A meeting was held in Dorset on Tuesday 15th May. The meeting took place in the evening, at The Courtyard Centre, in Lychett Minster, near Poole.

Members were encouraged to attend and have their say, and the turnout was encouraging, with twenty people in attendance.

A number of important (and somewhat contentious) issues were discussed and debated, including the Meal Breaks issue and the new ECSW role and pay banding. The possibility of industrial action was discussed, and concerns were raised for the health and safety of staff whilst working on vehicles without a ramp or suitable trolleybed.

Members who were there were able to air their views on these matters. There was enthusiastic discussion, with some important views being expressed. Members were particularly concerned at the pay and training available for ECSW's. They also expressed frustration over the way the meal breaks policy is (or isn't) working. A motion was raised concerning members safety with lifting and handling on older vehicles, and this gained unanimous among those present.

Branch executive members who were there intend to forward these opinions to the Branch Executive meeting on May 23rd with a view to taking the issues further.

Detailed minutes were taken of the meeting, and once approved, will  be posted on the archive pages of this site.

The next Dorset Sector Meeting is due to be held on 4th September 2007. A Barbecue and retired members get-together is also planned, to be integrated with that meeting.  

For more information, please contact Alan Lofthouse, Sector Chairman, at alofty@ntlworld.com