Dear Colleagues,
You may have seen recent communications regarding a proposed pause to the rota review process. UNISON wants to provide clarity on our position and what this means for members.
UNISON’s position on pauses
UNISON does not support a Trust-wide pause to all aspects of the rota review at this time, while open negotiations on disputed areas are still taking place.
Our position remains consistent with what we have previously communicated:
- Any pause should apply only in those areas where there is genuine disagreement and where mutual consent on rotas has not been reached.
We also recognise that:
- Where rotas have been agreed through local discussion, members have engaged in good faith and have planned their lives accordingly, including annual leave, childcare, and other caring responsibilities.
A blanket pause across the Trust risks creating unnecessary uncertainty and disruption for members, particularly where agreement has already been reached.
Impact on members
UNISON is mindful of the real-world impact rota uncertainty can have, including:
- Annual leave and rest day planning
- Childcare and caring responsibilities
- Travel and personal arrangements
- Members currently seconded onto rota lines on a temporary or trial basis
- Those with Flexible working agreements
Many rotas have already been discussed, agreed locally, and inputted onto GRS. Any approach that disregards this reality risks disadvantaging members who have done exactly what was asked of them.
Implementation timing
We recognise that uncertainty at this stage causes understandable concern for members, particularly given the proximity to April.
To be absolutely clear:
- The Trust has confirmed that no rota will be implemented where agreement cannot be reached within a team
- Where agreement is not secured, existing arrangements will remain in place while discussions continue until a time of agreement.
This provides a clear and stable window for further discussions to take place without sudden change or disruption, and ensures that no team is forced onto a rota they have not agreed to.
What happens next
Negotiations with the Trust are ongoing.
UNISON will be meeting with the Chief Executive on Thursday to:
- Discuss the way forward
- Reinforce the Trust’s continued commitment not to impose rotas where disputes remain unresolved
- Further discuss the UNISON proposals regarding FRV’s
What members should do now
Until that meeting has taken place and further clarity is provided:
Do not make any changes to your current plans or arrangements you have already put in place.
Keep an eye out for our comms following Thursday’s meeting.
UNISON will never take industrial action off the table. However, it must always be a last resort, used only when negotiations are exhausted and members are left with no other way to protect their pay, conditions, or wellbeing.
We will update members following Thursday’s meeting.
In solidarity,
UNISON EMAS
Posted: 20