DCC-Certas Energy DRIVERS INFO BLOG
Welcome to this blog that has been set up to give you the Driver and Staff updates with whats going on with the Union and the Company that you work for.The blog is nothing to do with gb oils,dcc or Unite the Union.And as such does not represent their views just yours the work force.
Sunday
I'm all right Jack
Operating profit increased to €229 million (+21.3% on a constant currency basis) primarily reflecting
the strong performances in DCC Energy, driven by a return to colder winter weather conditions
compared to the very mild weather conditions in the prior year.
The Group anticipates strong growth in operating profit in the year to 31 March 2014.
so you lot get out there and make more???????????????
How was your pay rise ?
- The changes to the salaries of the executive Directors as at 1 April 2013 and the prior year are as follows:Executive DirectorSalary 1 April 2013Salary 1 April 2012Tommy Breen€700,000€700,000Donal Murphy€410,000€400,000Fergal O’Dwyer€430,000€400,000
- Executive Director% Increase1 Apr 2013% Increase1 Apr 2012Tommy Breen0%0%Donal Murphy2.5%0%Fergal O’Dwyer7.5%0%
Thursday
DCC posts 21% jump in profit yet pays off more drivers!!!!!
Wednesday
DCC considering FTSE listing
DCC has completed the acquisition of Statoil's industrial liquified petroleum gas (lpg) business in Norway and Sweden.
DCC has completed the acquisition of Statoil's industrial liquified petroleum gas (lpg) business in Norway and Sweden.
The purchase of the business for an undisclosed sum was awaiting competition clearance in the two countries.
The business being acquired has net assets of around €11 million, and sells roughly 260,000 tonnes of fuel annually, equivalent to around 500 million litres or €200 million in revenue.
The acquisition is "an important step in DCC Energy's planned expansion of its LKPG business beyond Britain and Ireland", the group said when announcing the deal in September.
DCC records first-half operating profits of 62m
More & More
DCC has announced a further acquisition in its energy business with agreement to acquire the industrial LPG business of Statoil in Sweden and Norway.
DCC has agreed to buy BP’s liquefied petroleum gas distribution business in the Netherlands and Belgium in a deal worth €24.5 million.
The companies trade as Benegas in the region and supplies LPG
The Office of Fair Trading-GB oils, Scottish Fuels, CPL +
Thursday
Is it time for a new Union ?
disgruntled ex shop steward
Tuesday
GB Oils/DCC deal referred by OFT
Full story http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0405/breaking28.html
Saturday
Gb oils is it bad Drivers, bad Mangers or a bad Union
GB Oils is it bad Drivers,Mangers or a bad Union. I have been asked by a few driver just when is the Union going to get of it's backside and help? the workforce that pays their "fat wages | (Driver One) I would just like say what a shower gb oils are recently took a winter relief drivers which was supposed to last 5 months, 2months in, the board whoever they may be decided in there wise wisdom due to current conditions to finish the contract leaving me high and dry. I am just wondered how many people would take a job for 2 months not many i would suggest they also seem to have a habit of getting rid of shop steward s perhaps they something to hide but my sympathy lies with all you guys that are left because they have no value of drivers who are experienced or otherwise. What a ruthless shower for such a big company with such a narrow vision anyone wishing to contact me feel free and i will tell it how it is. (Driver Two) I was a driver at F Peart Co for 15 years till this monster came in and turned the place upside down,like above i was driving a wagon that had been apparently scrapped 2 weeks before,so i was driving a veh which was declared scrapped,yet they claim to be realy strict on vehicle roadworthyness lol!!they treat me like shxt for my last 2 mnths till i left and went to an independent company.nearly all gb drivers cant stand who they work for now,they are also worried that 1 mistake and your out the door if they so wish.i hate this company and so do many others,goodluck gb oils drivers..... |
Thursday
DCC pays €22.7m for Swedish fuel distributor Swea EnergiINDUSTRIAL SERVICES group DCC has acquired Swedish fuel distributor Swea Energi.
