TO ALL STAFF & BRANCHES
Dear Colleagues,
Following recent feedback and some confusion around representation, I’d like to clarify GMB’s policy regarding individual support for new members.
Policy Overview:
To ensure fairness for all members, GMB does not provide individual representation or advice to individuals who were not members at the time of their incident. This policy reinforces the collective value of long-term membership.
As an example, if an employee (let’s call them Jamie) experiences an incident on September 1st and joins GMB on September 2nd, we cannot offer representation or legal advice for the incident that occurred prior to their membership.
The only exception to this rule is at the discretion of the Regional Secretary, and only in exceptional circumstances following prior discussion. I am not supportive of this as I believe it devalues membership. Therefore please do not suggest this as an option to members before any formal decision has been made as we should only agree to this in exceptional circumstances.
Policy on Advice:
There is no provision within the rule book for someone to be provided with advice if they were not a member at the time of the incident. Offering advice or representation to non-members who join temporarily incurs costs and can damage our reputation. Therefore, members are not entitled to advice for any issue that occurred before their membership began.
Collective Representation:
This policy does not affect collective representation. During campaigns, such as those related to pay or Equal Pay, growing our membership during these campaigns strengthens our members position.
Recent Changes:
A recent update from this year’s Congress states that non-members should not receive representation for incidents occurring within the first three months of their membership. I am seeking further clarification on this change, as the wording is unclear, but in the meantime, please continue to follow the existing policy: no representation or advice for incidents predating membership.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact your Senior Organiser, we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Best wishes,
Joanne Hepworth
Interim Regional Secretary
GMB Southern Region
Posted: 18