The Transport and General Workers’ Union is calling for the voluntary sector
to forge a new partnership with the trade unions to overcome recruitment and
retention problems.
Jack Dromey, national organiser for the T&G, urged bosses not to short
change charity workers on pay.
He told delegates at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations
Conference: "The voluntary sector boasts a resource the private sector
would pay in spades for – a committed, motivated workforce.
"However, as the T&G would argue, in any sector – public, private
or voluntary – if you want quality delivery you need to pay for quality people.
That means no short-changing charity workers on pay.
"Many organisations have made the leap into the 21st century in terms
of service delivery and campaigning for social change. It is their
responsibility to ensure their working conditions are equally
professional."
Dromey said the Government must play a part by raising standards in the
voluntary sector by establishing a skills council.
"The voluntary sector and trade unions have a lot to gain from forging
a new partnership," he said.
"We share common values and a common purpose and we urge managers in
the voluntary sector to work with the unions to improve recruitment and
retention.
