Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
FCTU Business Units
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FBU Staff Council October 2008
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FBU Staff Council September 2007
FBU Staff Council March 2007
FBU Staff Council September 2006
FBU Staff Council February 2006
FBU Staff Council September 2005
FBU Staff Council February 2005
FBU Staff Council September 2004
The FCTU Business Units Committee is one of the FCTU's six area teams and is responsible for leading on the FCTU's work in the Business Units. On this page:
FCE Head Office Peebles– Relocation Working Group
11th January 2010
On 27th October 2009, a working group consisting of the following members was set up to carry out a consultation between management the Trade Unions on the above proposed Relocation.
The terms of reference were agreed and were published on the website along with the minutes from the first meeting and subsequence meeting.
Various options were brought to the table, namely, Silvan House, Glentress Peel, NRS, Tweedbank and the status quo remain in Peebles location. Glentress could not now be considered due to an email received from Alan Stevenson stating it would be for recreational use only, Frank MacCulloch informed the committee that due to NRS requiring capital money to build new facilities there we could not really consider this as there was no capital available, this left Silvan house and the status quo.
On 15th December at our third meeting Frank MacCulloch informed the working group that Michael Ansell had presented a paper to the Executive Board (EB) which set out a proposal to possibly relocate Business Units staff to Silvan House, however, this was rejected by the EB on financial grounds, the group endorsed a draft email confirming this position that Frank could sent to staff.
New options will now be explored, including returning to the NRS option along with new options of the Gyle, Straiton and Hillend Area information on these areas has still to be issued to the group.
It was confirmed that the existing Peebles office was no longer suitable and the one year notice to finish the lease will be issued by March 2010 (Date of lease). However the location of an office in Peebles is still one of the options. The group agreed that further details will be provided on available office space at Cavalry Business Park, Peebles be reassessed due to the wrong information being issued to the working group.
Frank issued the group with Cost analysis papers but explained that the figure in these were just examples.
It was agreed to hold the next meeting on 25th January in Silvan House at 1pm.
Working Group Members
Frank MacCulloch (Chair) - Management
Gavin Queen - Management
Helen Paterson HR
Julie McMorran - Design Staff
Diana Hilliard - Office Staff
Bruce Hamilton - PCS
Andrew Stewart- Prospect
Mike Cowan - HR
ChapelHall & MES Scotland Business
Review Update 10th Oct 2008 by Andy Stewart
The Forestry Business Units Staff Council met on Tuesday 7th October among the matters discussed was the MES review and the formation of a group within FCE to look at machine hours and overtime.
On the MES review from the FCTU side Alistair Gillies and Roy Laird from the GMB were asked by the commitee to take the lead. A meeting will be held on the 28th October to discuss the Terms of reference for this review as set by Forestry Commission Scotland in line with the Direct Production and District Review.
Alistair and Roy will report back to the FCTUBU from this meeting and we will keep all union members informed of matters throughout the review. We have the full support of the Trade Union Side and shall ask all union members for input during the review and hopfully your full support!
A date has to be confirmed for the FCE review of machine hours and overtime, Norrie Russell (Unite) and Bruce Hamilton (PCS) will be taking things forward on behalf of union members at the behest of the FCTBU. Again we ask for members full support and assistance.
We will post a summary of the full meeting when the minutes are agreed.
Review Update 8th Oct 2008 by Alistair Gillies
The first meeting of the wider MES Scotland review will take place on 28th October and the FCTU will be represented by either Alistair Gillies and Roy Laird. Also as a further development Forestry Civil Engineers are setting up a working group to look at machine hours; and the FCTU representative on this will be Norrie Russell.
Review Update 1st Oct 2008 by Andy Stewart
At the time of our last post to the FCTU website Alistair Gillies was waiting to hear feedback from meetings concerning the future of workshops affected by changes in the FES machine fleet and the general reduction in MES Scotland business. This affected Balnacoul, Inver and Chapelhall directly.
