Improving conditions for all

Raising grievances collectively can improve conditions for all staff. For example, one branch of the PCS public services union was able to secure redundancy pay for trainees despite the employer originally saying they were excluded from the redundancy scheme. It was only when the workplace rep issued grievances on behalf of a handful of members that the employer agreed to change its policy.

Responding with a collective grievance to an employer who wanted to introduce telematics into passenger vehicles allowed one Unite rep to negotiate an improved deal. The employer was forced to drop the mandatory requirement in favour of a voluntary one, and the rep was also able to negotiate electric vehicles for those who wanted them.

In Norman and another v National Audit Office UKEAT/0276/14/BA, it was a collective grievance that led to a successful employment tribunal claim preventing the employer from imposing a unilateral variation of contract when it tried to reduce the amount of paid sick leave and other leave.

When dealing with collective issues it is essential to respect members’ right to privacy and only to disclose information with their consent.