part of our positive industrial relations and an inexpensive and easy way to administer a system that supports our staff by reducing dismissal rates, voluntary exits, workplace illnesses, and recruitment costs and improves staff retention and productivity.
This Council recognises the valuable work carried out by Health and Safety reps in maintaining safe workplaces and preventing workplace injuries, and which is an economical way of promoting health and safety for the Council.
This Council further resolves to seek to continue its own locally agreed industrial relations strategy and will take every measure possible to maintain its autonomy with regard to facility time and other arrangements.
Amendment by the Conservative Group
Amend motion to read:
This Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members can make in our workplaces. This Council values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions and we recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.
This Council notes that the Trade Union Act 2016 received the Royal Assent on 4th May 2016 and that those provisions of the Act that are implemented and are applicable to the Council will be observed in a responsible and sensitive manner.
Amendment by the Independent Residents’ Group
Amend motion to read:
This Council welcomes the Prime Minister’s comments about leading a Government on behalf of the many not the few and the interests of working people including the working class. And in the same spirit Council welcomes the constructive role played by our democratic trade unions and staff associations in the management of council affairs.
The number may be reviewed, but Council rejects any moves to end the ability of paid employees who are also designated union/staff association officials to meet their responsibilities during the working day, because removing this cost would not be a saving and would result in a less disciplined and demoralised workforce which in turn would undermine the efficient running of the Council.
Following debate, the amendment by the Conservative Group was CARRIED by 42 votes to 5 (see division 4) and the amendment by the Independent Residents’ Group was NOT CARRIED by 38 votes to 7 (see division 5); the amendment by the Conservative Group was AGREED as the substantive motion by 42 votes to 6 (see division 6).
RESOLVED:
This Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members can make in our workplaces. This Council values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions and we recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.
This Council notes that the Trade Union Act 2016 received the Royal Assent on 4th May 2016 and that those provisions of the Act that are implemented and are applicable to the Council will be observed in a responsible and sensitive manner.