Since these meetings we have received an open letter from Jeff Livingstone stating that the FESMB has deferred any decision on improvements to Inver Garage and closure of Chapelhall and the possible move of Balnacoul. The FESMB have now asked that MES conduct a wider review of its operations and workshops in Scotland. This will take account of the Forest District review and the review of Direct Production and operational areas in Scotland. A group will be formed from to take the MES review in Scotland forward we have been told it will comprise reps from MES, FE Scotland, and the TUS.
As members of the FCTUBU we are taking this forward at the Staff Council meeting on the 7th October to discuss these proposals, and have also brought the matter before the TUS. The TUS have offered their full support in this matter. If you have any concerns or want to become involved in this fight please do contact either Alistair Gillies, Andy Stewart or your local rep.
Consultation Closed 10th Aug 2008
Over the last few weeks Alistair Gillies has contacted all of the workshops potentially affected by the the changes in the FES machine fleet and the general reduction in MES Scotland business. Unfortunately we have not had any feedback regarding the proposals and consequently the sub-group will forward its report (see below) back to the MES Scotland Staff Council un-amended.
In a separate development Alistair Gillies is due to meet with MES managers on 4th September to discuss the review of the Balnacoul Workshop. In an open letter to staff Michael Ansell stated: Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) are planning to consolidate Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest Districts into one North-East Scotland Forest District based on Huntly. This move affords the opportunity for FES to look at the opitimal location for the Signs Unit going forward. Likewise the amalgamation of the Forest District office locations to Huntly and possible relocation of the Signs Unit have potential implications for the MES Workshop, Balnacoul. For that reason I am hereby notifying you of our intention to review the workshop location to ensure that we can continue to serve what will become North-East Scotland Forest District in an efficient manner. This review will be led by Jeff Livingston and I expect it to take approximately eight weeks.
According to MES the general remit is to identify a workshop location following the consolidation of Moray into Aberdeenshire that will ensure an efficient and effective service by MES in the Balnacoul area. A particular aim will be to minimise repair downtime of harvesting machines. The effect of moving the Signs Unit will also be considered. Further details of the groups remit and timescale will be discussed at the first meeting.
Discussions Resumed 30th June 2008
After a seven month hiatus our discussions over the future of Chapelhall were resumed in Stirling today (minutes of the meeting).
As indicated below our discussions with MES managers were suspended at the end of last year until a clear picture of the future size and deployment of the harvesting fleet emerged from the Scottish DP review. Although this review still has some way to run we have reached an agreement with FES managers that some additional machines will be retained in South Scotland.
Unfortunately despite the retention of additional harvesting machines, as well as an increase in number of FC mounders, MES managers remain of the view that the general reduction in the size of the fleet over the last 6-7 years means that the current number of workshops is unsustainable. The collective view of the sub-group therefore remains that a reduction in the number of workshops is necessary, and the most sensible way to achieve this is through the closure of Chapelhall and the transfer of its work to Inver.
Click here to read the Sub-Group's Report.
Although those members most directly affected should have been kept up to date with our discussions, we are now formally consulting on the sub-group's recommendations and anyone who has any comments or concerns is asked to contact Alistair Gillies by Friday 25th July. Subject to the feedback from local members and the endorsement of the report's findings by the Scotland MES Staff Council, a period of formal consultation on the implications for local members will follow over the next few weeks.
Discussions suspended 15th Nov 2007
As the changes being proposed to MES in Scotland are in large part dependant on the outcome of the Scottish DP review, we have suspended talks with MES pending the outcome of our discussion with FE Scotland. Further information on this is available from the Scottish NOC page.
Further meeting with FES Managers 7th Nov 2007
Following our meeting with MES managers reported below, we issued a questionnaire seeking the views of all staff potentially affected by the FE Scotland Direct Production Review. Last week we met again with FE Scotland managers and a full report of this meeting is available from the Scottish NOC page. Whilst we are aware of the potential impact which the review might have on MES, at the moment we believe that it is important that we try and resolve the issues around the future of the harvesting fleet, as this clearly has a direct impact on MES work. If you would like any further information on our position with the review, then please speak to one of the contacts listed on the Scottish NOC page, or speak to either Robert Beaney, Alistair Gillies, Laurence Villa or your local rep.
