The National Chairman

December 2008

WORKFORCE MODERNISATION
POLITICAL AGENDA

On Monday, 15th December 2008, members of the Executive and I met Jack Straw, David Hanson, Suma Chakrabarti and members of the NOMS Board in an attempt to improve the current offer on Workforce Modernisation in accordance with the Special Delegates Conference Motion 1a. which read;

“Having debated Special Delegates Motion 1/2008 that this Conference rejects the Workforce Modernisation proposal “Best and Final Offer”.

Furthermore that conference instructs the NEC to return to the negotiating table to achieve an improved offer for POA members”.

The meeting lasted in excess of two hours with the views of delegates from the Special Delegates Conference and strength of feeling over the “Best and Final Offer” being relayed to those in attendance.

It was clear throughout the debate that pressure is being put on the Ministry of Justice and the NOMS Board to reach an agreement on WFM or the £50million will be removed from the table by Treasury.

WHATS ON THE TABLE

• Do they want a deal? YES.
• Is there anymore money? NO.
• Do they want a new pay model? YES.
• Do they want to replace Bulletin 8 with a new Operating Manual? YES.

But we will ensure that all the elements of Bulletin 8 which are still current and form part of your Terms and Conditions remain. The new Operating Manual is currently under negotiation and legal advice is being sought on this matter.

• Are they looking to change the pay provision for staff on sick leave? NO.
This appears to have been a rumour started by certain groups who do not want to engage in Modernisation.

• Do they want to introduce a Fitness Test for all staff? YES.

It is NOMS view and that all staff should have to pass an annual fitness test. We are currently negotiating with the Service on this issue and nothing has been agreed.

• Is this the last chance to negotiate a multi-year pay deal? YES.
Treasury, have stated that there will be no more multi-year pay deals in the Public Sector and they would be extremely surprised should any Pay Review Body recommended more than 1% for 2009/10 and the prospects for even less over the next couple of years, a serious likelihood. Is this scare mongering? No, it is a reality when we look at the current economical climate.

• Do they want to continue to negotiate? YES.
They are keen to reach an agreement and believe that the nonconsolidated pay of around 6% and the promise of 2.34% and 2.4% is a “good deal” for those on the maximum and the other pay scales are also “very good”. In fact they believe we would be stupid to reject the offer. We believe the offer is not acceptable because this view was clearly expressed at the Special Delegates Conference and therefore we will continue to negotiate for an improved offer.

• So why do they want a deal?
They want a deal to put in place a new pay structure that saves them money in the long term. They want a New Grading Structure which sits alongside Job Evaluation and Generic Role Profiles that negates the risk of Equal Pay Claims and of course they want to put a ceiling on your future pension.

WHAT NEXT?

• Will we reach an agreement? I don’t know.
• Will we reach an improved offer and comply with the terms of SDC Motion 1c? I believe we will.
• Will the offer be acceptable to the membership? The ballot box will determine that ultimately.

We are continuing to negotiate with the Service and Ministry of Justice and as is the case with all negotiations, the end will come sooner rather than later.

I will continue to update you as matters progress.

Colin Moses
National Chairman

ARCHIVE:

AUGUST 2008: The National Chairman

JUNE 2008: The National Chairman

MAY 2008: The National Chairman

APRIL 2008: The National Chairman

FEBRUARY 2008: The National Chairman

DECEMBER 2007: The National Chairman

OCTOBER 2007: The National Chairman

AUGUST 2007: The National Chairman

JUNE 2007: The National Chairman

MAY 2007: The National Chairman