The January branch meeting of GMB Northants Community Branch (C51) took place on Thursday the 29th January 2026 at 7pm on Zoom
Below are the summary minutes of the meeting. A full copy of the minutes are circulated to attendees and available on request from the branch secretary
A PDF file copy of the January Summary Minutes are here
A PDF file copy of the January Summary Minutes are here
GMB Northants Community Branch
Summary Branch Minutes 29th January 2026
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
- 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
| summary_minutes_290126.pdf |
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