OPENING REMARKS 

Terry Abbott, Chair, welcomed all the members to the Regional Committee. 

1/10  NEW INTRODUCTIONS 

            Terry Abbott introduced the following new members to the committee:- 

      George Cottrell, Isle of Man Area Activists’ Committee

            John Hughes, Passenger Industrial Sector Committee

            Bill Moores, Retired Members’ Observer 

2/10  APOLOGIES 

            Martin Gleeson, Electrical Engineering & Electronics

            Dave Parr, Metals incl Foundry

            Martin McMulkin, Motor Components

            Ian Allinson, IT & Communications

            Phil Potter, Graphical, Paper & Media

            Lynn Booth, Disability

            Gail Cox, Community, Youth Workers & Not for Profit

            Jan Faherty, Health

            Karen Lally, Finance & Legal

            Dave Williams, Finance & Legal

            Philip Heyworth, Youth Observer

            John Fetherston, Vehicle Building & Automotive

            David Rochester, Lancashire Area Activists 

At this point, both the Regional Secretary and Chair explained that only the Territorial Executive Council members should be in attendance at the meeting and no other Executive Council members as there had been some confusion at the last meeting on 10 November 2009. 

3/10  REGIONAL COMMITTEE MINUTES – 10 November 2009 

            These were accepted. 

            MATTERS ARISING 

4/10  Financial Appeals (Min 11/09) 

Mick Stott informed the committee that the donation towards the badge for the Lesbian & Gays in MSF had now been received by the branch. 


MINUTES OF FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

10 November 2009 

5/10  There were no matters arising 

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE 19 January 2010 


6/10 Ray Kirton – Resignation from Regional Committee & F&GPC (Min 10/10 2.) 


Terry Abbott recorded thanks on behalf of the committee for Ray’s long standing service to the committee.  The Regional Secretary had already written to Ray on behalf of the Region. 


7/10 Martin McMulkin – Request to change future dates of Regional Committee (Min 10/10 3.) 


Although Martin had indicated that the Employment Law course he was undertaking would last 36 weeks, the members hoped that he would be able to attend certain committee meetings in the future. 


8/10 Brian Bamford, branch 6/353 re Spanish Civil War publication (Min 10/10 6.) 


The publication would be sent to Bob Braddock for his comments on same. 


9/10 Kenny Rowe, branch 6/677 re Political Committee meetings (Min 10/10 8.) 


The branch was concerned regarding the selection processes of parliamentary candidates for the General Election and the very short notice of meetings.  This matter had now been dealt with by the Political Committee. 


10/10 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TERRITORIAL REPS 


Sharon Hutchinson apologised for not having provided a written report. This was due to the fact that the Executive Council meeting had taken place in the previous week.  She therefore gave a verbal report highlighting the following points:- 


A document regarding Regional funds had been sent out to the Regions.  The Region would receive £270,000 as the opening balance and any monies not spent would more than likely be recouped by Central Office. 


The JGSs reported on the retention of membership.  A full report would be provided for the March meeting of the EC on how many members are recruited and subsequently retained by the Organising Unit. 


Charlie Whelan, Political Director provided a political report and a discussion took place regarding TULO, employment related issues ie, anti trade union laws and blacklisting.

Jim Mowatt, Education Director provided a report on education and informed the EC that the matter regarding the NW tutors was being dealt with by the Union solicitors and could not be discussed.  In the meantime, there would be no disruption to the Region’s Education Department. 


Under the Legal report, the announcement was made that Georgina Hirsch, Director of Legal Services would be leaving the employ of the union on 29 January and her position would not be replaced.  The assurance was given that the department would not suffer a detriment.  However, Paul Talbot would oversee the running of the department.  Tony Woodhouse explained that the panel of union solicitors was being examined. 


A document was produced regarding membership cleansing and the fact that 300,000 members were shown as 26 weeks or more in arrears.  It had been agreed that those members could renew their membership if they wished but if they did not reply in this regard then they would be removed from the system.  This would also be the case for those members without an address. 


John Gibbins, Conference Manager reported on the Policy Conference (formerly T&G BDC) and the Rules Conference.  The Policy Conference would take place from 31 May to 4 June 2010 inclusive in Manchester.  One delegate per 2000 members from each RISC would be entitled to attend the conference.  A long debate took place regarding motions to the Policy Conference after which it was agreed that one motion could be submitted from every branch and Constitutional Committee. 


