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sites; regular access to all sites to recruit; establishment of Regional Forums of TU
Reps and management to deliver key policy matters on campaigning and quality of
care; reinstatement of our recognition rights in N Ireland; establishment of a National
Forum to meet twice-yearly. Discussions were ongoing with FSHC over the content
of the recognition agreement which was hoped to be concluded in January opening
the way for visits to care homes to start in late January / early February 2013 to
speak to Four Seasons 30,000 employees. The Four Seasons Lead Officers had
met with Justin the previous week for detailed discussions in preparation for visits
including mapping and, in particular, the need to learn from the lessons of Southern
Cross. Specifically to approach FSHC and the wider sector on a direct debit only
recruitment basis; to ensure sustainable organisation with branch-based support to
prevent the historic officer-centred dependence in the sector. These points had been
positively received by all the Regions represented and officers were clear what the
measures of success would be for this project. A Social Care Lead Officers meeting
would be held in January 2013.
GMB had agreed with FSHC that Unison and RCN would be in the Agreement and
there were ongoing discussions with both about spheres of influence in the nonaligned
Homes. These discussions were challenging and the outcome was difficult to
predict.
The Southern Cross failure to inform and consult legal action - which played an
important role in bringing FSHC to the table - now needed to be used by officers to
look again at the position with the remaining operators still not recognising GMB. A
meeting of Social Care Lead Officers to push this would occur in the New Year.
Northern Region had signed two voluntary agreements with medium-sized operators,
both of whom were likely to grow.
(v) National Office Duty Changes
The General Secretary reported that Avril Chambers was moving from the National
Organising Team to the Public Services Section to take over national responsibility
for schools membership. This additional resource underlines the importance of
school support staff to GMB. With the onslaught of academies it is imperative that
Avril receives full co-operation from Regions.
5. APPEALS COMMITTEE
(a) London Regional Committee referral to the Central Executive Council
Steve Short, Executive Officer reported that the London Regional Committee had
referred a Rule 5 matter to the CEC. It was AGREED to convene an Appeals
Committee hearing to consider the matter.
(b) Withdrawal of Appeal – Anne Price, Southern Region
Steve Short, Executive Officer reported that a Rule 5 appeal from Anne Price,
Southern Region advised to the September 2012 CEC meeting, had been
withdrawn.
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