Connect in Vodafone

Video from Union Members in Vodacom South Africa

2008-07-04T09:32:00.000+01:00

Outsourcing In Vodafone Technology Teams

2008-06-26T20:43:00.002+01:00

Vodafone has this morning announced its intention to enter into a 'Request for Proposal' (RFP) process.

The outcome of this process may be that Vodafone decides to outsource some of its functions to an outside company or vendor.

At this stage there are members potentially in scope in parts of Regional Operations and Service Operations in Technology and also within the Property function. However it appears that no firm decision has been made and that it will be some months before Vodafone reaches a decision to outsource or not.

As the recognised union for a significant number of members in scope Connect has been informed of the proposals and has already started to make recommendations on how consultation will look over the coming months and what the critical issues are for members. Your union has extensive experience in dealing with outsourcing and TUPE and will ensure that members concerns on thee impact on them as employees are expressed in a strong and independent way.

In addition to 'strategic and long-term benefits', Vodafone has explained that the key drivers behind this process are focus, quality and cost. Over the coming months we will ensure that these drivers are challenged robustly. Through this process we believe that Vodafone will want to demonstrate the sustainability of any proposals going forward. Without this sustainability it will be impossible for Connect and our members to be confident that employees' terms and conditions and job security can be safeguarded after any transfer.

We will of course be requiring Vodafone to enter into meaningful consultation with Connect with a view to reaching agreement on these and other critical issues, such as TUPE terms and conditions, pension rights, at the earliest opportunity to ensure that the views of our members are given appropriate weight by Vodafone and by any potential new employer as part of the RFP process.

It is vital at this time that you and your colleagues are members of Connect. Keep your eye out for future updates and if you have any queries please contact your Connect Representative or our Helpdesk on 020 8971 6060.

If you have colleagues who are not yet members they need to join us now. We can accept members from both within where we have union recognition and where we do not at this moment. Joining is easy and can be done by visiting www.connectuk.org/join or contacting our membership department on 020 8971 6000.

Did you get a pay cut this year?

2008-06-24T13:52:00.002+01:00

Over the past few weeks everyone in Vodafone should have sat down with their line manager and been given a letter explaining what you will earn next year. If you don’t like it in most cases it’s tough luck because there is no room for negotiating on pay in Vodafone, you get what your given.

The government says that inflation is currently running at 4.3%, but the price of essentials including food, heating and petrol is going through the roof. The cost of living for most of us is increasing at the fastest rate in decades. It is clear that anyone who received a pay rise was less than 4.3% will find their salary won’t go as far this year as it did last.

But many in Vodafone are finding that their pay is now frozen due to the “global banding” system introduced a couple of years ago. When it was introduced workers were explicitly told that it was not a pay cap, but now they are told that due to global banding their pay rise this year is zero.

Connect members have told us that few of those who were lucky enough to get a pay rise got more than 3%.

For one group of Vodafone workers this year’s pay round was different. In Regional Operations more than 50% of staff have joined the union, so they now have the benefit of collective bargaining. For the first time in the UK Vodafone had to negotiate with a union on pay. This puts Connect members in this area in a far stronger position. The union negotiated an acceptable proposal with the company and members had the final say in a ballot. This only applies to one area of the business at the moment but with your support Connect intends to extend this for next year’s pay round.

This won’t happen unless you do something about it. To form a collective bargaining unit 50% of workers in the area of the business need to be members. We have strong membership in all areas of Technology, Customer Services and Retail, but we need more. If you’re not already a member then join today, if you are then talk to your colleagues and make sure they’re aware of the benefits of joining Connect. You can join online or by calling the membership hotline on 020 8971 6000. There is a special reduced rate for Vodafone members in areas where Connect isn’t yet a recognised union. So make your voice heard in Vodafone and join your union today.

BT Members Vote For Industrial Action

2008-06-20T13:15:00.001+01:00

Delegates at Connect's Conference have voted overwhelmingly to reject the company's proposals for an agreement designed to avert an industrial dispute. Following that the union's leadership has given notice that industrial action will start on 24 June.

Following a comprehensive debate at Connect's Conference, with elected delegates from all parts of BT, delegates voted overwhelmingly to reject BT's proposals. The union's BT Committee then decided to end the suspension of industrial action and to start industrial action short of a strike in BT on 24 June. This decision builds on a strong vote in favour of industrial action which you delivered in the postal ballot. We have now served BT with formal notice of industrial action.

The Pay Fair! campaign supports Connect’s objective of securing a better pay deal in BT:-

A fair pay increase for all A fair deal should cover everyone. So far, BT has not made an offer which would cover people in RF Bands 2 and 3. And the proposed matrix for Band 1 will not distribute the available budget fairly.
Equal pay We’ve made some progress with BT on this – but not enough. BT needs to do more to eliminate pay discrimination from the Reward Framework structure.
Differentials How does it make sense to have managers paid less than the people they manage?
Increases to pay ranges BT hasn’t increased some pay ranges for years. This has affected – ie reduced – the pay increases people have had from the agreed pay reviews. And it has caused some acute business problems, such as not being able to recruit into certain jobs.
Pay progression A salary structure doesn’t work properly, and can’t deliver fair pay, if people can’t move up their pay ranges.

If this sounds like a lot to ask – it’s not. Much of it is not even about the amount of money this year, it’s about putting a workable structure in place for the future. The fact is that these are reasonable, affordable aims, and that BT can’t claim to run a world-class company without addressing them.

This industrial action will mean that Connect members in BT will only their contractual hours, which for some members would be a significant cut in the working week. We would also expect members not on formal call-out rotas to turn off their mobiles and BlackBerries and not check emails other than during within the 36 hour (pro rata for part-time workers) week.

If members take action together and really stick to contracted hours, BT will feel the effects. Many members have got into the habit of going the extra mile for the company, taking calls and doing work out of hours, staying late in the office, starting early to travel long distances to meetings, that some parts of the company will struggle to function effectively and meet crucial milestones on projects.

Connect don’t think the company, which is very aware of its public image and its reputation in the City, wants want this to happen. But right now, it’s trading on the goodwill of members – but not rewarding and respecting them accordingly.

Connect members in Vodafone fully support the action that our colleagues in BT are taking, they are in our thoughts during what is a difficult time. To find out more visit the Connect-BT PayFair website.

Driving Licence Verification for vehicle users in Vodafone Regional Operations

2008-06-19T12:08:00.002+01:00

Vodafone has responded to concerns raised by Connect on behalf of members about the introduction of the new driving license checking process for drivers of company vehicles.
Following discussions over several months with members your Connect representatives identified a number of key issues that we felt that Vodafone needed to address in their approach to introducing the new system.

We stressed that members required assurances that the new process was necessary and reasonable. Given concerns and previous experiences we also asked that consideration was given to ensure that personal information would be managed appropriately and confidentially.
To make those assurances and take this change forward constructively we suggested that Vodafone needed to:

Recognise that employees concerns were genuine and required consideration and a measured response.
Ensure that it was clear to those being asked to complete the mandate that these changes were, in part, necessary due to legal obligations stemming from the Vodafone's 'duty of care' to employees and other road users.
Give assurance of safeguards around storage of information and usage by third parties.
Understand that issuing blanket threats and deadlines without responding to concerns is not the most effective way of managing change.
Extend the period of mandate signing to enable employees to consider the points above.

Vodafone has now provided a document to managers and team leaders that gives a fuller explanation of the background to the new system.

We believe that the document and revised approach that Vodafone has adopted is reasonable and addresses the key concerns that raised by Connect and our members. We will, of course, be monitoring this process and welcome feedback from members going forward.

The Vodafone Performance Dialogue

2008-05-09T14:10:00.001+01:00

It’s the time of the year again where most Vodafone employees sit down with their line manager for the annual performance dialogue. Connect receives a large number of queries from members about the process, and how it should be applied.

Connect encourages all members to have a PD, and SMART objectives. These should have been agreed this time last year and should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realist and Time-bound. We find that many members are given objectives that do not conform to these criteria. These should be challenged.

Throughout the year you should have a one-to-one with your line manager every month. Use this to ask for your anticipated PD grade. If you are told there are weaknesses ask for evidence and your manager should provide support in improving these.

If you are marked down and there is no evidence challenge this. There should be no surprises and weaknesses should have been identified long before your PD.

If you have had sick leave this needs to be taken into account and objectives should be adjusted to reflect this. No one should be marked down because they were ill. Similarly maternity leave should in no way impact a PD grade.

Levelling or calibration should ensure there is consistency across the business, but forced distributions or quotas should not be applied as every team is different.