Under Officering/VR – 36 employees had already left the union and it was agreed that a further 106 employees could leave with 20 waiting for a date and approximately 75-80 had been refused the VR.  Although the VR is now closed, another process would be put in place for further redundancies. 


The EC had agreed to advertise the vacant officer’s post on the Isle of Man as soon as possible. 


It was reported that there are currently nine vacancies within the Organising Unit and it was agreed to advertise internally but there were no applicants.  A new wave of training would commence in the future. 


There had been an administrative problem with regard to standardising expenses which should have been effective January 2010; this had been put back to 2 February 2010.  The issue regarding start times of meetings/overnight stays in London was raised and it was agreed that no reasonable request for an overnight stay would be refused. 


Doug Collins, Assistant General Secretary had now retired but he would remain on a consultative basis due to being involved in the job evaluation process. 


Discussion had taken place regarding the CSEU and their talks with Rolls Royce on extending the 35 hour working week. 


There was discussion regarding parity between all branches of Unite in relation to branch administration etc.  This matter would be further discussed at the National F&GPC. 


The union would be re-balloting BA members for industrial action.  The dispute surrounded the imposition of terms and conditions and not just about pay. 


There was confusion regarding active/inactive retired members and new contributions.  This matter would be further discussed at the National F&GPC. 


Terry Abbott thanked the Territorial Executive Council reps for the report. 

11/10  STRATEGY FOR GROWTH 

The Regional Secretary reported that as part of the Standing Orders for the committee and going forward, the Regional Co-Ordinating Officers would be reporting on the 100% Campaign in the future but unfortunately, they would only be receiving their training on 27 January. 


12/10 ELECTION OF ONE DELEGATE TO THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE 


Due to the resignation of Ray Kirton, nominations were invited for the vacant position on the committee.  After being proposed and seconded, Les Mothersole was duly elected to sit on the Region’s Finance & General Purposes Committee. 


13/10 ELECTION OF TWO DELEGATES (one from each former section) TO THE STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE FOR THE POLICY CONFERENCE & RULES CONFERENCE 


After being proposed and seconded, Stewart Conroy (former T&G) and David Rochester (former Amicus) were duly elected to sit on the Standing Orders Committee for both conferences. 


REMITS FROM REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL SECTOR COMMITTEES/AREA ACTIVISTS’ COMMITTEES 


14/10 Terry Abbott explained the process by which remits should be submitted to the Regional Committee.  Prior to the Regional Committee taking place, the Territorial Executive Council members including the Regional Secretary and Regional Chairperson discuss all remits.  The remits should be submitted to the Regional Secretary by e-mail no later than 10 days before the Regional Committee is due to take place.  It was explained that 2 remits had been received by the Regional Secretary on the Friday before the RC was scheduled to take place.  The meeting of the particular AAC in question had taken place at the beginning of December, a gap of six weeks.  


It was agreed that the Regional Secretary should write to the officers responsible for the RISCs and AACs on the subject of remits.  


The committee members therefore agreed that on this occasion only, the 2 remits would be discussed at the next meeting of the F&GPC on 9 February 2010. 

15/10   Remit from the Food Drink & Tobacco RISC re

            New Administrative Ways of Working 

Jackie Whitmore gave a brief background to the remit and although already in line with policy in moving towards one system under Unite, it was agreed to forward the remit for the consideration of the Executive Council – see attachment. 

16/10  REPORT OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY 

            The Regional Secretary reported on the following points:- 

            Properties 

A full survey had been carried out on the Salford office and due to the prohibitive cost implications to refurbish the building and the money already committed to the Liverpool office at Islington, the decision had been made by the JGSs that the Islington office would become the new Regional Office for the North West region.   


The issue had also been raised that the Prestwich office may become the main office in the Manchester area thus the Salford office could be closed down.  No final decision has been made on this matter. 


The Accrington office closed on 22 January and the officer and member of staff had transferred to the Preston office as of 25 January. 

            VR 

As there were 3 officers on long term sick, it was agreed to delay the departure of any other officers in the region in order to alleviate servicing problems.  None of the admin staff would be allowed to leave until the Prestwich/Salford situation had been finalised.  


Legal Services 


The Regional Secretary pointed out the major differences between the former T&G and Amicus Employment Tribunal referral to solicitor process. 


Mini Durham Event 


This would take place over 2 days 20/21 February 2010 commencing at 10.00 am at the Clifton Hotel, Southport. 


Public Services Rally 


This would take place on 30 January 2010, 12 noon at St George’s Plateau, Liverpool.  Free transport was being provided from Blackpool, Preston and Manchester. 

