The October branch meeting of GMB Northants Community Branch (C51) took place on Thursday the 30th October 2025 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 October Summary Minutes are here
GMB Northants Community Branch Minutes 30th October 2025
Secretary, Alan Irwin
Minutes of Previous Meeting, 25th September 2025
Minutes from 25th September were approved as a true record.
Matter Arising
Standing order for Read Easy Corby & Kettering now active after initial bank detail issues.
£100 donations to local food banks to be sent early December as agreed previously.
Correspondence
High volume of correspondence (~60–70 items). Key points:
-TUC Union Reps Connect workshops on AI, equality, health & safety.
- Regional Health & Safety Conference (4 Nov, Halesowen).
- Labour By-Election in Corby – outcome discussed later.
- Bridget Phillipson confirmed as GMB Deputy Leader.
- Retired Members Fees: Annual fee £13.05; uptake uncertain.
- Merchandise ordered; website updated.
- Q2 Audit completed and submitted.
Secretary’s Report
Addressed South Northants CLP on branch activity.
Attended Retired Members Conference with Jackie; two successful motions passed:
- Combating Pension Poverty
- Healthcare in Retirement
Discussed need for strong campaign on retired members’ subscriptions.
Presidents Report
Attended Retired Members Conference — praised Alan’s speeches and positive reception.
Attended Black History 60 Years On event with Jacqueline Burnett-Pitt and Wes Streeting MP.
Encouraged members to attend future events.
Digital Communications
Website: 364 visits this month.
Added Midlands education programme and Retired Members Conference speeches.
Newsletter: Sent to 1,840 members (820 opened).
YouTube: +6 subscribers (52 total), 76 monthly views.
Zoom Subscription Renewed (£156).
Endorsed and approved Neil “Inside TUC Connect” video for publication.
Equality Report
Focus on equality under RMA and race-related events.
Attended Black History Month; noted concerns over rise of far-right sentiment.
Preparing for TUC Women’s Conference.
Mentioned leadership tensions following retired members’ fee vote.
Regional Organiser’s Report
Rachelle presented a comprehensive and detailed report on the following:
a) Matalan
b) St Andrews Health Care
c) North Northants Council (NNC)
d) ASDA
e) Schools
f) Representation of branch members.
The Chair thanked Rachelle for her report.
Accompanying Reps Report
15 new member cases this month; mainly advisory but expected to increase with St Andrews issues.
Workplace & Health & Safety Report
Attended Union Reps Connect (Birmingham NEC).
Produced branch video; discussed workshops on equality, disability, and bullying.
Upcoming Health & Safety Forum (4 Nov) and workplace inspection (25 Nov).
Reported HR issues and restructures within Asda.
Political Reports
Recent local byelection report
Reform UK retained a historically Labour seat (Reform 754, Labour 635, Green 371).
Supported by Wellingborough CLP. Disappointing but well-campaigned.
Election of Congress Delegate 2025
Pat elected.
Next Meeting
Date: Thursday the 27th November 2025 at 7pm on Zoom
Minutes from 25th September were approved as a true record.
Matter Arising
Standing order for Read Easy Corby & Kettering now active after initial bank detail issues.
£100 donations to local food banks to be sent early December as agreed previously.
Correspondence
High volume of correspondence (~60–70 items). Key points:
-TUC Union Reps Connect workshops on AI, equality, health & safety.
- Regional Health & Safety Conference (4 Nov, Halesowen).
- Labour By-Election in Corby – outcome discussed later.
- Bridget Phillipson confirmed as GMB Deputy Leader.
- Retired Members Fees: Annual fee £13.05; uptake uncertain.
- Merchandise ordered; website updated.
- Q2 Audit completed and submitted.
Secretary’s Report
Addressed South Northants CLP on branch activity.
Attended Retired Members Conference with Jackie; two successful motions passed:
- Combating Pension Poverty
- Healthcare in Retirement
Discussed need for strong campaign on retired members’ subscriptions.
Presidents Report
Attended Retired Members Conference — praised Alan’s speeches and positive reception.
Attended Black History 60 Years On event with Jacqueline Burnett-Pitt and Wes Streeting MP.
Encouraged members to attend future events.
Digital Communications
Website: 364 visits this month.
Added Midlands education programme and Retired Members Conference speeches.
Newsletter: Sent to 1,840 members (820 opened).
YouTube: +6 subscribers (52 total), 76 monthly views.
Zoom Subscription Renewed (£156).
Endorsed and approved Neil “Inside TUC Connect” video for publication.
Equality Report
Focus on equality under RMA and race-related events.
Attended Black History Month; noted concerns over rise of far-right sentiment.
Preparing for TUC Women’s Conference.
Mentioned leadership tensions following retired members’ fee vote.
Regional Organiser’s Report
Rachelle presented a comprehensive and detailed report on the following:
a) Matalan
b) St Andrews Health Care
c) North Northants Council (NNC)
d) ASDA
e) Schools
f) Representation of branch members.
The Chair thanked Rachelle for her report.
Accompanying Reps Report
15 new member cases this month; mainly advisory but expected to increase with St Andrews issues.
Workplace & Health & Safety Report
Attended Union Reps Connect (Birmingham NEC).
Produced branch video; discussed workshops on equality, disability, and bullying.
Upcoming Health & Safety Forum (4 Nov) and workplace inspection (25 Nov).
Reported HR issues and restructures within Asda.
Political Reports
Recent local byelection report
Reform UK retained a historically Labour seat (Reform 754, Labour 635, Green 371).
Supported by Wellingborough CLP. Disappointing but well-campaigned.
Election of Congress Delegate 2025
Pat elected.
Next Meeting
Date: Thursday the 27th November 2025 at 7pm on Zoom
| summary_minutes_301025.pdf |
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