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Area 3

GMB Area 3 holds responsibility for the M4 corridor from Slough to Wiltshire with National responsibility for AA Centrica (Automobile Association) Group 4 London/South and Securicor Omega. The area encompasses Local Government and many Private Sector employers.

The Area 3 team is split between two offices based in Basingstoke and Reading . The team over the course of the last 12 months has had to be involved in a number of issues with employers big and small. Concentration has been targeted at ensuring members are equipped and supported to protect themselves in their workplaces.

In Local Government in Wiltshire, Reading and Slough the team continue to negotiate on behalf of members concerned with Single Status, Best Value and TUPE issues as they arise. There have been a number of high profile campaigns to ensure members get what they want. Reading severance packages worth £120,000, Wokingham terms and conditions improvements to the lowest paid staff of £200,000 and so on.

The issue of Job Evaluation in Local Government is being driven by Area 3 Officers within Slough, Maidenhead & Windsor, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknall Councils.

On the legal front, Employment Tribunal applications have been on the increase with the majority being settled out of court to the members advantage. There has been a sharp rise in applications registered against smaller companies.

The more recent merger of the AA and Centrica meant that officers and local representatives alike had to deal with one of the biggest TUPE transfers in the UK. All of which was done successfully.

In the Security Sector, protection of our members from assault, bullying and worse is high on the agenda for GMB Area 3. Alistair MacLean, Senior Officer said, " there will be a rigorous campaign to ensure our members are protected in their everyday roles". 

While in the Freight and Couriers Sectors a wide variety of issues from Health and Safety concerns to actual employment status and representation rights are being dealt with by the team.

Young members.

The GMB has an active young member's section. The group deals with issues and concerns of those under the age of 27. As well as dealing with work related issues, it also runs a social side and aims to help develop skills of our young members.

One practical area, which is being developed, is a Young Workers Pledge . The pledge aims to raise awareness and respect for young workers.

Many students are now working - latest survey in some universities and college shows 75 percent of their students engaged in some form of employment. In some cases students are holding down full-time jobs as well as studying! Through the GMB, we can offer protection, advice, and support for working students.

In many cases young workers are exploited and treated badly. There have been many changes to employment law. One of the most relevant being the introduction of a minimum wage. No employer can pay you less than the minimum wage.

Another positive change was to bring in new Rights to Representation laws. If you are being disciplined, or taking out a grievance, you have the right accompanied by a trade union representative. These can often be very worrying times and as the experts we can offer advice, support and representation, but only if you are a member.

To join, see the GMB membership application page .

If you require further information please contact Frank Minal, GMB Youth Members Officer on 01256 464615

The Branch Youth Team are currently working with the Area team to promote Young People within the Organisation and to recruit those who are not presently members.

Officers