The listed group will pay €22.7 million upfront in cash for the business which is owned by Lennart and Viviann Hansson and is debt free.
A further €6.6 million may become payable depending on the performance of the group between March next year and the end of March 2013, possibly bringing the final cost to €29.3 million.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/1221/1224309337706.html
Saturday
Another computer error for DCC GB oils ?
Maxol Direct 'sorry' for double-charging 2,200 customers
The heating oil company was recently taken over by DCC Energy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15903040
Sunday
Profits good and shareholders get 5 per cent more than last years payout at DCC
DCC earns the bulk of its revenues and profits in the second half of the year. Yesterday it reported that sales for the first six months were up 11 per cent at €4.4 billion on the €4 billion it reported for the same period in 2010.
Chief executive Tommy Breen said DCC was “keeping its fingers crossed” that its main markets – Ireland and Britain – would experience similar conditions this year, but the group was operating on the basis that normal, milder winter weather would prevail.
The group is proposing to pay an interim dividend of 27.42 cent which is 5 per cent more than the 26.11 cent it paid out to shareholders at the half-way stage last year.
Island fuel protesters pump up pressure for fair prices
Managing Director of GB Oils, Sam Chambers had agreed to meet privately with Western Isles councillors, MP Angus MacNeil and MSP Alasdair Allan to explain the company’s position.
Following the price hike two weeks ago Scottish Fuels had went on the record to say: “Our prices are determined by looking at the price in the market over the previous five days, taking an average and then setting our price at that for the next five days.
http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/island_fuel_protesters_pump_up_pressure_for_fair_prices_1_1897982
Tuesday
We are GB Fuels, not GB Oils
We are GB Fuels, not GB Oils
Throughout this tough winter period, GB Fuels has always striven to provide the best level of service, treating all its customers with the same level of care and consideration. This service is provided by GB Fuels, an independent, family-owned and family-managed business, which is not part of GB Oils Ltd.
Boilerjuice to regain its Independence?
In 2005 Paul and Sarah Ward formed Boilerjuice as an independent group buyer for heating oil consumers, and sold it to oil distribution conglomerate DCC Energy around 2008. Ever since then, the service has come under suspicion of favouring the many 'brands' that DCC owns, and of only really being a sales front rather than a price comparison and group buying service.
The Daily Telegraph now reports that DCC is selling Boilerjuice back to its managing director, Paul Ward. In the report by Rowena Mason on 4 October 2011 [DCC to sell heating oil price comparison website Boilerjuice after OFT criticism], the company made the following statement:
Boilerjuice was, and remains, an independent price comparison website, comparing our prices and those of hundreds of independent suppliers to offer buyers the best prices in their area. Unfortunately, this independence was questioned by some quarters of the media, albeit incorrectly, because of our ownership of the site. We have therefore sold Boilerjuice to its managing director, Paul Ward, and wish him continued success at giving consumers a truly independent means of finding the best prices.Clearly DCC Energy played its game with Boilerjuice as long as it could, but with the OFT report looming on price fixing and lack of competition in the domestic market, it must regard its position as untenable. At the very least, DCC is just trying to defelect attention away from the fact that it owns 40 or more heating oil supplier brands.
Friday
DCC plc Acquires Heating Oil Distributor, Total Butler
DCC plc Acquires Heating Oil Distributor, Total Butler
23rd September 2011
Acquisitive Irish commodities conglomerate, DCC plc, has reached a conditional agreement with Rontec Investments LLP to acquire oil distribution assets in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, including heating oil distributor Total Butler.The acquired businesses together employ 550 people and sold 1.5 billion litres of fuel in 2010. The key components of the businesses are:
- The trade, fixed assets, stock and goodwill of fuel distributor Total Butler, which had sales volumes in 2010 of c.670 million litres. Total Butler has a network of 40 distribution depots across England and Wales, with a fleet of approximately 200 tankers.
