Representation and Accompaniment

GMB Representation at the Workplace

What Do GMB Representatives Do?

GMB representatives are chosen by members in workplaces where the GMB has signed recognition agreements . These agreements will provide for representation on a wide range of issues, for example:

� Disciplinary problems

� Grievances and complaints

� Pay and Pensions Arrangements

� Hours of Work and Holidays

� Sick Pay

� Shiftworking and Shift Premia

� Equal opportunities

� Health and Safety

� Recruitment and selection policies

� Redundancy

� Job Grading, job Evaluation

� Flexible Working

GMB Representatives in recognised workplaces are also provided with legal rights

� to protect them from victimisation

� to allow them to take reasonable time off with pay to represent the members

� to take off with pay for training courses provided by GMB and TUC

All newly appointed GMB reps as briefed in their role by the Regional Organiser responsible for the company. GMB also offers newly appointed Reps an opportunity to attend a regular Reps Induction Course. This could be the first step in a programme of training over several years.

The GMB hopes and expects that, once trained, recognised workplace reps will represent members through the early stages of procedural hearings before a full time Regional Organiser is brought in. Click here for details of how to contact the Regional Organiser can be contacted for information and support during office hours and leave messages out side of office hours.

GMB supports reps with a continual flow of information. The restricted members-only area of this site carries the full text of:

GMB Bargaining Briefs
GMB Model Agreements
LRD Publications Database
GMB Pay Line
TUC UnionReps site also very useful
What If We Work at a Place Which Does Not Recognise GMB ?

Where the GMB has not yet gained recognition for the members at a workplace or throughout a company, those members will still be able to get representation from the GMB on

formal grievances raised with the employer
in disciplinary hearings
This new right to "accompaniment" was introduced in 1999 and GMB offers members representation by an experienced rep from another workplace, or possibly by a retired rep or by a full time Regional Organiser.

What Do Regional Organisers Do?

The team of Regional Organisers will provide the back-up needed for reps when dealing with members problems. They may also be involved in:

the formal grievance and disciplinary hearings after the initial stages
annual pay negotiations
negotiations over changes in work and contracts
major changes to terms and conditions
providing advice and informati0on to reps and lay members
Click here for the contact details for your Regional Organiser