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George
In the last edition of our Union’s Journal ‘Wheels’ I highlighted that we were just about to ‘endure’ a General Election. Well, that is now over and the Labour Party has secured what has been widely termed a ‘landslide victory’. It would appear, although it is very early days, that this ‘victory’ might just benefit those of our Union’s members whom are employees/workers. For just once, it would appear that a political party has actually put into practice a promise that was made as a pre-election pledge.
It cannot have escaped your notice, given the recent press coverage that, as pledged, within the first 100 days of governing, the ‘Employment Rights Bill’ was laid before Parliament for its first reading by the Labour administration. Whilst you are able to read (page 15 and 16 of this edition of ‘Wheels’) some of the detail contained within the Bill, it would be remiss if I did not make reference to the fact that, having had decades of anti-trade union, anti-employee/workers legislation, at last a Parliamentary Bill has been laid before Parliament which puts employees/workers and their trade unions firmly back in the proverbial ‘driving seat’. “Yes”, it hasn’t given trade unions and their members everything they wished for and “Yes”, many of the potential benefits contained within the Bill will take a long time before they ‘land’ on the statute book. However, given what employees/workers have had to endure over many years, the introduction of this Bill should be welcomed with open arms by all us. In keeping the ‘political theme’ going, I write after the Labour Party’s first financial budget for fourteen years. Whilst much of that announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer has little ‘day-to-day’ impact on our lives, two ‘standout’ things for members of our Union are certainly worth a mention. First, which impacts upon all of us and which had been widely ‘touted’ ahead of the budget announcements, is the welcome news that employees national insurance contributions will not be rising, once again a pre-election pledge that appears to have been honoured by the current Government. Secondly, money is to be made available to deal with the nationwide ‘epidemic’ of the scourge of drivers across the nations…. Potholes! (see feature page 13-14 of this edition of ‘Wheels’). Whether you are, outside of work, a cyclist a motorcyclist or you drive for leisure, such news contained within the Chancellor’s speech will be a relief for your tyres, wheels and axles….!
It is with a great deal of sadness that I write to inform you that our Union’s former General Secretary, Frank Griffin, sadly passed away recently at the age of eighty. Whilst many of you reading this will not know Frank, his term of office being between 1987 –1992, some of you may remember Frank. It would be extremely remiss of me if I did not make mention of Frank’s passing. I am certain that those of you who can remember Frank’s contribution to our Union, both as our General Secretary and as a Regional Officer in the North West of England, would wish to join with me in extending condolences to Frank’s family at this most difficult of times.
By the time you read this piece, the seasonal break will be rapidly approaching with its inevitable pressure for deliveries to be both processed and delivered on time. When you then put into the mix potential for ‘winter’ weather, it is incumbent upon all of us to take care during this peak period. Nothing is worth being injured or indeed worse.
Until next time….. Drive safely,
Recognition at Domino's Pizza
I am pleased to report that Domino’s have signed a voluntary recognition agreement with our Union, for all LGV Drivers employed at the company’s Warrington Supply Chain Centre.
Following several months of negotiations between the two partie s, I attended a final meeting with Peter Trundley (Supply Chain Director), who signed the agreement on behalf of the company.
The signed agreement now allows our union to get organised within the LGV Drivers at Warrington. The first steps will be to get local Reps elected to the roles of Shop Steward and Health & Safety Rep.
Going forward, the agreement will now allow URTU to negotiate improvements to members' terms and conditions of employment and take an active part in the H&S regime at the site.
If you work at a site with no trade union recognition agreement and wish to get organised, please contact your Regional Officer who will explain the process and assist you and your colleagues in achieving recognition.
Peter McKevitt Regional Officer, Region
One.
Update on Driver CPC Reform
Earlier this year, we updated you on the planned reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC).
The new Government has restarted the process for the legislation to be laid in Parliament. The date that the debate will take place is still to be confirmed.
You do not need to do anything at this point. We will keep you updated on progress, including details on new National Driver CPC courses and when and where to access them if the reforms go ahead.
What are the reforms?
The reforms were recommended following a consultation with the vocational driver and training industry. You can read more details about the recommended reforms on GOV.UK.
The reforms include:
• introducing a National Driver CPC that will cover driving a lorry, bus or coach in the UK.
• allowing training courses to be done in blocks of 3.5 hours rather than the current 7 hours to allow greater flexibility.
• decoupling e-learning from trainer led courses, speeding up the process for drivers whose Driver CPC has run out to return to driving a lorry of bus coach in the UK.
