We’re Worth More

Fairness in Appeals Process

Fairness in Appeals Process 

Back in January UNISON@LJMU informed you of the below change to the LJMU Disciplinary Policy, where the final independent appeals stage is currently overseen by the Board of Governors.

 

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27^th January 2021

The Board of Governors has requested that LJMU remove them from the appeal stage for disciplinary hearings within LJMU. In the proposed change they would be replaced by members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

The three unions at LJMU have serious concerns about this change. Since 1996 the Board of Governors has been the last stage, in the appeals process. Along with that, they are the only independent body within the university. The majority of the appeals, that are brought and heard before the Board of Governors are won in favor of the unions. It’s not as if there are many of them as they number on average, three per year.

This is a major unprecedented change in Higher Education (HE). From the research undertaken by members of the UCU Branch Committee. No other Higher Education Institutions (HEI) have removed the Board of Governors from this process.

We are asking for every member to support the three unions in this issue. This makes a big difference directly in people's lives. As jobs are kept or lost through this process. The three unions believe that removing the Board of Governors, it makes the appeals procedure unbalanced in favor of the university.

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GMB, UCU, and UNISON@LJMU have worked hard communicating with members and none members across the university estate. Trying to rally support to oppose this move.

 

Unfortunately, we have to report that we have been defeated in this fight. The decision has been made and the governors have been removed from the policy. The new policy has been imposed against the joint union's recommendations.

 

The final independent stage from now on is conducted by an LJMU Manager making it not independent at all.

Outsourcing Cleaning Staff

Outsourcing

Cleaning Staff

LJMU Management have attempted to introduce an external cleaning agency (Outsourcing) on campus to clean the Sports Centre and the Student Life Building for cleaning shifts from 9 pm to 12 midnight.

Once GMB and UNISON@LJMU heard about this they made enquiries as to why the management hasn’t requested volunteers from within the current cleaning staff. The management replied that they emailed the cleaning staff with the request but no one came forward to volunteer.

On closer investigation by GMB and UNISON@LJMU, it was discovered that the email list was out of date and didn’t contain the majority of the current cleaning staff. It did contain the names of staff members who had left LJMU, retired and even a few that we’re deceased. 

Bernie Lalkham, GMB and Andy Beech, UNISON@LJMU requested a pause on the outsourcing opportunity, while they organised several meetings across the estate with the LJMU cleaning staff. The situation was explained at the meetings and we are happy to be informing you that several volunteers have come forward to work the 9 pm to 12 midnight shifts on a trial basis.

This attempt to introduce outsourcing into LJMU, was only intervened by GMB and UNISON@LJMU, due to communications from members. This yet again proves that the strength and reach of the branch membership is vital to the success of the work that the branch can perform.

Recommend UNISON to a none member, they can join online today by clicking the go for growth logo.

Work Smart - Work your proper hours

Over five million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers £35 billion of free work last year. If you're one, why not take some time to reflect on how well (or badly) you're balancing your life? This is one day in the year to make the most of your own time. Take a proper lunchbreak and leave work on time to enjoy your Friday evening - You deserve it!

Long hours are not good for us; they cause stress; they're bad for our health; they wreck relationships; they make caring for children or dependents more difficult; and tired, burnt-out staff are bad for business.

We’re not saying Britain should turn into a nation of clock watchers. Few people mind putting in extra effort from time to time when it is needed, but it is too easy for extra time to be taken for granted and expected day in day out. Catch up with a friend, go to the movies, take a stroll down the park or surprise your family by getting home early. Make the most of your own time!

Many of us work far longer than the hours set out in our contract. And if you’ve got a rewarding job, when there’s a crisis or a rush of orders that may be fair enough. But your extra work should never be taken for granted. That way you end up doing a little more each week until the stress and fatigue starts to count, and you find you’re giving up too much of your personal life.

Of course, if you’re paid overtime then your work is at least being measured and valued. But more and more of us do the kind of white collar jobs that don’t get paid overtime.

The Overtime Calculator will tell you what you might be missing out on. Just enter what you earn, how long you're meant to work and how long you actually do work every week. The Calculator will work out the rest, and tell you when in the year you stop working unpaid overtime, and start earning for yourself.

https://worksmart.org.uk/tools/overtime-calculator

E-Scooters @ LJMU

The LAW

The only E-Scooters that can be used on public roads are those rented as part of government-backed trials.

Liverpool City Council Pilot Scheme

400 hundred E-Scooters are available to hire in the city center and surrounding areas including Toxteth, Dingle, and Kensington, as well as key transport hubs and hospitals.

The year-long pilot scheme that started in October 2020 is a joint initiative of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, and E-Scooter company VOI.

How do I hire an E-Scooter?

Information about hiring an E-Scooter is available on www.voiscooters.com where you can also download the 'VOI Scooters: Get Magic Wheels' app. You can also call VOI on 0800 3768179 or email support@voiapp.io for support.

• E-Scooters cost £1 to unlock, plus £0.20 per minute - unlimited daily and monthly passes will also be available

• users must have at least a provisional driving licence to hire an E-Scooter - it is against the law to ride an E-Scooter on a pavement

• you can hire one at city centre hospitals including the Royal Liverpool and Women’s Hospitals - with 75% discount available to NHS staff

• users are encouraged to use hand sanitiser and wear gloves

Personal E-Scooters

If you own an E-Scooter, you can only use it on private land with the landowners' permission. They are not allowed on public roads, cycle lanes, or pavements this also includes council-owned parks.

If you use an E-Scooter illegally:

• you could face a fine

• you could get penalty points on your licence

• the E-Scooter could be impounded

E-Scooters & LJMU

The Branch has been in discussion with the Universities Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Department and a decision on their use and storage within LJMU will be communicated shortly.

UNISON@LJMU would like to thank the members of the SHE Department for working with the branch on this topic.