UNITE saves jobs at Tenant Services Authority

2 August TSA Unite members (who belong to the Unite Housing Workers�Branch) have successfully overturned management proposals for a mass extension of trial periods which could have placed members at risk of compulsory redundancy.

The proposals were also shown by the union to discriminate against women and BAME staff, the former in particular being less likely to be �slotted' into roles than male colleagues.

The result comes after a decisive vote for industrial action by Unite TSA members. The consultative ballot returned a vote of 91.8% in favour of proceeding to a formal ballot, on a turnout of 64.9%.

The rejection of management proposals came from across the TSA Unite membership, and was not restricted to those immediately affected by management plans.

It showed that members recognised the dangers of management being allowed to disregard agreed policies, and to keeping staff in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

The dispute arose following a restructure which resulted in around 31 staff being redeployed into regulation roles at the end of 2010. Around 24 were placed on three month trial periods due to end on the 26th July. However, the TSA wrote to staff saying it intended to impose a three month blanket trial period extension on the team, instead of confirming staff in post.

It was an overwhelming victory for Unite, and a clear lesson that an unambiguous and well supported threat of industrial action wins results. Unite regional officer, Matt Smith said: 'This is a clear example of workers standing together in a union and showing it makes a difference.'

'The patience of the Unite's members in the housing workers branch has been tested to the limit, they should not be expected to pay for the mistakes of others. Unreasonable employers need to be aware, where our TSA reps and members have led more will follow. Non union workers need to realise joining Unite is the best defence against these cuts and join us.'