UNISON UP-DATE
INDUSTRIAL ACTION
The first industrial action will be a four hour strike on Monday 13 October 2014. It will start at 7am and end at 11am.
This will be followed by four days of ‘action short of a strike’ (ASOS) from 14-17 October where UNISON are asking you not to work any voluntary overtime, paid or unpaid. Both these actions apply to all Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff irrespective of which departments you work in.
The Trust has approached UNISON to discuss exemptions during the 4 hour strike period particularly around “life and limb” emergency cover; this will be discussed at the committee and stewards meeting on Monday 6th October. Full guidance will be issued to all members after the meeting, if you have any comments or questions please contact your local UNISON rep.
FAQ document attached
PTS MEAL BREAK
The latest news regarding the legal challenge against the enforced changes to the PTS meal break subsistence payments is that the Trust have changed their solicitor. The new solicitors applied for a 14 day extension in order to formulate a response. Our solicitors accepted this request and are due a response by the 9th October 2014.
UNISON will keep you updated with future developments.
A&E MEAL BREAKS
After lengthy discussions with the Trust the following change to the current meal break policy will take place, the 15 minute paid rest break will now be completely uninterruptable. UNISON hopes this will aid members getting their rest break within the window and will make it easier for E.O.C. members to plan the breaks.
The paid rest break and can be taken at a station, a 5 star stand-by point or a hospital. UNISON raised issues around using hospital facilities which vary greatly throughout the Trust particularly at nights and weekends. We explained that some hospitals will not allow ambulance staff into the kitchens to obtain hot water.
Due to this it has been agreed that on the occasions that members are asked to take the break at a hospital hot drinks and flasks will be provided and appropriate facilities will be available for hand washing etc. UNISON is aware there may be other issues and asks members to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any comments.
A&E ROTAS AND WORKFORCE ISSUES
UNISON is meeting with the Trust next week to discuss members concerns around current rotas and agree a way forward. The discussions will include the removal of 12hr shifts in 10hr rotas, the individual station requests to change their rotas, the Urgent tier shift patterns and the request of some members to revert back to 10hr rotas, taking into account the fact that some stations/areas are happy with current rotas.
Meetings are also being arranged to discuss the workforce issues, UNISON thanks its member who have shared their ideas and concerns and UNISON must clarify that any changes will be part of a package that will go to members for approval.
