Information

[dvbuk55]

On the contrary I'm quite sure that members who voted were well aware of the connotations of the ballot but the 26% who didn't vote, somewhat over 30,000 added to the 18000 non members who couldn't vote is quite a considerable "don't knows" figure for anyone taking a punt wouldn't you say?

[Danelectro]

On the contrary I'm quite sure that members who voted were well aware of the connotations of the ballot but the 26% who didn't vote, somewhat over 30,000 added to the 18000 non members who couldn't vote is quite a considerable "don't knows" figure for anyone taking a punt wouldn't you say?

aye dv but you also said on here quite a few times that the union needs to get militant and now your pointing out that 26% didnt vote like a daily mail columnist.They had the chance to vote no but didnt .IA would be backed by enough but how for how long is another story,especially for some PT members.

[borders]

On the contrary I'm quite sure that members who voted were well aware of the connotations of the ballot but the 26% who didn't vote, somewhat over 30,000 added to the 18000 non members who couldn't vote is quite a considerable "don't knows" figure for anyone taking a punt wouldn't you say?

since when did we last have a 100% turn out for a ballot ? never happens just like the Elections , there are a good percentage of people - that cant be arsed/not interested/forget /don't care etc.
p.s the non-members cant vote so they wont have an influence in the outcome of the vote , some may choose to cross the picket line , some wont.

[fishtank]

The turnout and response to the consultative ballot was impressive and will strengthen the union's hand in negotiations.It was not however an industrial action ballot and the members were well aware of that distinction.

All that can be read into the consultative ballot is that the members have decided to show overwhelming support for the union's bargaining position.Whether that would transfer directly to an industrial action ballot will only really be tested if and when we hold an industrial action ballot.

There is still a great deal of work to be done if we do go down that route and it would be foolish to think that a yes vote is already guaranteed.

[borders]

of course I understand that Fishtank , you are only repeating what Dvbuk is implying. the consultative ballot is two-fold I believe , it initially puts pressure on the powers that be and secondly it is asking if an agreement cannot be reached will the members make a sacrifice. while nothing is a given , I believe having spoke to many members at work they realise that it may come down to strike action and they are aware of this.
if you are not prepared to do something to stop Privatisation why would you say no to it in the first place ? are the Tories likely to think oh look the posties have said no to Privatisation in a consultative ballot , well that's it then what a shame ??
if its a good Pay Deal with no strings attached , then that could well circumnavigate any strike action I concede , but how much is RM prepared to give away ?

[cloherty1976]

Just a question if its a ballot for strike action do the ballot papers have to be sent direct to the members homes as I would think the reply back will be a lot lower than the last one.

[dvbuk55]

On the contrary I'm quite sure that members who voted were well aware of the connotations of the ballot but the 26% who didn't vote, somewhat over 30,000 added to the 18000 non members who couldn't vote is quite a considerable "don't knows" figure for anyone taking a punt wouldn't you say?

aye dv but you also said on here quite a few times that the union needs to get militant and now your pointing out that 26% didnt vote like a daily mail columnist.They had the chance to vote no but didnt .IA would be backed by enough but how for how long is another story,especially for some PT members.

I don't recall saying that I'm against industrial action and indeed I would welcome it BUT I don't believe that the consultative ballot was an indication the it would be an automatic shoo in on a vote. Many people on here remember only too well the outcome of the last yes vote and would want to know that this time there IS a will to see it through without any half arsed schemes and excuses that the membership weren't really up for it.

[General Mannerheim]

Hi
Been asked to become office rep by the other members is this a good time for a newbe?

Is there ever a good time?

[Danelectro]

of course I understand that Fishtank , you are only repeating what Dvbuk is implying. the consultative ballot is two-fold I believe , it initially puts pressure on the powers that be and secondly it is asking if an agreement cannot be reached will the members make a sacrifice. while nothing is a given , I believe having spoke to many members at work they realise that it may come down to strike action and they are aware of this.
if you are not prepared to do something to stop Privatisation why would you say no to it in the first place ? are the Tories likely to think oh look the posties have said no to Privatisation in a consultative ballot , well that's it then what a shame ??
if its a good Pay Deal with no strings attached , then that could well circumnavigate any strike action I concede , but how much is RM prepared to give away ?

I agree,all the members ive talked to realise that a strike is more than likely,whether that equates to 99% for a IA ballot remains to be seen but I would be surprised if theres not a substantial majority voting yes.If not then game over.

[Mr_Pink]

I'm one of the % that never voted, reason being I never received a ballot paper! My rep is never around, hasn't even introduced himself to any of the new guys at my DO, I only found out who he was after 5 weeks of being there.

[barrowc]

Just a question if its a ballot for strike action do the ballot papers have to be sent direct to the members homes as I would think the reply back will be a lot lower than the last one.

Yes it must be a postal ballot - see https://www.gov.uk/industrial-action-st ... g-a-ballot:

2. Holding a ballot

Your union must have a vote (a ‘ballot’) that’s properly organised according to legal rules.

Properly organised ballots

A ballot for industrial action must:

* be supervised by a qualified independent person (a ‘scrutineer’ - often someone from an organisation like the Electoral Reform Society) appointed by the union if over 50 members are being balloted
* be held before the union asks members to take or continue taking action
* be open to all members the union wants to take action
* be a postal ballot where members vote by marking a box on a voting paper and return it in a prepaid envelope
* include information on what the ballot is about and where to post your vote

The union must tell everyone entitled to vote how many people voted, the number of yes votes, no votes or spoiled papers as soon as it can after the ballot.

It must also give the employer one week’s notice of the start of the ballot and tell them the result as soon as possible once it’s available.

There are other rules in ‘The Code of Practice on industrial action ballots’.

[cloherty1976]

Thanks barrowc

[RTP]

So any news on the proposed pay deal?

The 7 days is up.

[Glenno]

So any news on the proposed pay deal?

The 7 days is up.

National A D R meeting today, expected to cascade down from there