- Contracts to supply transport fuels to around 300 Total branded retail forecourt sites. Volumes sold under these contracts in 2010 amounted to c.710 million litres.
- The entire issued share capital of Total's oil distribution and retail service station businesses on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. In 2010, together these businesses sold c.120 million litres of fuel.
Tuesday
DCC to buy Total assets
The company is to buy the assets from Rontec Investments when it completes a deal it struck in the summer with Total.
The deal includes trade, fixed assets and stock of transport, commercial and home heating oil distribution business Total Butler, the share capital of Total's oil distribution and retail service station businesses on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, and contracts to supply transport fuels to about 300 dealer owned and operated retail service stations that are currently branded Total.
Wednesday
Families tricked by fuel oil scam: Firms rapped over bogus price comparison sites
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035788/Families-tricked-fuel-oil-scam--Firms-rapped-bogus-price-comparison-sites.html#ixzz1YbJBXzm9
Tuesday
Call for inquiry into isles' fuel price rises "Scottish Fuels"
Call for inquiry into isles' fuel price rise
The Treasury announced last week that it was planning a 5p a litre fuel discount scheme for the Hebrides, Skye and Orkney after receiving European Commission approval. However, Western Isles Council said forcecourt prices had since risen by at least 3p a litre on Lewis and Harris.
Mr Allan wants an inquiry to look into an apparent monopoly on fuel supply to the islands.
- Last Updated: 19 September 2011 9:15 PM
- Source: The Scotsman
- Location: Edinburgh
Sunday
Reprimand for DCC over fuel website
Reprimand for DCC over fuel website
The Irish company is also the biggest heating oil supplier in the UK, operating through a number of brands including GB Oils, the largest heating oil distributor in the UK.
See the rest at
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0910/1224303849836.html
http://www.oilbuyer.co.uk/news/oft-heating-oil-update-fuelfighter-cheap-heating-oil-dcc-heating-oil-investigation/123
Tuesday
.DCC subsidiary GB Oils fined for overcharging
GB Oils pleaded guilty last week to 17 offences relating to overcharging, arguing that it was due to a breakdown in the company’s system during a period of unprecedented demand in the winter of 2009-2010.
The company was fined £3,000 for each offence.
See full story at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0822/1224302805508.html
Thursday
DCC considers moving main listing to London
DCC’S three executive directors shared remuneration of €2.81 million in the year to the end of March 2011, down almost 12 per cent from €3.19 million the previous year.
The industrial holdings group’s chief executive, Tommy Breen, was paid €1.41 million for the period, down some 16 per cent from €1.67 million the previous year.
Finance director Fergal O’Dwyer was paid €753,000, down 5 per cent from €792,000, while Donal Murphy, the managing director of DCC Energy and an executive director of the group, was paid €651,000, down 9.6 per cent from €720,000.
DCC chairman Michael Buckley got a total fee of €190,000 for the year, down from €225,000.
That's it boys come to the UK you will get more cash over here. If you are looking for a sub the drivers can have a whip round to make up the loss that you have to suffer.Hahahah!!!!!!!
Friday
Another one bites the dust
Will a lot can go on in two weeks holidays. Yes you have lost another senior shop steward. Ian Gill from Grangemouth was paid off. Ian was of sick for the last few months with a brain haemorrhage , Ian was asked to attend an interview but was unable to go. So the company held the meeting without him and paid him off.
Thursday
DCC subsidiary buys Oakwood Fuels
GB Oils Victimisation "Shop Steward picked off"
Monday
Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday
Despite the sham "listening exercise" and resulting cosmetic changes to the NHS Bill, the government's privatisation plans are still on track. It's up to us to stop them.
If you want our NHS to live to see 64, please send your MP our birthday e-card today, asking them to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill:
Without any action, Cameron's "birthday present" to the NHS will be one that keeps on giving: cuts totalling more than £20bn in the next four years. Already this has meant 50,000 job losses, reduced clinical services and rising waiting times.
