Unite statement regarding the LBG people forum and why unions matter!

Unite is currently working through the feedback we are receiving from members regarding the recent announcement over the removal of D+ colleagues from the collective bargaining table. 

The union recognises the uncertainty and anger colleagues will be feeling in the face of this. Unite will be communicating in due course with members over what comes next for our union, and the support needed to help us get there. Unite needs to grow the D+ membership to get back around the bargaining table because collectively we are the union.

Why is this important?

The bank’s decision to give D+ colleagues a voice is dubbed “The LBG People’s Forum.” This will  be made up of three separate committees consisting of a proportion of elected and bank-appointed representatives. LBG are barring Unite from being a part of these forums and Unite representatives cannot seek election to them. 

It is a real concern as to why LBG would want to remove the years of training, experience and knowledge Unite reps have developed and the value they could bring to the forum in championing the interests of D+ staff. It also weakens LBG’s rhetoric of standing for democracy and the claim of wanting to give colleagues a voice when they are actively preventing a subset of people from seeking election.

The People’s Forum – Consultative body only

It is vital to note that the new Forum will only consult on change and not enter negotiations. This means that topics such as pay where Unite have been instrumental in gaining sector defining pay deals for workers, will likely result in poor deals being pushed through by the business for D+ workers.

Unite knows that it is only through the strength of an trade union that you have a strong and independent voice. It is only through trade unions that you have a point of recourse through collective and industrial action should there be a failure to agree with management. And, it is only through a union that workers have the ability and protections to push back.

Under the Equality Act, being a trade union representative is a protected characteristic meaning they are protected against discrimination and victimisation when carrying out their duties. Sadly those that sit on The People’s forum won’t have that protection, nor will they have the ability to communicate to the wider workforce or organise to challenge the employer to do better. The bank will simply note their views and push on at pace anyway.

We need to increase D+ membership to fight this!

Unite membership must grow. That is how you will have a strong voice with your employer. LBG staff have seen what we can do, now imagine if we had the majority of Lloyds workers on our side for the strongest protections at work. 

Now is the time to stick with Unite. 

Encourage fellow colleagues to join the union. You can also become workplace representatives and help us organise, campaign and grow.

In solidarity

Your Unite in LBG team

If you have any comments, questions or want to find out more about Unite you can contact the Unite LBG team today - LBG.Support@unitetheunion.org