Standby Time - Members Briefing 16/04/11
Dear Member
This notice has been produced in response to the Trust's move to increase standby time from 60 to 90 minutes
Background
When the former Trusts merged we had two different standby times. The Trust moved to the former WAS time of 90 minutes and the branch lodged a collective grievance which led to a Trust wide time of 60 minutes.
The Trust has informed us that currently we are over spending on fuel by £50k per month due to increases in fuel prices. The way to reduce this is to reduce the non patient mileage our fleet drives. This was discussed at the last JNCC where we failed to agree on a joint position. The Trust has decided to increase the time to 90 minutes in an attempt to reduce the fuel bill.
We have campaigned for some time around standby and welfare of our members. Through this new change we have sought commitment from the Trust on the following points:
- Reduced hours of standby (07.00 to 00.00)
- Reducing the total number of standby points in each area
- Relaxing of the "only 1 ambulance on station" rule
- Socialising the unsocial standby points
- Fitting charging points to the standby locations
- Changing the status plan so that long distance standby runs are eliminated
Unfortunately the Trust has not committed to these other parts of standby procedure and our members have reported their disappointment at the change to times. The Bulletin had a fact sheet with an action list but our members remain concerned about the effect of longer standbys on welfare, safety and ergonomics.
Action
As a fully representative union we are seeking our member's views to help us negotiate a better standby arrangement. We have committed to helping the Trust become more efficient and to save money which will in turn save jobs in the future, but we need to make sure our members remain safe at work.
We need to hear from our members that this is affecting and how prepared they are to take action on the issue.
Please feed your concerns to branch@swamb.com