You can stop this happening. Please take just a couple of minutes now to send your MP an e-card and save our public health service.
http://nhs.unitetheunion.org/nhs-birthday
Before the election, David Cameron promised that the NHS would be safe in his hands. It's clear now that's not true - and it's down to us to protect it.
Sunday
GB OIls DCC capitalises on big freeze with 15% profit rise
Revenues at the industrial conglomerate increased by almost 30 per cent to €8.7 million.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0511/1224296698170.html
RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS | ||||
€ | Change on prior year | |||
Reported | ||||
Revenue | 8,680.6m | +29.1% | ||
Operating profit* | 229.6m | +19.1% | ||
Profit before net exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets and tax | 214.8m | +18.0% | ||
Profit before tax | 189.6m | +15.0% | ||
Thursday
"Scottish Fuels" Oil scare at Raigmore Hospital
Despite being asked several times for a response about the situation at Raigmore Hospital, Scottish Fuels failed to comment.
http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Oil-scare-at-Raigmore-Hospital-6772079.htm
Sunday
Whats going on with GB Oils, Union and Blog
Now the company has got what they wanted when this happened by get there pay rise out to the workforce. As you all know the company has made a lot of money over the last few years so what you are getting is a drop in the ocean to DCC.
The workforce has accepted the poor pay offer of 4% so don’t moan to the blog or blame your Shop Stewards or the Union. You and only you guys got to vote on it.
More worrying is what is happing around the Country we have received a lot of e mails from Drivers that the Company is just doing what it wants when it comes to how different brands and Managers deal with incidents, spills, crossovers and all that comes with the job.
It has been told that in some depot’s some driver can get away with murder and in the same depot with the same incident another driver can end up with a written warning ? is the fair NO of course not it is victimizing the drivers that are willing to stand up for theirs self’s yet if you are a YES man you can do what you want and get away with it .
So what we are looking for is examples of incidents of spills, crossovers, RTA from all depots and all brands and the out comes so we can build up a bigger picture from around the Country.
We are doing this so that all the workforce have a fair place to come to work free from bullying and intimidation and its not just for the yes men.
The Union will be looking to recruit more shop stewards so its up to you guys if you want to help. You can contact Fraser on is e-mail or a shop steward.
As to some of the comments saying that the blog should shut down well that’s up to the workforce if you are not reading it then there is no a use for it ? But going by the figures there is still a need for it.
And if you are a driver asking for it to close then you must be up to things that you should not be. ( it will all come out in the wash )
Some have complained that what is said about the company is bad for jobs? Well its what the customers say that you should be worrying about.
The trouble is the truth hurts and know the customer now the truth it’s going to take a long time for the to trust the Company and its work force as we are all tarred with the same brush.
Yours Fraser
Friday
DCC acquires Heating Oil Distributor, PACE Fuelcare
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0218/1224290139779.html
A warm welcome to the Blog to our new Colleagues from Pace Fuelcare.
Sunday
Cold weather boosts DCC operating profit ahead of budget
DCC expects
operating profits ahead of target due to high energy demand
ENERGY DEMAND during the severe winter boosted revenues at
DCC, which now expects operating profits for its current financial year to come
in ahead of target.
The industrial holding group said in a third-quarter interim
statement yesterday that the exceptionally cold weather during the final six
weeks of 2010 boosted customer demand in its biggest division, energy, which
operates a number of oil distribution businesses. The energy business accounted
for 44 per cent of operating profits at the half year stage.
Cold weather boosts DCCoperating profit ahead of budget
Extreme weather conditions helped DCC achieve strong results
in the third quarter, as icy conditions throughout northern Europe drove demand
at its energy division.
In an interim management statement this morning, the company
said it achieved very strong growth in revenue and operating profit in the
quarter ended December 31st 2010.
"With the
exceptionally cold weather conditions throughout northern Europe, particularly
in the last six weeks of the quarter, customer demand in DCC Energy, DCC’s
largest division, increased significantly," it said
Despite poor road
conditions and constraints on supply, volumes at DCC Energy rose by 22 per
cent, the group said.