If you are in any doubt members should speak to a Connect rep.

Connect and UNI meet Vodacom South Africa

2008-04-09T08:55:00.005+01:00

UNI's affiliates with members in the Vodafone group of companies, met together in Johannesburg, South Africa and discussed the progress they had made in organising and developing union structures in the Vodafone Group of companies. They celebrated the recognition of unions in both Vodacom in South Africa and Vodafone in the United Kingdom and committed to work together to build stronger unions in those countries and to support union organising efforts in other parts of the global operations of Vodafone. Unions came from the UK, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Spain and the United States to plan and discuss how they could help the UNI Vodafone Union Alliance to gain union rights and workers rights wherever in the world that Vodafone operates.

The international colleagues also met with a number of the shop stewards for the CWU South Africa who are working to make Vodacom South Africa a better place to work. The CWU and the it's Vodacom members have been through a long struggle including a 5 week strike to gain union recognition at Vodacom and the international delegation heard about their struggles and the work they are now doing to gain proper bargaining with the company. This despite the intimidation and harassment that seem to be a daily concern for these workers. The UNI delegation was very happy to strengthen the relations between these workers and other Vodafone and Vodacom workers world wide so that there is a strong UNI family of workers in the Vodafone Group globally.

The international delegation also met with the CEO of Vodacom, Allan Knott-Craig and discussed the need for respect between workers and management if Vodacom was to become a truly good and socially responsible employer in the African continent. Mr Knott-Craig told the delegation that he personally respected union rights and workers rights and welcomed a union into Vodacom where he hoped that workers issues cold be dealt with in a respectful and honest manner by the company's management. He said that he would welcome a proposal from UNI Global Union to try and develop a global agreement and understanding on proper labour rights and standards for workers participation in the company. A number of issues of concern to the South-African colleagues were also discussed with Mr Knott-Craig and he said his door was always open to the unions to ensure the company ran in a respectful and socially responsible manner. He urged the CWU to raise issues of concern directly with him.

Connect meet Vodafone to Discuss Dismissals in Regional Ops

2008-04-07T13:46:00.002+01:00

Connect has met with Vodafone to raise our members concerns about the recent dismissals in Regional Operations

Members will recall from earlier communications that these were done on the same day as notices of redundancy although the same terms were not, we understand, offered. Dismissals such as these occurred across the business; however we were able to raise this formally with the company in Regional Operations as the recognised union.

We have reminded the company that these dismissals fall outside of employment law and are not in keeping with Vodafone's own policies. Through these discussions we have ensured the company understands that this situation is entirely unacceptable to Connect and our members. It is important that decision-makers in the company appreciate that dismissing people outside of due process has a serious and negative impact. This impact is felt more widely than the individuals dismissed. Where an employer picks and chooses whether or not it follows its own policies it needs to understand that this will hurt trust and confidence in the relationship with its employees.

We have made it clear that shabby behaviour such as this has no place in a modern, successful company, particularly one that commits resource and publicity to presenting a positive image of employee engagement and 'passion' for its people.

The company has now sent a letter to Connect to respond to those concerns expressed on behalf of members. It is disappointing that they have declined our request to reinstate those individuals dismissed should that be what those individuals wish. Where those dismissed are union members we will, when requested, provide full support and assistance up to and including legal advice and this may include exploring the option of reinstatement. Unfortunately we are unable to extend this help to people who are not members of the union, or to provide full membership benefits to those not members when they were dismissed. The message loud and clear to non-members is that it is now time to join!

If any member is asked to attend a meeting such as this in the future please do not hesitate to call a halt to the conversation before contacting the union immediately.

To prevent issues like this in the future Vodafone needs to recognise why Connect and our members will not agree to the company acting in an arbitrary way. On that basis we note the company's written response that stresses the specific and individual nature of this situation and its statement that this is not a change in the normal approach to performance management within Vodafone generally and within Regional Operations specifically.

The company has agreed to work with Connect in Regional Operations to move forwards and put this 'one off' situation in a clearer context. In doing so we will needs to see the development of a workplace in which trust and respect between employer and employee is obligatory and genuine. Clearly there is much work to do on this, but we believe it is something that members will support their union in achieving.

Vodafone "Brand" Hammered on Redundancy News

2008-04-01T19:56:00.003+01:00

The following is abridged from mad.co.uk, a website for those working in marketing and the media. It shows the impact of Vodafone's new employee relations policy on the value of the company's brand. This is also likely to have an effect on the summer's EPP bonus...

Vodafone might be in pole position in terms of Formula One sponsorship thanks to its relationship with Lewis Hamilton but its Brand Buzz is taking a battering on the back of a major redundancy programme, according to YouGov’s BrandIndex.

The mobile operator has just unleashed the “Make the most of now” television campaign featuring the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and is hoping to capitalise on his “golden boy” status in the UK as a brand ambassador.

However, the best-laid marketing plans can always be overshadowed by other news and the fact Vodafone announced on 18 March that it is to make 450 job cuts at is Berkshire head office has probably led to the slip in the brand’s Buzz. It fell from 4 at the beginning of the racing season to -1 by the middle of last week.

The Buzz is a measure of whether people have heard positive or negative statements about a brand. Despite a barrage of recent activity and initiatives aimed at a variety of demographics Vodafone has not really seen its Buzz climb higher than 4 in the past six months.

It cannot have helped that the opening of Terminal 5 at London Heathrow was meant to be the centrepiece of Vodafone’s outdoor campaign with backlit billboards in the baggage reclaim halls.
The huge negative media coverage surrounding the T5 farrago will not have helped brands associated with it, although on the plus side waiting passengers will have had plenty of time to see the messages.

It’s a shame that news of another high profile initiative, the global deal with Warner Music International to help promote the new Madonna album, broke the same day as the redundancy revelations . The singer’s new album arrives on 28 April and Vodafone will offer tracks for download from 21st. Hopefully, the company’s PR machine will step up activity and help the brand recover momentum.

Looking at other BrandIndex markers it’s no surprise that the Corporate rating, which measures if people would want to work for the company, has slipped dramatically from a high of 17 at the end of December to 9 by last Friday (28 March).

The Vodafone UK marketing team is still a process of flux and axed the chief marketing officer position in February. Head of brand and marketing communications Dominic Chambers also chose this juncture to leave and UK consumer director Ian Shepherd is yet to unveil a new head of brand. The department is going to have to work hard to get the brand back on track.

Hundreds Unfairly Dismissed in Vodafone’s Secret Sackings

2008-03-27T16:29:00.000Z

The dust is settling on last Tuesdays announcement by Vodafone that 450 Newbury based staff would be made redundant. In a feat of news management that Alastair Campbell would have been proud of the company took the opportunity to further reduce staffing levels by summarily dismissing hundreds throughout the UK in secret.

Employees were dragged into offices and told their employment had been terminated before been stripped of their mobile phone, company badge, and were then escorted from the premises.

Many of those who were targeted were the kind of people who lived and breathed Vodafone. Cut them in half and they would bleed red. But this would be far too humane for the company.

This was not part of any disciplinary process, no right of appeal or accompaniment was granted and no redundancy payment was forthcoming. Not only is this action contrary to Vodafone’s own documented policy, it is against UK employment law. This is acknowledged by the company as they offered small cash incentives to the individuals in return for signing an agreement not to take the company to an employment tribunal, or speak out about the way they have been treated.

Vodafone have demonstrated that they do not think that employment law applies to them. They also think they can get away with acting in this way without people finding out. There has been no communications to staff suggesting an explanation of this behaviour. Workers do speak each other and it was inevitable that it would only take a short time before it became clear that these sacking were systematic.

A culture of fear has been created.

Reorganisation and Job Losses in Regional Operations

2008-03-19T16:19:00.002Z

Following Vodafone’s communication yesterday about job cuts in “Head Office”, Connect has learned that a reorganisation is also proposed in Regional Operations and we will be se
seeking an early meeting with the company to understand the implications of this.

At the same time we are aware that a number of individuals have been impacted directly in Regional Operations. Those 'at risk' of redundancy will have now been individually informed.

Members may also be aware that across the business there appear to have been a number of dismissals not for the purposes of redundancy timed to coincide with these 'at risk' announcements. Connect has made it clear to the company that this is completely unacceptable and will be raising this in the strongest terms in the discussions within the RO bargaining unit.

As the recognised union for Regional Ops Connect will meet to kick off a meaningful consultation process with the company at the earliest opportunity. In doing so we will need to represent the views of our members. If you are member in RO please contact one of your Connect representatives with your comments.

