A&E DISPUTE UP-DATE 27.8.14

Dear Member.

UNISON would like to clarify the current position regarding industrial action. Due to the Trust reverting back to all agreements relating to the workforce plan and operational redesign documents UNISON had no alternative but tosuspend the action and cannot legally continue with it at this time.

The fact that the Trust did revert back to all the demands in UNISONS mandate was due to the strong ballot result which made clear UNISON members anger at the enforced changes. UNISON is asking members to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any examples of the Trust breaking agreements.

UNISON is also fully aware that there are many other issues affecting members including career progression for ECAs, the paramedic band 6 review, which was lodged months ago and is now compounded by the introduction of pathways. UNISON believes that the current workforce model isn’t working and as such urges the Trust to review the current model to ensure it is fit for purpose and encourages career progression.

Rotas are also a major issue, the introduction of 12hr shifts at the weekend, within the 10hr rotas, is causing major concerns. Members are feeling exhausted and stating they are not getting enough recovery time. UNISON is currently in discussions with the Trust to resolve the issue. UNISON would like to make it clear that we are not against 12hr shifts per se but do not feel the current situation is working.

UNISON is concerned around the ever increasing 999 demand and even with well managed agreed operational procedures there is simply not enough resource on the streets. Members can only work so hard before tiredness takes its toll and stress levels start to increase. UNISON insist the way forward is not simply taking members down the Attendance Management policy but to tackle the root cause and increase the level of resource.

UNISON believes that if the Trust adheres to agreed policies, ensures members have a defined and accessible career pathway, pay members correctly for the work they do, agree workable and flexible rotas, allow annual leave when requested, send the correct resource to the patient and increase the establishment, members would be feeling less frustrated and angry.

UNISON is the only recognised trade union which can negotiate on your behalf within YAS. We will continue to keep you informed of any developments and encourage members to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their views and ideas. UNISON YAS membership has increased by over 150 members in the past few weeks taking its membership to well over 3,000 which can only make us stronger going forward in these difficult times.

Many thanks

UNISON YAS Branch Committee