These just a few cases that UNISON recently won in 2011. Allan Pike, who as branch Secretary advises on most cases (but who used to do nearly all of this work virtually alone), said:

“I’m extremely pleased that others on the Branch Committee are gaining experience and are becoming more involved in casework and or attending meetings with Senior management. I hope to extend this practice of ‘shadowing’ and ‘observing’ for others on the Committee as more cases come forward or negotiating meetings arise.”

Case 1)
Branch committee members involved in this case, Maggie Loughran, Max Watson and to a minor degree Allan Pike:

External Contract Member of staff was suspended without pay by their employer and faced risk of dismissal. Representation was made and objections were raised by UNISON direct to the employer and with London Met. This resulted in their employer withdrawing the suspension and re-engaging the member back into employment. RESULT!

An internal enquiry by London Met has now been set up, as a result of concerns made by us relating to why and how the member was ever suspended in the first place. The member said:

“Thank you so much, I’m sure without your help and involvement I would have been dismissed.”

Case 2)
Branch Committee member involved in the case Eddie Rowley with minor assistance from Allan Pike

Appeal and review of a members who was rejected applying for VR following an assimilation. Evidence and a case was presented that showed both processes were unfair, both decisions on appeal were accepted by the employer. The member has now received their desired outcome to be released under the terms of VR5.

Quote from member: “I stopped believing in Father Christmas many years ago!!! Thanks again for what you have done for me and hope you have a great Christmas and new year.”

Case 3)
Branch Committee member involved in this case – Allan Pike

Member of staff experienced continued blocking and objections from senior management to the member’s request to be granted paid time off to attend an external training course. Representation made on member’s behalf and agreement reached to allowed the member to attend the course with minimal usage of having to attend the course outside the member’s normal working hours.

Quote from member:

“I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me regarding this course.”

Case 4)
Branch Committee members involved; Allan Pike and Eddie Rowley

Casual fixed term contract LMU employee and members seeking assurances within their reviewed Department, requesting to be offered direct assimilation and assurances of a permanent contract at the end of the review process. UNISON assistance and involvement resulted in that assurance being provided. Members comment:

“Never thought I would get this commitment, came close to resigning on a few occasions, but thanks to UNISON I now feel much more positive about my future.”

Case 5)
Branch Committee members involved, Allan Pike & Max Watson

Member on a fixed term contract and subject to an externally funded post – the post holder was at risk of a severe reduction in hours at very short notice and just before the Christmas closure period. Representation was made and issues raised regarding failure to consult and grounds put forward that the process was unfair, which resulted in an interim measure of retaining that member on a full time contract for a significantly extended period of time.

Members comment:

“Thank you so much, being just before Christmas that I was to face a severe reduction in hours was extremely upsetting and ill timed, but really grateful for UNISON’s interventions, which meant that I was now able to enjoy my Christmas and not have any immediate worries hanging over me.”

Remember – together, we are stronger! Get involved! Join UNISON!
http://www.londonmetunison.org.uk/join/