Selkirk-based Scottish Borders Housing Association has been accused by union bosses of being "provocative" in giving formal notice to its salaried staff that their contracts of employment will be terminated if they fail to agree new terms and conditions, writes Andrew Keddie.
Both Douglas Black and Rab Stewart, regional organisers of the UNISON and Unite unions respectively, have written to SBHA chief executive Janice Cambridge seeking an early meeting in a bid to resolve the situation.
In October, the region's largest
social landlord opened a consultation with all its salaried employees – many employed at its headquarters in Whinfield Road – regarding changes in working practices, including the replacement of essential car user allowances (worth nearly £70 a month) with enhanced mileage rates and the removal of flexible working (flexitime) procedures.
On Christmas Eve, a letter from Mrs Cambridge was sent to the 200-strong workforce, outlining the results of the consultation.
She said the flexitime procedures would be revised, although not removed, and she revealed that the replacement of the car allowance had "generated the most opposition".
But despite these concerns, she said the board of SBHA had taken a final decision to implement the changes which were required "for business reasons". She explained the replacement of the car user allowance would be phased in with no change in 2010/11, but ongoing 33 per cent cuts during the next three years.
The union officials said their members at SBHA had met on January 22 and asked them to write to Mrs Cambridge.
"We have to inform you that both unions view this action as provocative and unnecessary," stated Messrs Black and Stewart.
