Issue - meetings

Since the creation of BCP Council through the merger of the four preceding councils in April 2019 we have been working with the trade unions to negotiate a new Pay and Reward package which aligns pay and conditions across all colleagues. 

This report sets out the results of the recent trade union ballot process and outlines next steps.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet noted the trade union ballot outcome; and

(b)           Cabinet approve option 2 of the proposed process flowchart (Appendix 1) and the commencement of collective consultation under s188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (‘TULRCA’), which is a statutory obligation where an employer is proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation and Resources

Reason

BCP Council has sought to reach a collective agreement with its recognised trade unions since February 2023 but currently such an agreement has not been achieved. BCP Council therefore now seeks to commence collective consultation under s188 to progress its proposals.

Councillor Richard Herrett declared a pecuniary interest in this item and left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor David Brown joined the meeting at 11.45am part way through the debate on this item and therefore did not participate in the vote.

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Resources presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that since the creation of BCP Council through the merger of the four preceding councils in April 2019 the Council had been working with the trade unions to negotiate a new Pay and Reward package which aligns pay and conditions across all colleagues. 

Cabinet was informed that this report sets out the results of the recent trade union ballot process and outlines next steps.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board had thoroughly debated the report at the previous evenings meeting where the Board whilst largely divided had supported the recommendation to Cabinet. In addition, the Chair advised that there was a motion proposed at the meeting to support option 1 of the flowchart at Appendix 1 but that this was not carried.

Councillors addressed the Cabinet stressing the importance of a collective agreement with the unions.

Cabinet members emphasised the importance of the staff, acknowledging the length of time it has taken to align pay and conditions across all colleagues and of the importance of moving forwards.

In relation to this the Portfolio Holder advised that discussions with the trade unions would continue and that the report put plans in place should an agreement not be reached.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that should dismissal and reengagement be necessary that a further report would be brought to Cabinet and Council for approval.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet noted the trade union ballot outcome; and

(b)           Cabinet approve option 2 of the proposed process flowchart (Appendix 1) and the commencement of collective consultation under s188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (‘TULRCA’), which is a statutory obligation where an employer is proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation and Resources

Reason

BCP Council has sought to reach a collective agreement with its recognised trade unions since February 2023 but currently such an agreement has not been achieved. BCP Council therefore now seeks to commence collective consultation under s188 to progress its proposals.

Councillor Richard Herrett declared a pecuniary interest in this item and left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

Councillor David Brown joined the meeting at 11.45am part way through the debate on this item and therefore did not participate in the vote.