Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
FCTU Business Units
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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:
Business Units Review
Review Forum 29 July 2010
Notes of the review forum meeting UPDATED 30th July 2010
The first meeting of the Forestry Business Units Review Forum was held yesterday in Silvan House. A briefing note can be found here. UPDATED 30th July 2010
Review Implementation UPDATED 9th July 2010
In the set of briefing notes provided to the constituent unions about the FBU review meeting held on the 1st July, I pointed out that the next stage would be to look at the implementation process.
Implementation will take place in two stages:
Stage 1 will be led by Frank MacCulloch who will provide an implementation plan to the FBU Steering Group for their endorsement. This plan will be brought to the Implementation Forum. As the various items are brought forward, the most appropriate FCTU Representative(s) will be asked to sit on the forum to enable the FCTU the opportunity to discuss the potential impacts from the plan. Stage one will focus on Forest Civil Engineering, Radio and Electronics and Design, Bridges and Structure, and Bridge Manufacturing.
Stage 2 will be led by Nicky Whitaker and will centre its attention on further exploration and analysis of MES Workshops, Fleet Management, Seed Collection/Supply and Nurseries. This work is necessary before any final decisions can be taken. Consultation will again be through the Implementation Forum.
The first meeting will be held on Thursday 29th July. We will be looking at plan progress, future forum meetings, terms of reference, dates, and standing agenda items. Redeployment will also be a main discussion point.
Meanwhile, I along with FCTU colleagues will be travelling around the UK visiting FCBU workplaces to listen to and answer members concerns. As Departmental Trade Union Secretary, I will be the main link between the FC Implementation Managers and the FCTU for all matters relating to the review. I will ensure that updates are issued to members and are made available through the FCTU website.
Allan MacKenzie
Briefing Notes of the FBU Review Meeting Held on Thursday 1st July 2010 UPDATED 1st July 2010
Today at 10:30, the FCTU sat down with FC Management to discuss the Jarah report and the potential next steps resulting from the report’s findings. The meeting was chaired by Michael Ansell who introduced the proceedings. He stated that the EB had indeed endorsed the Jarah report even though it contained many interesting viewpoints it should be viewed as just one man’s view. It was apparent that some of the content should be removed from the report and it was agreed that the FC would go back to Mr. Jarah to cover the changes. The report was supposed to be available for viewing this afternoon; however, the timetable will now have to slip to accommodate the changes.
From the FCTU perspective, we specified that we were there to represent and protect the interests of our members and we felt that the report as it stood did nothing to protect those interests. Indeed some of the content is inflammatory, misleading, and inaccurate, which could have a catastrophic effect on the morale of members. The FCTU’s Area Committee for the Business Units produced and submitted a seven-page response to the report in which the joint unions outlined some of the content that should be removed, tidied up, or corrected.
During the meeting, we were asked to provide some verbal feedback, which we did, but we also left them with a copy of the FCTU written response that they would consider this afternoon in any redrafting that might take place to the original report. I anticipate getting sight of that re-draft to ensure that our points have been considered and included where appropriate.
I would like to thank all those who contributed at such short notice to the response.
You will be aware that the next stage will be to look at implementation and we have been assured that we will be given information at an early stage, that will also be accurate and that consultation will be undertaken to ensure that we have the maximum opportunity to protect our members’ interests.
Good communication is the key to this turmoil and we have asked how it will be carried out by the FC; assurances have been given that line managers would be briefed and given the necessary information to enable them to talk through the issues with their staff.
It is very likely that an early meeting of the FCTU BU Area Committee be convened to talk through the proposals and how best to respond to the forthcoming changes.
The purpose of this paper is to provide a short briefing note to cover today’s meeting; it will be my intention to provide you with further updates as soon as information is received.
UPDATED 5th May 2010
On 8th April Bruce Hamilton and Alistair Gillies from FCTU Business Units met with the consultant, Paul Jarah to discuss the review and, more to the point, put a union perspective across to him. We felt meeting was both interesting and informative, and we now understand that a report will be sent to a steering group comprising of Simon Hodge (chair), Simon Hodgson and Peter Garson representing customers in Scotland, England and Wales respectively, also Michael Ansell and Jean Lindsay will be advisers.
After we put questions forward to Paul Jarah, he stated that he is to report to the steering group who will put recommendations to the Forestry Commission’s Executive Board, and not staff in general or the FCTU. Therefore, unless management give us sight of the report we will need to use other measures to obtain it. Paul Jarah also stated that there would be a short delay due to the holiday period for presentation to the Steering Group, which would now take place on the 7th of June.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed papers/comments for the meeting on 8th April for their help and guidance, the papers were especially helpful and the consultant did ask questions based on having read them.
FCE Members Response to Review
MES Members Response to Review
FCTU Business Units Response to Consultant
Business Units Review
UPDATED 7th April 2010
Following the announcement made by Director FC Scotland and Director General on the formation of a Renewable Energy Business Unit, this has lead to a review of the whole of the Business Units. The review will make recommendations to the Forestry Commission Executive Board on future delivery of services currently provided by the Forestry Business Units (FBU).
You should have also received an email from your union reps from FCTU Business Units detailing some of the concerns raised by union members, if you have not received any communication please contact us.
FCTU BU have issued a letter to members, detailing the questions put forward to Director FBU.
We urge all members to talk to their union representatives from FCTU BU detailed on this page and through the FCTU Office.
Response to Draft Review Criteria
Director FBU Letter to FCTU Secretary
FCTU Secretary's letter to Director General
FCTU Secretary's letter to Director General
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.