Union representatives have joined with Hope Construction Materials to launch an agreement which will bring benefits to 200 colleagues working at the Hope Works in the UK, the company said in a statement on Monday.
 
Regional Officers from the GMB and Unite Unions visited the cement works in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire to meet senior Hope managers and works-based National Union Representatives to launch the Hope Partnership Agreement. This agreement continues the cement works’ strong track record in effective and constructive union relations and in ground-breaking deals, Hope highlights.
 

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 explains:  “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, says: “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.”

Unite Regional Officer David Jeffrey adds: "Unite are pleased to support the open, constructive and fruitful employee relations that this agreement promotes."  

GMB Organiser Sue Wood says: "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."