20th AUGUST - Collective Bargaining Update
Things have been quiet from the campaign while lots of work has been happening with GMB to achieve recognition as the union of choice for CROs and setting up GMB union structures with reps being recruited across stations.
The purpose of this group was always to achieve collective bargaining for CROs. When we have worker status we can be represented by a trade union who can bargain on our behalf with our employer re. Pay and terms and conditions
This campaign has been hugely successful. We have mobilised, we achieved the pause. We would be less than two weeks from losing all remuneration for call outs, yesterday we were told that we will now receive minimum wage and our ££ for call outs will continue across September and beyond.
A few important points about where we are now:
GMB has applied to be the union that represents CROs. We are a distinct bargaining group and have chosen for GMB to represent us. This application now sits with the central arbitration committee where a judge and two laypeople will review the application. We will find out the outcome of this in a few weeks.
In the meantime the MCA are speaking with PCS (who is one of their three recognised trade unions) … PCS typically represent MCA full time employees (a few of whom are also CROs). They are not necessarily our trade union/represent us as we are a distinct bargaining group – this is what the CAC are deciding on.
GMB has over 750 members. PCS has a small number of members. They won’t say their figures – this is normal for trade unions to do this. The reason we know the GMB number is because this group worked flat out to build that membership, each person counted and we wanted to show you the growth and support we had as there is strength in numbers.
This might not necessarily be an either/or situation here … the GMB have applied for sole recognition arguing that we are a distinct bargaining unit, the CAC may grant sole recognition or it may grant joint recognition alongside PCS.
If you want to be a distinct bargaining unit and not be represented by the PCS as default then you really need to join GMB now to strengthen that application. Membership is what counts. I appreciate that costs - it’s approx £8.50 for GMB and PCS is offering what is effectively an inducement of £3 membership for CROs. Follow the link below to join today.
WE CAN ONLY FIGHT THIS AS A TEAM
Membership is what counts
I appreciate that costs – it’s approx £8.50 for GMB and PCS is offering what is effectively an inducement of £3 membership for CROs. Please remember this isn’t about money grabbing by unions, it’s both a small, reduced membership fee for us in the CRO role. Setting up a union and the legal representation we all receive because of their oversight this is all a relatively small outlay … and it is also worth remembering that our new pay this month has already been increased to meet minimum wage, and every single call out fee from 1st September is money you are receiving because of this campaign. But as this group is about collective bargaining and having a seat at the table some CROs who are not in a union already might want to join PCS. Or CROs who are in GMB might want to consider joint membership while in this limbo space is also an option.
I am presenting all options available to all CROs here, as I have done across this campaign… at the very start we discussed both GMB and PCS. We chose GMB. That was not a bad choice. It got us here, they are a highly effective union. We knew we needed membership numbers to show strength of feeling – the more members then the stronger we are.
Unions don’t need to go through CAC if they have 50% of CROs unionised – the more members then the stronger the case for GMB. GMB are releasing a full and detailed statement on their position to members today, you can read this on their noticeboard.
PCS met with us on Tuesday but we are still waiting for info from them – we couldn’t record the meeting, it overran and a lot of questions unanswered. They were going to provide information yesterday. I am going to post it to our closed CRO only Facebook Coastguard Collective Bargaining Group space when I receive it.
SO WHERE ARE WE NOW?
So we are being treated as workers and we have collective bargaining this is where we are. It’s not up for question at the minute – it’s for the union representing CROs to now negotiate the details of what this new worker role looks like with the MCA. The choice for CROs is now who you want to represent us – people can discuss as much as they like but words and feelings won’t mean anything. The thing that counts here is Union membership and to have a seat at the table.
I’ve chosen to be with GMB, along with 750 other CROs. But I will always, always, choose trade union membership over no representation. It’s the only way to have a seat at the table.
We know the MCA have pushed through changes without any consultation. Now they have to consult with a trade union. This is a massive win! … key question is who do you want negotiating? Who will get us the best deal in back pay? Who will support CROs if this is their second job and options around that? Who will get better terms and conditions for us going forward?
I’m going to leave it to you to decide.I will share updates if I receive them directly.
WORKING TOGETHER
And our CRO only private Facebook group is for all to discuss – this is open to all CROs if they are union members or not.
CROs who are union reps or who have info about with GMB or PCS – or MCA info can all use this space to do so
These spaces were designed to bring us together, it was set up to achieve collective bargaining. We have come a long way and huge huge successes. Let’s celebrate those, and let’s remember that all of this has been achieved from us working together – that’s what CROs do best.
– Kelly