DCC last month defended itself from claims that it had
inflated bills and “ripped off” oil customers in Britain.
The claims against
DCC’s British oil distribution business GB Oils were made by the Sunday Times ,
which alleged the company had billed customers more than they were originally
quoted, and had built up a “stranglehold” on the British home heating oil
market.
DCC described the
allegations as “misleading”. The company blamed rises in the price of heating
oil on constrained supply due to severe weather, increased demand and higher
costs. It denied deliberately overcharging customers.
However, it acknowledged that Carmarthenshire County Council
in Wales is looking into complaints concerning GB Oils’ business in south Wales
that arise from January last year. DCC has denied any fraudulent activity or
unfair trading concerning pricing.
Monday
Elderly couples have found prices for heating oil rocketing during the UK's cold snap. The OFT is to investigate
Boilerjuice DCC accused of heating oil profiteering
DCC / GB Oil accused of profiteering using their “supposedly independent price comparison site” Boilerjuice.
Looks like the market has finally realised what a scam Boilerjuice, as an independent, really is. See related article “Bolierjuice who”
Boycotting DCC / Boilerjuice.com
By Moneysavingexpert.com see article
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2971404
Is DCC’s / GB Oil’s grip on the UK heating oil market stronger than first thought
see article http://heating-oil.blogs-uk.co.uk/category/heating-oil/
The OFT wades in to the OIl Scam Debate have your say
http://swinny.net/House_and_Home/Oil%20Prices/-3994-The-OFT-wades-in-to-the-Oil-Scam-debate
:
GB Oils National Wage Negotiations
progress the above negotiations and potentially find a way forward on a number
of matters.
Thursday
What’s the problem?
the price of oil has shot up in the past month, jumping from under 40p a litre
to more than 70p in some cases. However, the price of crude oil – which is
refined to make heating oil – has only gone up by around 10%, leading to
allegations that oil companies are fixing their prices.
litre, while in others the price has stayed at around 50p. This has led some to
suggest a few companies might be using the cold weather and the subsequent
increase in demand as an excuse to put up prices.
some areas. The Government has admitted the situation could become ''very
serious'' if we get more snow, with many homes having to wait up to four weeks
for oil to be delivered.
of Fair Trading (OFT) will now belooking out for any alleged cases of
price-fixing ''I have spoken to the OFT about the price of oil, as the
enforcement of competition consumer law is a matter for them,” he said.''They
have assured me that they are keeping a very close eye on the situation and are
keen to receive evidence from members about any market abuse they are
experiencing.''
rationing oil so that the estimated 660,000 homes, many in remote areas, don’t
go without. Some people have called their oil supplier to be told they won’t
get a delivery for three or four weeks, at a time when temperatures are
unlikely to rise above freezing.
Mr Hendry to deal with the shortage.
have been trying to ensure drivers can work longer, that they can get heating
oil to the homes that need it.
looking at any way in which those who need heating oil, and are short of
heating oil, get it. That is absolutely essential.”
is enough oil to go round. However, Pat Glass, the Labour MP for North West
Durham, said many oil suppliers were refusing to deliver less than 1,000 litres
and accused them of "utter exploitation".
predictions of fuel rationing could lead to a rise in fuel thefts in areas
where people rely on heating oil.
year, domestic fuel was sixth on the list of the 10 items most commonly stolen
from the countryside. With thousands of homes predicted to run short of heating
oil over the Christmas period, the insurer is concerned the trend will escalate
as heating oil becomes a lucrative commodity for thieves.
heating oil and diesel being stolen shortly after delivery, and it would appear
that thieves are even following tankers from the depot and making a note of
where fuel is delivered. This enables the thieves to return under cover of
darkness and help themselves to the contents of full tanks.
thieves from entering their property by installing and using lockable gates and
by maintaining boundaries and perimeter fencing. It also suggests fitting a
locking cap to your tank and planting shrubs or installing fences to hide
exposed domestic heating oil tanks from opportunist thieves.
stolen fuel from your tank they may return to steal any replacement oil you
order – so be especially vigilant following any oil delivery.
