Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
Unite—The Union
Historically the TGWU have always been the only union that had a section dedicated to the Rural and Agricultural sector, covering Farming, Forestry, Horticulture, Arboriculture, and other related industries. Although it has never been one of the largest trade groups it has always been one of the most effective.
Now that we are part of a much larger Union it is very important that we all do as much as we can to keep the profile of the rural workers high. This of course means retaining membership and signing up as many new members as possible, but it also means being prepared to take an active part in supporting your Union and its representatives when the opportunity arises.
Robert Beaney
Chair—Forestry Workers' National Organising Committee
Pensions - Industrial Action on 30 November
14th October 2011Unfortunately on this occasion Unite have been unable to ballot members in the Forestry Commission in respect of strike action on 30 November to defend public sector pensions. The law on balloting is extremely complex and not designed to assist workers fighting back against bad employers and any mistake by the union during the balloting stage could lead to legal challenges being made.
In the case of the Forestry Commission it was felt that there was serious difficulty in providing the employer with accurate information on our membership at this time. Despite best efforts, the on-going voluntary exit situation led the union to receive advice that they should not ballot on this occasion as to do so could have invalidated the entire ballot as all civil service employers were grouped together into one national multi-employer ballot.
Consequently it is asked that you consider how you can lawfully involve yourselves in the day of action in other ways. You may have work colleagues in another union who have voted to engage in strike action on the day. It is Unite’s position that members should not be asked to do the work of a striking worker and that all members should be allowed to support picket lines. Any demonstrations you wish to be involved in should be organised outside of work hours (including Lunch hours).
This action is likely to extend beyond the day of action on the 30 November and therefore it is asked complete and return a Membership Information Form to allow the union to update your membership data to ensure you are properly balloted and fully involved in any future disputes.