Survey, April 08

ARK Housing has changed over the last few years, and to understand some of those changes, your union, Unite, is keen to learn what issues are affecting you in your workplace.

Enclosed is a survey for you to fill in and send back (using the prepaid envelope that came in the post with the newsletter). It should only take five minutes of your time. You can fill in the form on your computer – clicking and typing in the boxes then printing – or print it off and write in by hand if you prefer.

What are the biggest issues facing you at work – long term and day to day issues? Your issues may be daily issues like finishing work on time or they may be more complex like pay and pensions, competitive tendering in your area, two tier contracts or the social inclusion budget. Let us know.

Please participate in this survey and help us to help you get organised to win in your workplace. Please note that the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and your details will not be disclosed to anyone.

Download the e-survey form here

Newsletter April 08

click here to download the newsletter for printing, or read on…

ARK HOUSING – THE NEED TO ORGANISE!

To get the most out of membership it’s important to get your workplace organised. The benefits of trade union recognition are clear. According to government statistics, if you work in a union organised workplace you will find on average that your pay is 11% higher, you get more paid holidays, a better pension, better promotion and training opportunities, and your workplace will be safer. You also get a real say in how your work is carried out and support when you have a problem. You can benefit from union bargaining and representation by coming together with your colleagues.

These benefits are only achievable if you are well organised and make the most of your union recognition agreement.

What’s happening in Ark Housing?

Ark Housing management wish to consult, in the very near future, with your trade union regarding changes in the organisation. It is very important that the thoughts and views of all our members within Ark Housing are aired and considered prior to negotiations taking place. We therefore require information from you and enclose a short survey with this newsletter. Members are asked to complete the survey and return it to us no later than 2nd May 2008. We are also inviting non members to complete the survey to obtain a full view of the Ark workforce.

Who is your Trade Union Steward?

Do you know who your trade union steward is? Is your project office represented? Do you want a voice in negotiations? It is imperative that we have information and input from all Ark workplaces. Unite, your trade union, aims to have a least one steward within each workplace. If you do not already have a steward in your workplace could it be you? Could you recommend someone else? Discuss with your work colleagues and ensure you are represented. Full training is provided and we are currently looking at running a training course specifically for Stewards within Ark Housing next month.

The Bigger Picture

Unite, your union, is embarking on a long term initiative, a campaign to drive up standards, terms and conditions and tackle ‘The Funders’ within the community care sector. To be successful we need your input.

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Not yet a member of Unite?

Complete the application form overleaf and return to:

Pauline Campbell, Organising
FREEPOST RLUE-UKCB-JRBB
T&G Unite Office
290 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LD

Interested in being a Steward?
Contact: Pauline Campbell, Organiser: 07890 762186
or email Pauline.Campbell@unitetheunion.com

Why join the union?

Do you need help standing up for your employment rights at work? Do you feel you are being badly treated in your workplace? Are you finding it difficult to get your voice heard?

Unite, the Union is the country’s largest general trade union. A two million-strong combination of Amicus and the Transport and General Workers’ Union, we have a wide network of officers and trained local representatives who are here to help you with any problems you may face at work, from equality issues to health and safety at work.

Become a member now and take advantage of all the support the union offers, from legal representation to strike pay, from education to help you improve your chances in life, to extra money if you are sick or injured.

Become a member of the union and become part of a campaign to get your workplace and the voluntary sector organised – improving rights and conditions at work now and in the future.

You can join for as little as £2.30 a week – even less if you are under 21 or work part-time.

Links to the T&G website:

How much does it cost? See our membership rates:
The union has a range of membership options that offer different benefits to suit your circumstances.

What do I get as a member?
The benefits of union membership – benefits and services, support at work, legal and financial support…

Working for your rights:
Legal services, health and safety, education…

Okay, I’m convinced – how do I join?
You can join online, right now! or use the print-friendly form if you prefer

Update your membership!

We have checked our records and there is a substantial amount of Ark HA Union Members who will not be receiving union mail because your Union office does not have your latest home address.

If you’re a union member and haven’t received any information for a while, please call 0845 345 0141 and ask to be put through to a membership officer so your details can be updated.