The Gossip can now be found at the FIRST Union website http://www.firstunion.org.nz/whats_new/gossip

Finsec President Kelvin Pycroft said the merger was exciting for Finsec members, and that regional conferences taking place in the first couple of weeks of this month would provide a good opportunity for some Finsec activists to meet and work with their new union colleagues.

“As members, the changes you will notice will be subtle – new logo, a new website, some new faces to work with,” said Kelvin Pycroft. “The most important thing to remember is that you’re still a union member and entitled to the representation and support that brings.”

“And, as FIRST Union members, you are now part of the second largest private sector in New Zealand. Even more reason for us to have a strong and active presence in the finance industry.”

A meeting between Union Councillors and the bank threw light on the changes processes at the bank, but Union Council Chair Graham Lee said that the changes did not always meet up with the bank’s assurances. “With role alignment processes in particular, staff are saying that things are not always fair and transparent. Get in touch with Finsec and let us know your concerns if this applies to you.”

When the new system is fully operational across the banks (in the first half of 2012) the more thorny issue of the future of the National Bank will be addressed.

The decree means that industry-based unions will not be able to function, as union staff members won’t be recognised, only employees of designated corporations. Collective agreements are being deemed to have expired, and employers will be able to impose unilateral reductions in terms and conditions. Employers are also not required to deduct union fees.

Finsec is participating in the CTU campaign to end the bullying and harassment of Fiji union officials, and to support democracy in the country.

UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings said “Workers’ rights and job creation are key to a recovery. President Obama had it right when he said that collective bargaining should be part of a drive towards a fairer and more just economy. However, the reality is that the G20’s negligent procrastination and limited ambition has once again opened the door to greed and self-interest amongst the banking fraternity while tens of millions faced wage cuts, job losses, and poverty.”

UNI and other unions are calling on the G20 to set up a working group on employment and social protection, invest in infrastructure and green jobs and launch a youth pact guaranteeing young people quality employment and education.

Customer adviser Steve Jones, complied, sending the customer a gift card and his own hand drawing of the happy dinosaur. An enclosed note said “Unfortunately art was never my strong point, but I hope you will appreciate it.”

Changes include a small increase to the pay offer, now 2.75% for each of the two years of the agreement. BNZ has withdrawn some claims to overtime and to make sick leave and union access comply with legal minimums. They also agreed to Sunday opening hours being limited till 7pm, and to make the move to grade L for call centre optional for existing staff.

Ratification meetings for members to have their say on the offer will run from 27 September – 7 October.

Finsec members agreed to put our legal case to the Employment Relations Authority on hold following the mediation. The understanding  is that the centre will move to fixed days of week with a small variability in start and finish times, that everyone would get input into the new roster system, and that there would be a fair process developed so staff could move to their preferred shift. This process is to be complete by March 2012.

The success shows the value of a campaign with various strands that members have supported over the last year. The issue has been raised at bargaining, been pursued through a working party with the bank, and through legal avenues. Most importantly, members have participated in collective activities, recruited their colleagues and kept the pressure up! Well done to all involved!

Eight percent of holidaymakers even consider a new job in their first weeks back. The number one method to beat the blues: booking another trip. Looking at holiday snaps or making a photo album can comfort those with few leave days left!

These member leaders are doing the hard yards travelling around major back offices and key branches talking to Westpac staff about what matters to them. Finsec Union Councillor Craig McKinnon is one of the team of member organisers, and has been out and about talking to non-members this week.

“It’s been great to talk to Westpac staff about issues heading into bargaining. In Christchurch, people are concerned about outsourcing, and whether jobs will stay in the city. They are also struggling to keep up with rising costs after the modest pay increase we got last year.”

“It’s great for staff to realise that the union is in fact themselves – people who understand the culture and the environment we all work in and who share the same concerns.”

The project kicked off in Christchurch this week, and will move on to Auckland next week, followed by Wellington the week after.  If you see a member organiser in your worksite, say hello and have a chat.