THAMES WATER - PRPP BONUS: WIN SECURED AND COLLECTIVE GRIEVANCE LAUNCHED
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Dear Member,
We are pleased to confirm that, following sustained pressure and challenge from the Trade Union Side (GMB, Unison, and Unite), the Company has agreed to pay PRPP to employees who have taken maternity leave and other forms of parental leave. These payments are due to be made in November.
This was not an easy win. The Company initially intended to exclude these colleagues, and it was only through members raising concerns, speaking up and standing together through their trade unions that this decision was challenged and ultimately overturned.
However, this only addresses one aspect of our concerns.
Despite months of discussions, the Company has refused to change its wider position on PRPP exclusions. As a result, the Trade Union Side has now submitted a formal collective grievance. A copy is attached for your information.
Thames Water Collective grievance re PRPP bonus.pdf
Our concerns include:
- Employees being denied PRPP because of disciplinary or capability sanctions, despite this consequence not being made clear when sanctions were issued.
- Employees being disadvantaged due to delays in Company processes.
- The lack of any clear link between some exclusions and actual performance.
- Potential unfairness towards employees with disabilities, health conditions, or those who have taken unpaid sickness absence.
- The Company's failure to properly consult with the recognised trade unions before introducing these arrangements.
Standing together matters
This issue goes beyond this year's PRPP payment.
It is about fairness, transparency, and preventing the Company from introducing significant financial consequences without proper consultation or clear communication.
If unfair decisions affecting one group of employees are left unchallenged, they can set a precedent that affects all of us in the future.
If you’re not yet a GMB Union member, and want to join our campaign for a fairer PRPP, you can do so online at www.gmb.org.uk/join
In solidarity,
Gary Carter
National Officer