The second postal ballot will open on 21 October 2004. The closing date for returned ballot papers to the Electoral Reform Services is 11 November 2004. The ballot decision will be announced on 12 November 2004.
All Amicus members employed by the NHS should receive a ballot paper, including members working for ‘arms length’ organisations e.g. National Blood Service. Former members whose contributions have lapsed will not be entitled to vote.
Newly recruited members will receive ballot papers. This will include those who join up to and including 15 October 2004. However Reps/Stewards should note that this can only be guaranteed if the new membership application forms are used and are sent as requested to Amicus Membership Services, Hayes Court, West Common Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 7AU to arrive no later than Friday 15 October. Membership application forms are available from your Amicus Regional Office or an electronic version can be downloaded from www.amicustheunion.org
From 11 November 2004 there will be an Amicus helpline to deal with queries concerning the administration of the ballot. The number to call will be 0845 8504242. Members who have not received ballot papers should contact the helpline.
Accompanying the ballot paper will be an Amicus publication that aims to provide an overview of Agenda for Change following the review discussions and will include details of the Amicus survey of Early Implementer sites.
The Health Sector National Committee decided yesterday that Amicus members will be consulted by a third postal ballot on the new proposals on unsocial hours before the proposed implementation date of a new agreement in April 2006. Discussions on unsocial hours will resume in October 2005.