• This work is still ongoing; these changes aim to be introduced in late 2024 or early 2025.
Introducing a periodic test
The results from the 2023 consultation on introduction of a test were mixed. We will continue to keep under review the possibility of the introduction of a test.
This year, Brake has put road victims at the heart of Road Safety Week, with the theme 'After the Crash – Every road victim counts'. The campaign runs from 17 to 23 November, beginning on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday 17 November.
Everyone who signs up can access free resources from Brake to raise awareness of the devastating toll of road crashes and celebrate the work of the incredible number of people who come together every day to support families after a road death or serious injury.
During Road Safety Week, Brake will lead on the development of a Road Victim’s Charter, calling on our new government to provide sustainable funding and parity of care for road victims and their families, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whether or not a crime has occurred.
In 2023, more than 4,000 organisations, educators and individuals signed up to take part in Road Safety Week with a theme Let’s Talk About SPEED. Brake invited participants to join a national conversation about speed, asking why, when five people die on our roads every day, so many of us still choose to drive too fast.
Tanya Taylor, corporate partnerships manager at Brake, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of Autoglass once again this year. The team really understand and support the cause of Road Safety Week. We have big ambitions for this year’s campaign and the support of our sponsors is key to fulfilling them.”
Amy Shuffleton, head of responsible business and internal communications at Autoglass, added: “Safety is our number one priority, for both our colleagues and our customer. That’s why we’re proud to support Brake’s Road Safety Week for the second year running, raising awareness that aligns with our zero-harm ambitions and fosters a culture of care.
“Road Safety Week is a significant milestone in the automotive calendar, promoting safety awareness and encouraging positive change to save lives on the road. The focus on road victims is a necessary and important one, and we hope our support goes some way to helping create safer roads for all.
Visit: https://www.brake.org.uk/
Into the Distance: The Long Lost World of Long-haul Trucking, by George Bennett
Into the Distance is a first-hand description of a world of truck driving that has long-since disappeared. Back in the 1970s and early 80s, drivers had to be independent and resourceful, in a world without mobile phones (and often even accessible landlines). Truck driving required skill and resourcefulness, was exciting, sometimes hazardous and, ultimately, very satisfying.
It begins with a breakdown in Saudi Arabia, on Bennett’s first trip to the Middle East, from which he had to extricate himself unaided. It then backtracks to recount how, having graduated from university, he worked his way up in the trucking world from local work in Britain to long-haul journeys to Italy, communist Romania and the Persian Gulf. The book explains how crossing borders often required diplomacy, and how entering France routinely involved petty bribes to customs. It describes how truck drivers saw other countries from a unique perspective, as they mixed with all sorts of working people on their own home ground.
nion Benefit Guidelines U
Here is a guide to two of the benefits the Union offers its members. Full details and links can be found within the Members area of the website.
Personal Injury
The Union may provide Personal Injury Legal Assistance to Members and their Families. To take advantage of this benefit you will need:
• A valid fully paid up to date membership
• Be paying either the Driver or non-Driver full time rates
To use this service members need to visit the Members Area of the website and choose the 'Personal Injury' page. On this page they will find the telephone number for our dedicated Personal Injury Solicitors.
To make a claim the member or family member:
• Must be a member of the Union at the time of the Accident and remain a member of the Union throughout the case.
• Whilst claims can only be made within 3 years of an accident, in order to ensure that a case can be supported, a claim through our Union should be made within 2 years of the accident where possible.
You will receive 100% of your compensation. There will be no deductions for legal fees. Please note that the Solicitor’s conclusion in all cases is final.
Personal Injury claims can be made if you have an accident at or away from work, or on holiday, It should be noted that our Union's Personal Injury Solicitors are unable to assist Family members with work related injuries.
Employment Law Cases
The Union may provide an Employment Law Solicitor to Members whom have paid 'up to date' membership and by quoting their membership number.
You will need to speak in the first instance to your Regional Officer. They are likely to request paperwork. Therefore, please remember to keep copies of all paperwork associated with your complaint.
Your Regional Officer will assess your case. If it merits a referral to the Union's Solicitors, your case will likely be passed to a solicitor whom will determine whether your case will be supported. If appropriate the solicitor will be instructed to provide Legal support.
R oad Traffic Collisions Abroad -
Has anything been lost as a result of Brexit?
Martyn Gwyther, National Head of Overseas Accident Claims at Thompsons Solicitors, explains the changes in the system that deals with road traffic accident claims that take place abroad since Brexit.
