UNITE WINS RECOGNITION AT TCS 21/08/18

Tuesday, August 21st, 2018

Unite wins trade union recognition at TCS  

Unite the union has today (Tuesday 21 August) won trade union recognition at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd through the Central Arbitration Committee. The recognition covers staff who transferred to TCS from Prudential in May 2018. 

Unite has welcomed the CAC decision following a strong campaign to ensure that the trade union was not derecognised following the TUPE transfer of 157 staff.  

Ian Methven, Unite regional officer said: “Unite the union welcomes the Central Arbitration Committee decision to recognise that an employer cannot simply derecognise an independent trade union following the TUPE transfer of staff. 

“The TCS workforce who transferred from Prudential have today won their campaign to maintain their collective bargaining rights and to have a strong voice at work through Unite.

“The union condemns the TCS tactic of attempting to use non-UK workers to undermine the collective bargaining group membership levels. Unite was successful in showing that those employees were on TCS contracts and therefore not included in this bargaining group.”

Unite is now looking forward to ensuring members of the union have a strong voice at work within TCS.

Unite submitted the application to the CAC on 25 May 2018. Unite the union was able to prove that the majority of the bargaining unit oppose the de-recognition of the union.

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Unite TUPE update w/c 13 August 2018

Monday, August 20th, 2018

TUPE and Diligenta

We have now concluded our 4^th consultation meeting which took place on Thursday 9^th August in Craigforth.

Following on from our previous emails, the situation as it stands is:

What do we now know: 

Reading Location – all in scope individuals will move to Kennet Place (Building A) after 1 October 2018.

Performance Management – we have reviewed the Diligenta’s Performance Management process and Diligenta also shared their manager’s guidelines for salary increases and promotions. We are very comfortable with both the performance management process and the guidelines.

Professional Qualifications and Study Policy – we are very comfortable with the examples of qualification that were shared with us last week and the policy is very similar to the Prudential policy.

Absence Management – we have reviewed the current policy and are comfortable with this. Diligenta are currently reviewing this policy and this will be shared with us once it has been updated.

Time off when you need it – we are pleased that Diligenta have now confirmed that where an individual is undertaking IVF treatment then that individual can take up to 14 days paid leave in a 12 month period. This is similar to the current Prudential policy.

Flexitime Policy – for those areas where flexitime is still used then this will move across to Diligenta however,  they will review this in the future to ensure that it’s fit for purpose and their business.

Holidays – any extra days you buy will be deducted from gross pay. Although Diligenta do not operate salary sacrifice for bought holidays there should be no financial detriment to individuals.

Car Parking

Reading – individuals who currently have a permanent space including those with a Blue Badge, will continue to have this post 1 October 2018 (the allocated space may change). Diligenta will review the car parking policy once they know how many spaces they have and who in the TUPE population are eligible to be on the waiting list under the current Reading parking policy. We have suggested that although not an ideal system the current way of allocating spaces is the fairest it can be and would like to see this continued.

Craigforth – there will be no changes to parking or the buses post 1 October 2018.

Prudential Staff Discounts – the opportunity to open an M&G ISA with a waiver on the initial charge will continue for a further 6 months to 31 March 2019 – you can use the following link for more information and it is the easiest way for you to  open one prior to transfer with only £1: (http://intranet.pru.local/homepage_content/prudential_uk_news/2018_quarter_one/february/mandg_isa_allowance/?view=Standard&gsasro=3&gsaq=M%26G%20Isa)  

Final Salary (DB) Scheme

Final Prudential/Diligenta proposal for DB (Prudential & Scot Am) members (9 August 2018):

During the meeting we spoke directly to Roddy and highlighted the feelings of being let down by Prudential despite loyalty to the Company and length of service. We did request an extra year of tapering for DB members but unfortunately this has been rejected. We do know that in fairness to all employees there will not be an option to add extra years to the DB scheme for those members, we are disappointed but understand the rationale for this and also the final DC offering for DB members.  This is a better outcome for all our members than other areas  e.g. Capita, PGDS who have gone through the TUPE process recently and although not ideal does show movement from the original Prudential and Diligenta position especially in light of TUPE legislation.

We do understand this will be disappointing to some members but we are comfortable with this and that all members (whether DC or DB) have got the best outcome.

Diligenta will be holding numerous pension workshops in conjunction with Aviva in all locations in August and September so it is important that those individuals in scope to transfer attend and gain a better insight into their DC scheme, including how you can manage the fund(s) where the Diligenta (and your own) contributions will be invested in.

Sharesave – all in scope individuals will receive a payment of £250 (less tax & NI) on the anniversary of their move to Diligenta – 1 October 2019. This is in respect of removing the opportunity to take part in future sharesaves. This is Prudential and Diligenta’s final position however in view of the feedback received from members regarding the level of compensation and the delay in receiving this payment we have asked that this is made earlier than 1 October 2019. We will update you when we receive a response.

IBIS Lottery & IBIS Club – Diligenta have confirmed that they won’t be able to deduct these payments from your salary after 1 October. If you wish to continue with your IBIS membership then please print and complete the attached direct debit mandate and return to the IBIS Club.  For those wishing to continue with the lottery, please print & complete the IBIS Prize Draw Application Form. You can then scan and send to  prize_draw@btconnect.com.

Next Steps

As this is peak holiday time with a number of reps and Unite officers on holiday we will arrange a members meeting in the coming weeks but this may not be until w/c 28 August.

If you have any questions in the meantime then please contact Unite@prudential.co.uk.

Thanks

Claire Williams

Ellen Looby

Jan Ciepkiewicz

Posted in Diligenta & TCS TUPE, Pru Section news | Comments Off on Unite TUPE update w/c 13 August 2018