Posted on: 14 September 2023

Dear GMB Union member,

Members will be aware that within BOC there are numerous 'bargaining units' where trade unions negotiate with the employer in those respective areas, and pay awards and terms and conditions do differ between the various groups.

Where individual groups of workers enter into 'trade disputes' with the employer, members in other groups may be unsure of where you stand. In the coming weeks, there may be industrial action taking place within BOC that your own collective group may not be directly involved with, so we would like to share answers to the below FAQ's to all members. We hope you find this useful.

1. How do I know if my bargaining group/occupation/site is being called on industrial action?

You would have been balloted on strike action via an independent scrutineer by post. Following legal ballot results, only certain officials within GMB can then call on you to take action in furtherance of the trade dispute. If you are still unsure if you are involved, you should speak with your rep or local/regional GMB official.

2. Can I take industrial action anyway if my group is not involved?

Under the laws of the land, no, as you have not been balloted (as the dispute does not technically affect you directly) and so you are not in scope of the dispute, so we could not lawfully call you to take any action.

3. What if there is a picket line?

The official 'Code of Practice on Picketing' states "Everyone has the right to decide for themselves whether they will cross a picket line". If you decide not to cross a picket line – either when going in or going out of the workplace – you should contact your line manager to let them know, for example you felt intimidated or at risk to do so, or you could not guarantee safety.

4. What if my site/workplace is closed due to the industrial action?

If you are not in the group taking industrial action, you would still need to be paid in full, as you are available for work, but the employer can't provide any work to you, due to the impact of the action taking place.

5. What if the employer asks me to cover work for a group taking industrial action?

If you are not in a group taking industrial action, you should just 'work normally' as we would never wish to undermine other union members taking action. You should work in accordance with your normal duties and responsibilities and your contract of employment. You should not take on any additional responsibilities that are (a) not things you would normally do, and (b) have arisen due to the other group's industrial action. This includes not taking on overtime to cover for duties and responsibilities that are not normally yours. Please speak to your rep or local/regional GMB official if you are unsure.

6. How can I show my support to groups taking industrial action?

Your GMB officials will often write to the group(s) involved to express our support and solidarity with them in their dispute(s) and call on the employer to settle. GMB members may choose to donate to any hardship funds in place to support those taking action in other areas. You may wish to tell your fellow workers that you are behind them. You may wish to attend any rallies or protests outside of work time and in a personal capacity to show your support.

If you have any other queries, please speak with your local rep or GMB official.

In solidarity,

Your National GMB BOC Team

Posted on: 22 December 2020

“Existing measures (e.g. social distancing, ventilation, hand hygiene and mask usage) remain important, but given the increase in risk associated with the new variant, strengthening the measures taken may be needed”

This means that:

• Risk assessments need to be reviewed and revised – the risk has increased (as virus is more infectious), so the full set of measures now need to be implemented to the fullest.
• The risk assessment will look similar – risk ratings should be higher numbers; colours switch from yellow/orange to red; list of measures should be longer and more detailed.

Many essential workplaces will have these in place but to remind everyone, in particular those measures in bold which are likely to be more relevant to factories.

Measures 1

• Every worker who can work from home must do so
• All Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (Shielding) workers must remain at home

• Standards of ventilation should be the highest achievable as per HSE/CIBSE/REHVA requirements
• Social distancing must be rigorously adhered to in all areas including communal areas, common parts and canteens.

Measures 2

• Welfare facilities must be provided to ensure that hand washing can be maintained.

• Hygiene standards must be the highest achievable in terms of cleanliness and frequency of cleaning
• Teams should be organised into the smallest units possible to minimise cross-exposure. Workers should remain in these teams with no intermingling as far as possible.
• Working patterns should be organised to minimise numbers in the workplace to fewest needed at any given time.

Measure 3

• All requirements for PPE and face coverings must be met in full, with access to supplies as needed.

• Every worker who is in a group identified at being at higher risk from Covid-19 (older workers; pregnant workers; BAME workers; disabled workers; workers with underlying health conditions) should be individually assessed and suitable additional measures implemented.
• All workers who are required to self-isolate must be able to do so without fear of any detriment – loss of pay; loss of holiday; disciplinary action.

PUTTING IT INTO ACTION

• Workplace Inspections, floor walks etc., daily if possible

• Daily H&S Meetings on performance and local infection rates
• Full Consultation on all Covid matters
• Facility Time/Time Off with Pay for these activities.
• Effective communication will be key to managing this period of high risk, and consultation structures will help to aid this.

Eamon O'Hearn

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 6 October 2022

Dear Members,

Thank you to all members for voting on the recent pay offer below:

FULL AND FINAL OFFER

• Year-1 – 9% on basic & flow-through to allowances;
• Year-2 – minimum of 3% up to 6%, on basic & flow-through to allowances, with final award linked to RPI average (July 22 to June 23);
  • If, RPI average or Inflation* is higher than 6% then Air Products, NNC & GMB will commit to review and discuss any changes required to maintain driver pay in upper quartile.
• 2-year Night-time derogation.
• Bank suspended for 2-years
• Driver bonus amendment;
  • Compliance = 0 (zero) to 0.05;
  • Efficiency = 82 to 92 (Avg ‘Apr-Jun’ = 97);
  • Safety = 100 unchanged

*Inflation is ‘CPI & CPIH’ mid-point for June 2023 using ONS data available on or around 19th July 2023.

The offer has been accepted by members in the ballot and will be implemented in due course by the Company.

Once again thank you for voting in support of the offer as recommended.

Yours in union,

Eamon O'Hearn

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 25 July 2022

Dear Member,

In 2021 members accepted the following 2-year offer:

1. Year 1 - 1.6% on base salary and allowances;

2. Year 2 - 2.4% or if RPI average July 21 to June 22 is higher, then RPI will be honoured (minus 0.1% differential for no NTD) on base salary and allowances;

3. Job share arrangements – ‘Job-Share’ policy to go live by 1 January 2022;

4. Replacement of the Banked Hours System to be implemented 1 October 2021;

5. In the new working arrangements, overtime will be paid daily after 9.4 hours plus break

6. Alignment to handbook terms for annual leave effective from 1 Jan 2022, with entry level from 26 days moving to 30 days after 5 years’ service.

To confirm that following the release of the June RPI figures the average for the previous 12 months has come to 7.8%, minus NTD of 0.1%, meaning drivers will receive an increase of 7.7% on base salary and allowances, in addition to securing daily overtime last year and enhanced leave.

We hope this goes some way to helping members and your families with the current cost of living squeeze.

Eamon O'Hearn

GMB National Officer

Posted on: 29 December 2020

Dear GMB Member,

Firstly wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.

Thank you to members who voted in the recent ballots, it’s vital that you have your say.

Please see below the results of the ballots for Bay Operators and Packaged Gas Drivers:

• Bay Operators
• Packaged Gas Drivers

We will be convening NNC meetings in the new year to discuss the results and will be in touch with members following that.

Once again thank you and stay safe.

Eamon O’Hearn

GMB National Officer