Travel can be unpredictable, and unfortunately, road traffic collisions can happen anywhere. When a collision happens, especially abroad, it's essential to:
• Call the police and report the circumstances of the incident, plus any injuries that have been suffered.
• Complete the European Accident Statement (EAS) if travelling in Europe, with the other driver and police assistance if needed.
• Collect the other driver’s details: name, address, contact number and email address, and insurance details (including policy number and insurer info).
• Record the vehicle registration number.
• Gather witness information: names, addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses.
• Check for CCTV footage from local shops or buildings nearby and request it be preserved.
• Take photos or videos of the scene if safe to do so, or ask a travel companion to help.
• Request the other driver preserve evidence like dash-cam footage or tachograph data, and do the same.
• Note the time and date of the incident.
• Seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
Changes after Brexit
• Before Brexit, you could pursue personal injury claims from road traffic collisions in Europe against the insurer in your hometown, thanks to European legislation. This allowed claims to be handled in local courts, even if:
• The accident occurred outside England.
• The insurer’s head office was overseas.
• Foreign law applied to the claim.
Since Brexit, these European laws no longer apply in England and Wales. In the current Legal
Landscape Post-Brexit, it’s still possible to argue for a direct right of action against the road traffic accident insurer under retained EU law, specifically Article 18 of the Treaty of Rome II. This applies if:
• The relevant law allows a direct right of action.
• The insurance contract permits it.
However, there's no longer an express right to pursue these claims in your home territory. English and Welsh courts now decide which court is best suited to hear the claim, considering all relevant facts. This isn’t just about convenience but establishing the most appropriate forum for the hearing.
Recent Trends and Considerations
Recent case law has tended to suggest that there will be battles with insurers over the jurisdiction of these claims. Factors that might support your case being heard in England/Wales include:
• Significant injuries and lasting harm being suffered in England/Wales.
• There would be a substantial injustice in the event that the injured party was required to proceed with the claim overseas;
• Resolved liability, and all witnesses and the majority of any documents relating to the value of the claim are in England/Wales;
• The defendant insurer has a significant presence in England/Wales.
• The defendant insurer engaged with the personal injury protocol inside the jurisdiction of England/Wales, causing the injured party to incur significant costs in this country.
• Difficulty for the injured party to travel abroad due to injuries.
• Interim payments of damages not available in the other country, but are required to prevent financial hardship or to secure rehabilitation.
• Specific questions of English tax law affecting loss of earnings or pension loss claims.
Given the complexity of jurisdictional issues, it’s more important than ever to seek specialist legal advice promptly after a collision abroad.
For assistance with your case, contact Thompsons Solicitors on 0808 1968 643 for free, no-obligation advice. Members using the URTU personal injury legal service keep 100% of their compensation, unlike with non-union lawyers.
New Union Contribution Rates for 2025
For members paying their contributions through their Bank or Building Society, this increase will take effect for all payments due after 01 January 2025
Where contributions are deducted from payroll your employer should have received notification, but would you please ensure that they are aware of the new rates.
This decision to increase membership contribution rates was san ctioned by URTUʼs National Executive Committee. The Union continually monitors its cost base to ensure that any increase is kept to an absolute minimum.
Don't Miss Out!
To make sure you are kept up to date with Union news and events, please ensure that your Union has your current e-mail address. To check this you can either log in to the member's area of the website which you can access at either www.urtu.com or by scanning the QR code below.
Alternatively you could contact your Union's Head Office on freephone 0800 526 639.
nion Sickness Benefit . U
The Union offers a Sickness Benefit to members who are on the 'A+ BF' and 'A' scales. Below is a brief overview of the benefit and how to claim.
• A member has to be fully paid up for a minimum of 26 weeks to be able to claim the benefit.
• The Union requires copies of sick notes for the entirety of the sickness period.
• A member can only make and receive sickness benefit once within a 12 month period. Once a sickness period has ended, the member has to pay Union contri butions for 49 weeks before a new sickness claim can be submitted.
• There is an initial three week 'waiting period' at the start of a sick claim. Your Union does require sick notes to cover this period.
• The Sickness Benefit entitles the claimant to £15 per week, for a maximum of 12 weeks.
• Sick notes also cover a member's contributions. After the full £180 Sickness Benefit has been paid out, if a member is still off sick they need to contin ue to send in copies of their sick notes. This is to ensure that they do not pay contributions whilst absent from work through sickness.