For a communications company Vodafone's reputation and record in situations such as these has in the past not been good. Connect and our members in Regional Operations will be working together to ensure that meaningful consultation with the aim of reaching agreement between the union and the company is at the heart of what we do over the coming weeks. In doing so we will challenge Vodafone to listen, engage and deliver a favorable employee experience even in a difficult situation such as this.

If you have any queries or comments please contact one of your Connect representatives or email union@connectuk.org or call our Helpdesk on 020 8971 6060.

We have received a number of applications for union membership around these announcements, so you may wish to share this with a colleague and suggest that they visit www.connectuk.org/join if they are not yet a member.

Vodafone Hit Staff with Massive Round of Redundancies and Sackings

2008-03-18T17:35:00.002Z

The company have announced today that 450 people, mainly in Newbury based “back office” roles will be made redundant. More sinisterly a number of people have been told that due to “performance issues” their employment has been terminated. Given the timing this is clearly a cheaper way reducing both head count and reducing the headline figure.

Connect members in Vodafone are disgusted with the way in which the company is now treating its staff. Sadly we realised a few years ago that the company now sees its workers as little more than a commodity. For all the lip service given to “employee experience” actions prove that this is not a company that cares. Today we see a new low with the company treating staff with contempt.

Whilst the company have also announced that they will be recruiting for new retail stores and a call centre in Stoke, these new roles will be lower paid. With 10% of the already overstretched support staff axed who will support the shiny new data services that the company will sell, who will design the next Vodafone Live or 3G broadband?

Vodafone’s actions today demonstrate why we need to be part of a strong union. Individually Vodafone workers are an easy target, when we stand collectively we are stronger.

Any Connect member involved should contact their rep or the Connect helpdesk for advice as soon as possible. If you haven’t yet joined Connect stand together with us and join today.

Click here to join online or Call 020 8971 6000

Connect and Vodafone open pay talks in Regional Operations North and South

2008-03-14T19:53:00.001Z

We have met with the company to kick off pay negotiations for 2008.

These talks will cover all employees who are covered by Connect and Vodafone's Recognition Agreement in Regional Operations North and South.

Your Connect reps have scheduled a series of meetings with the company to work towards negotiating an acceptable offer. As you would expect in doing so we clearly need to be confident that any proposals deliver on the issues of importance to our members in the unit. Subject to how negotiations develop our intention is to work towards the usual timescales for pay review implementation (effective from 1 July 2008).

Thank you to the many members who took part in the recent Connect pay survey and contacted us to express your opinions and expectations. The views expressed on the shortcomings of the 2007 pay review will inform our approach in seeking to negotiate an increase in the pay bill for 2008 that enables members to see the company address the key concerns around the negative impact of Global Banding, for example.

We will keep members up to date with developments and give members the final say on negotiations through a ballot.

Please note that we will be unable to ballot people who are not Connect members on any proposals. If you have any colleagues who are not yet members it would be a good time for them to join to have a say in their pay review. Please ask them to visit www.connectuk.org/join

Read All About It...Vodafone Come Clean....

2008-02-20T15:56:00.002Z

Vodafone have now come clean and published a note to workers accepting the accuracy of yesterday’s Guardian article. The JV with Orange looks like it’s dead in the water, for the moment at least. Co-operation between the 2 companies will go no further than site sharing.

However, there is still a commitment from both Vodafone and Orange to outsource Field Operations and Maintenance. This is subject to current negotiations with potential suppliers and is likely to me in place within the next 6 months. So after over a year where many Connect members have felt no long term job security the waiting continues.

There is also a caveat that in the long term full network sharing is still desirable. Many people would suggest that this is something that OFCOM should look at very closely as it is essentially reducing competition.

Staff working on the joint venture will be returning to their parent companies, but what happens to those who’s former jobs have been filled? Paul Whybrow isn’t the only person in this position.
Yet again we have seen announcements critical to the lives of Vodafone employees in the media before we have been informed. Large amounts of hot air are generated by the company’s employee communications team, but for any remotely relevant to workers the newspapers are the first to know. Here’s an idea to cut global warming – scrap the glossy magazines and snazzy email bulletins and issue a copy of the Guardian on every desk daily.

Network sharing deal in Vodafone

2008-02-19T14:41:00.002Z

Connect has spoken to Vodafone in respect to this mornings press speculation on the status of Vodafone and Orange network-sharing deal.

As part of our ongoing dialogue with the company we have pushed for a response, but at this stage Vodafone are unable to confirm or deny the story published in the Guardian today.

Members in Regional Operations will be aware that conference calls scheduled for earlier today were cancelled by the company. Our understanding is that this was because formal announcements could not be made in the timescale originally anticipated. Whilst Connect appreciates that discussions on the network-sharing programme are at a critical point, we do believe that setting up and cancelling the call at late notice has added to the sense of uncertainty and frustration felt by our members.

Your union expects there to be further announcements on the future of the network-sharing deal later this week. At this uncertain time we would like to reassure our members that we are engaged in consultation with the company and that we will continue to assess the impact of announcements on our members in Vodafone. We will look to agree the way forward with the company where possible to deliver the best possible outcome for the members on the key issues and will keep members up to date with that work.

If you have any colleagues who are not members of Connect please pass this email on to them. They can take this opportunity to join the recognised union by going to www.connectuk.org/join or calling our membership department on 020 8971 6000.

Project Churchill update from Vodafone

2008-02-19T10:40:00.003Z

We have received a response from the company to our letter about Project Churchill (Orange RAN share) dated 21 January 2008.

Our letter followed discussions between your Connect representatives and Vodafone and reflected queries that had been raised by members.

It is disappointing that the company is not yet able to make firmer commitments on the key people issues that we have taken up. These are issues that we believe need to be looked at in principle as early as possible in the consultation process with Connect. However we believe it is encouraging that there is a clear sympathy for the strength of feeling of Vodafone employees and that the company has committed to address those concerns in an open and honest way. Connect looks forward to working with Vodafone to establish a way forward that ensures that these sentiments benefit our members in Regional Operations North and South.

In line with our members' wishes and commitments that the company has made, we will engage with Vodafone constructively over the coming weeks up to meeting formally with the company on 5 March to provide more detail on the 'people issues.' We will, of course, update members on progress.

Vodafone’s letter is available to members on the main website.

More Job Cuts at Alcatel-Lucent

2008-02-08T12:37:00.000Z

Last week Alcatel-Lucent announced 400 job cuts in France as part of their current round of 4000 redundancies globally before the end of next year. This is on top of 12,500 cuts announced in February last year.

This is hardly comforting for the Vodafone employees in the Technology Business Unit who are currently been outsourced to a clearly troubled company. The wisdom of transferring responsibility for systems at the core of a mobile network into the hands of an operation who’s own house is not in order is also questionable.

Alcatel-Lucent are desperate for the business and this would have been reflected in the price they quoted. But long term they are unlikely to be providing services to Vodafone out of charity and will expect to take a profit on the contract. They will only be able to do this by cutting costs.

This highlights why it is essential to fully understand the rights that employment law provides to those individuals affected. TUPE is highly complicated area of law which would be impossible to properly explain in this space. Fortunately our union are experts in employment law and provide members with independent advice so that their rights can be fully exercised.

It is certain that other Vodafone teams will be outsourced during 2008. Unions are unable to support new members in pre existing processes so anyone who has yet to sign up to Connect should do so without delay.

Vodafone Q3 results

2008-01-31T15:06:00.000Z

The company today announced their quarterly results for the 3 months ending 31st December. On the face of it this looks like good news for the company, and for workers who should expect to benefit from the success generated by their hard work.

Total revenue is up 15.8% to £9.2 billion and the company now has 250 million customers worldwide.

Vodafone UK took £1.2 Billion from 18.4 million customers in the 3 months, that’s up 5.9% on the same period last year.

So why the gloomy message today from UK CEO Nick Read, talking of recession in the USA and a slowdown in the UK? It would appear the Nick is very selective about the commentary that he reads as the consensus is that these are far from certain. The results prove that he is running a very successful operation and the hard work of his staff is paying off.

The message goes on to talk of “cost reduction”, making “key deals” and “simplifying the business”. Connect members fully support initiatives that benefit both the company’s bottom line and the environment. The company has made good progress in these areas and we would be interested to know if Nick has picked up his Toyota Prius.

But this seems to be a message aimed at softening workers up for yet more outsourcing, offshoring and redundancies.

We have already seen in the last few months that marketing has been moved to Ireland, Regional Ops is in the process of a cut and shut with Orange and parts of Network operation and development are been outsourced to Alcatel-Lucent.

