1. Unite Branch 6105 Newsletter August 2016
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If you have an article or would like any charity events you would to have included in this newsletter
Just drop me an with the details and I will endeavour to add it to the next available issue.
Ben Power
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Gatwick Newsletter : May 2017
2057 Members airport wide :
Charity news
POST NOVEMBER 2014 DC PENSION SCHEME
On the 27th April all three unions at Gatwick Airport (Unite, PCS, Prospect) were invited to a meeting with the company to start talks in relation to the post November 2014 DC Pension Scheme. If you recall this was one of our branch’s mandates when in consultation over the changes to the DB scheme.
I’m reasonably sure most of you are sick to the back teeth of listening or reading about pensions but I think it worthwhile doing a compare and contrast between the post 2014 DC scheme and the DC scheme in place prior to that (post 2008) and the one now in place for post DB members.
Those in the post 2008 – 2014 scheme and the one in place for post DB members has three levels of contribution (Fire Service have an extra level):
You 3%, company 8%
You 5%, company 10%
You 8%, company 12%
Fire Service only – 9%, company 16%
Additional life assurance of 8% basic salary cover which would reduce to 3% salary if you opt out of the plan and would cease if you left the company
Income protection insurance which could provide up to 50% of basic salary for a limited period in the event of long-term illness followed by a lump sum final payment should you remain unable to work
Those enrolled in the post Nov 2014 scheme
You 4%, company 6%
After 5 years’ service you would be given the opportunity to receive a company enhanced contribution rate of 8% if you increase your employee contribution to 7%
Additional life assurance as per the above scheme
A DC scheme Management/Administration group (similar to DB Trustees).
As you can see, the main differences are the level of contributions from the employee and the employer and the lack of income protection and incapacity benefit in the post Nov 2014 Scheme.
This was the inequality which we were seeking to address. Our position is that there should be parity with all employees in the DC schemes.
The company reiterated that these were not negotiations or consultations but that they were committed to a meaningful conversation to try and make the scheme more attractive. Jamie Major (Unite full time officer) spoke on behalf of all unions by stating that we wished parity across the DC schemes and all employees up to the conclusion of these talks to be included and that we would like to improve the recruitment and retention benefit.
There were a number of discussions around contribution rates, income protection, and incapacity benefits, and those employees who would benefit from any proposed changes (who’s in scope and who’s not).
The meeting was adjourned at and a date for further meetings will be set.
That’s all there is at the moment but at least we’ve started (by the way, I think I’ve overdosed on the word ‘post’ in this article.)
“ANYTHING SHARP”
Contents
Page 1 Pensions Update
Page 2 :
What to do if you need a rep
Page 3 Our Union
Centre Spread :
Trade Union Act 2016
Page 6 Unite executive Elections and Autism Awareness
Page 7 :
A Guy Named Steve
Page 8 Charity & misc articles
WHAT DO YOU KNOW by Anything Sharp
Written, performed and produced by Martyn ( Woody ) Wood and John Hedley Cheney ( ex Gatwick ASO )
Including guest singer Steph Johnson (ASO )
14 tracks , all original material.  £5.00 each , ALL to be donated to St Catherine’s Hospice as we have now covered costs
You can also buy a download at BANDCAMP.com 
Viv Elsworth (ASO) will be Wing Walking) on May 26th.It's a fundraising event for Aerobility, a charity helping disabled people to experience flying.
Please sponsor Viv, thank you.
Viv will be joined by
Sam Watson (ASO) who will also be Wing Walking, on May 26th. for the Aerobility Charity
Please sponsor Sam , thank you
Contacts and Useful s
Website : Chair : Vice Chair : Branch Secretary : Comms :
Issues
Health and Safety :
United Learning contact :
Crawley Unite Union Office :
Newsletter comms Team : Chris Harris , Marcus Dunkeld , Ben Power ,Lubka Leszniwskyj & Brian Dayman-Smith
Article By Chris Harris 8
BRANCH MEETING
24th May,Geneva , 5th Floor Destinations Place

2. “What to do When you need a rep”
Generally but not exclusively you may need a rep for all formal meetings disciplinaries , AMP’s records of discussion (in fact anything that requires you to be in a meeting with a member of management ).
Formal advance Meetings
Should you need a rep to attend a scheduled meeting the quickest and easiest way to organise this is to visit the BRANCH WEBSITE at
And click your chosen rep this will enable you to them directly . Your chosen rep will then make contact with you and arrange to meet with you at the earliest convenient time .
Short or No Notice Meetings
Should you need a rep in this instance ,speak to a rep if you are aware of who is on shift. There is also a list of reps shift patterns and telephone numbers on all union notice boards (and a photo) please use those .
