(Hat-tip thingy SERTUC - dirty dealings in the RHS - What is the world coming to? double click on scan for further details) I wanted to alert you to a dispute that is currently taking place within what would normally been seen as a near perfect working environment, namely the Gardens of the leading Horticultural charity,
The RHS continues to make large operating surpluses (£3.1million in 08/09 ) and yet it has decided to slash staff costs and are forcing all staff to sign new contracts which include working a 5 out of 7 day rolling working week, with no financial incentive, and many redundancies will fellow.
Despite the RHS flagship Garden at Wisley having many Unite and Prospect members the senior managers are refusing to meet with union officials and are trying to bulldoze through change with minimal consultation.
It is important to remember that these Gardeners are some of the most highly skilled practitioners within the industry while at the same time are the least well paid employees of this highly profitable charity.
Unite is currently turning this into a National campaign and I would urge you to write to : - Inga Grimsey, Director General, RHS, Vincent Square, London and register your disapproval and in particular can I encourage anyone from within Surrey to write to the local paper and express your outrage.
Can I finally ask you to send this email on through your own email networks.
(from members of the local Labour Party and Unite/GMB)
