1 2/13 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL GMB 22 Stephenson Way ...
1 2/13 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL GMB 22 Stephenson Way ...
1 2/13 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL GMB 22 Stephenson Way ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>PRIVATE</strong> & <strong>CONFIDENTIAL</strong><br />
<strong>GMB</strong><br />
<strong>22</strong> <strong>Stephenson</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, London NW1 2HD<br />
2/<strong>13</strong><br />
CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES of a meeting held on TUESDAY 12<br />
MARCH 20<strong>13</strong> at 9.30AM in the COUNCIL CHAMBER of CAMDEN TOWN HALL,<br />
JUDD STREET, LONDON WC1H 9JE<br />
PRESENT:<br />
President: Mary Turner MBE (London Region)<br />
Vice-President: Malcolm Sage (Midland & East Coast Region)<br />
Birmingham & West Midlands: Brian Adams (Commercial Services), Richard<br />
Clarke (Public Services), Gordon Gibbs (Public Services), Gordon Richardson<br />
(Manufacturing), Viv Smart (Public Services)<br />
London: Brenda Fraser (Manufacturing), George Fraser (Public Services), Lena<br />
Sharp (Commercial Services)<br />
Midland & East Coast: Liz Blackman (Public Services), John Hall (Public Services),<br />
Kath Slater (Commercial Services), Paul Wheatley (Manufacturing)<br />
Northern: George Emmerson (Manufacturing), Gerry Ferguson (Manufacturing),<br />
Mary Hutchinson (Manufacturing), Peter Kane (Commercial Services)<br />
North West & Irish: Margaret Gregg (Commercial Services), David Hope (Public<br />
Services), Eddie Marnell (Manufacturing), John McDonnell (Manufacturing), Andy<br />
McGivern (Manufacturing), Ron Waugh (Manufacturing)<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> Scotland: Kevin Buchanan (Commercial Services), John Dolan<br />
(Manufacturing), June Minnery (Public Services), Cathy Murphy (Commercial<br />
Services)<br />
Southern: Jean Foster (Commercial Services), Bryan Hulley (Manufacturing), Bill<br />
Modlock (Public Services)<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> Wales & South West: Sheila Bearcroft (Manufacturing), Ken Daniels (Public<br />
Services), Gwyn Evans (Commercial Services), Brian Farr (Manufacturing), Ann<br />
Leader (Manufacturing), Michael Lock (Public Services), Lorraine Parker (Public<br />
Services)<br />
Yorkshire & North Derbyshire: Martin Jackson (Public Services), David Noble<br />
(Public Services), Nicola Sharpe (Commercial Services), James Stribley<br />
(Manufacturing)<br />
Race Reserved Seats: Dana Bruno (Public Services), Audrey Harry MBE<br />
(Manufacturing), Sharon Harding (Public Services), Warinder Juss (Commercial<br />
Services), Evelyn Martin MBE (Public Services)<br />
General Secretary: Paul Kenny<br />
IN ATTENDANCE:<br />
Regional Secretaries: Paul Hayes (London Region), Andy Worth (Midland & East<br />
Coast Region), Tom Brennan (Northern Region), Paul McCarthy (North West &<br />
Irish), Harry Donaldson (<strong>GMB</strong> Scotland), Paul Maloney (Southern Region), John<br />
Phillips (<strong>GMB</strong> Wales & South West Region), Tim Roache (Yorkshire & North<br />
Derbyshire Region)<br />
National Secretaries: Jerry Nelson, Brian Strutton<br />
National Officers: Rehana Azam, Allan Black, Justin Bowden, Mick Rix<br />
National Organiser: Martin Smith<br />
1
National Office Personnel: Ida Clemo, Rose Conroy, Kamaljeet Jandu, Paula<br />
Keane, John McClean, Phil McEvoy, Alex McMillan, Eamon O’Hearn-Large, Steve<br />
Pryle, Steve Short, Cath Speight, Allan Wylie<br />
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS<br />
(a) Apologies<br />
Apologies for absence were received from Roy Dunnett (London Region), James<br />
Jones (Northern Region), Ann McLaren (<strong>GMB</strong> Scotland), Dave Clements (Southern<br />
Region), Michael Lock (<strong>GMB</strong> Wales & South West Region), Sandra Berwick<br />
(Yorkshire & North Derbyshire Region)<br />
(b) Sheila Bearcroft, <strong>GMB</strong> Wales & South West Region<br />
The President read out a message from Sheila Bearcroft thanking CEC members for<br />
all the messages of sympathy and cards sent to her following the sad death of her<br />
husband.<br />
(c) Appointment of Northern Regional Secretary<br />
The General Secretary reported that following interviews for the Northern Regional<br />
Secretary the Regional Committee could not decide between two candidates. Both<br />
would be re-interviewed, but if the deadlock remained the process will be referred to<br />
the CEC. He also reported that a grievance had been received in relation to the<br />
interview process, therefore no appointment will be endorsed until the internal<br />
grievance procedure has been completed. NOTED<br />
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL<br />
HELD ON TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Item 11<br />
Noted that the minute should read 7th of the 37 arrested Cammell Laird workers, not<br />
11th. AGREED to amend the minute accordingly.<br />