Special Note : To our members on fixed term contracts
Union representation is not purely for the purpose of a perceived negative meeting but also the potential positive ones
YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE REPRESENTATION WITH YOU WHEN YOUR FIXED TERM CONTRACT IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR CONVERSION TO PERMANENT.
YOU PAY YOUR DUE’S TAKE YOUR REP
A Guy Named Steve
A FAREWELL TO ARMS (with apologies to Ernest Hemingway)
The year was George W Bush Snr was the president of the United States of America, we were dancing to “Back to Life” by Soul ll Soul, “Lethal Weapon 2” was at the cinema, Roseanne was on the telly and on a warm barmy Wednesday 26th July 1989 precisely, the legend that is Steve Guy first appeared in the minutes of our branch meeting. Under the sub heading ‘Trolleys N/T he introduced himself to the branch as the new steward replacing Dave King. He also stated “I have nothing to report at present” I can confidently say that that was the first and only time Steve “had nothing to report”.
Steve Guy has decided to leave Gatwick Airport. He has been a shop steward for nearly 28 years and has seen massive changes, not just at Gatwick but also in the Union. When he first became a Shop Steward we all belonged to the Transport and General Workers Union and called each other “Brother and Sister”. Then we became Unite and combined with other unions to become Britain’s largest Union. There may have been seismic changes occurring during Steve’s time as a rep but one thing that has never changed is Steve himself. He has been a constant champion of workers and workers’ rights at Gatwick Airport. He has been an active supporter of workers causes outside of Gatwick and has supported national causes with a passion difficult to find in this day and age. More than that, however, has been his support an encouragement for new reps and activists at Gatwick Airport.
Without Steve’s commitment and dedication over the last 28 years I believe all employees at Gatwick would be in a worse position than they are now. He has steadfastly (some would say stubbornly) defended workers terms and conditions, sometimes in the face of enormous opposition and pressure not just from the company but also from those within the Union who’s position might be more conciliatory. On a personal note I would like to say that I have learned a huge amount from Steve and that whatever our differences I have always respected his integrity and honesty. Maybe the biggest compliment I can pay him is that he has kept us honest for the last 28 years. Who will do that now?
On behalf of all members of Unite at Gatwick Airport both past and present:
THANK YOU STEVE, YOU WILL BE MISSED. 2
Article By Ben Power
Article By Chris Harris 7

3. UNITE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
READ ALL ABOUT IT, READ ALL ABOUT IT. The EC election results are in. There were 6 Candidates for the Civil Air Transport seats. One of which had to be a women. The candidates and votes were as follows:
T.Lanigan – 3127 votes
N.Stott votes
J.Knox votes
J.Gill votes
C.Harris votes
D.Rady votes
I would like to say thank you to all those who voted for me and that I am truly honoured that so many of you choose me to look after your interests at the highest level within Unite. I would like to congratulate all those who were successful and remind them that Gatwick Airport branch 6105 of Unite the Union is here and is growing. We have representatives on all regional and national committees and we will hold you to account. Civil Air Transport is not just about BA Cabin Crew but about all areas, from Trolleys to security, from baggage handlers to retail. We will be heard.
Chris Harris (Secretary)
Our Union
Unite the Union members — workers like us — benefit most from our union's collective bargaining power to negotiate with Gatwick Airport Limited on our behalf. This basic right gives us as Unite the Union members more power than if we tried to negotiate as individuals.
All workers benefit from unions, because unions set pay standards and workplace protections, however it’s the members that provide the strength of a union.
When we say union we mean Unite Branch SE6105 — us, all of us, not just the Reps and Officers of our Branch who are elected by you , but EVERY single member, and we are over 2000 strong!
One of a trade union's main aims is to protect and advance the interests of its members in the workplace, at Branch SE6105 we do this by;
Negotiating agreements with GAL on pay and conditions
Discussing major changes to the workplace such as rosters, pensions.
Discussing members' concerns with GAL.
Accompanying members in disciplinary and grievance meetings.
Providing members with legal advice though our solicitors.
Providing education facilities and certain consumer benefits such as discounted insurance.
This is just an example, but the important point is, that in everything we do, we do it with the hope that we have the branch membership strength behind us. In light of the pernicious Trade Union Act 2016, our solidarity will be evermore tested.
The fourth Wednesday of each month is our Branch Meeting, an open meeting for all members, come along and see what is current, and hear reports form the various departments at LGW.
It is at “Branch” that all matters are discussed openly and voting takes place on any motions proposed by members. Any member can propose a motion at Branch.
Autism Awareness.
