Proposed Structure for National Collective Bargaining

It is proposed to have a central table at which all common employment terms are discussed with side tables that will address unique occupational specific terms.

It is proposed that certain employment policy and principles are developed at national level. These will fall into three categories

• National policy decisions that are binding on all parties to the agreement
• National policy guidance for implementation locally appropriate to the needs of each particular college 
• National policy advice and sharing of best practice for local collective bargaining arrangements

There will be provision for referral from the local collective bargaining units to the national committees.

Membership and Coverage of Committees

Central Table

There will be 10 management side members and 12 staff side members. All trades unions recognised in the college sector will be guaranteed a seat at the negotiating table with membership allocated on a proportionate basis thereafter (EIS 7, UNISON 3, UNITE 1 GMB 1).

There will be a process of validation within a 12 month period of trade union membership in the sector.

• to discuss broad issues relating to pay policy
• to negotiate and decide on conditions of service matters common to all employees across the sector other than where assigned to the standing sub committees
• to negotiate and decide on equalities issues common to all employees across the sector
• to agree on matters which are best delegated to sub-committees which are unique to a particular occupational group
• to discuss, review and where appropriate reach agreement on matters referred by sub-committees
• to agree short life, cross cutting and special interest sub-committees
• to recommend to regions on recognition, time-off arrangements and trade union learning representation across the sector
• to conduct other matters, such as research or information gathering processes and procedures, as are mutually agreed

Decisions will be by consensus and require a majority of each side.

Within the trade union side, prior to any agreement, the teaching unions or collectively the support trade unions may initiate referral of any matter to the side tables for negotiation and settlement.

Prior to any agreement the management side may also initiate referral of any matter to the side tables for negotiation and settlement.

Each side will appoint a Chair; overall Chair of committee will be by rotation. Each side will appoint a Secretary, overall secretariat will be provided from the Management Side.

Side Table - Lecturing Staff

5 management side members, 5 staff side members (EIS)

• Responsible within its bargaining group for
• Salaries matters unique to the bargaining group
• Conditions of service unique to the bargaining group
• Pensions matters unique to the bargaining group
• Matters assigned  by agreement of the central table

Decisions will be by consensus and require a majority of each side.

Each side will appoint a Chair; overall Chair of committee will be by rotation. Each side will appoint a Secretary, overall secretariat will be provided from the Management Side.

Side Table - Support Staff

5 management side members, 5 staff side members (3 UNISON, 1 UNITE, 1 GMB)

• Responsible within its bargaining group to negotiate and decide on
• Salaries matters unique to the bargaining group
• Conditions of service unique to the bargaining group
• Pensions matters unique to the bargaining group
• Matters assigned by agreement of the central table 

Decisions will be by consensus and require a majority of each side.

Each side will appoint a Chair; overall Chair of committee will be by rotation. Each side will appoint a Secretary, overall secretariat will be provided from the Management Side.

This Agreement will be reviewed by all parties on a three yearly basis.