RESOLVED that, subject to the above amendment, the Minutes of the Meeting of<br />
the Central Executive Council held on Tuesday 12 February 20<strong>13</strong>, be agreed.<br />
3. MATTERS ARISING<br />
Item 3<br />
Eddie Marnell, North West & Irish Region stated he had never claimed that Cammell<br />
Laird Freedom of Information requests had been rejected and what the National<br />
Officer for Legal and Corporate Affairs had said was she would speak to an<br />
acquaintance of hers to ascertain if it was normal for all FOI requests to come back<br />
negative. What the National Officer for Legal and Corporate Affairs has said about<br />
Professor Keith Ewing finding a way to progress this matter was incorrect.<br />
The General Secretary responded that the implication <strong>GMB</strong> had done nothing is<br />
totally incorrect. The National Officer for Legal and Corporate Affairs had told the<br />
truth. It was in fact Professor Keith Ewing who had changed his position from saying<br />
he would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights to instead saying<br />
making FOI requests was the best route and this had caused the CEC to be at cross<br />
purposes. All Government Departments were sent FOI requests and all had<br />
2
esponded that they held no records or documents. He suggested Eddie Marnell<br />
contact the National Officer direct to discuss. <strong>GMB</strong> had not given up fighting this<br />
case, the problem was finding the evidence or information in order to formulate a<br />
case. <strong>GMB</strong> had had several meetings over the years on this matter including with<br />
two Prime Ministers, a Minister of Justice and a QC. <strong>GMB</strong> will keep pursuing this<br />
issue.<br />
Paul McCarthy, North West & Irish Regional Secretary reported that a meeting had<br />
been arranged in April 20<strong>13</strong> with MEPs who were willing to support this case through<br />
the European Parliament.<br />
4. <strong>GMB</strong> CONGRESS 20<strong>13</strong><br />
(a) Congress 20<strong>13</strong> Preliminary Agenda and Draft CEC Position on Congress<br />
Motions and Rule Amendments<br />
The CEC AGREED its stance on Motions and Rule Amendments to Congress 20<strong>13</strong>,<br />
save those deferred to the April 20<strong>13</strong> CEC meeting.<br />
(b) Appointment of CEC Observers to the Standing Orders Committee<br />
It was AGREED that Andy McGivern, Manufacturing Section; Lena Sharp,<br />
Commercial Services Section and Liz Blackman, Public Services Section would act<br />
as CEC observers to the Standing Orders Committee at Congress 20<strong>13</strong>.<br />
(c) List of Exhibitors<br />
The CEC AGREED the list of exhibitors and sponsors to Congress 20<strong>13</strong>. The CEC<br />
recorded their thanks to Robert Badlan, Congress Sponsorship & Exhibitions Officer<br />
for his work in raising sponsorship to help offset Congress costs.<br />
5. SECTION REPORTS<br />
(a) Commercial Services<br />
Minutes of Commercial Services Section National Committee – 10 June 2012<br />
Minutes<br />
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Commercial Services Section<br />
National Committee held on 10 June 2012, be received.<br />
Matters dealt with<br />
Update on Motions to the 2012 Commercial Services Section Conference<br />
Final Arrangements for the 2012 Commercial Services Section Conference<br />
(b) Public Services<br />
(i) Public Sector Update<br />
Brian Strutton, National Secretary reported on the NHS staff side vote on Agenda for<br />
Change. <strong>GMB</strong> had opposed the changes to terms and conditions, but were in the<br />
minority as both Unison and the RCN had voted for the changes which are effective<br />
from April 20<strong>13</strong>. <strong>GMB</strong> would be campaigning against these changes locally.<br />
Brian also reported that Local Government Employers had made two pay offers, both<br />
variations on a theme of a 1% increase. <strong>GMB</strong> will consult our members on these<br />
offers when they are finalised. Unison had already rejected the offers without<br />
consultation and were planning for an Industrial Action Ballot. A joint Trade Union<br />
3
side meeting was scheduled for Friday 15 March at which <strong>GMB</strong> would seek to carry<br />
on negotiations with Local Government Employers and then put the final offer or<br />
offers to all three Trade Union’s members on the same basis. The Trade Unions had<br />
already achieved a number of concessions including stopping a cut in sick pay and<br />
should not risk losing these by taking Industrial Action unless we were sure that<br />
action would be successful.<br />
(ii) Living Wage Campaign<br />
Brian Strutton reported that since the campaign was launched in January 20<strong>13</strong> fortyeight<br />
Councils in England and Wales were paying or had agreed to pay a Living<br />
Wage. All Councils in Scotland had agreed to pay a Living Wage. This campaign<br />
must be used as an organising platform. A full written report would be bought to the<br />
