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London Ambulance Service Unison Branch Branch Committee Meeting 11th November 2003 10.30 am -- Conference Room LAS HQ
Introductions EB welcomes Richard Chow as a member of the committee. Previous Minutes Minutes from 12th August 2003 and 9th September 2003 agreed as a true record. Matters Arising CT any update on Tax payable on subs. ER states the LAS probably are down to two options, these being 1) to pay claims for subsistence as they do now, but staff will pay tax on claims or 2) tighten up the claim procedure and keep as is. These are still under discussion. KW any update on mileage claims for staff attending Clinical Guidelines courses. ER stated that discussions are still ongoing.
Branch Secretary’s Report ER has had meetings with Unison members who are currently applying for the role of ASO within the restructuring of Sector Management. These were mainly over the role of ASO and the change in terms and conditions. ER has had further meetings with LAS management regarding the use of stab vests and legitimacy of claims if they have not been worn. ER referred to previous correspondence and stated that LAS lawyers cannot guarantee full support in all instances, but they would take each case on individual merit. The LAS will rewrite the protocol for use of stab vests and the branch will refer it to Unison lawyers once the draughts are received. ER distributed the latest figures for legal forms and compensation. A letter has been received from Phil Thompson announcing an increase in the Branch’s recruitment, the second highest increase within the region. Letter of thanks received from Julie Grant for the Branch’s donation of £300 to Unison Welfare. The Health Group Conference 2004 will take place in Glasgow between 26th April and April 2004. Equal opportunities No Report. Still awaiting the proposed changes to the committee. Retired Members MA distributed a written report. It was reiterated that retired members are encouraged to have an active input into Branch activities Welfare No Report. Branch continues to support welfare cases. Health & Safety Manger Elks (lifting equipment for heavy patients) should be out on sectors by Christmas, one per complex and one carried by the Duty Officer. Training is thought to be given at station. IL distributed photographs illustrating the problem of cleaning under the trolley bed plinth. Form LA52 – Should H&S Reps have access to these forms at station level? IL still in negotiations. Vehicle Security – In cases where vehicles cannot be secured due to malfunctioning locks. IL to take to Corporate Meeting. Manual Handling road show/exhibition to take place. MDT’s will be moved. This is due to Unison’s concerns and action.
Treasurers Report No Report. Communication RS confirmed the latest winner of the Website Newsletter Subscribers draw (£50). Committee Members and Reps should continue to promote and make staff aware of the Branch website. Membership FP circulated list of new members. New members were accepted into the branch. Education ER – recruitment of Learner Reps is going very well. Hope to have the official launch in early December. Unison learner reps are all excellent. Provision of space for use by the Learner Resource Centres (one north and one south), there may be available space at Deptford Ambulance Station. ER suggests that the branch buys a laptop for use by the new Learner Reps. Proposed by – Eric Roberts Seconded by – Rob Sydney All Agreed. The branch will have it’s name on the case. CAC JE outlined concern for CAC staff that are not appropriately or fully trained to use the MDT system. It is felt that the current policy of "on the job training" often with an inadequate period of supervision is dangerous and inappropriate. ER to deal. Regional Officer Branch Officer Elections timetable; Open nominations – 12th January 2004 Close nominations – 9th February 2004 And if necessary Open ballot – 23rd February 2004 Close ballot – 19 March 2004 - All Agreed. AGM to be on – 24th March 2004 Phil Thompson to act as Returning Officer - All Agreed. Staff Council Reports No Staff Council Meeting has taken place recently. The final draught for the A/L agreement is now being prepared.
AOB KW - Is there any news on the use of swipe cards on the MDT system? ER - Not as yet, will report back if any update is received. GE - Make ready schemes; the tendering process is ongoing. Request for donation to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has been received. Branch Committee voted for a donation of £50 to be sent.
Date of next meeting 9th December 2003 (Time to be advised) |