General Secretary news
As we enter the final quarter of another year marked by unprecedented change within Santander, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we are and what lies ahead for all of us as Advance Union members.
Navigating Bank Changes & Site Strategy
The recent acquisition of TSB and the subsequent integration of the two businesses will undoubtedly raise questions and speculation regarding the Bank’s future direction. This is particularly true when it comes to site strategy—an area where the bank has been very open about up to now.
I will be meeting with Mahesh in November, and during this meeting, I intend to directly address a number of specific concerns that you, our members, have raised regarding the future of our sites.
We cannot discuss site strategy without referencing the recent TUPE announcement impacting our members in Teesside and Newcastle. Our opposition to outsourcing remains as strong as ever. However, our primary focus now must be on how we can best support and guide our members and colleagues through this journey.
Your Voice, Pay Ballots, and Rep Elections
Your voice is the foundation of everything we do. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent surveys. We are your voice at work, and we are committed to making it as easy as possible for you to be heard.
Never is that voice more critical than when we discuss pay. We will once again be balloting members on pay, which we expect to take place in January. Please keep in mind:
- Eligibility: You must be an active member in the affected areas of the bank to vote.
- Spread the Word: If you have colleagues who are not yet members, remind them that they must sign up by the end of December to have their say.
- Starter For 10: Don’t forget that under our Starter For 10 campaign, you can earn £10 for every new member you recruit!
Union Rep elections
Additionally, our Union Rep elections remain open until November 30th. Becoming an Advance Union Rep is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, build your network, and offer direct support to colleagues in your Business Area. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please click on the link below.
TUC Congress & Sector Solidarity
In other news, Advance Union recently sent a delegation to the TUC Congress in Brighton. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow trade unionists—not only within financial services but across the broader movement—and to gain insight into the shared challenges facing workers everywhere.
I was personally delighted to speak on Motion 70: The Future of Financial Services, lending our collective voice to the wider concerns impacting our sector.
While in Brighton, we were also proud to stand alongside our brothers and sisters in the UCU, whose recognition at Brighton University is currently under threat. Demonstrating solidarity in this way reinforces the core strength of our shared movement.
Looking Ahead: Growing Our Union
Finally, as we look to the future, we have an active job advert open for a new role designed to help expand and grow Advance Union. This role will focus on helping us establish collective agreements in other businesses and leveraging the new Employment Rights Act (ERA) legislation to full effect.
Full details for this position can be found on the TUC website.
Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and engagement as we navigate these changes together.
Jim Leonard
General Secretary, Advance Union
