August 26th, 2010

The PGDS proposal to introduce a backshift for its Computer operators has been accepted following a ballot of Unite members.

PGDS have proposed that a new backshift for Computer operators based in Reading and Craigforth.
The proposal is as follows:-
Take one Operator from each weekday dayshift and swap his/her rostered 07:00 to 19:00, 12-hour, shift for an 8-hour, 18:00 to 02:00 shift.
This would have the effect of covering the busiest period without substantially weakening the dayshift.
It would also do away with the need to pay an overtime shift when a single Operator is absent through holiday or illness
There is a benefit to the Ops in that, every 16 weeks, they would be onsite for 40 hours of backshift as opposed to 60 hours of dayshift (or they would be expected to work 35 hours as opposed to 52.5).
This proposal has come off the back of a number of meetings with Unite reps in the area. Unite were able to secure a number of concessions from it’s original proposal. These include:-
Xmas day working to be paid at treble time plus time off in lieu and a desire for it to be staffed on a voluntary basis
Start time of the backshift to be flexible and to be agreed between Operator and Team leader
Day shift overtime to be paid at discretion of Team Leader
Removal of holiday restriction on backshift and ability to swap a backshift
Review of proposal after 16 weeks
Meeting between Unite and Company to discuss existing holiday guidelines and manning levels
Lone working Operators to be given a “man down” device
Unite balloted its members on the proposal and the result of the above ballot is as follows
64% Accept
36% Reject
Turnout 88%

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