April CEC Meeting.<br />
The CEC were notified that Leicester City Council had agreed to pay the Living<br />
Wage, and an agreement was close in Nottingham Council, Leeds Council and<br />
Sheffield Council had adopted living wage levels and contractors were now being<br />
targeted, and Barking and Dagenham Council were implementing a £9.00 per hour<br />
living wage.<br />
(iii) Contractors Update<br />
Justin Bowden, National Officer reported that Enterprise was being sold by for a loss,<br />
by private equity company 3i, to Spanish giant Ferrovial who would merge it into<br />
Amey. <strong>GMB</strong> had a joint recognition agreement along with Unite and Ucatt. A<br />
<strong>GMB</strong>/Unite National Reps meeting was to be held later in March.<br />
Justin also reported that the Carillion pre-hearing review outcome was expected<br />
soon. One <strong>GMB</strong> shop steward had recently been dismissed and another offered<br />
redundancy under threat of disciplinary action.<br />
The blacklisting campaign continued to throw up surprises as <strong>GMB</strong> had uncovered at<br />
least 200 environmental and green activists were amongst the 3,2<strong>13</strong> people on the<br />
blacklist. The 200+ names included senior people from organisations such as<br />
Friends of the Earth, Sustrans and Greenpeace. The legal, media and public<br />
services sections were working carefully to develop this front and see whether the<br />
apparent links to a secret police unit and the security services could be established<br />
in relation to the blacklisting of these individuals. <strong>GMB</strong>'s lawyers were exploring the<br />
possibility of including the blacklisted green activistss in the impending High Court<br />
action against Carillion on behalf of our construction workers. For both legal actions<br />
as many people as possible were needed to come forward.<br />
Reports suggested that the use of the public procurement process to blacklist the<br />
blacklisters from getting any more public contracts may be starting to have an effect<br />
and for that reason every part and level of the Union was asked to push this policy<br />
even harder.<br />
In response to comments the General Secretary stated that construction workers<br />
were on the blacklist, but journalists and solicitors were also appearing on the<br />
blacklist. Also activists who had opposed the Heathrow expansion or protested over<br />
the M11 Link Road or Twyford Down were on the list along with others active on<br />
environmental issues. The only conclusion that could be drawn was that names were<br />
4
exchanged between security agencies. The Information Commissioners Office had<br />
only retrieved 10-15% of the material it could have done. No-one knows whose<br />
names were on the other 85-90% of the material nor where this matter will end up,<br />
but it has serious implications for civil rights and Trade Union rights.<br />
(iv) Social Care Sector Update<br />
Justin Bowden, National Officer reported that following the signing of the Recognition<br />
Agreement with Four Seasons a spheres of influence protocol had been agreed with<br />
Unison to give a 60/40 nationwide split of Homes. This package gave <strong>GMB</strong> "Lead<br />
Union" status in just under 300 Care Homes, Units and small Hospitals in Four<br />
Seasons, giving <strong>GMB</strong> direct access and organisation and recruitment rights over<br />
18,000 staff. In addition the protocol with Unison also covered future acquisitions to<br />
give <strong>GMB</strong> a 60/40 split except where a prior recognition agreement was already in<br />
place. It was now full speed ahead in Four Seasons for Regions to get into the<br />
Homes and recruit and organise.<br />
Justin advised of concerns over the possible viability of HC-One where <strong>GMB</strong> had<br />
4,500 members. HC-One had picked up 250 care homes from Southern Cross when<br />
it collapsed but occupancy levels were currently lower than when Southern Cross<br />
folded. Justin had written to the CEO of HC-One offering <strong>GMB</strong>'s support and<br />
assistance<br />
6. FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE<br />
(a) Minutes of Finance & General Purposes Committee – 11 February 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Minutes<br />
Item 3<br />
In response to a question on what Congress policy was in respect of affiliating to<br />
Unite against Fascism the General Secretary he was still trying to establish what this<br />
was and the position is still unclear.<br />
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance & General Purposes held<br />
on 11 February 20<strong>13</strong>, be received.<br />
Matters dealt with<br />
Affiliations<br />
Donations<br />
Benefit Claims<br />
Industrial Action<br />
Action on Congress Decisions<br />
Contribution Income<br />
Budget 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Employment Matters<br />
VAT<br />
Property Matters<br />
(b) Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs<br />
