Branches responses to suspension of action

rathbonepostie · Post by **rathbonepostie** » 10 Aug 2007, 19:57

I'd be interested to hear of any branches or branch committees which discuss the suspension of the strikes, or even pass motions about it.
Having difficulty in persuading others on my branch committee to even meet, even though mjority of members think calling off the action was wrong.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:08

I wouldn't of thought it would be down to the Branches,wouldn't it of been Dave and Billys decision.

Moved to Ballot Forum.

bigsharkboy · Post by **bigsharkboy** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:11

POSTMAN wrote:I wouldn't of thought it would be down to the Branches,wouldn't it of been Dave and Billys decision.

Moved to Ballot Forum.

just to correct u postman i think it was the PEC decision not billy or dave but they would have a major input into any discussion

if im wrong i apologise in advance

Post by **POSTMAN** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:16

Oh right,so are all the branches on the PEC,how does it all work guys.

bigsharkboy · Post by **bigsharkboy** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:25

nah PEC i think is elected by the membership once or twice a year i think

branches put out there recommendations to the members in the branch i think

hey look ive had a couple of bottles of white wine and should be in bed give me a break ere

Post by **baldrick** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:54

POSTMAN wrote:Oh right,so are all the branches on the PEC,how does it all work guys.

The Postal Executive Committee is composed of 16 members from the Postal side of the CWU.
They are nominated by Branch AGM's in February.
There is a ballot of the postal membership in March/April which elects the PEC for the coming year.
The CWU website lists the PEC members for 2006/7 as: Mark Baulch , Jane Loftus, Phil Browne, Noel McClean,
Carl Maden, Lesley McClean, Peter Donaghy, Joe Malone, John Farnan, Pat O'Hara, Steve Fishwick,
Davie Robertson, Steve Jones, Bill Steel, Peter Keenlyside, and Ian Ward.
I don't know which branches they all come from, but would have been on their election addresses which are
sent to every member with their ballot paper.
I think the new PEC takes over in September, the CWU website shows this list as being correct as of September 2006.

The CWU Negotiators have to report to the PEC which can instruct them to go back and clarify/change any proposals.
The PEC would have to accept and recommend any final agreement, before the members vote on it.

Post by **POSTMAN** » 10 Aug 2007, 23:58

Cheers SM i seem to rem the elec papers sent to us,tbh i didn't take much notice

Will take more notice in future,didn't realise they were that important,which is a bit bad really.
Ta

Post by **baldrick** » 11 Aug 2007, 00:06

Yeah, unfortunately most members don't take much notice.
There is usually only about 20-25% of members who vote, which is not
too good as these people will be making a lot of decisions and
agreements on our behalf.

PS the PEC are usually Branch Secs, Area Reps, and the like - people who have been
actively involved in the CWU for many years.

johnnyp · Post by **johnnyp** » 11 Aug 2007, 08:19

Top info Seniorman

I know Carl Maden well hes from our branch and was a good rep at Nine Elms.

Post by **baldrick** » 11 Aug 2007, 08:43

This year most of the PEC members were elected with around 9-11,000 votes.
If rmc continues to grow at the present rate, it could have a significant effect on
the elections next year, if we recommend any candidates.
Usually Branch Committees make recommendations as to who to vote for, as they
know the people standing and what they have done, and how they have voted on
issues in the past.

bristolchris · Post by **bristolchris** » 11 Aug 2007, 10:54

Seniorman wrote:This year most of the PEC members were elected with around 9-11,000 votes.
If rmc continues to grow at the present rate, it could have a significant effect on
the elections next year, if we recommend any candidates.
Usually Branch Committees make recommendations as to who to vote for, as they
know the people standing and what they have done, and how they have voted on
issues in the past.

This is a very good point, and again shows how this site will influence what goes on around us.

billypants · Post by **billypants** » 11 Aug 2007, 14:06

Seniorman wrote:Yeah, unfortunately most members don't take much notice.
There is usually only about 20-25% of members who vote, which is not
too good as these people will be making a lot of decisions and
agreements on our behalf.

PS the PEC are usually Branch Secs, Area Reps, and the like - people who have been
actively involved in the CWU for many years.

problem is that most of us don't have a clue who these people are . . . . . when the ballot forms for their election comes through with all their names and promises that's the first we've heard of them and I'm not voting for someone I don't know or trust. . . . . . I'm not sure what the answer is to this problem either .

Post by **baldrick** » 11 Aug 2007, 14:53

I understand that is why most people don't vote.
I usually vote on the basis of who my Branch Committee recommends,
plus judging them as best I can from their election addresses.
It helps if I have met them or heard them speak.
My last two Branch Secretaries were on the PEC.
I have seen Mark Baulch speak at a Public Sector Workers rally (he's from SW
London Branch I think). and he seems quite good - a lot like Dave Ward.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 11 Aug 2007, 16:30

Might be worth at the next round of balloting inviting prospective PEC members on here to put their position, especially if we continue to grow at the rate we are. The switched on one are probably already looking at this site already.

Post by **baldrick** » 11 Aug 2007, 16:54

I think that would be against CWU rules which do not allow canvassing for votes.
At least nowadays we get an election address from the candidates.
When I first joined the CWU all you got was the candidate's name, branch, and
biographical details (ie positions they had held) and you had to rely totally on your
Branch's recommendation.