What is Autism:- AUTISM IS A LIFELONG DEVELOPEMENT DISABILITY THAT AFFECTS HOW PEOPLE PERCEIVE THE WORLD AND INTERACT WITH OTHERS. AUTISTIC PEOPLE SEE HEAR AND FEEL THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY TO OTHER PEOPLE. (National Autistic Society)
This condition effects around 1 in 100 people and it does effect more men then women. So coming to an Airport can be extremely challenging to individuals and their families. We have invited individuals and their support network into the airport to experience what they could encounter on a trip through an airport. P.R.M's, Police and Border Force including the dogs, Terminals and Security. Some embraced the experience others found it noisy, confusing and overwhelming.
The green lanyards are worn as to identify people with a hidden disabilities. We have had some positive feedback from parents with children with Autism. They where surprised how there children reacted to different process throughout Gatwick and encourage them to fly out of here in the near future.
I have been here on duty when a Autistic child got separated from his parents. Think how frighten the parents where and the child oblivious of there surroundings and anyone searching for them. Or being so frighten and hiding away. Or being obsessed with a partially gadget or having more knowledge then the captain has on an airplane.
So the next time you believe that someone is not behaving how you believe they should this may be because they are Autistic.
Article By Penny Fuller
Article By Brian Dayman-Smith 6 3

4. A NASTY, VINDICTIVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION
TRADE UNION ACT 2016 or
A NASTY, VINDICTIVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION
Once upon a time workers had no rights. No holidays, no breaks, no sick pay, no anything. We’ve all read about it, or had it taught to us in history lessons at school. What you read in the comfort of you warm home or are taught in a classroom, however, cannot begin to capture the real visceral effects of having no rights.
(The closest I’ve come is reading “The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists” by Robert Tressell).
Well, now we do have rights, and there is only one reason that we do, Unions. That’s it. That’s the only reason. We didn’t get all the things we have now because bosses suddenly had an attack of conscious and developed empathy with their workers. Even the most ardent Conservative wouldn’t dare to claim that. No, the things we take for granted today as workers were hard fought for by our predecessors.
Workers learnt that by standing together they could influence the decisions that their bosses made. They could gain better work conditions, better pay, days of, holidays etc. So they did. It is their legacy that we reap today. Workers who had nothing, stood together, were jailed or exiled, beaten, starved, and made homeless all to try to improve the lot of the working person.
We think it’s all over, that we’ve succeeded. Success is only temporary. Tony Benn once said “every generation fights the same battles” Why? Because there is a constant attempt to roll the clock back by bosses and their political masters the Conservative party and, to our shame, on occasion, the Labour Party.
This piece of legislation is just such an attempt. Its introduction is a dark day for workers. It threatens our basic right to strike.
From 1st March 2017 Industrial action ballot thresholds require a 50% turnout. This means that at least 50% of members entitled to vote must vote.
Where the majority of members entitled to vote in the ballot are ‘normally engaged’ in the delivery of ‘important public services’, at least 40% of those entitled to vote must vote YES to action.
As an example: If 1000 members were entitled to vote at least 500 would need to ‘turnout’
If only 500 did turn out and vote, at least 400 would need to vote in favour of action. If however all 1000 voted, 501, or a simple majority would need to be in favour. Remember, the key words here are “at least”. That is 40% of the entire membership. So before this act if we had a turnout of 500 we would only need to have 251 in favour of action to get a democratic majority. That no longer applies. (I know, it’s complicated, if you want some clarification, stop me and ask)
So turnout is key.
Just to be clear, we here at Gatwick Airport come under ‘important public service’
There are a number of other provisions within the act that target union branch officers and unions in general. In particular there is now an agent of the government called a ‘certification officer’ who can audit not just union head offices but branch’s as well. Without notice. They can come in if a complaint is made, even if that complaint is made by the employer. (There’s a weapon I expect to be deployed against us at some time). They can audit our accounts and our practices and they can fine us up to £20,000. And, joy of joys, we, as unions have to pay for them. Talk about adding insult to injury.
I want to reiterate, Trade Unions have been a force for good in our society. This is an attempt to weaken unions. As a branch our members wrote letters to their MP’s at the beginning of last year voicing their opposition to this Act. I have the responses to those letters on file. All of the MP’s found some weak justification for this act and supported it through parliament. None of them, however, could say that this Act was needed because of the level of industrial action. In fact fewer days than ever have been lost to industrial action over the last 10 years.
The Guardian Newspaper described this piece of legislation as unprincipled, unnecessary, unfair, and unjustified. That says it all. 4
Article By Chris Harris 5
Article By Chris Harris
Article By Brian Dayman-Smith