Allan Wylie, Finance Director reported that Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs<br />
(HMRC) had begun inspecting <strong>GMB</strong> by visiting the National Admin Unit as part of a<br />
programme targeted on Trade Unions. They are particularly looking at expenses<br />
5
they believe are taxable and had revoked the <strong>GMB</strong>’s long standing dispensations<br />
covering expenses payments. In particular they had intstructed that lump sum<br />
allowances should be taxed. This will affect employees, lay members and branches.<br />
HMRC has advised they will make visits to Regional Offices in June, and will also be<br />
contacting selected Branches. The CEC will be kept up to date on discussions with<br />
HMRC and any changes that need to be made to the expenses payment system.<br />
7. MEMBERSHIP & RECRUITMENT 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Martin Smith reported that membership was not growing as fast as it was, however<br />
retention had improved and we would continue to focus on both recruitment and<br />
retention. Between now and Congress resources will be redirected to five targets<br />
which have given <strong>GMB</strong> access to 75,000 people. These targets were in Asda, Four<br />
Seasons, PCT Trusts, Academies and Securitas.<br />
The General Secretary reported that a lot of hard work had gone into agreeing<br />
canteen access in Asda stores. <strong>GMB</strong> now had direct access to 40,000 non-members<br />
in Asda who could now take time off to speak to us in store. This was a massive<br />
opportunity which should lead to recruiting enough members to push for bargaining<br />
rights. Our performance in recruiting in Asda is disappointing, now there were no<br />
more excuses given the access we now had and performance will be measured.<br />
National Agreements such as this must be taken advantage of.<br />
In Four Seasons <strong>GMB</strong> now had access to 18,000 non-members with no restrictions.<br />
In Academies <strong>GMB</strong> must follow the members when schools change to academy<br />
status.<br />
8. ORGANISATION COMMITTEE<br />
(a) Minutes of Organisation Committee – 11 February 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Minutes<br />
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Organisation Committee held on 11 February<br />
20<strong>13</strong>, be received.<br />
Matters dealt with<br />
Congress 2012 – Report on Actions on Decisions of Congress referred to the<br />
Organisation Committee<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> Congress 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Organisation<br />
Departmental Reports<br />
Financial Services<br />
(b) National Equality Forum Term of Office<br />
The General Secretary reported National Equality Conference had discussed the<br />
length of the term of office for National Equality Forum members and decided it<br />
should remain as a two year term of office. The Conference had also discussed<br />
arrangements for future Conferences and had decided it should remain an annual<br />
event, to be a day longer from 2014, and would be a motion based and organisation<br />
based Conference from 2014.<br />
6
In response to comments the General Secretary reported how impressed he was by<br />
the Conference and the enthusiasm of new delegates.<br />
9. TUC<br />
(a) General Council Report – 27 February 20<strong>13</strong><br />
The CEC AGREED to accept the written report of the TUC General Council meeting<br />
held on 27 February 20<strong>13</strong><br />
(b) Consultation on 2012 TUC Congress Resolution No.5 – Resisting<br />
Austerity Measures<br />
The General Secretary reported on the TUC consultation on Motion 5 to TUC<br />
Congress 2012 calling for TUC to consider the practicalities of a general strike.<br />
Following discussion it was AGREED the <strong>GMB</strong> position to submit to TUC would be a<br />
midweek March against the Government should be arranged to bring central London<br />
to a standstill and joint action with other Unions to maximise opposition built on a<br />
TUC campaign.<br />
(c) Pre-budget Rally – <strong>13</strong> March 20<strong>13</strong><br />
Eamon O’Hearn-Large, National Organising Department reported that TUC had<br />
arranged a pre-budget rally on <strong>13</strong> March. <strong>GMB</strong> was being represented at the rally by<br />
Maggie Hughes who campaigns for the rights of victims of crime abroad. <strong>GMB</strong><br />
members were meeting at Westminster Tube Station at 5pm. He asked for as many<br />
people as possible to attend.<br />
10. LABOUR PARTY<br />
NEC Report<br />
Andy Worth, Midland & East Coast Regional Secretary reported no meeting had<br />
been held since the last CEC meeting.<br />
11. ANTI-BEDROOM TAX DEMOS<br />
Bryan Hulley, Southern Region reminded the CEC of anti-bedroom tax demos being<br />
held on Saturday 16 March.<br />
MARY TURNER<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
PAUL KENNY<br />
GENERAL SECRETARY<br />
7