MOTION 46 CWU GENERAL CONFERENCE 2011

[POSTMAN]

19 March 2012
12LTB187 - Motion 46 CWU General Conference 2011

No LTB187/12
Ref: TK/SN/PM
Date: 19/03/2012





To: All Branches



MOTION 46 CWU GENERAL CONFERENCE 2011



Motion 46 carried at CWU General Conference 2011 read as follows.



“This Conference instructs the National Executive Council to undertake a review of all aspects of the current Branch rebate system.



Such a review will examine the rebates required to maintain and improve all aspects of Branch representation of its membership, and take into account all aspects of Branch expenditure within the CWU.



The NEC is further instructed to seek the views of Branches within the review and to produce a report to branches by no later than 31st January 2012”





LTB 960/11 was sent to all Branches on the 14.11.11. This sought views, to arrive by the 21st December 2011.



If we accept that in order to gain a thorough view of how Branches view the issue, particularly in relation to the second paragraph of the motion, then branch views are obviously essential.



Out of 143 Branches within the CWU we received only 12 replies.



In addition to their being a low return from Branches there were no responses received from branches within 3 CWU Regions. Given the complexity of the issues involved around branch rebates then such a return can not be considered as providing enough information which the NEC could rely upon, to any great extent, to form a clear view going forward that was representative in any particular way.



The FOS and the NEC considered how best to respond to the situation given that the part of the motion that calls upon the NEC to seek Branch views has been activated but achieved a poor response.



Obviously there were a number of different approaches that the NEC could have taken but they determined that a review is still necessary given the terms of the motion and have laid out an approach that attempts to move this issue forward. The NEC has taken the view that we begin to undertake a more detailed and different approach to the one we have thus far. The approach they have agreed we should adopt is as follows.



WORKING GROUP



A working group is set up to produce a report with specific recommendations to the FOS and the NEC. The review group to be in situ for a period of no more than 6months, 1st April 2012 – 31st October 2012.



The review group to consist of the Senior Deputy General Secretary, President, Vice- President, the CWU Trustees, 1 Regional Secretary and 5 representatives from Branches. This is a maximum of 13, however as we know from experience we are unlikely to have maximum attendance at meetings called.



We write again to all Branches seeking views again, this time stressing the importance of the need for a reply.



That representatives of the working group visit or invite selected Branches to meet/interview to discuss particular specific issues that we know to be pertinent e.g. large Branch/small geography, small Branch /large geography, Branches with own premises and issues associated, Branches totally reliant on employer facilities, Branches with a high density of members in core/recognised employers, Branches with larger densities in none core/recognised. This list is not exhaustive but is intended to cover all common make up of Branches.



That the SDGS draw up a comprehensive document based on Branch returns, of rebates paid to Branches, Branch expenditure and Branch bank balances. This to be used to inform the above discussions.



That the review group produce a report with recommendations on the future approach to Branch rebates that will go before the FOS and following that the December 2012 NEC, this will allow it to be published to Branches in time for the consideration of motions to General Conference 2013.



Therefore in adopting this course of action we seek Branch responses as follows.



A written response to the impact the current Branch rebate system has on the Branch ability to operate effectively. In line with the request made in LTB 960/11. In order for the working group to consider such responses they would need to be forwarded to the Senior Deputy General Secretary by no later than Monday 30th April 2012.



That Branches can nominate an individual to take part in the working group. It is essential that individuals have full knowledge of the current rebate system and branch expenditure issues. Nominations should be made to the Senior Deputy General Secretary at sdgs@cwu.org by no later than 31 March 2012.



We will write separately to the Regional Secretaries seeking a volunteer.



The NEC are determined to carry out a full review of the rebate system. However in order to do this and for it to be meaningful the assistance of Branches is essential as laid out in the terms of the original motion.



Whatever conclusion that is formed, be it staying as we are through to wholesale changes of less or more rebate, needs to be taken on an informed basis. This can only happen with Branch involvement, hence the repeat request for Branch responses and a call for volunteers to assist with the working group.



Any queries should be forwarded to the Tony Kearns, Senior Deputy General Secretary either in writing to SDGS Dept, 150 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1RX or to sdgs@cwu.org (NB:- for operational reasons letters addressed differently or emails sent to any other email address will not be included).



Yours sincerely



Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary

[POSTMAN]

Out of 143 Branches within the CWU we received only 12 replies.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Out of 143 Branches within the CWU we received only 12 replies.

Not bad to be honest seeing as HQ gave them only 5 weeks and in the busiest time of the year

[POSTMAN]

Out of 143 Branches within the CWU we received only 12 replies.

Not bad to be honest seeing as HQ gave them only 5 weeks and in the busiest time of the year

Yep just clocked that tbf,I though I rememberd the LTB ages ago...

LTB 960/11 was sent to all Branches on the 14.11.11. This sought views, to arrive by the 21st December 2011.

[dvbuk55]

Why would the Branch officers be busy at Xmas?

There seems to be some effort to curb branch spending but HQ spending............maybe it would be better to ask branch officers how they think HQ could save money, bet they would have got more than 12 responses.

[BELIAL]

If that doesn't tell you something

[Red Robbo]

Why would the Branch officers be busy at Xmas?.

Writing Christmas Cards, attending parties, wrapping up Secret Santa presents, baking mince pies,drawing lots who's going to dress up as Santa Claus and if any time left enjoy the festive season.

[dvbuk55]

Why would the Branch officers be busy at Xmas?.

Writing Christmas Cards, attending parties, wrapping up Secret Santa presents, baking mince pies,drawing lots who's going to dress up as Santa Claus and if any time left enjoy the festive season.

Stupid me, of course..............all the things we don't have time for at christmas.