Reps received a number of messages from people who were confused and angry following the email from Steve Warrener entitled “Pay Negotiations Update”.
Many employees have expressed confusion as to what the point of the email was. Your reps believe the point is confusion itself, often a tactic used by those wanting to encourage voter suppression. Here are the key points that your union reps believe need to be made clear:
- TfGM are not part of LGA (Local Government Association) – The settlement of their ballots has absolutely no effect on the ongoing ballot processes underway at TfGM. LGA Union members were unable to call action due to a low turnout which meant they were unable to meet the anti-democratic ballot thresholds.
- Every Vote Counts! – The lesson to learn from the LGA is that voter turnout is crucial if we are to be successful in our ballots. From the turnout we saw in the consultative pay ballot back in August, we believe we are in a strong place to reach the required thresholds but we cannot be complacent. Of course voting is not compulsory – nor has either union at TfGM ever claimed it to be – but your reps encourage every member to vote because they believe that every member has a democratic right to have their voice heard.
- Are TfGM Leadership “ready to support you as much as possible”? – Your reps do not believe so. If they truly were, they would return to the negotiating table alongside the other PTF employers and improve on an offer that has been resoundingly rejected by union members at TfGM. Had the LGA pay claim been settled higher, TfGM had committed to matching it so we know there is money available. They could also engage on aspects of claim other than pay such as parental leave, a reduced working week and increased callout payments.
Your reps hope that clears up any confusion but please contact a rep from your relevant union if you have any further queries.
Finally, please keep an eye out for ballot papers and please vote YES to any question on your ballot paper.