If Nick isn’t careful his organisation will be very simple, as he will be the only person left on the payroll.

RAN Sharing proposals in Vodafone update

2008-01-31T14:03:00.000Z

Connect has written formally to Vodafone Regional Operations North and South.

Following the discussions about RAN Sharing/Project Churchill with the company last month we have stressed to Vodafone that consideration needs to be given to lessen the negative impact that extensions beyond the original timescales have on our members' engagement in that process and perception of the project. Clearly our members expect due diligence to be followed and proper consideration given to retaining work in house, for example and it would not be appropriate to attempt to hurry the process up.

However where there are continued delays it is quite right that Connect stresses the need for greater clarity on issues of key importance to our members as a way of rebuilding confidence in the process.

While the detailed consultation is still to come on detailed proposals around TUPE, for example, we have proposed that Vodafone takes the opportunity to remind its employees of its full commitment to meaningfully consult and to give reassurance on specific issues such as pensions, job security and union recognition to Connect and our members. Moving forward Connect and Vodafone will be engaged in consultation to ensure that any commitments made are robust and protect our members impacted by RAN sharing.

Recognition deal formally signed in Vodafone

2007-10-15T13:39:00.000+01:00

Connect has formally signed a Recognition Agreement with Vodafone at the company's Regional Operations site in Warrington.

The acting Head of Regional Operations, Tony McKeown and Employee Relations Manager, David Dunwoody were in attendance for the company, while General Secretary Adrian Askew signed for Connect. Connect was also represented by five of our six formal reps in Regional Operations, showing the importance we place on being a members-led trade union, whether we are negotiating in recognised workplaces or recruiting new members where we are not yet recognised.

We sent out the press release below to mark the occasion.

Vodafone signs union recognition deal

Telecoms union Connect has today signed a landmark deal with mobile phone operator Vodafone. The agreement, which gives formal union rights to hundreds of Vodafone employees, marks the first time the company has recognised a British trade union.

The deal will be welcomed by the wider trade union movement as a demonstration that unions can develop in private sector companies with no previous experience of formal union relationships.

Today's agreement follows years of campaigning by workers in the company, who have been determined to win an independent voice in their workplace. It covers around 500 people working across Vodafone's Regional Operations, part of the company that is essential in keeping its network up and running.

The union will now have the formal right to negotiate on behalf of its members in this part of the company on issues such as pay, holiday and the hours people work.

Connect's General Secretary, Adrian Askew, said:

"Our members in Vodafone's Regional Operations are delighted to finally secure a place at the negotiating table with their employer. Today's announcement will also give hope to people working across the telecoms and IT industry that they can win a genuinely independent voice at work."

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary said:

"This landmark deal proves that trade unions cannot only survive, but thrive in the private sector service economy. Today's announcement is good news for hundreds of Vodafone employees, who can now benefit from Connect's support and expertise. But this is equally good news for Vodafone, who can look forward to a higher level of engagement with their staff."

The agreement follows a decision by the Central Arbitration Committee which has legal powers to require employers to recognise trade unions.

We have already set to work with our members and reps in Regional Operations to deliver the benefits of collective bargaining.

If you work in another area of the business and want to know how you can support us please get in touch with us vodafone@connectuk.org

National Strike in Vodafone Italia

2007-10-09T08:42:00.000+01:00

Workers went onto the streets on 5 October to demonstrate against the largest outsourcing project ever seen in the Italian telecommunications sector. The trade unions in the telecoms sector (Fistel, Slc e Uilcom) reject this categorically. They called a national strike on 5 October against the outsourcing of Vodaphone Italia’s backoffice activities to Comdata, a company headquartered in Piedmont and specialising in customer service and call centre management.

According Italian unions, the project is “socially unjust, a slap in the face for the trade unions, wrong for the future of the industry, and puts at risk the company that the market has come to know and appreciate”. The reengineering of its business processes will lead to the transfer of 914 employees (out of a total of 4,600) from one company to the other. The unions believe that this operation is “socially unjust " because it affects almost a thousand workers, mostly young women (average age 33) and jeopardizes their professional future. "A slap in the face for the trade unions", because it affects those groups of workers who have always fought for their rights and dignity, and who identify with the values of the trade union movement. "Wrong for the future of the industry ", because the company will suffer in terms of efficiency and quality, and by outsourcing customer care, Vodafone will be depriving itself of one of the fundamental and best-known assets. The plan puts at risk the current “Vodafone model", and may just be the beginning of a comprehensive downsizing of the company’s core business.

This is going to be the biggest outsourcing project ever carried out in the Italian telecoms sector. "We are very concerned for two reasons", says Armando Giacomassi, National Secretary of Fistel Cisl. “First, the workers directly affected have no real guarantees as to the future of their jobs, and in the longer term, the fear is that this is just the beginning of a corporate strategy which may affect other sectors such as IT and networks".

After the breakdown of negotiations with the corporate management, Ugl Telecomunicazioni announced that it too would join the strike on Friday. Not only has Vodafone confirmed that they do indeed plan to transfer 914 workers, they have also rejected the union’s request for the adoption of a safeguard clause obliging the company to take them back should problems arise. According to Raffaella Di Rodi, National Secretary of Fistel Cisl, this should prompt the trade union confederation to "engage a broad-based discussion in view of the sweeping changes in the telecoms sector, in order to adapt negotiating instruments and provide better protection to the workers who have to live with the consequences of corporate strategies". Workers are particularly worried that once these activities have been hived off, their jobs will be less secure and they will enjoy less protection.

The Vodafone employees who are to be transferred to Comdata are all on contracts of unlimited duration, whereas law no 30 requires that the new employer provide the same level of guarantees as the previous employer only for a period of between 6 months and one year.

"The battle has only just begun”, warns Stefano Mazzucato from Fistel Cisl from Padua. “In addition to the strike, we have also decided to rescind the agreement on the corporate training fund we had signed with Vodafone on 13 September. The company knew full well that only two days later they were going to outsource a part of their services to another company but chose not to mention it".

Monica Cat from Genua, Secretary of Fistel Cisl in the Canavese region, says: "The headquarters in Ivrea is where the impact of the transfer will be the greatest. We cannot agree to a strategy where a financially sound company sells off one of its major activities ". And what does the future hold? "We still have many unanswered questions ".

More from UNI

Vodafone/Orange Joint Venture Announcement - RAN Sharing and Outsourcing

2007-09-19T17:35:00.000+01:00

Following conference calls earlier today with Jeni Mundy, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK , Connect members in Regional Operations will be aware that Vodafone has announced that they are looking for an outsourcing partner to maintain their Radio Access Network.

Clearly this announcement will be of concern to our members, particularly in Field Operations.

As the recognised union for members in Regional Operations North and South, Connect has been contacted by the business to discuss this announcement. Although no contract has been signed with an outsource partner and little detail has been given at this stage we will be meeting with the company over the coming months to assess the likely impact of the changes on employees and to represent the views of our members on what will be a difficult time. The Connect representatives that will come from the election process that we are currently undergoing will be fully involved in consultations.

As you'll be aware, in Regional Operations North and South we are able to represent people affected by the proposed changes as the recognised union for H, I and J grades. As the business looks to reduce costs it is important that members across Vodafone give themselves the opportunity to have formal union representation through supporting our organising work by talking to and recruiting their colleagues. You can find out more about this work by contacting our team.

Vodafone and Connect Agree on Recognition

2007-09-18T00:27:00.000+01:00

Vodafone and Connect have concluded an agreement for union recognition. The agreement provides a framework for negotiations and for elected representatives across Regional Operations North and South.

Vodafone and Connect now have a basis for working together in negotiations over pay, hours and holidays and in consultation over other key employment issues. The structure for negotiations will include representatives elected from among Connect members in both Regional Operations North and Regional Operations South, who will be supported by Connect. The agreement will ensure that Connect representatives can get the training and paid time off work whch they will need to carry out their union responsibilities.

Connect has opened the process for nominating and electing representatives from within Vodafone Regional Operations.

T-Mobile Workers Hit By Outsourcing

2007-09-12T16:41:00.000+01:00

T-Mobile has named Ericsson as the supplier for the outsourcing of their Field Operations division. On this blog we usually concentrate on Vodafone however it is useful to be aware of activities affecting union members elsewhere in the telecoms industry as Vodafone are often a trend follower.

T-mobile have started the process of consulting workers however the consultation period has been cut from 90 to 30 days, which demonstrates how little value the company place in consulting with it’s employees about important issues such as job security and pensions.

