UNISON BEGINS LUNCHTIME LOBBIES OF EMPLOYERS’ HEAD OFFICE

The first of a week-long series of Lunchtime Lobbies of Notting Hill Housing Trust’s (NHHT) head office got of to a rousing start yesterday. UNISON members shared lunch with many of their non-union colleagues whilst protesting at senior management’s continuing refusal to negotiate on the new terms and conditions that they have imposed.

“It’s very encouraging to see non-union members supporting UNISON’s campaign to defend Family Friendly Policies at Notting Hill Housing Trust”, said UNISON Regional Organiser, Colin Inniss. “It contradicts the Trust’s claim that most members of staff are happy with imposed change. Unison’s campaign will continue until the Trust realises that cutting family-friendly benefits demoralises staff and has a negative impact on service delivery”.

UNISON’s dispute with Notting Hill Housing Trust is now in its third month. A day of strike action was taken on 15th March; further strike action is planned for May. In an effort to resolve the dispute, UNISON has referred it to ACAS for mediation.

Lunch Time Lobbies - Photos from Tuesday

Lunchtime Lobbies

Every day this week UNISON members be holding lunchtime lobbies outside of the main Notting Hill office. The address is 1 Butterwick (Rear of Metro Building) Hammersmith W68DL. These lobbies will be a peaceful but visible protest against Notting Hill Housing's continued reluctance to take part in meaningful discussions around the controversial withdrawal of paid carers leave and flexi time.

The lobbies will take place every day this week between 12 and 2pm so please come along and offer your support.

STRIKE ACTION TO CONTINUE

A cost-cutting proposal presented by UNISON to Notting Hill Housing Trust (NHHT) has been rejected by the Trust’s Board. Additional meetings with NHHT’s Corporate Management Team have also ended without any agreement being reached.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Kate Davies, has ruled out any further concessions on the changes to the terms and conditions that were imposed on all staff, without UNISON’s agreement, on 1^st March,

The Trust’s cuts to terms and conditions have completely removed paid carers’ leave and flexitime for all staff. Redeployment pay protections and relocation allowances have also been cut by 75%.

UNISON, Regional Organiser, Colin Inniss, said: “The Trust’s Chief Executive, Kate Davies, expressed an opinion that these cuts to terms and conditions do not go far enough. That is a frightening concept for all of our members and one which should also worry tenants. Management by imposition demoralises a workforce and leaves UNISON with no other alternative than to continue our dispute with NHHT.

This will involve a series of Lunchtime lobbies of the Trust’s Head Office in Hammersmith’s followed by 2 days of industrial action.

UNISON has consistently stated that the solution to this dispute is not through imposition but by reaching a negotiated agreement which addresses the real concerns of NHHT’s skilled and committed employees. UNISON will be seeking the assistance of ACAS in reaching a reasonable agreement with NHHT. Only such an agreement can prevent further industrial action.”

For further info please see UNISON's Housing branch website and John's Labour Blog