Rep negotiates 100 per cent more TU time

Published: 02 August 2012

Angela Mohamed, lead steward at Brighton University Hospitals NHS Trust, has won 100 per cent extra time to do her trade union duties in successful negotiations with her managers.

Angela, who is a member of the RCN South East Regional Board and a night sister, worked with SE officer Sue Bucksey to present a case to her bosses for the extra time to do the work within working hours.

She said, 'When I started as a steward in 2008 my manager was happy to support me in my TU work, but I ended up accruing a huge number of hours that I was unable to take as TOIL because of the financial cost to my department.

'I organised meetings with HR and the director of nursing and, with help from Sue Bucksey, presented a case that showed how valuable my work was to the trust and referenced the existing recognition agreement.

'Eventually they did see how much work I do and agreed to give me the time I needed, as well as looking into reimbursing my car parking charges.'

Patricia Marquis, SE Director, said: "This is a really good example of what you can achieve if you don't give up at the first 'no', and go into negotiations well-prepared.

"We are proud of both Angela and Sue.'