Minutes of the Previous Meeting (29 January 2026)
The minutes of the previous branch meeting were circulated prior to the meeting.
Decision:
The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Matters Arising
No additional matters arising were raised that were not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

Correspondence
The Branch Secretary reported that a significant amount of correspondence had been received since the previous meeting.

Key items included:
• Communications from various Labour Party constituency organisations across the region.
• Information regarding East Midlands Labour Party conferences, including events discussing the Living Wage.
• A request for support from Corby Pride organisers.
• Updates relating to the Employment Rights Bill and trade union matters circulated by regional officials.
• Information regarding Health and Safety Forum meetings scheduled for March.
• Communications relating to GMB vacancies and trade union educational opportunities.
• Notification of the Chainmakers Festival scheduled for 27 June.
• Invitations and updates relating to Wortley Hall events and trade union cultural activities.

The branch also received a letter from a member thanking the union for support provided in a workplace matter.

Funding Request
A request for financial support was received from Corby Pride, with organisers seeking sponsorship funding.
Proposal:
The branch provide £200 financial support to Corby Pride.
Proposed: Alan 
Seconded: Neil
Decision:
The motion was carried.
Secretary’s Report
The Branch Secretary provided updates on several key issues.
Workers Memorial Day 2026
• Ongoing discussions have been taking place with local council representatives regarding arrangements.
• Confirmation for the event has been requested in writing from the council.
• Preparations for a theatrical performance linked to the event are continuing, including discussions with the production team and cast.
• The local MP has indicated an interest in attending and speaking.
General Secretary Election
Members discussed the upcoming GMB General Secretary election.
• Currently there appears to be only one candidate who has passed the formal nomination process.
• Two other applicants reportedly appealed decisions not to proceed but were unsuccessful.
• Members expressed concern that there is only one candidate in such a large union, and that a broader democratic contest would be preferable.
Discussion took place regarding whether the branch should nominate the candidate.
Decision:
The branch will review the correspondence and consider the matter further, with a possible decision to be taken at the March meeting.

Retired Members
Concerns were raised regarding retired members being removed from membership lists due to non-payment of the new retired member contribution (£13.10).
Issues discussed included:
• Some long-standing members being advised they were no longer members when attempting to pay their contribution.
• Reports suggesting this issue is occurring nationally across the union.
• The Branch Secretary had contacted the membership department to resolve specific cases.
Members were encouraged to remind retired members to ensure their membership is maintained.
The matter will be raised at the upcoming Retired Members Meeting in Leicester.

Union Line / PM Law
Members were informed that the law firm PM Law, linked to union legal services, had reportedly entered bankruptcy.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available

Digital Communications Officer Report
a) Website activity (GA4) for last 30 days: we had 1,053 (-83) website visits (sessions) by 1,012 (-83) people (users)
b) News Items Added to Website: A DISGRACEFUL BETRAYAL OF WASPI WOMEN , GMB Northants Retired members , Midlands Pride Events 2026 , Summary Minutes of Branch Meeting 290126 , February 2026 GMB Northants Branch Meeting
c) The Retired Members Email Newsletter was sent out on Friday 20th February to 97 members (October members list) and has been opened by 29 members, a 30% opening rate
d) The February Email Newsletter was sent out on Saturday 21st February to 1797 members (December members list) and has been opened by 478 members, a 26.7% opening rate
e) X / Twitter: 793 (+0) Followers.  Facebook: 512 (-1) Followers. Last 28 days: Posts Views 275 (+120%) seen (reach) by 69 (+130%) people. . YouTube: 58 (+0) Subscribers.  Last 28 days- views: 36 (-25)

Equality Officer’s Report
Members discussed attendance at the Regional Equalities Conference.
It was noted that retired members currently do not have representation within that conference structure.
The matter may be raised at regional level.
Regional Organiser’s Report
Updates were provided regarding national union matters, including the General Secretary election and developments affecting union services.
Health & Safety and Education Report
Members were reminded of an upcoming Health and Safety Forum meeting scheduled for March.

Political Reports
Updates included:
• Political engagement with local Labour Party organisations.
• Campaign activities and conferences across the region.

