Email: unisonquarriers@unison.co.uk or unisonquarriers@btinternet.com
8th September 2011
Dear Colleague,
Many thanks for the magnificent support on Tuesday into Wednesday. The strike was massively supported by UNISON members. Our action had a major impact and caused disruption to Quarriers Executive whilst at the same time maintaining the quality of care we all take pride in for the most vulnerable of the People We Support.
We had well attended and well supported pickets as planned which were orderly and vibrant but dignified. We have some fantastic pictures and videos of the day on our website (www.quarriersunison.org.uk) and on facebook (www.facebook.com/unisonquarriers).
The Rally at George Square, Glasgow was attended by over 400 workers and supporters and we thank you for the show of strength and unity. You created a bright and colourful sight and refused to let the atrocious weather dampen your spirits. Our thanks also go to the dancer for getting us started! Speaker after speaker made powerful contributions about the injustice of the situation we are in. These speakers included the parent of someone we support, service users themselves as well as the STUC General Secretary.
You will find attached the hardship form which can be filled in and returned to us at the above address. If you came in your own transport we can also refund this if you have a receipt. Again write to us at the above address.
The campaigning continues into a new phase now. The Strike has come and gone and who knows we may call more days of action, but for now we face the issue of whether or not to sign the offers. The Chief Executive has written to everyone saying that we have until the 23rd September 2011 to sign up for Offer 1. If we do not then they will dismiss and re-engage on Offer 2. We want to make it clear that if you sign up for Offer 1 you will see your wages cut on the 1st October 2011. If Quarriers implement Offer 2 they have shown that they will dismiss and re-engage after your notice period. This means that if you have between 4 weeks and 5 years service, they must issue you with 4 weeks’ notice. If you have more than this you will be issued with 1 weeks’ notice for every year up to a maximum of 12 weeks. The question you have to consider is do I want my pay cut on the 1st October or later. Remember you do not need to attend any meetings unless expressly instructed to do so in working time. But what we do urge you to do is NOT TO SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING!
Our new campaign is “Don’t Sign!”. See the enclosed poster.
If any member of management tells you that you must - please inform us a soon as possible by email, text or phone call.
Enclosed is Frequently Asked Questions briefing for members compiled by our Legal Officer, Suzanne Craig on the proposed new contracts. Please read it, keep it with you at work and copy it to non member colleagues and encourage them to join - as so many are doing every day. If you have any further questions please get in touch at quarrierspay.unisonquarriers@gmail.com .
As of today our membership has grown by over 19% in the last year. This is tremendous and you are to be congratulated for this amazing growth. Let’s keep it going by telling non-members of our campaign and get them to join in.
Thanks again for your support during the strike and remember we will give you the honest information as we always do. In this regard we are organising meetings at 7.00pm on the following dates and locations:
Wednesday 14th – Greenock, Craigend Centre
Thursday 15th – Irvine - To Be Confirmed, will post on website
Monday 19th – Johnstone -To Be confirmed, will post on website
Tuesday 20th – Glasgow, Branch Office, 4th Floor, 131 West Nile Street.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen Brown
Branch Secretary