Category: Repairs
National Pay, Unified Reward, We Are Barnet “levelling up” negotiations 2 November update
Tuesday 2 November 6- 7 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81712515827?pwd=dituZHZRSWE5VW9ETDdkb0QwWTVFdz09
Meeting ID: 817 1251 5827
Passcode: 641084
This is an important meeting for all our members working for Barnet Council and The Barnet Group.
We will be discussing the following:
- Update on the negotiations on Pay & Terms & Conditions and Pension with The Barnet Group.
- What do Barnet UNISON Council workers want to put onto the negotiating table with Barnet Council?
- An update on the National Strike ballot on Pay
If you have any questions please email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk or ring 0208 359 2088
End.
Going, going gone, sold to…….what is going on at Apthorp?
Staff and vulnerable residents were told they would have to leave Apthorp by the 31 October 2021.
First, we were told it was closing because the building was unsafe, and the Council could not afford it.
Then we found out that they were carrying on with the refurbishment and that it might be re-opening.
Then we discovered that the Council does not own the property. It belongs to Catalyst Housing. We asked why the Council were spending money on a property they do not own.
No response.
There are 93 care workers at risk of the sack and if Apthorp is closed, however if it is re-opening, we want to be able to work with the employer to prevent loyal care workers from being sacked.
Barnet asked the following questions:
- What is reason for the building workers on this property?
- Are you re-opening Apthorp as a:
- Residential & day care setting
- Nursing, Residential, day care setting
- Extra care and day care setting
- A mixture of all the above
- Selling it off to the private sector
- Selling it off to a property developer for housing?
- Why is Barnet Council spending money on a property they don’t own?
No responses to the above.
Breaking News
Last week we found out that a Gerald Eve estate agent was on site at Apthorp Lodge carrying out an evaluation of the building on behalf of Catalyst Housing.
We have asked what is going on.
- Why are Catalyst seeking a valuation?
- Why are Barnet Council paying for refurbishment of a property which they don’t own?
- Why have Barnet Council not sought costs from Catalyst Housing for allowing it to fall into disrepair and putting the safety of residents at risk.
It appears there is millions for contractors but nothing for care workers who risked their lives during the Covid pandemic.
You can view our care workers latest video message here https://youtu.be/mUcnJbFuFX8
You can send messages of solidarity here: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk
Join our We Are Barnet Save Apthorp lobby in person and online
Please come along in solidarity for our 93 Covid Heroes who after working through Covid were told two weeks ago their jobs were going.
The lobby starts 6 pm outside Hendon Town Hall and finishes at 7 pm.
This will be an opportunity to hear from the care workers directly as to what has happened.
Barnet UNISON has a proud history of standing up for members when they are in need therefore we are calling on all Barnet UNISON members and trade union members to attend our Solidarity public lobby.
We had asked to speak at the Adults & Safeguarding Committee which starts at 7 pm inside Hendon Town Hall , but our request was denied.
We have been offered a meeting and we are waiting for the date and time.
We also want to extend our request for solidarity to the wider Trade Union movement and we are pleased to announce that our lobby will be hosted by Socialist Telly.
You can find Socialist Telly on You Tube here https://www.youtube.com/c/SocialistTelly
Here are details to join the Save Apthorp care home lobby online
Join Barnet UNISON Zoom Meeting Tuesday 14 September at 5.45 pm – 7 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88230246920?pwd=L1ZNa1FWellMYVpRWW1zc0ZpbzI0dz09
Meeting ID: 882 3024 6920
Passcode: 894775
Solidarity
End.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Good
The Good News is that with the support of our Bin workers, Barnet Council has agreed to restore National Green Book Weekend and Bank Holiday rates of pay which will mean large numbers of our lowest paid members will be earning more money.
The Bad
In February 2021 Barnet UNISON submitted a proposal for a COVID thank you payment for all frontline workers, care workers, school staff, depot workers.
The Bad news is that this proposal was rejected.
Details of our proposal is here.
https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021.02.11.-COVID-thank-you-payment.pdf
and the Ugly.
On Friday 11 June 2021 Barnet UNISON enters into negotiations with The Barnet Group and Barnet Council about the serious inequalities in the workplace that are bad for the health and well being of our members and their families.
End.
You can’t be disciplined for taking strike action. Thanks UNISON
“Employers can no longer mistreat staff who take part in industrial action, says UNISON”
“UK law had previously prevented employers from sacking staff involved in strike action or other workplace disputes, but not from disciplining or making life difficult for them, says UNISON.
But now, disciplinary action against workers who go on strike will be unlawful. This follows today’s judgment at the employment appeal tribunal (EAT) over a case taken by care worker Fiona Mercer against the Alternative Futures Group (AFG).
She had been involved in organising, and subsequently took part in, a long-running dispute over AFG’s plans to cut payment for sleep-in shifts undertaken by its care staff.”
Read more here.
#RussianDolls explaining our fight to end inequalities in the workplace.
“If you got the same job you should get the same pay” Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
We Are Barnet rally Weds 19 May 2021
Support #WeAreBarnet frontline workers by registering to join our second public rally on Weds 19 May 2021 6.30 to 7.30 pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/we-are-barnet-campaign-public-rally-19th-may-tickets-152488777037
#WeAreBarnet #EqualityAndJustice
We Are Barnet Public rally Wed 21 April 2021
Wednesday 21 April 6.30 to 7.30 Barnet UNISON Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85100508740?pwd=dlFRN0I3bUxSdzlLK3l4VS9uWmhMZz09
Meeting ID: 851 0050 8740
Passcode: 420361