PH scheduling dispute

Public Holiday scheduling in Resources for UPA2 staff is in dispute.

Following monitoring of staff scheduling under revised arrangements in UPA2 areas since June 2003, the Branch has concluded that the arrangements in many areas are not being satisfactorily implemented.

The emphasise under the revised approach, agreed with management, is to schedule UPA2 staff either:

• On Duty over the Bank Holiday period with the use of Released from Duty (RD) on the Bank Holiday itself to be avoided; or
• Off during the entire Bank Holiday period through the use of RDs, Off Duty (OD or ODX) and Protected Days off (PD or ODP).

[RDs are shown as PHL in Post Production schedules].

It is important to note that RDs do not generate Public Holiday Leave - therefore if scheduled with any duty over a Bank Holiday period they cancel the intended compensation through such leave.

Scheduling over Bank Holidays since June of last year has often exceeded the 5% scheduling difficulties accepted by the union, due to the pressures of broadcasting, in many areas.

It is expected ESPG Representatives will be meeting with management in the near future and the Branch hopes the outcome of those talks will be agreement to schedule RDs fairly and in line with Conditions of Service.

However if a guarantee of this cannot be obtained a ballot of members for industrial action will be seriously considered.

Meanwhile members with views on the above should contact the Branch Committee as soon as possible.