Hope Construction Materials launch innovative agreement

Representatives of Hope Construction Materials were joined by union representatives to launch a pioneering agreement benefiting 200 colleagues working at Hope Works.

Hope Works is the company’s largest cement plant.

Regional Officers from the GMB and Unite Unions met Senior Hope managers and works-based National Union Representatives at the works. The meeting in Derbyshire took place to launch the Hope Partnership Agreement.

Celebrating the launch of the Hope Partnership Agreement, left to right: Neil Riley - National GMB Representative (Sales Lorry Drivers), Hope, Clive Roberts – National Logistics Manager, Hope, Helena Robinson – HR Manager, Hope, James Boot – National Unite Representative (Electrical/PC Engineer), Hope, Dave Wain – National Unite Representative (Electrical crafts), Hope, Ashley Bryan – Industrial Director, Hope, Garry Cooper – National GMB Representative (Rail Co-ordinator), Hope, Sue Boyd – Regional Officer GMB, David Jeffrey – Regional Officer Unite’ Jim Verity – HR Director, Hope

Hope Construction Materials Human Resources Director, Jim Verity commented: “Prior to Hope Works becoming part of the new Hope Construction Materials Ltd in January 2013, the works team had enjoyed the benefits of a progressive industrial relations agreement. We have taken that agreement and worked closely with our union colleagues to refresh it, improve it and make it more relevant for our business today, benefitting our works team of around 200 people.

“As well as more common employee/employer arrangements, the new Hope Partnership Agreement includes how we manage change in the business, job profiles and Hope’s company values. And now the Sales Lorry Drivers’ Agreement has been amalgamated into the partnership agreement, bringing all our cement colleagues together for the first time. This launch truly demonstrates the value that comes from constructive dialogue and a partnership approach with unions and union representatives at the works.”

Dave Wain, Hope Cement Works’ National Unite Representative, said: “HR Manager Helena Robinson and I have worked together for over 18 months, revising and modernising the original agreement - we are very proud of the new Hope Partnership Agreement and all it stands for. This forms a basis for excellent industrial relations, allowing for change and improvements to be implemented through a partnership approach which is fully inclusive of all those it represents.”

GMB Organiser Sue Wood said: "GMB welcomes the positive approach that Hope Construction Materials' management has taken, working in partnership on the development of this new updated modern agreement which will benefit our members on site."

Adapted from press release by Joseph Green

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/16062015/union-representatives-hope-construction-materials-20/