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| Transport & General Workers' Union |  |
Last updated: 21 January 2004
Introducing
the union…
Working
for an MP is an exciting and rewarding job, but at some point you may
face exactly the same difficulties as you would in any other workplace
– a dispute over your job description, a grievance against your
employer or simply the need to put a collective case for improvements in
working conditions.
That’s
one of the reasons the Transport
& General Workers Union (TGWU) has formed a branch to represent
staff of MPs and MEPs – whether they work at Westminster or in the
constituency.
Where
we fit in…
The
TGWU Parliamentary Branch is based in Region 1 of the union (London and
the South East) but includes staff from all over England, Scotland and
Wales. It has members who work for MPs of all the major political
parties and most of the smaller ones.
The
TGWU is the only union recognised by the Parliamentary Labour Party and
is regularly consulted by the Houses of Parliament authorities on
issues affecting staff. We hope that if you have not already done so,
you will wish to join.
Regional Groups
If you live in one of the following areas, please contact a local branch representative:
-
Yorkshire and Humberside - Catherine Simes at simesc@parliament.uk
-
West Midlands - Eddie Smith at smithe@parliament.uk
-
Bristol - Lois Hourigan-Golding at goldingl@parliament.uk
Campaigning…
The
union campaigns for better working conditions and pay for staff. The 5th
July 2001 decision by Parliament to provide decent pay, more staff for
MPs, provide better employment procedures, security in constituency
offices and 'ring-fence' the money allocated for staff wages (so you
don't have to compete with a new fax machine when asking for your annual
wage rise) was the culmination of 20 years' campaigning by the TGWU
branch. Obviously,
the more staff who join the union, the stronger our voice is.
The union branch has made representations to the Speaker's Advisory Panel on the implementation of these proposals and is arguing for the best possible contracts to be adopted. In the current climate, Health and Safety is obviously of major concern and we have pushed for improvements to staff safety, especially with relation to security and post.
In the summer of 2002 we distributed an anonymous questionnaire on pay and conditions to all staff of MPs. Click here for a copy; please complete and return it a.s.a.p.
We are now campaigning to ensure staff take up their pension entitlement - 10% of their salary, with no contributions from yourselves unless you want them, and at no cost to your MP. Contact Vice-Chair George McNamara for details: mcnamarag@parliament.uk.
Click here to see the Branch's comments on the 1 April 2003 salary scale revisions. And here for an updated Progress Report in June 2003.
Click here for a pdf version (22KB) of: TGWU PARLIAMENTARY STAFF BRANCH 1/427
SUBMISSION TO THE SENIOR SALARIES REVIEW BODY: REVIEW OF PARLIAMENTARY PAY AND ALLOWANCES. This was submitted in January 2004.War on Want Trade Union Campaign. One of
War on Want's current campaigns is exposing the horrific situation in
Colombia, "the most dangerous country in the world to be a trade
unionists". Want to find out more? Want leaflets for your next
local meeting? Contact the branch secretary for individual copies or for
higher numbers and more details, Nick Dearden at War on Want would be
delighted to hear from you: 020 7620 1111 or ndearden@waronwant.org.
Please mention the union branch when calling.
Update 3 January 2004: War on
Want Columbian Colombian Trade Unionists Campaign - EDM 333.
As part of the branch's support for the above campaign, we are urging
support for Tony Lloyd's EDM 333 on military aid to Colombia. Anything
you can do to encourage MPs to sign would be appreciated. Want to find
out more or help War on Want's campaigning for trade unionists? Simply
email Nick Dearden at ndearden@waronwant.org
Deputy General Secretary of the TGWU. Following the election of Tony Woodley as General Secretary, the branch has nominated Barry Camfield as his successor. There will be a postal ballot of all members for this election.
…and
socialising
We also try to break down the isolation of often working on your own in an office by having regular social events after work. See Events page for current details.
Please contact the Secretary or Social Secretary, Liz Withers (ext. 0595), for more information. Also keep your eye out for future quiz nights.
We also hold more formal socials, which are always packed out and senior officials of the TGWU are always keen to come and say a few words.
Following a packed Pub Quiz with a dozen teams at the Red Lion in October 2003, our Christmas Social will be on Monday 15th December at 6.00pm in the Jubilee Room, House of Commons.
Contact
us…
So,
if you have not already done so, please contact us to join the union –
it’s an old slogan but as true today as it ever was – “unity is
strength”. To join simply email Anne Humbles at humblesa@parliament.uk
or call her on 020 7219 6368.
For
any other matter, please contact:
Chair:
Angela Molloy, molloya@parliament.uk
Vice Chair/Health & Safety/Pensions: George McNamara, mcnamarag@parliament.uk 020 7219 3496
Secretary:
Kevin Flack, flackk@parliament.uk
Assistant Secretary: Russell Cartwright
Treasurer: Angela Flanagan
Membership: Anne Humbles
Social Secretary: Emily Bird, birde@parliament.uk
Newsletter: Amanda Ramsay
Refreshment Users Group: Gary Kent
Travel Office Rep: Nicolette Petersen
Auditor: Colin Barker
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