17/10  REPORT OF THE REGIONAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE 

John Boughton apologised for not providing a written report on this occasion but would endeavour to do so for the next meeting.  Terry Burns could not attend due to being on other union business.  John provided a verbal report as follows:- 


A Regional Political grant was agreed at £100 under Unite. 


A presentation had been given by Kevin Peel from Young Labour regarding campaigns within the region, particularly in the key seats. 


At the NW Labour Party Conference the union had submitted contemporary motions on blacklisting and anti trade union legislation which were well received and debated. 


Difficulties had been encountered with the short listing of the selection of parliamentary candidates in the region due to the restrictive timetable produced by the Labour Party. 


The Mini Durham event will focus on political education and is now being organised in all regions. 


Charlie Whelan, Political Director was unable to attend the last political committee meeting due to illness.  However Andrew Dodgshon spoke about the Labour Party trying to win the next election and indications are that due to the expenses row and turn out being on a downward trend, it was vital that Unite does all it can to maximise support from the membership.  The Unite4Labour website provides information about the region and how to use the telephone bank service. 


John indicated that Key seats where Unite members can make a difference are in Wirral West, South Ribble, Rochdale, Manchester Withington, Lancaster & Fleetwood. 


Tony Woodhouse advised that major problems were being experienced in the selection process for candidates for vacant seats and that it was vitally important that the Political Officers formulate strategies for the forthcoming General Election as well as guidelines on the way forward for future reference. 


Terry Abbott thanked John Boughton for his report. 

18/10  REPORT OF THE REGIONAL EQUALITIES ORGANISER 

Helen Osgood had provided a written report but could not attend the meeting due to being on other union business. 


Anne Morrison reported that not all of the delegates to the Women’s Committee had received notification of their last meeting and that it had also clashed with an Area Activists’ meeting on the same day. 


A motion had been sent to the NW TUC conference from the NW TUC Women’s Committee surrounding Equal Pay. 


Sherrell Martin pointed out that 3/4 December was designated National Carers’ Day and hoped that the Region would be able to support this in some way. 


Mick Stott asked for financial support concerning both the Blackpool Pride and Manchester Pride as in previous years.  This matter would be referred to the F&GPC for its consideration. 


Des Graham pointed out that he had not received his notification to attend the last meeting of the BAEM Committee. 


19/10 REPORT OF THE RETIRED MEMBERS’ CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE 


A written report was provided to the members.  Bill Moores informed the committee that 20 members (10 from each section) formed the Retired Members’ Co-Ordinating Committee; Phil Wiseman being the Chairperson. 

20/10  REPORT OF THE SENIOR ORGANISER 

Mike Thompson had provided a written report and highlighted the following points:- 


In 2009, the total members recruited in organising campaigns was 1902.

At Boughey Distribution, 95 drivers out of 150 are now members of Unite and organising will continue within Grocery Retail Logistics in 2010. 


There have been major difficulties with Stobarts’ members due to them being spread around the country and being placed in many different branches and the worry is that the members could face problems with servicing. 


The problem of members/branches was region wide and the suggestion was that perhaps the root of this problem lies with Newcastle Data Centre. 


It was also suggested that the F&GPC should look at the mapping of new members within the region. 


Terry Abbott thanked Mike Thompson for his report. 

21/10  REPORT OF THE REGIONAL EDUCATION ORGANISER 

Ian Scott had provided a written report and highlighted the following points:-  


The Education Department had experienced instability in recent times but he hoped that education would continue to be a success as it had in the past. 


There are now more lay tutors being recruited to teach Unite materials rather than members going on TUC courses. 


The Education Department could cater for any course as long as the minimum number was met, eg 10 in Salford, 6-8 in Cumbria. 


All activists will be receiving a letter and e-mail asking what training they require, where they want it and whether they wish the training to take place on a weekend.  


Terry Abbott thanked Ian Scott for his report. 

22/10  CORRESPONDENCE 

Annual Conference of the NW TUC, 13 March, Town Hall Liverpool Delegation to consist of the F&GPC members plus a further 3 members from the Regional Committee to complete the delegation.  Volunteers were requested ie, Pauline Bradburn, Anne Morrison & Bob Braddock.  Two motions were permitted for submission. 
 
 
 

23/10  ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

It was agreed that the Isle of Man officer vacancy should be advertised as soon as possible with a view to appointing as a matter of urgency. 

24/10  FUTURE MEETINGS 

            F&GPC 

            9 February, 9 March, 7 April 

            Regional Committee 

            13 April