Any Other Business
The following matters were raised:
• The branch will promote the attendance of a guest speaker at the March meeting.
• Members discussed broader concerns about democratic engagement within the union.

Date of Next Meeting
Thursday 26 March 2026 (via Zoom).

​The next meeting of the GMB Northants Community Branch is on Thursday the 26th February 2026 at 7pm on Zoom.

​The Zoom meeting link will be on our WhatsApp Group, the monthly email newsletter and available on request from our Branch Secretary.

​Minutes of Previous Meeting (27th November 2025)
- Minutes were agreed as a true record.

Matters Arising
There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

Correspondence
a) The Secretary reported a significant volume of correspondence, including:
b) Member requests for assistance via email and telephone
c) Information regarding the Regional Equalities Conference on 20th February
d) Communications from local Labour Party organisations regarding campaigns and events
e) Regional and national communications including vacancies, campaigns, and union matters
f) Correspondence regarding retired members’ membership changes.

Secretary’s Report
a) Met with Toxic Town campaigners.
b) Planning Workers Memorial Day 2026 (play proposal).
c) Working with Community Union on education matters.
d)  Poem 'Steel In Their Blood' published as video and streaming on YouTube.
e) Branch Development Plan 2026
f) The Branch Development Plan has been completed and submitted. The focus remains on workplace engagement, recruitment, and strengthening communication with workplace representatives.
g) Special Payments 2026
-Concerns were raised regarding workplace representatives who are not engaging with the branch. Guidance is being sought from the regional office before any decisions are made regarding future honorarium payments.
h) Workers Memorial Day 2026
-Plans are underway to mark Workers Memorial Day, including a proposed performance of a short play titled “The Last Shift.” Discussions are ongoing with the council regarding the use of the council chamber as a venue. Alternative venues will be considered if necessary.
i) Retired Members Association
a) It was reported that retired members must now pay an annual membership fee of £13.10 to remain in compliance. Concerns were raised about a significant reduction in retired membership due to lack of awareness. The Secretary will raise the issue with the Retired Members Association and regional contacts.

President’s Report
- The President reported receipt of regional committee reports and political updates from local CLPs.
Issues discussed included:
a) Car parking charges
b) Empty retail properties
c) Ongoing political engagement.

Digital Communications
a) Website activity (GA4) for last 30 days: we had 1,136 (-843) website visits (sessions) by 1095 (-840) people (users)
b) News Items Added to Website:
c) Steel in their blood Song Inside TUC Safety Connect 2025 In Leeds Summary Minutes of Branch Meeting 271125 Food Bank report Branch Secretary New Year Address 2026 2026 GMB Northants Branch Meeting Dates January 2026 GMB Northants Branch Meeting
d) WhatsApp Group has 49 (-1) members
e)The New Year Message Email Newsletter was sent out on Tuesday 23rd December to 1814 members (November members list) and has been opened by 499 members, a 27.5% opening rate
f) The January Email Newsletter was sent out on Saturday 24th January to 1800 members (December members list) and has been opened by 519 members, a 28.9% opening rate
g) X / Twitter: 793 (-3) Followers.
h) Facebook: 513 (-3) Followers. Last 28 days: Posts Views 112 (-79.3%) seen (reach) by 29 (-88%) people.
i) YouTube: 58 (+4) Subscribers. Last 28 days- views: 61 135 (-74) Latest Content: Inside TUC Safety Connect 2025 In Leeds – 118 Views

Equality Officer’s Report
The Equality Officer reported ongoing engagement with equalities matters and support for raising retired membership concerns at regional and national level.

Youth Officer Report
Members from union members in general, expressing disappointment with Unionline. Asked about review. NHS pay review also raised.

Regional Organiser’s Report
Apologies were received from the Regional Organiser, who continues to be very busy. 

Accompanying Reps Report
The Secretary reported continued high demand for representation and member support.

Workplace & Other Reports
Reports were received. 

Political Reports
Updates were received relating to Labour Party activities, campaigns, and local political engagement.

Any Other Business
Concerns regarding communication with retired members were discussed. Members were encouraged to ensure their membership status is up to date.

Date of Next Meeting
Next meeting: 26th February 2026 at 7pm on Zoom