T-Mobile previously committed to giving workers 6 months “job security” however when Hutchinson 3G staff were transferred to Ericsson they were guaranteed a job for 2 years. There is a defined benefit pension scheme on the table but this falls well short of the scheme currently provided by T-mobile.

Connect don’t currently have union recognition in T-mobile so the union is providing all the advice and support possible. Hopefully enough workers will join in the next few weeks to allow a recognition claim as by negotiating collectively the workers bargaining position is much stronger.

In Vodafone our Combined Field Force teams are covered by Connect’s recognition in Regional Operations North and South. With outsourcing operations now been discussed as part of the Orange/Vodafone shared business unit this could be vital.

Outsourcing does seem to be the current flavour in Vodafone so it’s vital that we get union recognition in as many areas of the company as possible. If you’re not already a member of Connect join the fight for a real voice in your workplace today.

TUC General Secretary praises Connect recognition in Vodafone

2007-09-11T15:41:00.000+01:00

Brendan Barber's opening remarks to the TUC Congress included a reference to our recognition win in Vodafone. With reference to critics of modern-day trade unionism, The TUC's General Secretary said:

"To those who say Trade Unions are a relic of a bygone age, stuck in the past, somehow irrelevant to the concerns and aspirations of the 21st century workforce, let us say;

You are wrong, wrong on every count.

Try telling that to workers at Vodafone who have just voted for union recognition for Connect. Proof that Trade Unionism can not only survive but thrive in the private sector service economy"

Congratulations again to our Vodafone members on their achievement, which is of importance not only to us here at Connect but the British Trade Union Movement as a whole.

No Michelin Stars for Vodafone Restaurant

2007-09-07T16:27:00.000+01:00

When Vodafone’s office facilities around the country were refurbished 3 years ago we were promised that for the first time staff would be able to enjoy a decent meal on campus at a subsidised price that would make this an attractive option everyday of the week.

However in true Vodafone style corners were cut and catering facilities are now one of the most common issues that members raise with their Connect reps.

Typically the “Hot” (slightly warm) offering consists of something reminisant of a McCain’s oven ready meal and will set you back around £5-6 a go. The sandwiches seem to invariably contain grapes or other fruits alongside the expected cold meat, perhaps some people enjoy roast beef with fruit salad but judging by what remains on the shelves at 1.30 it’s not those who eat at the Vodafone canteen!

For a simple sandwich Vodafone’s tariff can set you back up to £4. Where the subsidy goes is hard to ascertain, if we didn’t know that the company loves it’s workers so much it may have been suggested that in fact they’re making a couple of extra quid by taking advantage of a captive audience for the Vodafone dining experience.

When visiting the Newbury Business Park site after loading your paper plate with the meal of the day (The chef knows how to “cook” 5 meals affectionately known as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) you join the long queue.

Those lucky enough to get an hour for lunch are likely to reach the till, but a thought must be spared for those workers from departments where the DTI’s suggested best practice is ignored and only a ½ hour lunch break is allowed.

The seating is inspired by McDonalds to give a quick turnaround of tables. Sit down for more than a few minuets and you’re likely to need a chiropractor. This barely gives enough time to admire the autographed sports shirts on the wall. There’s a shirt autographed by the England cricket team that LOST the Ashes, and pride of place must go to the shirt signed by Newbury’s second division rugby team.

This isn’t the worst eating establishment in the Vodafone portfolio. The current holder of this most coveted prize is Hayes RMC. Here the penthouse canteen provides a balcony with excellent views of the A4, M4, canal, railway and the added bonus of a plane passing around 100 feet overhead ever 2 minuets on the way to Heathrow. Arrive at 12.00 and you’re likely to be greeting by 2 remaining sandwiches, at least one of which will be cheese and grape. Fortunately there’s a Tesco close by….

We want to hear more about the catering facilities at your Vodafone site. Connect In Vodafone is offering a prize (The toy from a McDonald’s happy meal) for the worst dinning experience in Vodafone.

The Connect Newbury Summer Party!

2007-09-06T09:18:00.000+01:00

Following the floods… The Postponed Connect Summer Party!

Connect & the Vodafone reps are throwing the 2007 Connect Summer Party in Newbury -Enjoy a free buffet & drink on arrival, Good Music & Excellent Entertainment

Celebrate our massive success in winning recognition in Regional Ops, meet your reps & find out about what Connect is doing in Service Ops

Thursday 13th September 2007, 5.30pm onwards, The Hogshead (Function Room), Newbury Town Centre.

Open to all Vodafone workers, Just turn up on the door!

MP congratulates Vodafone members on recognition

2007-09-06T08:44:00.000+01:00

Connect member and MP John Robertson has written to congratulate the union and its Vodafone members on winning recognition.

John writes: 'Congratulations to you and the staff at Connect who have worked tirelessly over the last few years for trade union recognition within Vodafone. This is a fantastic achievement and all your hard work and dedication, and that of the Executive, has finally paid off.

'I am sure the employees of Vodafone will welcome their new relationship with Connect and I look forward with Connect and Vodafone in conjunction with the newly formed apComms. Please pass my congratulations to all involved in this.'

John is the Labour MP for Glasgow North West and joint Chair of the all party parliamentary group on communications, known as apComms for short.

Supply Chain Management Add eBay To Preferred Supplier List

2007-08-13T22:06:00.000+01:00

An article in The Register today explains that Vodafone is now buying secondhand Nokia 9210’s on eBay to sell to deaf customers using the service provided in association with the RNID.

Vodafone claim in their 2006-2007 Corporate Responsibility report that a key element of their strategy is” Reducing preventable exclusion through accessible features and services for disabled and elderly people, and other customers who find it difficult to use mobile phones”. When the RNID service was launched Vodafone was the forerunning in providing such services, now the company appear to be the forerunner in producing glossy booklets and good intentions and somewhat trailing in delivery.

It is frankly embarrassing that we work for a mobile phone operator forced to scrounge second hand phones to support a service that was once a flagship.

You would think that it wouldn’t be beyond a global operator with over 200 million customers to ask a manufacturer to design a handset fit for 2007 specifically for the RNID service. Alternatively I’m sure the Nokia 9210 would have remained in production had Vodafone offered the service to the deaf community around the world and ordered a sufficient number of handsets to make this viable.

Connect members are a pragmatic bunch, we haven’t been asked how Vodafone best continue the service but we do have a solution. A slightly customised Blackberry running Telnet emulator and a GUI to make it look marketable would provide a snazzy platform to offer a growing target audience a service suitable for the 21st century.

Deception in Regional Operations

2007-08-10T20:27:00.000+01:00

This week Connect members in Regional Operations have been asked to complete a form providing personal details such as their employment history, education and it even has a space for a picture! It has the appearance of the type of form you would complete when applying for a job.

What is most concerning is that workers were told that HR was taking this information from all Vodafone employees as part of a routine survey. Only Regional Ops staff are been requested to provide this information, no one in any other part of the business has been approached.

So the question is why do the company want this information? We have the right to know what the purpose of collecting this kind of personal information is. It seems likely that the real reason is in some way related to the Orange/Vodafone RAN share project. The company should give us all the common courtesy of honesty.

We encourage Connect members not to complete this form at this stage, instead contact your rep for advice.

More Dirty Tricks by Vodacom

2007-08-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week we thought that the fight by Vodacom South Africa workers had reached a conclusion after the company agreed a settlement with CWU. However on the 7th of August 13 of our colleagues returned to work to be told that they were suspended from their duties without explanation.

Many of those suspended are active union leaders, arrest warrants have been issued against 8 of these on instruction from Vodacom and at least 5 have already spent time in prison for allegedly breaching picketing rules during peaceful protests.

Vodacom are now refusing to meet with the union, despite their recent “agreement”

If you are concerned by the persecution our fellow workers at another Vodafone subsidiary please take the time write to Vodacom’s CEO, Alan Knott-Craig care of UNI, the global union which Connect is a member of.

You can keep up to date with developments in South Africa at the CWU-Vodacom blog.

Connect makes breakthrough to recognition in Vodafone

2007-08-08T16:35:00.000+01:00

Connect is now the recognised union for both Regional Operations North and Regional Operations South in Vodafone.

Connect applied to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) for recognition under the statutory rules, and the CAC confirmed that a majority of employees were union members. Once Vodafone realised this, the company notified Connect and the CAC that they were prepared to recognise Connect in Regional Operations South. The CAC had already awarded Connect recognition in Regional Operations North.

Recognition means that Connect will represent Regional Operations North and South employees in negotiations and consultation with Vodafone. Connect members will have a truly independent voice at work.

Vodafone employees covered by union recognition will all be covered by Connect's negotiations, and anyone who is not already a Connect member can join today to get a real say in their working lives.