Background 28th Sept 2007
Over the last few months we have been in discussion with senior MES managers about a sustained downturn in business at Chapelhall workshop, and consequential proposals to close the workshop and relocate the work to Inver.
During the course of several meetings we have looked at several options including redeveloping the Chapelhall site, seeking alternative work from other Government Departments, seeking additional work from the private sector and sub-letting part of the existing site. Unfortunately none of these appears likely to address the trading deficit at the workshop and at our last meeting earlier this month we reluctantly had to agree that the closure of Chapelhall seems to be the only available option.
However at a recent meeting with FE Scotland and MES managers further potential closures and job losses were announced as a result of the FE Scotland review of Direct Production Harvesting. A full report of this meeting is available from the Scottish NOC page. As a consequence of this we now understand that the potential impact is:
- Three F.T.E. post reductions at Ae and Borders comprising two mobile mechanics at Ae and one at Glenbenna. Close Ae workshop.
- One F.T.E post reduction at Stirling comprising half Workshop Manager Chapelhall and half Fleet Support Manager. The remaining post will combine management of Central Workshop and part of the current Fleet Support Manager's job. No staff cuts are required due to current staffing levels.
- One F.T.E. post reduction at Creebridge.
- One F.T.E. post reduction at Balnacoul. Apprentice post will not be filled. This post is currently vacant so no staff reductions are required.
- Three F.T.E. post reductions at Inver comprising Foreman, Storeman and Mobile Mechanic. Chapelhall Workshop will close as announced previously and seven and a half F.T.E. posts will be relocated from Chapelhall to Inver. These are one PB5 Foreman, two PB6a Mobile Mechanics, two PB6b Workshop Mechanic, one PB6b Stores/Admin, an Apprentice Mechanic and a part time PB7 Cleaner.
- No change at Longman or Cairnbaan.
- Vacancy at Lakes for a Mobile Mechanic.
- The balance of four jobs at Inver and the job at Lakes will be offered to staff affected by Chapelhall closure and DP Review reductions at Ae, Borders and Creebridge. Although nine posts are being lost in Scotland, the net staff loss would be reduced to one if affected staff at Chapelhall, Ae, Borders and Creebridge take up the offer of jobs at Inver and Lakes.
The current position with discussions with management is outlined on the Scottish NOC page, however we shall be continuing separate discussions with MES managers over the coming days. If you would like any further information or have any comments or concerns then please contact either Robert Beaney, Alistair Gillies or your local rep. We shall post further news asap.
Chirk Workshop
Relocation plans put on hold 22nd Apr 2008
Over the last few weeks there have been a number of meetings regarding the future of the Chirk workshop, and we're pleased to report that for now at least the proposed relocation has been put on hold. FC Wales management have asked MES to undertake some further analysis of future work programmes in order to take account of the following points:
- Complete an assessment of the service provision required.
- Analyse VME holding and provide a Vision Statement.
- Provide a workforce plan following the working methods of the Staffing Plan for FC Wales.
- Identify the Workshop requirements, type, location, and investment.
Therefore MES, with input from FC Wales, will be assessing future vehicle/fleet numbers, procurement and servicing needs and with TUS input agree workshop requirements and locations. This is the ongoing work of the working group (Bruce Cochrane, Andrew Brookfield, Chris Tucker, Neil Stoddart, Eric Williams and Tony Egan) and further updates will be posted when available.
Background 14th Sept 2007
Several weeks ago the TUS and MES staff based in Wales met with MES Managers to discuss the possibility of relocating the Chirk workshop to a renovated facility at Clawdd-Newydd—about 40 miles away. The outcome of the meeting was that the TUS remained unconvinced by the business case for the relocation and we remain concerned about the disproportionate impact which the proposals will have on staff. At the end of the meeting we agreed to meet again with MES Managers to look further at the business case; however this meeting is currently on hold until we have further feedback from FC Wales Managers about the future deployment of the FC Wales harvesting fleet. Further information will be posted once we have this feedback, and if you have any concerns then please speak to either Chris Tucker, Alistair Gillies or your local rep.