• A refund of contributions cannot be backdated. Refunds of contributions start from when the first sick note is received into the Union's Head Office, but will be reimbursed from receipt of the second sick note.
• To receive a refund of contributions a member has to have paid contributions 'up to' date.
• Sick notes can be sent through the membership area of the Union's Website or by e-mailing the Union's Head Office.
• Members are responsible for sending or ensuring that their own sick notes are forwarded to our Union's Head Office.
UK pothole crisis: Transport
Minister
Louise Haigh vows one million fixes per year after seeing cutting edge new technology
From: Logistics UK
Published: 3 October 2024
The decline of British roads has been a staple of conversation and frustration among drivers for far too long. With a new government in charge when will the situation improve?
If anything is going to help get Britain 'moving', it’s improving the state of the nation’s roads, which currently cause delays and vehicle damage
In Blackpool, the Project Amber scheme is using an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and compile d ata on areas most in need of repair. It is hoped systems like these can be replicated across the country, helping to repair England’s neglected roads and save money for drivers and councils.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh met with road workers and councillors on 26 September 2024 to see first hand the extensive work being undertaken t o tackle the problem and speed up repairs.
"For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague," she commented. "Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth".
Haigh rolls into town
"From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year. Blackpool Council is already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster.
This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving."
Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group, B lackpool was the first local authority to use this technology to repair its roads.
Since then, Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its com pensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years it was paying out up to £1. 5 million a year to settle claims. Last year it only paid out £719.
The government will set out how it will achieve its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the Spending Review.
Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK's Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy responded: “Potholes cost the UK’s economy billions of pounds each year due to delays and vehicle damage, so our members welcome any coordinated plans to address this problem.
Long-term funding is needed to address the huge backlog in road repairs, while work on the worst routes must be delivered swiftly.
We look forward to hearing how the government will meet its manifesto commitment to fix our broken roads at the Spending Review.”
Government unveils significant reforms to employment rights
Government press release 10/10/2024:
Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.
Employment Rights Bill
Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill, introduced within 100 days of the new Government coming to office, to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.
Getting the labour market moving again is essential to economic growth with one in five UK businesses with more than 10 employees reporting staff shortages. Flexibility, for workers and businesses alike, is key to answering this challenge and is at the heart of the legislation to upgrade the law to ensure it is fit for modern life and a modern economy.
The existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed, delivering on the manifesto commitment to ensure that all workers have a right to these protections from day one on the job.
The Government will also consult on a new statutory probation period for companies’ new hires. This will allow for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability to a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one, enabling businesses to take chances on hires while giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers, improving their living standards.
The bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.
Accompanying
workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical. Large employers will also be required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps and supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant women and new mothers. This is all with the intention of keeping people in work for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow.
A new Fair Work Agency bringing together existing enforcement bodies will also be established to enforce rights such as holiday pay and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.
Ending one-sided flexibility
The legislation will level the playing field where all parties understand what is required of them and good employers aren’t undercut by bad ones.
The bill will end exploitative zero hours contracts, following research that shows 84% of zero hours workers would rather have guaranteed hours. They, along with those on low hours contracts, will now have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a defined period, giving them security of earnings whilst allowing people to remain on zero hours contracts where they prefer to. According to TUC research nearly two thirds of managers (64%) believe ending zero hours contracts would have a positive impact on their business.
Ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority for this government and none more so than shutting down the loopholes that allow bullying, fire and rehire and fire and replace to continue. The government is closing these loopholes and putting in place measures to give greater protections against unfair dismissal from day one, ensuring that the feeling of security at work is no longer a luxury for the privileged few.
This bill turns the page on the previously ineffective, costly and conflicting approach to dealing with
industrial relations that has brought so much disruption to businesses and livelihoods. lt repeals the anti-union legislation put in place by the previous administration, including the Minimum Service Levels (Strikes) Act legislation that failed to prevent a single day of industrial action while in force.
Supporting working families
Too many people find that the current system isn’t compatible with the realities of everyday life, whether that’s raising children or supporting a loved one with a health condition. The government wants to make sure that everyone can get on in work and not be held back because work isn’t compatible with important family responsibilities.
That is why the Government will:
• Change the law to make flexible working the default for all, unless the employer can prove it’s unreasonable.
• Set a clear standard for employers by establishing a new right to bereavement leave, with the entitlement sculpted with the needs of employees and the concerns of employers at the forefront.