Victory for Workers in Vodacom South Africa

2007-08-07T14:11:00.000+01:00

Vodacom, a joint venture between Vodafone and Telkom South Africa has finally chosen to respect the law and recognise CWU South Africa. This brings to an end the month long strike by workers.

The company was offering executives bonus payments for keeping union membership in their divisions below 10%, this has now been withdrawn.

Vodafone promotes its corporate and social responsibility ethos, however the conduct of Vodacom during this dispute as fallen far below what would be expected of an associate of a company that claims such high standards. This includes ordering the arrest of employees engaged in peaceful protests.

Connect members demand that Vodafone adheres to the highest standards in the treatment of employees in every market where the company operates.

Don't Let Your Blackberry Make You Crumble

2007-08-04T19:42:00.000+01:00

Last week Tim Yates, Vodafone’s Chief marketing Officer sent out the following memo to everyone in Vodafone:-

I’d like to announce some changes to our email ‘out of office policy which will take effect immediately.

The reason why we are doing this is to make sure we are all aligned and consistent with our new brand – Make the most of now – and to take every opportunity to promote our solutions to work on the move.

As we are now all mostly able to work on the move, our ‘out of office’ notification should only be used if we are on annual leave or during illness and not if we are out of the office in meetings or on training courses. I’d also like to remind you that it is company policy not to include the dates we are away, for security reasons.

In order to achieve a consistent approach, the following is now the approved wording for our out of office notification

I’m now away on annual leave. I appreciate that with Vodafone’s mobile working solutions you can contact me just about anytime, anywhere. However, in my absence if you need a swift response you may wish to contact [emailaddress@vodafone.com]

Please make sure you change your current out of office notification to the one detailed above. Many thanks for your support.

Tim Yates
Chief Marketing Officer

The underlying message here is clear, Vodafone expects it’s people to continue to perform their day job even if your away on a training course or out in meetings all day. Otherwise those around us will suffer as they have no way of knowing you’re away from your desk.

The only way this can be achieved is by doing the day job either during breaks or in your own time at the end of the day. This is completely unacceptable and is essentially working for free. Vodafone is not a charity, the company makes serious money and if there is a need to employ more people to cover for meetings and training courses they can afford it.

Connect are running WORKTIMEyourtime, our campaign for a better work life balance. If you are under pressure to work in your own time you should contact Connect immediately for advice. Here are some tips specifically for Vodafone workers:

1 Turn off your work phone when you leave the building, unless you’re paid to be on stand by there’s no need for anyone to be able to contact you in your free time.
2 Turn off your Blackberry when you leave the office, this avoids temptation to read emails when you hear the buzz.
3 Use a separate phone for personal use so your friends and family can contact you but work can’t.
4 If you're out of the office for reasons other than annual leave, and there is a complaint as to why you haven’t responded refer the complainant to Tim Yates message prohibiting sensible use of out of office response.

Sarin is a Seller

2007-07-31T21:04:00.000+01:00

Like most Vodafone workers I received a letter from the Halifax this week telling me that the 320 shares awarded to me in the 2005 “Allshares” scheme had sold for around £500. Not at all unwelcome!

Arun Sarin will have been even more pleased with the letter he received as 576,806 Vodafone shares (worth £865,209) matured in his employee share ownership scheme. As he isn’t too hard up at the moment he chose to sell only £350,000 worth, but that would be plenty to buy a house with, even at West Berkshire’s inflated prices!

This is just a drop in the ocean when put into context that Mr Sarin has around £11.5 million pounds worth of Vodafone shares available for disposal.

So there’s some pretty big numbers there but I haven’t finished yet. Vodafone’s annual report tells us that the total number of share options Arun currently holds is 28,281,629 shares worth a whopping 42 million quid!

Go Vodafone!

In the past Vodafone workers were granted annual share options of 50% of their annual salary (GEM shares) which matured after 3 years. This level of reward is now reserved only for executives. Workers on the ground are fobbed off with 5% EPP in cash and are told they’ve got a good deal. Connect members want a single share incentive programme that treats all Vodafone workers equally, not reserving the really juicy share incentive plans for the executive grades. Now that Connect is starting to establish collective bargaining units in Vodafone we are in a much stronger position to negotiate in these areas.

Go Connect!!!

Vodafone Informs Workers of Connect’s Success in Regional Ops North

2007-07-30T19:24:00.000+01:00

Vodafone today published a notice on their Technology Intranet informing employees of Connect’s victory in Regional Ops.

Apparently Vodafone “have always engaged positively and constructively with unions and have completed a legal process with Connect to complete a statutory recognition agreement for people in Regional Operations North”

How the management can claim they have engaged positively and constructively with unions is beyond belief! They certainly never have done so with Connect, and if they are engaged with another union (perhaps the guild of spin doctors?) we are unaware.

The only time Vodafone come to the negotiating table is when they are forced to do so by legal process. Now that Regional Ops North have a statutory bargaining unit Vodafone are forced to consult with Connect.

Connect members believe that this process will be mutually beneficial to both workers and the company, and will ultimately make Vodafone more successful in the market place.

We look forward to Vodafone engaging positively and constructively in the way described in the future, Connect are committed to doing likewise.

Vodafone Newbury Branch Meeting

2007-07-30T18:41:00.000+01:00

Newbury based Connect members will be meeting on Wednesday 1st August in The Narrow boat from 17.30.

Anyone interested in joining Connect is welcome to attend and find out more about who we are and what we do.

Connect has Majority Membership in RO South

2007-07-28T10:42:00.000+01:00

Yesterday the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) agreed that Connect’s membership density in Regional Operations South exceeds 50% and that the application for recognition has therefore been accepted. This positive step forward is due to the efforts of Vodafone employees recruiting their colleagues to the union in recent months.

The CAC will now determine if Regional Operations South is an appropriate bargaining unit and if our membership levels indicate support for collective bargaining. We anticipate that this process will be quicker than our previously successful recognition bid for the North and we will advise you of any developments as they occur.

While we have successfully demonstrated majority membership our ability to bargain collectively on your behalf will be stronger the more members we have. Therefore we are holding a telephone recruitment day on 2 August 2007 – please encourage any colleagues who are not yet members of Connect to call 0121 643 7333 between 9.30am and 4.30pm on this day and one of our Vodafone project team will be happy to register new members and answer questions about the work that we do and the benefits of being a Connect member.

Connect Party Postponed

2007-07-26T19:10:00.000+01:00

Due to the adverse weather conditions, and local flood warnings, the venue for our party cannot guarantee that we will not find ourselves under water. Regretfully we are going to postpone until Thursday 13th September- same venue and time. We will put a reminder out nearer the time.

We were very much looking forward to spending time with our Newbury members and really hope that you will be able to join us in September instead.

Vodafone shareholders get the message on anti union activities in South Africa

2007-07-25T19:53:00.000+01:00

A UNI delegation made a protest outside the Vodafone AGM and several delegates who were shareholders or had proxy votes from Vodafone shareholders, made the Vodafone shareholders at the Annual General Shareholders meeting aware of the anti union activities that Vodacom (Vodafone's South African subsidiary) have been undertaking to stop the CWU South Africa from gaining union recognition.

During question time at the Vodafone AGM, UNI Head of Telecom Neil Anderson, demanded that Vodafone respect the core ILO conventions and Human Rights standards and stop their union bashing of the CWU. He also pointed out that Vodafone's CSR report is deficient on human rights and labour standards and the company needed to address this issue.

The delegation got considerable support from shareholders present. Two colleagues from CWU South Africa also were at the meeting, Aubry Thsabalala and Thabo Mogalane and along with Connect from the UK and the CWU Ireland made a protest to the meeting. They told the meeting that Vodacom had sought arrest warrants and were trying to intimidate the strikers. Further that their claims for union recognition were so that they could address the discrimination and unfair promotion processes that were in place. Also there were diverse and unfair pay rates issues that needed to be resolved.

The result was that the Chairman of the Board, John Bond accepted there was an issue to answer and a small meeting was held with Paul Donovan, International Group Manager, where this issues were discussed and the company agreed to look into UNI and the CWU's allegations of anti union activity and to support an independent mediation that has been proposed in South Africa.

http://www.uniglobalunion.org/

Vodafone reaction to Connect's Trade Union recognition ruling

2007-07-24T20:23:00.000+01:00

An article in ZDNet today almost made me choke on my cornflakes in disbelief. It contained the first Vodafone reaction to Connect's success in Regional Operations North that I’ve seen.

