MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MID DEVON BRANCH OF UNISON HELD IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM, TOWN HALL, TIVERTON ON THE 11TH JUNE 2002.

Present : B Williams, L Chilcott, J Hanson, C Jones, M Flanagan, T Dawe, C Marlow, P Evans, P Hall, A Janes, C Thorn, B Cornes, N Davies, PSaunders.

1. Minutes - AGREED as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2. Matters Arising - Treasures Report - Monies to be received from HQ

2001 = £673.55, 2000 = £603.49 & 1999 = £344.81.

3. Restructuring - Secretary referred to comments that the process was all over. It did seem that the situation had gone very quiet. However, there were still issues relating to the District Officers to be resolved. There appeared to be no action at all from within the Housing Department. C Marlow referred to the Chief Planning Officers post - there had been 2 internal 'ring fenced type' applications neither of which had been suitable.  The post was now to be advertised externally. One of the internal applicants had been told that they were not ruled out completely. The Chairman stressed the need for us to remain vigilant.

4. Pay claim 2002 - The secretary referred to the various items available for distribution to the members. Discussion regarding what information should be sent to our members. Question of unfairness where non-members will not lose any salary in industrial action takes place whilst they would receive any benefits achieved,  however J Hanson spoke strongly against this point of view and stressed this was the reality of life. Union members should stand up for their rights even if they should suffer some financial loss. It was AGREED that the following should be organised to support the ballot :-

              a. Press release.

              b. Special Branch Meeting - 27th JUNE at 5.15pm. Secretary to

                  invite Emma Dunn - Unison Regional Officer.

              c. Letter to elected members.

              d. Keep members informed by special edition of Newsletter and

                  information on website.

              e. Lobby Council Meeting on the 26th June.

Secretary reported that he and the Chairman would be attending a meeting at the Taunton Office on the 26th June - Organising for Industrial Action.

Need to obtain placards, arm bands etc.

J Hanson referred to need for everyone to assume they will be at work as normal on the day/days industrial action organised for. No one should appear to be at all obstructive and should seem to be acting in a reasonable way.

5. Job Evaluation - There did not appear to be any signs of progress. However,  M Cox hoped that 'pilot scheme' would be carried out between June and September. The Secretary felt if this were not the case he for one would need to be retrained to administer the scheme. The meeting felt that if the scheme did not progress and there is no guarantee of it doing so, staff of MDDC should process Para 80 Applications and Equal Pay Claims. It was AGREED that a meeting should be requested with the Chief Executive Officer.

6. Branch Newsletter - as mentioned previously special Pay Claim edition to be produced. Next regular edition soon to be produced.

7. Officers Reports -

                1a.  Secretary - Secretary and Chairman to meet Emma Dunn, new   Regional Officer at meeting at Taunton on the 26th June.

                  b. Need to appoint Branch Safety Reps. It would be advantageous but not totally necessary if they were persons other than stewards. Education Secretary to circulate details of relevant training course. Secretary to check job specification for safety reps.

                  c. Secretary attending Annual Conference next week at Bournemouth.

                 2. Treasurer - reported that present bank balance = £283.99, but we were expecting £1621.85 from HQ.  Chairman thanked  Treasurer for her work in achieving this refund.

                 3. Welfare - nothing to report.

                 4. Education -  Various course applications being processed.  Asked if an up to date membership list could be produced.

                 5. Publicity - Next Newsletter nearing completion and website being updated.

                 6. Membership - Up to date membership listing would be sent to all exec members. Present Branch membership standing at 185,  this includes several new members from Operations (ex Contract Services staff).  Various ex GMB members transferred over to Unison. Chairman thanked J Hanson for all his hard work in recruiting these new members.