Debate about media presenatation of union leadership.

Post by **stephen500** » 05 Oct 2007, 20:23

Now on another topic some body suggested that Billy Hayes was not our best spokesman. For me i have not heard enough of the man to give judgement. But here is some thing to think about and a practical solution.
Not every one in a union has the same skills. For all i know Billy Hayes or any other person leading our union may have fantastic bargaining skills but completly lack media ones.
So perhaps the union, if some feel that some leaders are inadequate in presentational skills, could either consider media coaching for leaders or have a media spokeman.
A bad example would be the boss of Harrods, he has a media spokeman (who i happen to believe is not that good!)
We hire a media spokeman, some one used to being in front of the camera who puts across a clear message. Then leave the union leaders, who we hope are good at bargaining, to get on with what they do best!

ulster postie · Post by **ulster postie** » 05 Oct 2007, 20:29

GOOD IDEA M8 HOPE BILLY IS READING THIS

BELIAL · Post by **BELIAL** » 05 Oct 2007, 21:00

You also have to make allowances for editing/distortion, with little effort you could edit one of Tommo's posts to make him appear a staunch supporter of Crozier.

Post by **dvbuk55** » 05 Oct 2007, 21:02

ulster postie wrote:GOOD IDEA M8 HOPE BILLY IS READING THIS

Should be OK the letters aren't joined up!

bigsharkboy · Post by **bigsharkboy** » 05 Oct 2007, 21:04

i have to agree with the original post his interview on bbc was dire but have seen him speak at conference a number of times and seen him speak on tv before on other subjects and he wasnt this bad maybe he was having a bad day

or was a bit under the weather

Post by **POSTMAN** » 05 Oct 2007, 22:00

BELIAL wrote:You also have to make allowances for editing/distortion, with little effort you could edit one of Tommo's posts to make him appear a staunch supporter of Crozier.

sol · Post by **sol** » 05 Oct 2007, 22:02

Unfortunately the union has failed to get across the fact that the union is not just defending the working conditions of the members but the public service as well. The problem with Billy is that the union strategy was to have an alliance with the management to 'win in the market place'. But the only way RM can 'win' (be profitable) it to cut jobs and drive up the exploitation of the workforce.

At the same time it is clear now that the company has decided to attempt to break the power of the union in the workplace. Billy and co are wasting their time appealing to management to 'see sense'. It's a make or break strike.
It must have been pretty sickening for CWU members to see Billy thanking the government for not privatising RM. This was stupid/sycophantic. They don't need to privatise RM, they are privatising the work instead!

The USO can't be defended in a competitive market. That's why the union should campaign against liberalisation and link up with the European postal workers since there is an unresolved debate over how the USO can be preserved.