Latest Advice on Statement to Employer

Latest Advice on Statement to Employer

Dear Members,

Please note the latest advice below from our UCU Officials. This gives you the appropriate wording to assist you in responding to the employer, AFTER the action has started, i.e. after yesterday, 10th October, 2011.

The advice makes reference to the fact that ONCE industrial action has begun, ie after today, if members are asked about their participation in 'action short of strike action' they should quote the statement on our website:

I confirm that I am participating in current industrial action organised by UCU, in the form of ‘working to contract’. UCU advises me that because I am fulfilling all reasonable contractual duties, the employer should not make any unauthorised deductions from my salary.

I hope this clarifies matters.

WORKING TO CONTRACT - UCU EXPERT ADVICE - NO DECUCTION IN PAY
NO REQUIREMENT TO GIVE ADVANCE NOTICE OR TO COMPLETE PROFORMA

Dear Members,

I note that the Employer is confirming that we are NOT taking action that would warrant a deduction in pay. This of course is correct and helpful.

As this is the case and we are NOT taking the above action, it is NOT required upon us or our members to advise the Employer in advance on whether an individual member is engaging in the ‘action short of strike action’. As we know any such ‘notice’ would provide the employer with an opportunity to minimise the purpose of our intended action.

This advice is consistent with the advice we gave you in March when we were last in dispute.

Accordingly the Employers last paragraph has confused many of you, and seems to ask for notification in advance. Again here is UCU official advice: MEMBERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ADVISE THEIR EMPLOYER OF ANYTHING AT THIS STAGE IF THEY ARE ENGAGING IN ‘ACTION SHORT OF STRIKE ACTION. YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE PROFORMA.

Contact Chris, Phil or Anthony if you wish to discuss further. Committee members please ensure that this message is circulated widely to ensure that all of the UCU Salford Branch is in receipt of this communication.