ENEHL Valentines Dispute Update 15.5.08

Despite a meeting last week between ENEHL and the joint TU's, they pressed ahead and imposed a new TU Facilities Scheme. The scheme in effect 'cages' me within ENEHL, reduces the time I have to carry out my TU duties and activities, attempts to reduce the number of stewards and tries to veto any representations to the board.
I have reluctantly returned under duress following 'threats' to discipline me and dock my pay if I did not return.
I have submitted a grievance for victimisation because of TU activities and an indicative ballot for industrial action shows at 80% of members are in favour of action. an official ballot request has been submitted.
ENEHL has not improved its performance as an employer this week at the JCC that took place on Thursday.
Having refused to meet us since last July ENEHL submitted a 16 point agenda including a raft of policy changes.
Since 2006 UNISON has been arguing that staff should have access to an enhanced Flexitime Scheme, this would give staff the ability to build up enough time to take 2 days off work per month. all the other ALMOs agreed this with no problems and LCC has had it for years.
During the last 3 months the Chief Officer wrote to all staff that he was willing to introduce the scheme after meeting the TU's on the 15th May. Did ENEHL agree it.....NO!
They are attempting to pressure the TU's into agreeing reductions in pay protection and a redundancy policy on the basis that there are some staff that have poor pay protection if they are redeployed and its not fair that other have a better deal! If we agree to this fairly drastic reduction in terms and conditions the workers can have the ability to take some time off that thy have already worked.
Its incredible the contempt ENEHL has for the hard working staff it employs. This week while back in the workplace I have received massive support from the workers I have met, the workers are of the opinion that the organisation doesn't care about its workforce and it will be a miracle if ENEHL gets an improved star rating on inspection in September.