JohnUnite, the UK’s largest union, has signed a recognition agreement for frontline workers with Leeds housing support charity Gipton Supported Independent Living (GIPSIL).
The agreement significantly improves negotiation and consultation mechanisms for pay and other employment issues for GIPSIL workers. It also secures union facilities for workplace reps.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This recognition agreement is the result of years of hard work by Unite reps at GIPSIL. Their commitment has paid off, with GIPSIL’s workers ability to achieve improved jobs, pay and conditions now much stronger.”
GIPSIL was founded in 1992 and provides housing and support services in Leeds to vulnerable young people (aged 16-25 years), including care-leavers, young parents and those at risk of homelessness.
The agreement covers everyone from housing support workers and counsellors to advice and employment workers.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “The recognition agreement boosts the ability of GIPSIL’s dedicated workers to improve their working environment for themselves and the charity’s service users. Well done to everyone involved in negotiating it.”
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