Friday
Thursday
Colleagues,
UNITED-together we'll never be defeated
All items index for housing (excluding mortgage interest payments) up 4.9%
Petrol and oil up 11.9%
Vehicle tax and insurance up 33.5%
Rail fares up 8.1%
All goods up 4.5%
Oil and other fuels up 19.2% (DCC-GB Oils UP 33%)
Travel and leisure up 6.7%
Motoring expenditure up 9.1%
Well driver as you can see with this set of figures that you are not so well -off with your imposed 3% pay rise for the last two years.
As you can see the only thing that has not gone is your pay and you have yet to get hit with the new vat at 20%
UNITED-together we'll never be defeated
Remember Dcc-GB oils profits UP Share holders profits UP cost of living UP Bonus to the fat cats at the top UP
YOUR WAGES IN REAL TIME!!! DOWN
And thay say that you are only going to get 2% next year no!!!negotiations with your Union just take it shut up and get on with it.
SO ONE MORE TIME IT'S UP TO YOU.
Monday
GB Oils 2009-2010 National Wage Negotiations (Preparation for a National Ballot for Industrial Action)
GB Oils 2009-2010 National Wage Negotiations (Preparation for a National Ballot for Industrial Action)
A National meeting took place today of Union representatives to discuss the continued disagreement with GB Oils on the matter of your National Wage Claim, National Bargaining Arrangement and the subsequent position that is being currently adopted by your employer GB Oils.
Following today’s National meeting of Senior Trade Union Representatives, I can advise all Shop Stewards and our members that positively preparation is in place to conduct and complete a legal ballot for industrial action.
I would genuinely ask our members to bear with us and be patient at this moment in time for it is absolutely essential for the Union to ensure that it completes thoroughly the ballot process that will comply fully with all legal requirements.
This is the first time that a ballot for industrial action has been completed involving our members throughout the whole of GB Oils within mainland Britain and therefore the amount of administration and the need for absolute exactness within this ballot cannot be underestimated. I fully appreciate the frustration that is being shown by our members within this matter as to the delay but all our members can be fully assured that we are wasting no time on preparing fully. Equally, I would ask our members to understand that if the preparation and the absolute detail that is required from the Union within this ballot is not complied with then this can present the employer, that of GB Oils, with the ability to legally challenge any such ballot. I have absolutely no intention of giving any employer the ability to challenge a legal ballot. Therefore the need for us to ensure that we absolutely do this by the book and that does mean receiving and ensuring that this process is completed exactly in accordance with the 1978 Employment Protection Act as amended must be completed.
In conclusion, I really do know the members’ frustration but please be assured that I have now received additional administrative resources to ensure that this ballot is completed as quick as possible.
In the meantime I would ask that our members bear with me and their National leadership so that we can complete this correctly and at the same time effectively.
I thought it was important at this stage to let you, the members, know that we are not dragging our feet and there is absolutely no delay within this process.
With best regards
Ron Webb
National Secretary, Logistics
Friday
dcc has capacity to spend up to €500m on acquisitions
dcc said yesterday that operating profits in the six months ended September 30th, the first half of its financial year, were up 20 per cent at €67.9 million from €56.5 million during the same period in 2009.
Earnings per share were up 15 per cent at 57.65 cent and the company is proposing to pay a dividend of 26.11 cent.
.The oil and gas distribution division, accounted for just over €30 million, or 44 per cent, of its operating profit. Sales were up 41.2 per cent at €4 billion, from €2.8 billion during the same period last year.
The group borrowed €284 million in March from US institutions, which increased its finance costs for the period to €7.4 million from €5.2 million.
Chief executive Tommy Breen said yesterday that it has cut its working capital requirements over the last 18 months. It also has a strong financial position. At the end of September, its net debt was €98.6 million while it had total equity of €852.8 million. Mr Breen said this means it has the financial scope it needs to continue to buy other existing businesses.
