A New Years Message
from
Pat Waterman
Chair of Napo Greater London Branch
TO NAPO MEMBERS
As the end of the year draws nigh
Just as I was getting ready to go on leave the other week we received notice of a significant breakthrough in the negotiations between the trade unions and the employers. These negotiations had been previously rendered totally pointless by the intransigence of the MOJ. But now the MOJ were willing to make some concessions. The most significant one being the offer of a guarantee of continuity of service for seven years for staff who transfer between CRC’s or between the NPS and CRC post share sale.
But does this mean it is all over.
All that this means is that in the event that the plans to destroy the Probation Service go ahead then the terms and conditions of existing members of staff will be protected for up to seven years, even if they change their employer.
So, as you would expect and hope, your union has achieved greater protection for its members through its efforts at the negotiating table.
BUT, if this government were prepared to listen to reason, and if this trust were prepared to stand up for itself, then we would not have had to work so hard to ensure your continuity of service because you could continue working for a public sector organisation which is known to provide a good service
If you remember that this is a Transformation that is in the interests of nobody but the shareholders of whatever private company finally wins the bid then you will know that the struggle continues.
The assignment process which LPT is in such a hurry to implement has not been agreed. So keep registering your grievances. Your employers (LPT) must take responsibility for the mess, for the stress and for causing you such grief, particularly at this time of year.
I know it is hard to keep up with what is happening but here is a suggestion for how to save some time. Stop reading the LPT Communications Mailbox. As LPT seems to have increasingly little to say for itself (other than to offer you courses on how to apply for other jobs) it has become little more than a mouthpiece for the MOJ.
As if receiving a supposedly personal letter from Chris Grayling, full of mealy mouthed platitudes, was not enough, my leave was almost spoilt by receiving Michael Spurr’s reflections on 2013.
Despite their propaganda, the MOJ’s plan for privatising the probation service is in tatters. I would like to see 2014 as the year that we bury their plans to sell us off.
It is going to be a worrying time for us all but let us stick together and show them we are not for sale.
Pat Waterman
Branch Chair
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