• Deliver stronger protections for pregnant women and new mothers returning to work including protection from dismissal whilst pregnant, on maternity leave and within six months of returning to work.
• Tackle low pay by accounting for cost of living when setting the Minimum Wage and remove discriminatory age bands. Establish a new Fair Work Agency that will bring together different government enforcement bodies, enforce holiday pay for the first time and strengthen statutory sick pay. It will create a stronger, recognisable single organisation that
people know where to go for help – with better support for employers who want to comply with the law and tough action on the minority who deliberately flout it.
Beyond the bill
The Make Work Pay Plan doesn’t stop with this bill. Continuing to reform employment rights in line with changes to the economy and labour market is critical to maintaining growth, prosperity and opportunity. As an outlook to the future, the government has also today published a Next Steps document that outlines reforms it will look to implement in the future.
Subject to consultations, this includes:
• A Right to Switch Off, preventing employees from being contacted out of hours, except in exceptional circumstances, to allow them the rest and get the recuperation they need to give 100% during their shift.
• A strong commitment to end pay discrimination by expanding the Equality (Race and Disparity) Bill to make it mandatory for large employers to report their ethnicity and disability pay gap.
• A move towards a single status of worker and transition towards a simpler two-part framework for employment status.
• Reviews into the parental leave and carers leave systems to ensure they are delivering for employers, workers and their loved ones.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/governmentunveils-most-significant-reforms-to-employment-rights
Truckstop upgrade funding support announced
From: RHA
Published: 10 OCTOBER 2024
Posted By: Jon Lavery
The RHA continues to campaign for improved facilities. As a result, we are pleased to see today’s announcement from the UK Government on further grants awarded to truck stops to improve toilets, showers, security, rest areas and more.
The funding is from the third year of the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which will come in addition to £8 million from industry, for a total funding boost of £12.5 million to improve truckstops.
RHA Director of Public Affairs & Policy for England, Declan Pang welcomed the move.
He said: “We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England.
“The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving. We look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in improving conditions and driver welfare.”
The announcement follows successful RHA lobbying for £100m combined government/industry investment for truck parking improvements.
Today’s £12.5 million for truckstops follows £31 million in previous joint government and industry funding as part of earlier application windows.
The RHA also secured and spearheads a Government and Industry taskforce to address issues limiting the construction of new truck parking facilities.
The Power of Learning in Times of Change
In an era where career uncertainty is common, the ability to embrace change and explore new opportunities is more important than ever. Paul Lane, a former lorry driver at Wilko Magor, demonstrated resilience and adaptability when he transitioned from his long-time career to becoming a self-employed chimney sweeper. His journey, supported by the URTU Learning project, highlights the power of lifelong learning, diversity in skills, and the courage to embrace new endeavours at any point in your life.
Paul worked for years as a lorry driver at Wilko Magor. As part of his engagement with URTU Learning, he attended learning events and promoted the benefits of ongoing education to his fellow branch members. Through the URTU Learning project, he completed various courses that helped expand his skill set. These included informal learning on topics like stress management, hydration, and bowel cancer awareness, as well as more practical skills like improving his spelling and marketing knowledge. The marketing course was particularly influential, as Paul had been contemplating self-employment for some time and wanted to learn what it entailed.
Despite the demands of his driving job, Paul found time to complete his courses and manage his commitments. His use of distance learning allowed him to progress at his own pace, taking advantage of quiet periods at work, such as when runs were cancelled. Beyond his
individual success, Paul’s efforts to promote learning at Wilko Magor had a broader impact. By working with his union to ensure that others knew about the available support, many of his coworkers were also able to access training and resources that helped them improve their skills and avoid unemployment.
After Wilko went into administration and redundancy became a reality, Paul was referred to the ReAct+ Programme, which provided additional training opportunities to help him secure employment. Paul retrained and eventually qualified as a chimney sweeper, a profession he had been considering for some time. Throughout this period, Paul and his union colleagues made a concerted effort to raise awareness about the learning opportunities available. They distributed leaflets, hosted meetings with union members, and organised a group information session with the ReAct team, ensuring that others could benefit from the same resources.
After several months of dedicated learning and training, Paul successfully retrained as a qualified chimney sweeper. He has since started his own business, demonstrating the power of lifelong learning in times of change.
To view our latest E-Learning Academy brochure, please click HERE.
Dear United Road Transport Union
I would like to say a very big thank you to the Union for your support in every step of the way for my claim against my former employers which went to Leeds employment Tribunal on 9th September 2024.
