Entries by Duncan

To All Unison members



Further to the Branch Meetings held this week

Joel Byers and Brian Dodds met with the Director of Operations this morning.



As a result of that meeting and of the mandate given to Joel and Brian 

by the Unison membership. All agreements are as previously agreed with staff 

side representatives. Particularly in relation to the A&E and PTS Meal Breaks

There are no current changes to ANY agreements.



At some future point changes may be necessary as a result of the Cost 

Improvement Programme (CIP).These changes will involve consultation with staff 

side representatives, and if deemed necessary with consultation of the membership.



Joel Byers - Branch Secretary



Brian Dodds - Branch Chair.

UNISON BRANCH MEETINGS

The final branch meeting will take place in Middlesborough at the Coronation Pub.

These meeting have proved a great success and allowed the branch to inform as many members as possible of the latest developments the branch are dealing with.

19th July at the Coronation pub 1900hrs

All Unison members from every workplace or department are requested to try to attend one of the meetings.

Look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings

Brian Dodds
Chair NEAS Unison Branch

All A&E Staff are reminded of their responsibility under the Highway Code when approaching Red Traffic Lights on Blue lights and Sirens, the highway code rules 175 and 176 state you must stop.

We have an exemption to treat the red light as a give way, however should staff have an accident whilst proceeding through a Red Traffic Light, though the Police may decide not to prosecute, the NEAS NHS Trust will carry out an investigation and may choose to invoke the disciplinary procedure, as has recently happened.

This may result in a sanction of which termination of employment is a possibility.

Staff are therefore advised that should you choose to proceed through a red traffic light it is your decision to continue and you should exercise extreme caution.

Staff responding to emergencies in vehicles which DO NOT have Green and Yellow battenburg markings are advised to adhere to the Highway code at all times (Rules 175 & 176) and stop at Red Traffic Lights.

These vehicles do NOT conform to CEN regulations in respect of Blue lighting and markings.

At recent Branch Meetings at Gateshead and Teeside it was decided unanimously by show of hands that an indicative ballot be taken of Unison members towards the possibility of some form of industrial action. This being the result of the NEAS Trust NOT following the recommendations by the National Ambulance Sector, after the independent report which states the current role is NOT fit for purpose.

The Sector recommended ALL front line ECSW staff be trained to a standard equivalent to the Miller Certificate and NO staff member working on the front line be paid less than A4C Band 4.

As yet, No guarantees have been forthcoming from the NEAS Trust Management in relation to this issue.

The ballot will also include the Trust’s unwillingness to allow existing ECSW staff the right (Under A4C conditions) to access the student paramedic courses by cancelling internal candidate courses, but allowing external candidate courses to proceed.

Ballot papers are due out imminently

Branch advice to all members is to support the proposal

Notice of the 2010 AGM
Gateshead Civic Centre
Tuesday 23rd February
1900 hours.


Members wishing to apply for any of the Branch Officers roles, or steward must notify the Branch Secretary, Joel Byers by no later than the 12th February 2010.

This can be by e-mail at joelbyers1953@yahoo.co.uk  or Brian Dodds at dodds_brianj@yahoo.co.uk

or by letter to

33 St Anns Close,
Battlefield,
Newcastle-upon-tyne
NE1 2QP.

Any existing stewards must remember to re-apply.

Agenda to follow

Joel Byers,
Branch Secretary
Unison,NEAS Branch.    

Staff need to be aware,
If staff are single crewed and sent to another station to "double" up they are not entitled to return to their own station for meal breaks. Staff are paid a renumeration for going to another station, as well as compensation for having to purchase food from the new location.

 All other staff should return to their own station for meal breaks, other than the 3 agreed vehicles. Food should not be carried on vehicles.

Emergency Branch Meeting

Gateshead Civic Centre Thursday 17th Dec at 1900hrs
All Front Line Staff are encouraged to attend
A&E, PTS and ECSW

Agenda

Terms and Conditions
Emergency Care Support Worker Role

Brian dodds will be on holiday from 14th Dec for 2 weeks.

Joel Byers will be on holiday from 26th Dec for 3 weeks.

During these periods please respect their holidays and direct any questions or issues to alternative Unison Representatives.

Ensure you have the correct licence for the weight of veichle you are driving. Some of the new PTS vehicles are heavier and require an upgrade on the standard driving licence.
Unison and NEAS management are aware of this issue.