The Future of Full Time Release Reps after Privatisation

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I was answering a post in Blue Shirts and a musing crossed my mind.

Under Privatisation Management grades would seem to be the most under pressure, but what about FTR reps whats going to happen to them. Will the number be reduced, will the system of payment be under threat. What changes would members envision to the organisation and hierarchy of the CWU if we don't defeat privatisation.

Also would members be prepared to take action if the Union felt that any of these changes were unacceptable. To be clear not talking about derecognition, but you can if you want.

[clashcityrocker]

The FTR reps will be f****d.......along with the rest of us.

[74tower]

Get them back onto deliveries , when the walks are made bigger we will need all the help we can get ,they may even do a couple of loops before collapsing with exhaustion

[fishtank]

Privatisation will undoubtedly lead to more pressure on facility time.
It has on all of the privatised companies so far,there is no reason to believe Royal Mail will be any different.

The union would have to change structure accordingly by reducing and merging branches although there is already an argument that it should be looking to do this.

How HQ deals with it's size and excess would be interesting.
Would those paid directly by the union be more or less important if the whole paid release structure had to be slimmed down?

[123456]

oooohhhh!!! this is gonna hurt..back to life,back to reality

[fishtank]

If you read the SPECIAL REPORT TO THE CWU POSTAL POLICY FORUM http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 38&t=53759" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It does lay out as one of it's conditions....

• The CWU would continue to be the recognised Trade Union and all existing facilities arrangements would remain in place.

[Martin Walsh]

It depends on what agreement is reached. British Telecom Reps have more release then postal Branch's but less disputes.

[theboropostie]

So are you saying that the BT privatisation has been a success then?

I have a mate who works for British Gas and thinks its loads better since privatised...

[Martin Walsh]

No I am not but the BT strategy has been to agree release for reps over and above those enjoyed by those who work in Royal Mail. This has probably been done due to the fact that they have not had any disputes in recent years , lots of threats but no action.

[fishtank]

It depends on what agreement is reached. British Telecom Reps have more release then postal Branch's but less disputes.

But there are fewer of them.
Of course part of the reason for that is that there are fewer members left in BT mostly due to privatisation and outsourcing to the likes of Fujitsu.
I wouldn't want to get into how the CWU represents BT employees,it's a contentious issue depending on who you talk to.

[noggin1969]

Facility time will go , union leave will go , union rooms will go , in fact anything that keeps the private owners from turning a huge profit will go. Hello to a few blue eyed boys on a appointed works council good bye CWU .