A very big thank you also goes to Mr. Neil Hunter, who is so professional in his duties as a URTU Regional Officer, who got the ball rolling for my claim. Also I would like to inform yourselves about the solicitors chosen for me, Pattison Brewer of York, who's services could not be faulted, especially my assigned solicitor, who was extremely professional from day one and throughout the case up to the Tribunal, where a settlement was made (out of court) in my favour, overseen by my assigned barrister, also first class in his duties.
Once again I would like to say thank you and that I am so grateful, as without the help and continued support of URTU none of this claim would have been possible
Yours Sincerely
Mr. Richards
Dear Editor
I am delighted to say that from September 2024 I have begun my well earned retirement and can now look forward to a life that no longer means enduring the rat race that our industry has become.
I would like to say it has been a tremendous comfort knowing that I have had the support of the union over so many years and on those occasions when advice and assistance was sought, the help from firstly Chris Dubber, then more recently Peter McKevitt was invaluable. So many thanks to you all and continued success in what you do for your members.
Kind Regards
Barrie Keir
Dear United Road Transport Union
I would like to say a big thank you for providing a great service. I recently had a cause to use the Union Regional Officer, Joanna Richards with a grievance at work. She was first class in every aspect of the case and really helped me in dealing with my employer.
Thank you again for providing a wonderful service.
Kind Regards
Region 11 member.
Basic Shop Steward
The course has been designed to enable our Shop Stewards to develop and improve their skills and knowledge. The course identifies ways in which improvements can be implemented to make the Union more effective at a local level.
Course aims:
• Ensure you understand your role within the Union and your responsibilities toward the members.
• Learn essential skills to assist you in representation at disciplinary and grievance meetings.
• Develop your communication skills.
• Give you a clearer understanding of relevant legislation.
• Consolidate your negotiating skills.
• Give you an understanding of the importance of recruitment and retention.
• Develop your recruitment skills.
• Increase your confidence as a Shop Steward.
Advanced Shop Steward
The course has been designed for our Shop Stewards who have previously attended the Basic Shop Steward course.
Course aims:
• Develop your knowledge of Disciplinary and Grievance procedures.
• Develop your knowledge of Collective Consultation and TUPE.
• Improve your negotiating skills.
• Develop your understanding of the UK legal system.
• Gain an understanding of current Employment Law.
• Develop your understanding of the Working Time Regulations.
Basic Health & Safety
The course has been designed to equip our Health & Safety Representatives with the knowledge of the role and the trade union approach to Health and Safety.
Course aims:
• Ensure you can handle Health & Safety issues and develop an appropriate response to both members and management.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the updated SRSc Regulations.
• Ensure you know how to conduct effective workplace inspections, including all accidents and near misses.
• Develop your skills to identify, obtain, order, and summarise relevant Health & Safety information.
Advanced Health & Safety
The course has been designed for our Health & Safety Representatives who have previously attended the Basic Health & Safety course.
Course aims:
• Ensure you enhance your Health & Safety skills.
• Demonstrate your knowledge to enable you to function in a professional and confident manner within the confines of Health & Safety legislation.
• Develop your understanding of current European Health & Safety legislation.
• Develop your understanding of the constituent parts of the major pieces of this legislation.
• Develop your understanding of the Union’s approach to Health & Safety legislation.
courses
Course Dates
Union Representatives play a vital role within the Union, helping members within their branches and recruiting. To support them your Union hosts a number of courses throughout the year. These courses are designed to give the representative the skills they need to undertake their role and are specifically tailored to the Logistics sector.
Below is a list of upcoming course dates. These are held at the Quorn Grange Hotel and are a three day residential course.
To book your place on one of these courses, please contact your Union's Head Office on 0161 486 2100 or freephone 0800 526 639. You can also e-mail them at admin@urtu.com
We are here to support you.
We are here to help, advise and support with any issues, problems or concerns you may have with your employment.
Your membership.
Your employer does not need to know if you are in a union. If you move jobs you can take your membership with you.
We are not politically affiliated.
United Road Transport Union is not affiliated to any political party.
Pay Terms and Conditions.
If we don’t negotiate on your behalf for better working conditions, who will?
Value for Money.
.Legal Support .Hardship grants .Personal Injury .Peace of Mind & More
Benefits.
We have a wide range of benefits available to you, many of which can extend to your family and friends.
All for the price of a cup of coffee!
We are Stronger Together!