A Vodafone spokesman said: "Vodafone UK engages positively and constructively with unions. Vodafone UK also remains convinced the most effective form of engagement with its employees is through direct engagement and things that we use at the moment include recorded messages, online information, printed newsletters as a way of keeping employees informed but performance dialogues are also held with each employee twice yearly as well as monthly meetings with line managers."

The spokesman added: "Most areas of the company regularly hold forum meetings and during those questions can be asked of senior management, in addition to road shows and visits from the executive team, so we try and be as transparent and open as we can."

This spokesman certainly doesn't work for the Newbury based mobile phone operator we all know and love!

Vodafone has consistently refused to engage with Connect, I am unaware of a single occasion anywhere in the company where this has happened!!! Unless constructive engagement includes representing members at grievance hearings!

During the recognition process Vodafone stalled at every opportunity, even after it had been demonstrated that 50%+ of the workers were members.

Vodafone workers need a trade union because of the way they are taken advantage of by their employer. Now the company has no choice but to listen to workers, and this will ultimately be positive for the company.

The recorded messages, online information and printed newsletters the spokesman talks of is nothing to do with direct engagement, they appear to be more of an attempt at brain washing! Engagement would involve a 2 way dialogue and these media are hardly conducive to that. The company appear to believe if you tell the employee something enough times they will believe it. I guess mind control comes cheaper than investing in people.

Unions protest at Vodafone AGM

2007-07-23T20:21:00.000+01:00

Trade Unions from around the world will be at the Vodafone AGM tomorrow to protest against the companies anti-union activities.

In South Africa, Vodacom (50% owned by Vodafone) refuses to recognise The Communication Workers Union of South Africa. 1200 members have been striking in protest and they reported company provocateurs infiltrating strikers to insult them, cameramen charging the picket line and even slapping workers. Workers have never responded to these aggressions.

Reginald Mokitlane was going home after the peaceful picketing of Vodacom when he was arrested by police under the instruction of a Risk Management official from Vodacom.

The strike has been perhaps the most peaceful strike in the recent history of South Africa. No damages to persons or property have been reported.

“We condemn Vodacom’s actions to resist union recognition and to victimise union members in a peaceful, lawful strike,” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings. “Workers in South Africa and around the world have a right to join unions and to bargain collectively as a result of decisions taken at the International Labour Organisation.”UNI has called on Vodafone executives to meet them to discuss the South Africa dispute.

For more information see:-

http://www.uniglobalunion.org/unitelecom.nsf/EnVodafoneCampaignCompanyNews?OpenPage

http://www.cwuvodacom.blogspot.com/

Flooding Hits Vodafone’s HQ and Newbury Business Park Sites

2007-07-22T15:31:00.000+01:00

On Friday Vodafone workers evacuated buildings in the HQ and Newbury Business Park offices were closed after flooding hit the area. The Banbury call centre was also closed to allow staff to collect children from the local school.

Today some HQ buildings remain flooded and workers have been advised not to attend on Monday unless it is essential.

There is no immediate criticism of the way the company has handled this incident. We don’t hold the management responsible for the weather!

We would be interested to hear how workers have been treated by the company during the flooding, particularly those working in retail stores and call centres where experience is often vastly different to that seen by Newbury based members

Email your stories to us at ConnectInVodafone@gmail.com

Footage taken by Vodafone HQ workers:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fMw8ZN6zE5M
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=I1d0LCvpfzk
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hLt3MDsHqmk

More on the Landmark Victory for Connect Members in Vodafone

2007-07-20T13:40:00.000+01:00

Vodafone workers are celebrating today, following a legal ruling that means the company must recognise communications union Connect. It will be the first time that a union has been recognised by Vodafone in the UK. Vodafone staff have been calling for a union to give them a stronger voice at work.

The decision covers workers responsible for keeping the company's network running across the Midlands, North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Today's announcement follows months of talks between the union and Vodafone in the hope of finding an agreement on recognition. However, Vodafone resisted throughout the process, and Connect applied for legally enforced recognition.

The decision means that Vodafone must now consult with Connect on the pay, hours and holidays of the affected workers.

The union has also submitted a further claim for recognition that would cover similar workers in the South of England.

Connect's General Secretary, Adrian Askew, said: "This is a landmark victory for our members in Vodafone, and it is a tribute to how they have come together to demand a say in their working lives.

"Vodafone workers are calling loud and clear for a voice at work that is independent and professional. Our membership growth in the company has shown that even in the biggest of blue-chip companies, employees understand that trade unions are still the only way to secure a truly independent voice.

"The hard work now lies ahead of us, representing our members and influencing the decisions that affect them. We look forward to building a constructive and forward looking relationship with the company, and demonstrating the long-term benefits that come from having a union voice at the table.

"Our membership in Vodafone is going from strength to strength and Connect will continue to look for new opportunities to ensure that all our members are heard by Vodafone management."

Victory in Regional Ops North!!!

2007-07-19T21:45:00.000+01:00

After several months the recognition process for Connect members in Regional Operations North is finally complete and their union now has recognition.

Vodafone tried to string out the process for as long as possible even though there was not a legal leg to stand on. What happens if you sit on a 3 legged chair? Well Vodafone’s has fallen over today!

Connect has already started the legal process to force recognition in Regional Operations South and is fully committed to following the same process in any other area of Vodafone where the membership is sufficiently strong.

Employee experience on the slide in SO

2007-07-18T19:59:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of the Service Operations Employee Experience Newsletter was forced into the hands of many Connect members today. Included in this was the news that employee experience index within Service Ops fell from 71% to 64%. That’s quite a dip and I would suspect if someone was deliberately working to detriment the score they would find such a result difficult to achieve!

The occasional computer games tournament in the hall way at lunch time is good (Particularly for those fortunate enough to get a lunch break) but it clearly isn’t enough to have a significant impact to many of us.

It appears that the company is committed to spending a lot of time talking about how important employee experience is but they are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets to improve the life of workers in a meaningful way.

The SO employee experience team have been approached with the suggestion that perhaps they should be engaging with Connect. After all O2 where Connect is recognised and consulted on such matters is ranked 6th in the Times best companies to work for, far higher than Vodafone. The response received was that the company felt it inappropriate to involve the union in this way. This is sad really as this is an area where Connects objectives match those that Vodafone claim to hold.

More Outsourcing at Vodafone

2007-07-16T18:23:00.000+01:00

We learned today that yet another operations team at Vodafone is to be outsourced. Interconnect Provisioning has been put up for tender and the smart money will be on Ericsson to win the contract.

It seems like the operation of Vodafone’s mobile network is been carved up like the turkey at Christmas, with the biggest losers been those at the coalface who have dedicated many years of their working lives to Vodafone.

The companies who win outsourced contracts do so because they but in the lowest tender. They do this by firstly cutting corners and delivering a lower quality service and secondly by giving displaced workers less benefits. Anyone unfortunate enough to find that Vodafone has sold on their contract of employment to a 3rd party will that their new employer soon wants to cut back on things like final salary pensions and share options.

There is some protection afforded to outsourced employees, TUPE on the face of it transfers the majority of your T & C’s but in reality the law is highly complex and as soon as you sign a new contract ceases to apply.

This is why we need to make sure that we are all members of Connect. As an individual member Connect you get all the appropriate legal advice from Connects team of employment law experts completely free of charge.

Vodafone Don't Want To Party, But We Do!!!

2007-07-15T13:33:00.000+01:00

Connect’s Vodafone branch are celebrating our successes over the past year at the Connect Summer Party which will be held in the Hogshead function room (right hand side as you go in) on Friday 27th July from 5.30 until late!!!

It’s open to all Vodafone employees, members and non-members are all welcome. We can’t promise Kylie but there will be free food, a free drink on arrival, good music and excellent entertainment.

Churchill - Vodafone/Orange joint venture

2007-07-11T23:36:00.000+01:00

So from indigo to Vorange the latest name on the cards for the Vodafone/Orange joint venture is Churchill.

That sounds like the dog that always says yes....

Our colleagues in Regional Operations have been told that there will be an announcement about the joint venture on the 20th July. This is significant been the day after the AGM, where the company is obliged to make significant announcements to the city. Traditionally the shop floor learns the finer detail,ie the stuff that effects us the next day.

RO reps are working hard organising and recruiting members and we expect that collective bargaining will be in place before any change comes to fruition. We expect Connect to be consulted and the impact to members to be minimised. But with Vodafone refusing to play ball this will only be achieved through us creating a strong trade union.

