Welcome to the Lancashire Branch of Unison
At a collective level, officers of the Branch are responsible for negotiating and consulting members on all proposed changes to conditions of service. This is done through Unisons membership of the Lancashire County Council Joint Negotiating and Consultative Committee of Members and Trade Union Representatives (JNCC). Unison is by far the most influential trade union in this regard having some 11 seats out of a total of 15 seats on the trade union side (T&GW 2 and GMB 2). Collective Agreements reached in this forum are incorporated into staff conditions of service which are shown in the Lancashire County Council Personnel Code, (this link is only available to those with access to the lccintranet).
At an individual level, the Branch operates a Duty Officer Scheme whereby members can access immediate advice and support regarding any query, worry or concern they might have about their employment terms and conditions. The Duty Officer can be contacted during office hours on 0177 533072.
Through its Directorate Committees, Unison representative are responsible
for organising, submitting and negotiating on all proposals involving restructure
and/or changes to existing working arrangements.
Currently a major restructure is being proposed for all services in the
Environment Directorate.
Experienced Branch stewards are on hand to advise, support and represent individual members subject to disciplinary proceedings. This support can be accessed by contacting the Duty Officer on 01772 533072.
Advice and support is available regarding all employment related matters from the Duty Officer. The Branch is fortunate in having a qualified barrister as a Branch steward. The Branch and its members also have access to Unison’s wide range of legal services provided by Thompson’s Solicitors.
A major area of activity relates to member advice and representation on a whole range of Equal Opportunity issues whether these relate to recruitment and selection or discrimination on grounds of race, sex, disability, gender orientation or religion or belief.
Lancashire County Council has a well-established Grievance Procedure and Branch Stewards are active in advising and representing members through the Grievance Procedure.
Often a major cause of concern and stress in the workplace. Again Lancashire County Council has a well-established procedure for investigating and addressing all forms of bullying and harassment. Unison stewards are available to support members through all stages of the investigation and addressing of such complaints regardless of whether they are the complainant or the person complained about.
The Branch devotes considerable resources to the recruitment and training of Health and Safety representatives and is active all levels to ensure that members work in a safe environment.
Branch Officers are available to provide advice on all matters relating to maternity or paternity leave.
The Local Government Pension Scheme has recently changed. Get more information on the LGPS in PDF format (98kb) or follow the link below to the national Unison website.