Notice of Industrial Action
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council have been notified that unite the union intends to ballot its Multi Skilled Craft work members.
In our consultative ballot 63 out of 72 eligible members voted giving a turnout of 87.5%. Of those 63 that casted their ballot 60 voted Yes they were willing to take industrial action and only 3 voted No to taking industrial action meaning 95.2% voted in favour of taking industrial action.
The strength of feeling comes on the back of broken promises relating to the payment of a £2,900 market supplement as managers had confirmed there was a shortfall in actual pay to the market rate of pay.
The offer was made, then withdrawn as the offer needed further ratification from senior officers, to being totally withdrawn.
Industrial Action is preventable, SMBC honour your agreement to pay the market Supplement, members are taking this action reluctantly as a final act to find a satisfactory resolution to this dispute.
Memory Walk
Dementia was the leading cause of death in Britain for the last 10 years, there are currently around 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia.
Having personal experience of family members and friends who have and are still living with dementia I recently participated in one of the 2023 Memory Walks arranged by the Alzheimer’s society.
A total of £410 was raised which will go towards providing critical support to people throughout their experiences with dementia and allow investment in ground-breaking research into better ways of treating and caring for people with dementia.
I would like to thank UNITE WM7015 branch and everyone who supported me and donated to this very worthwhile cause.
Ade Ashton celebrates 35 years
35 years ago (when I had just completed my plumbing apprenticeship) I joined the EEPTU which then became the AEEU and finally UNITE.
I have been a workplace rep for a fair few years and enjoy the camaraderie and friendships that this position brings.
My 35th membership anniversary also coincided with me successfully completing a BSc honours degree in Building Surveying.
I would like to thank my unite brothers and sisters at the WM7015 branch for their generous gift of £50 which according to our branch secretary, was to help celebrate both occasions.
This lovely gift was used to help celebrate both milestones and bought a few beers for yours truly, and to my daughters delight a feast from our local Dominoes.
Thanks again to all at the WM 7015 branch.
Here’s to the next 35 years and the continued success of UNITE.