INCA to be outsourced

2007-07-10T22:31:00.000+01:00

Connect members in‍‍ INCA‍‍‍‍ have‍ been informed that their roles are to be outsourced and that the company has put out to tender the contract to provide the service which is currently under the remit of their team.

This is very significant as it represents the 1st time that one of Vodafone’s core telecoms activates will be outsourced.

Surely a global provider of telecoms services cannot be beaten in delivering the core components of a mobile telephony network? Companies outsource parts of their business when they are no longer able to manage them efficiently in house. The question that should be asked is why not? Come on Vodafone, go away and hire the suitable senior management rather than chucking out the baby with the bath water!!!‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

Vodafone seem to be a little behind the times here. Many of the UK’s biggest companies are now insourcing their core activates-bringing them back in-house. They found that those awarded outsource contracts did provide the function at a cut down cost….by cutting corners and providing a lower level of service

Connect members who are affecting by this move should contact their Connect representative, if you know anyone in the area affected please encourage them to join Connect so we can fight their corner.

Vodacom fight for recognition

2007-07-10T00:07:00.000+01:00

We still await news from the CAC about our recognition claim for Regional Operations North, although early indication is that the company has not formally requested a ballot.

You may be aware that union organising in Vodafone is not limited to the UK . CWU South Africa is also organising for recognition in the face of extreme opposition in Vodacom South Africa . This has included management opposition and intimidation of union members, including locking out of union members for wearing union t-shirts.

The Connect Vodafone branch has written the following message of solidarity, sent via the international trade union network UNI.

We are writing to you from Vodafone UK , via our trade union, Connect. We are fighting for recognition here too and believe we are on the verge of an independent voice at work in part of the UK operation.

We have heard about your struggle and are writing to express our support and solidarity. We are with you in spirit and send our best wishes to our South African colleagues. Please stay strong and remember that your fellow Vodafone employees around the world are thinking of you.

Connect Vodafone branch.

More information can be found on the CWU members blog, which includes background information about the behaviour of the company and also links to an email you can send in support of the workers. Please take a moment to look at this and support it if you can.

http://www.cwuvodacom.blogspot.com/

In The Narrowboat on Tuesday

2007-07-05T22:58:00.000+01:00

Connect members from Service Operations and other areas met in the Narrowboat last on Tuesday. As usual members shared
their experiences of life in Vodafone over a cold drink or two. Many members find these meetings useful in their work life’s as it
allows people from different parts of the business to mix, people who wouldn't normally mix.

The hot news is that there is a Connect party (If VF don't wanna party it doesn't mean we can't!) planned for the end of
July -Watch this space!!!

We also discussed ways to encourage new members into Connect. As if representation at any disciplinary or grievance procedure, £400 sick pay if you lose half or more of your wage due to ill health and upto 10% off many high
street shops wasn't enough!!!

Re-Org For Service Ops/TS

2007-07-02T20:41:00.000+01:00

Today Jenny Munday announced at a meeting of senior managers that there is to be a re-org of Service Ops and TS. Full details are not clear and will be briefed out from Wednesday.

We understand that several teams from SO and TS will be merged together under the Service Ops umbrella. There have been no indications of any redundancies as a result of this, however given the painful experience of some Connect members during previous Vodafone restructures this cannot be ruled out.

Members directly impacted by this initiative should contact their Connect organiser for further advice.

If you know anyone who has yet to join Connect then the time is now!

What Next For Regional Ops North?

2007-07-02T17:52:00.000+01:00

You will be aware that for the past few months Connect and Vodafone have been engaged in discussions about recognition for collective bargaining in Technology Regional Operations and that Connect put in a formal application for recognition when informal talks failed.

Connect learned last week that the Government’s Central Arbitration Committee has ruled that our proposed bargaining unit of Regional Operations North was viable, despite Vodafone's objections. The next stage is for the CAC to decide whether to award recognition based on high and growing Connect membership, or to hold a workplace ballot of all staff in Regional Operations North. We have today made a submission to the CAC stating that we believe our membership figures demonstrate sufficient support for collective bargaining and that therefore it is within their remit to award recognition without a ballot. Our members have clearly stated all along that they want collective bargaining and have joined the union to that end. However, so far Vodafone has been obstructive at every stage and we expect them to continue this by requesting a ballot.

Today we have also written to the company to announce our intention to seek recognition in Regional Operations South, where our membership has grown significantly, and our members have asked us to apply for recognition on their behalf. This is the first step in the process for submitting the appropriate application to the CAC.

CAC Confirms Regiona Ops North bargaining rule is viable

2007-06-30T18:38:00.000+01:00

The government’s Central Arbitration Committee has now ruled that Regional Operations North is a viable bargaining unit for recognition for collective bargaining in Vodafone.
This is a significant step in Connect’s campaign for recognition in the company. We welcome this decision which clearly supports the arguments that have been made by the union and its members in Vodafone.

The CAC now needs to determine whether the union has sufficient support for collective bargaining. The CAC can either:
· award recognition based on our strong and growing membership figures, or;
· conduct a workplace ballot, if it concludes that membership density alone does not indicate support for collective bargaining.

The announcement means that any decision will be applied to Regional Operations North. However, it will be welcomed by all members across the company as a very clear step towards achieving an independent voice for Vodafone workers.

Did you get your 4.3% today?

2007-06-28T21:26:00.000+01:00

For must of us the answer to that question will be no. Today is the day which we receive our wages with the addition of this years pay rise. It appears that this years pay rise was worth 2-3% to most of us this year.

In reality that’s no pay rise at all, in fact it’s a pay cut. Inflation (RPI) is currently running at 4.3%. Anything below that and we’re not keeping up with the cost of the the essential things we buy every day. So our fortunate colleague who received a 3% pay rise (and most have worked very hard to get this much!) will be able to buy 1.3% less stuff this year with the fruits of their 200ish days labour.

One of the main advantages of a collective bargaining unit is that by standing together we can get a much better deal. No one is asking for the kind of double digit pay rises enjoyed by Sarin and the board, but surely anyone who’s performance over the last 12 months was “Good” deserves a pay rise that at least matches inflation!!!

Connect Meeting in Newbury - Tuesday 3rd July

2007-06-28T18:05:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 3rd July 2007
5.30 onwards
The Narrowboat, London Road , Newbury RG14 2BP

Come and hear the latest news from your Connect Service Ops reps who attended Connect Conference last week. Conference gave Vodafone reps and members unanimous support for their continued recognition struggle.

Your chance to meet other Connect members, ask questions or raise issues, such as pay, performance management or anything else concerning you.

Connect Bi-Annual conference 2007

2007-06-27T22:53:00.000+01:00

Last week reps from Service Ops joined our colleagues from Regional Ops at the Connect bi-annual conference in Plymouth to form the Vodafone delegation. The warmth of the greeting from conference was amazing!
Everyone was aware of the battle for recognition currently been fought by Regional Ops and their support was gladly received.

On the first day the delegation met with Adrian Askew, Connect General Secretary, and discussed the role
played by Vodafone employed members. Adrian believes that workers in the wireless sector represent the future for Connect,
and the work done by reps and Connect organisers in green field organisations such as Vodafone is immensely important.

Over the course of the conference our reps talked to a number of our colleagues in BT and other workplaces. Everyone was
eager to share their experiences of union organising many offers of help and support were recieved

The Vodafone delegation put forward the a proposal for the conference to agree that Connect
Should continue to provide unwavering support to gaining recognition in Regional Ops and any other area
where membership is sufficiently strong. Colleagues in both T-mobile and Yell spoke in support.
Not only was the proposal passed unanimously but they received a standing ovation leaving the podium.

There was never any doubt that Vodafone members had the full support of Connect, but our delegation left certain
that we are key to the strategy of our union.

Connect Meets Vodafone at Central Arbitration Committee

2007-06-23T00:07:00.000+01:00

Today Connect met Vodafone in a formal hearing at the Central Arbitration Committee. The purpose of the hearing was to decide on whether Regional Operations North is a viable unit for collective bargaining.

Vodafone is arguing that nothing short of the whole of Regional Operations could be a viable bargaining unit. Connect, having listened to your views and your perspective on working in Vodafone, can see no good reason why collective bargaining cannot start off in Regional Operations North. Obviously, we have ambitions to extend into other areas of Regional Operations - and also into other parts of Vodafone, as we build up support. But we still believe that Regional Operations North would be a viable bargaining unit.

We hope to get a decision from the CAC panel on Friday of next week, and will let members know the situation as soon as we hear. Remember - this is only a decision about the appropriate bargaining unit, not about recognition - that will be the next stage in the statutory process, where we will have to demonstrate that there is majority support for collective bargaining within the approved bargaining unit.