There have been a number meetings of the NJF sub group set up to discuss the proposed 140 redundancies. Local consultation is on-going regarding pool lists and volunteers. Those affected should be notified by the end of May 2004. Individuals are being offered counselling where appropriate. A further meeting of the sub-group will be held at the end of May. UNISON and TGWU repeated that they are not prepared to accept compulsory redundancies.

The 2004 pay and conditions claim was presented to the employers. It seeks

• a minimum hourly rate of £6.50 flowing through to the other grades, producing increases of between 4% and 19 %
• abolition of the Contribution Pay Scheme
• increases to other allowances
• improved standby and callout payments

We are not opposed to performance pay such, but are opposed to a scheme that is wholly based on performance. The Employers did not respond with a formal offer, but a working group has been set up and will meet on 20 May.

During these pay negotiations BW has an opportunity to recover some of the ground lost during recent years with the 2003 reorganisation and current round of redundancies. A generous pay award can go some way to redress the lack of trust and confidence caused by these and other events.

Following the completion of the backlog programme and the reduction in funding for arrears and other construction works, BW’s Omnibus requirement has been reviewed. In Southern Waterways there will be a rationalisation resulting in the closure of some sites. The Northern review has not been completed. The changes will be managed under the Employment Stability Policy, and it is anticipated that those affected will be offered either redeployment or relocation.

• Administration of BW company cars and vehicles have now been outsourced to Inchape
• New taxation rules apply to company vans from 6 April 2005. As is BW’s policy only to authorise employees to take the vehicle home for business reasons, and they cannot be used for personal or private use, this will mean that employees will no longer incur a tax charge

BW has withdrawn the proposal that long service leave entitlement be applied pro-rata, as previously announced on My Gateway They have reverted to the agreement as set out in the Employment Provisions - for 2004 at least - that on reaching the qualifying service of 5 years an employee will be immediately entitled to the full 5 days.

• BW reported on current health and safety initiatives. The reduction of accidents is a key corporate policy
• BW is making efforts to improve its Customer Sustainability policies, including reduction of C0₂ emissions and improved recycling
• Further funding for the Cotswold Restoration project is being sought
• BW is involved in the development of South Dock in Liverpool

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