Letter To Manpower Staff Crossing Picket Lines - 20-10-09

[Geezer]

Our Ref : TP/035/09/dw

Date: 20th October 2009

Branch Secretaries
Divisional Representatives
Regional Organisers
LGV Representatives
Area Distribution Representatives



Dear Colleague

MANPOWER STAFF CROSSING PICKET LINES

My department has for some time been in discussion with the Unite Union, who represent Manpower drivers and field staff with the aim of finding a way to limit the number of Manpower staff that cross our picket lines.

As a result of these discussions and in the hope that it will deter some Manpower workers from crossing our picket lines, Gordon Lean, the representative for Manpower in the Unite Union, has drafted the attached letter to his members. Gordon has confirmed that he is happy for this letter to be distributed by our members on picket lines during any upcoming industrial disputes and that the contents have been used during previous disputes.

I would therefore ask that you to circulate Gordon’s letter to as many of our representatives as possible for their use at any forthcoming industrial disputes we may take part in.

As always I thank you for your assistance in this matter and hope that you will find the attached of assistance.

Yours sincerely


TERRY PULLINGER
ASSISTANT SECRETARY




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Gordon Lean Letter

Unite the Union
Representative for Manpower
Secretary SE/5 Branch

19 October 2009


Colleagues

You will no doubt be aware that there is Industrial Action by Royal Mail staff nationally. You may have received calls from Manpower branch staff persuading you that you can work at Royal Mail sites during this action by the Communication Workers Union. This letter is intended to clarify the position for you.

Manpower have a National Agreement with Unite the Union and in that agreement clause 4.2 clearly states that “Manpower have a policy of not asking workers to cross a Picket Line”. This clause forms an integral part of the agreement and we are calling on Manpower to honour this agreement.

In addition to the agreement it is unlawful under present legislation for any employment agency to supply workers to replace striking workers. Under the current legislation it is possible that action may be taken against agencies that knowingly breach this legislation. The Communication Workers Union (CWU), the Union that represents Postal Workers, and Unite the Union, the Union that represents Manpower drivers and field staff, are working closely to ensure legislation is adhered to and that workers rights are not compromised.

I hope this clarifies the situation and leaves you in an informed position to decide your own action during the forthcoming Postal Workers strike. If you wish further clarification my number is 07921 706257 and my e-mail address is gordon_lean@yahoo.co.uk.

In the fight


Gordon lean


Gordon Lean
Unite the Union
Representative for Manpower
Secretary SE/5 Branch