Visit GMB online at www . gmb . org . uk
MOVE TO DIRECT DEBIT WWW . GMB . ORG . UK
Cambridge 2 branch says transferring members to direct debit is just what they needed
T he They used a combination of communication methods including : Writing to schools to be invited in
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Trade Union Bill has gone through Parliament and is now an Act . Even though the government dropped the sections that would have stopped trade unionists working in the public sector from paying their union subscriptions by check-off , branches around the country are still getting their members to switch . It makes things much easier .
“ When we were asked to start transferring members from check-off to direct debit we thought it would be a fairly simple task ,” said Lee Hillam , branch convenor at Cambridge 2 . “ However , after looking at the geographical spread and complexity of our membership we realised it would be no walk in the park .”
With more than 3,000 public sector members to transfer , the branch received support from a GMB senior officer . Together , they developed a step-by-step approach and planned meetings with members in the workplaces covered , dividing the workload .
“ Members were so pleased we took time to meet them at work ”
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Stewards in workplaces arranged workplace transfers . Sent out forms internally , and nationally with the pay ballot . Contacted members directly by phone , text and email . Gathered information on workplace meetings to arrange visits . Used Facebook , Twitter , the branch website , noticeboards and newsletters to publicise the big switch . Contacted HR and finance departments at the employers to help with the transfer of members ’ details confidentially .
When meeting members , they briefly explained the Trade Union Bill and the benefits of retaining GMB membership as well as the control and confidence they ’ d have if paying by direct debit .
Kevin Roberts , branch secretary , said : “ The results were fantastic . Members were so pleased we took the time to meet with them at work . Often , their colleagues took note of our visit and decided to join GMB themselves . While at workplaces we took the opportunity to establish new contacts , use the noticeboards , promote our Facebook and Twitter pages and give speeches on everything current .”
Cambridge 2 has now developed a database of workplace contact points including locations of noticeboards and contacts that require regular updates and visits . Lots of new members have joined and Lee and Kevin are continuing to expand the branch ’ s communications . Switching to direct debit has made things easier for members , as well .
Lee said : “ If we ’ ve learned anything then it must be to use every resource available to complete this transfer and grab this opportunity to gain new members and retain existing ones .”
SWITCH TO DIRECT DEBIT
To change your GMB subs from checkoff to direct debit , call the Region on 020 8202 8272 . Or do it online by visiting www . gmb . org . uk / switch-to-direct-debit www . gmb . org . uk 05 5