What have we learned?

[Subman]

1. We have learned that we were wrong to hope or even expect that our employer would enter the pay negotiations with an understanding or a degree of empathy towards the hardship that many are experiencing at this time.

2.We have learned that their pay offer was designed not as an initial offer and part of a process of meaningful negotiations but as the first step in a plan to widen and intensify the dispute as part of their strategy to "attack" or "tackle" the CWU, and the terms and conditions of the employees it represents.

3.We have learned that the need to get involved in "distasteful" and disingenuous words and actions in the process of running his business and achieving his version of success, only reveals the CEO's significant character failings. Success at any price is not success.

We also know that while there is no money for a reasonable pay offer, there is always money for dividends, there is money for vouchers and attendance incentives for managers. We know that 5 minutes after a settlement is made we will be going to work in our spanking new uniforms, new electric vans will be rolling into the yards and money will be miraculously found for a large number of management projects.

[Dorset Plodder]

Yep we all live and learn Subman .... Normally the hard way!

[datasaint]

It does surprise me how the announcement of the 19 days strike action hasn't really changed sentiment with the company.

I think they are resolute this time, the whole thing has been orchestrated by them, goading the union into striking with executive action and holding an uncompromising approach in negotiations.

I genuinely think this isn't going to end well from the workers perspective, ultimately if the business is loss making, which it will be if strike action continues, then radical changes will be implemented, and the union will be powerless to stop it. The reality is if compulsory redundancy was on the table how many would sacrifice their job for an increase in pay with no changes?

I think this is where it's ultimately heading, the company gets taken over, everyone is fired and rehired under new T&C's. Royal Mail UK gets split from GLS and ParcelForce and operates by itself for a length of time and continues to be loss making. As a result the company asks the government to drop the USO by 1 day to keep it viable, potential for job losses. Later on parts of the business that can be operated cheaper will, like the franchising of delivery, closing down of smaller offices in favour of bigger centralised offices. Franchising out the logistics side to contractors. Closing surplus processing operations in mail centres.

The potential for cost savings with this company are in effect huge, and that will all translate to profit for the shareholders and that's what they are going after now.

[daveyeff]

RM wont be getting ANY of the things they want unless the workforce is on board. They need to realise this and get Thompson out and put someone in who has people skills.

[norris9]

-We have learnt that Thompson is disingenuous, cannot be trusted, therefore cannot lead this company forward. He has failed on so many things.

Thompson has made enough money here. Does he want to be the guy who tears up Royal Mail, the guy who costs thousands of people their jobs....or is he more interested in making money for himself and simply enjoys being the face of corporate greed.

[SpacePhoenix]

Closing surplus processing operations in mail centres.

That would require new build MCs, as it's doubtful that any current MC has the capacity to absorb the work of another MC

[clashcityrocker]

RM wont be getting ANY of the things they want unless the workforce is on board. They need to realise this and get Thompson out and put someone in who has people skills.

Like who?
This obsession with people doesn't really get us anywhere.
Let's get rid of Rico. And then what happened?
If we get rid of Thompson then what happens?

[LaggyBand]

I think if unite got on board too then we’ve got a chance of sorting it out.

[datasaint]

Closing surplus processing operations in mail centres.

That would require new build MCs, as it's doubtful that any current MC has the capacity to absorb the work of another MC

That's precisely what they've done with the superhubs. Admittedly only the parcel side of it, but I'm sure Ietters can be dealt with differently moving forwards.

[SpacePhoenix]

Closing surplus processing operations in mail centres.

That would require new build MCs, as it's doubtful that any current MC has the capacity to absorb the work of another MC

That's precisely what they've done with the superhubs. Admittedly only the parcel side of it, but I'm sure Ietters can be dealt with differently moving forwards.

Probably new builds with machines capable of sorting and sequencing all flats and letters together and maybe even D2Ds as well

[Subman]

Changing the relationship that the company has with the CWU is at the centre of the CEO's plans. We can already see from his actions and his words that he views the CWU as an organisation that he consults with but does not negotiate with. His attitude to introducing annualised hours,flexi working, later starts and new performance standards, will not involve negotiating with the CWU, it will be more,this is what I have decided and telling you is as much consultation as I think is necessary.

The CEO has not been involved in any meaningful negotiations with the union, his only real contribution being to make things worse by serving notice on the Union that he was tearing up previous agreements. This unwillingness to get involved in discussions at the highest level with the CWU is in keeping with his intention to consult and not negotiate with the Union. This is a very disappointing and unprofessional approach from the CEO of a major company.

Only, after the CWU highlighted in the media the fact that he would not meet with them does he finally agree to attend a meeting. Again, after this meeting we can see from his comments that instead of showing a genuine interest in solving the dispute and working with the CWU, he was more interested in making dismissive remarks about the CWU proposals.

You see our CEO is perfect, he knows the business inside out,he has so much experience, he has all the solutions, nobody outside his team
and maybe nobody in his team has a contribution to make, After all, it is his business to run.

[gary1975]

Realistically how long is Thompson’s position tenable? He must have the full backing of the board? I do also think managers and unite need to jump on board with this dispute,as Thompson’s end game is the break up of the company which will effect them just as much as us.

[daveyeff]

RM wont be getting ANY of the things they want unless the workforce is on board. They need to realise this and get Thompson out and put someone in who has people skills.

Like who?
This obsession with people doesn't really get us anywhere.
Let's get rid of Rico. And then what happened?
If we get rid of Thompson then what happens?

Well this is why i'm saying RM need to "realise" clash. They need to realise getting people in of the rico and thompson calibre will not work. They need to come to a realisation that if they put someone in who is good with people....understands them and preferrable knows this business to a good degree, then that is the way forward. But as you say "who"?. is anybodys guess. Just not the current styles theyve had in recently.

[daveyeff]

They are like football managers...they come in....turn the "team" to s**t...f**k the club, then move on with a big pay off and a pat on the f***ing back. Its complete madness.

[scoobydo79]

What have We learned? Never trust a CEO
“Meet the new boss same as the old boss”