Exemptions - The Joint Trades Unions met yesterday with BMBC management to consider exemptions from strike action on the 30th November for posts to provide ‘life & limb’ cover. Logged in Branch Members only can download the full list of approvals from the link available at the bottom of this page. Please note this may be subject to change, we will try to keep it updated. The biggest groups approved are Learning Disabilities and Independent Living Support Workers and the staff in two children’s homesThe list details only those exemption requests that have been approved, the original requests were significantly greater than those approved and many were rejected as not necessary to meet ‘life & limb’ criteria. For example we have refused requests for Asylum workers, Social workers other than the Emergency Duty Team, Legal Officers, Assistant Directors and IT System Support Officers.
Members who are in exempted posts should be notified by management that their post is exempt and they may work as normal. If members in these posts wish to take strike action on the day they still can do so. However in these circumstances please ensure you inform your manager of your decision so that alternative arrangements can be made. We do ask members in these posts to co-operate to ensure essential cover is in place and no clients are placed at risk.
UNISON members who are exempt may request a exemption letter by contacting the Branch Office on 772988 or 772977. Please note it is only necessary to obtain one if your workplace is to be picketed, I.e. the main Town Centre buildings, Smithies & Carlton Depots and Beevor Court.
We have also agreed exemptions for a small number of individual members who are pregnant or in their last year of service who would suffer long term disadvantage if they strike.
If you are told you are exempt, please check the list or check with your Steward or Convenor if in any doubt.
Deductions - We have been assured that Barnsley MBC will not take the deduction in December, but our request that they split it over two months (Jan/Feb) has been rejected and they expect to make the deduction from January's pay. We believe most other payroll providers will do the same.
Deductions should be calculated at the rate of 1/260th of annual pay for those working 5 days. For part-time workers annual pay should be pro-rated from the full time rate and then 1/260th deducted.
If you work part-time and the 30th is a non-working day - You will not officially be on strike but you can show your support at our local rally at 10:00 am in Peel Square and you can donate a day’s pay to the industrial action hardship funds if you wish.