In May, the group bought Pearts, a fuel distribution business in northeast England, for €15 million. well that's what they saved by not giving you a pay rise
UNITE UNITE
Or you will all be lost to the beast that is dcc-GB OILS
Tuesday
GB OILS-DCC lifts full-year outlook, Operating profit up 41.2% for the first half of year
YES THAT’S YOU.
The group is expecting a "mid to high single digit percentage increase" in operating profit for the year, which ends on March 31st 2011. Group operating profit grew by 16.5 per cent for the first half of the year.
IT’S GOING TO PAY THE SHAREHOLDERS
An interim dividend of 26.11 cent per share, representing a 10% increase on the interim dividend paid in the prior year.
BUT YET IT’S ONLY GOING TO PAY YOU 3% FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.
Shareholders for the first six months of this year are worth a increase of 10%
WORK FORCE 3% TWO YEARS
?????ARE WE MUGS OR NOT?????
Now is the time to stand up and say
NO MORE!!!! WE WANT A FAIR PAY FOR A FAIR DAYS WORK
Friday
DCC Plc-GB oils only respect the Shareholders and not the Work Force
GB Oils 2009 2010 National Wage Negotiations
You will know that your Union, that of Unite, has strenuously represented your views with that of your employer GB Oils. You will equally know that we have communicated with you on two occasions in two ballots. The first ballot was on the matter of your employer’s offer of which you resoundly rejected in a democratic ballot. The second ballot involved you and our members balloting in a consultative ballot for industrial action. Again, you the members overwhelmingly voted to authorise your union to proceed to the next step for a legal ballot for industrial action.
After I received your democratic ballot result in the consultative ballot for industrial action of which was to overwhelmingly support a legal ballot for industrial action, I advised your employer of this position and invited again your employer to come back to the negotiating table in a strenuous effort to achieve an improved offer for you. Unfortunately their response to the Union’s two democratic ballots and therefore you and your union, was to ignore totally this democratic process, to reject your ballots and again your view, dismiss them out of hand of which now your employer GB Oils has informed Unite of their intention to arbitrarily and without your union’s agreement, to move forward and implement a 3% wage award that has been rejected in two previous ballots.
Again, can I remind you that this 3% merely represents 1.5% increase for last year and 1.5% for this year. This is your employer’s response to the constructive position that you and your union took last year with regard to a wage freeze. Notwithstanding this, we have demonstrated on a number of times that even in the current economic climate your employer has economically done well and can ably afford more in your wage packet. Therefore in return for your constructiveness for last year and equally your union’s, their response unfortunately is to attempt to break the union’s position on this matter which means your position. I can assure you that we have throughout this
whole process done what we are supposed to do and that is TO LISTEN TO YOU of which we have done and PURSUED ON YOUR BEHALF YOUR DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS AND VIEW within this matter.
The Union is now actively involved in making arrangements to ballot you on the matter of industrial action and we hope to have this in position within the next few weeks. I have written to your employer in response to their conduct and have informed them irrespective of them attempting to implement their 3% offer, that a lawful disagreement and trade dispute would continue between us.
Therefore we will strongly continue with this campaign.
Therefore in the meantime it is extremely important that you and all our other members DO NOT AGREE in any way, shape or form their unacceptable offer of 3%.
The Unite Union is determined to continue in its campaign to achieve better wages and terms and conditions for its members of which your Company, I can assure you, can aptly afford.
We will in due course be contacting you again once we have advised your employer in accordance with the law of our intention to ballot for industrial action.
I look forward to your continued support in supporting your union, that of Unite but importantly supporting yourself and your families in your just claim for more monies.
Yours sincerely
Ron Webb
National Secretary, Logistics
SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR EMPLOYER:
• YOU WILL TAKE NOTE OF MY DEMOCRATIC BALLOT
• YOU WILL TAKE NOTE AND RESPECT MY VIEW
• YOU WILL CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE WITH MY UNION