Modernising our ways of working

[Minischoles]

Had this management briefing and raised that the words were very careful to imply nothing would be changing, while giving them plenty of wriggle room to do so.

Lots of 'we will consult with the CWU' - consult is a very different word to negotiate. They can consult with the CWU and then ignore everything they say and do what they want. consult just means they talk it over with them first - it doesn't mean actually negotiating the terms or what it maens.

Lots of 'we won't be changing terms and conditions' - well what we call 'terms and conditions' frequently aren't actually part of our contracts. They're usually part of previous agreements made, like the agenda for growth or other historical agreements.

Note how not a thing is said about that; they can make huge sweeping changes without ever changing your contract, just by removing those previous agreements that aren't contractual. I'd urge people to actually read your contract and realise just how wide things like working hours are, and how little of what we see as our jobs terms and conditions are actually in the contract.

And as for Union Reps, there was a lot of 'we're going to negotiate' but I imagine from what i've heard that the idea is to drastically reduce the number of reps - no details yet but I can't imagine anything below area rep will survive.

[walthmstowman]

Personally I would be shocked if the cma/ unite actually came out on strike, toothless to say the least.

I agree they are absolutely spineless . They are relying on us to defend their jobs .

[walthmstowman]

And yet I know people in my place who came in during the strike . One even done overtime on Saturday . Talk about turkeys voting for Christmas . A work colleague of mine read in The Times that Royal Mail have spoken about compulsory redundancies. These people who cross the picket line are effectively saying they agree with that . Unbeilable.

[Dorset Plodder]

And as for Union Reps, there was a lot of 'we're going to negotiate' but I imagine from what i've heard that the idea is to drastically reduce the number of reps no details yet but I can't imagine anything below area rep will survive.

I would think it might be the other way around. Area Reps, and I believe Unit Reps in LARGE units, are on Full Release(so they're not doing any work as far as RM are concerned) and they still get paid a wage by RM.

The majority of Smaller Unit Reps, on the other hand, are still basically Posties (with Duties to Deliver) and don't get any extra pay for their CWU roles. You couldn't really stop Units Reps from helping their colleagues with information & advice, because they're doing it for Free anyway.

[Seymour Buts]

We've heard that paid release for union reps is being axed everywhere

As it should be in fairness. If we're trying to shake the accusation that the union is outdated, hesitant to change ect then start with getting rid of stuff like this. If somebody doing full time union work, they should be paid by the union.

[Minischoles]

And as for Union Reps, there was a lot of 'we're going to negotiate' but I imagine from what i've heard that the idea is to drastically reduce the number of reps no details yet but I can't imagine anything below area rep will survive.

I would think it might be the other way around. Area Reps, and I believe Unit Reps in LARGE units, are on Full Release(so they're not doing any work as far as RM are concerned) and they still get paid a wage by RM.

The majority of Smaller Unit Reps, on the other hand, are still basically Posties (with Duties to Deliver) and don't get any extra pay for their CWU roles. You couldn't really stop Units Reps from helping their colleagues with information & advice, because they're doing it for Free anyway.

I imagine it depends on the unit size whether the rep is full time or just a postie who puts things on a notice board and is there if anyone has an issue - I know for instance in CS there's a lot of reps who are full time Union even if they're only responsible for the site they're in.

Probably depends on how hard line RM are as well - if RM come out and say 'we're not paying anyone anymore' then the Union will obviously have to think about what they can actually afford in terms of reps.

[Clappedoutpostie]

As it should be in fairness. If we're trying to shake the accusation that the union is outdated, hesitant to change ect then start with getting rid of stuff like this. If somebody doing full time union work, they should be paid by the union.

Thats a shortsighted logic. A good rep only has to sort a handful of issues out that could quickly get out of hand and their wage (if on full time release) is covered. It will cost RM a lot more in other areas if they get rid of it.

[Seymour Buts]

As it should be in fairness. If we're trying to shake the accusation that the union is outdated, hesitant to change ect then start with getting rid of stuff like this. If somebody doing full time union work, they should be paid by the union.

Thats a shortsighted logic. A good rep only has to sort a handful of issues out that could quickly get out of hand and their wage (if on full time release) is covered. It will cost RM a lot more in other areas if they get rid of it.

Such as what? If you're a union rep you're representing the interests of the workforce, not the company. It's entirely fair the union pays then, not the the company.

[guardianangel]

Quick question ,if a cwu member gets harassed or bullied or threatened with conduct can our whole office just walk out.

[Clappedoutpostie]

Such as what? If you're a union rep you're representing the interests of the workforce, not the company. It's entirely fair the union pays then, not the the company.

Such as conflict between local management and OPG which without intervention and support from a rep would probably mean OPG suffering mental health problems and being off for months.

Half of the job is being a mediator.

[BigSacks]

Be handy if we could compile a list of (sensible) questions that can be used to put these guys on the spot and show what a farce this is.

The need for this being that there will always be people in an office convinced or persuaded by this kind of bullshit-it’s why they do it.

So putting them on the spot and highlighting their contradictions and lies would be a positive for our side.

[Acca Dacca]

Be handy if we could compile a list of (sensible) questions that can be used to put these guys on the spot and show what a farce this is.

The need for this being that there will always be people in an office convinced or persuaded by this kind of bullshit-it’s why they do it.

So putting them on the spot and highlighting their contradictions and lies would be a positive for our side.

''Why are you contradicting everything that was in a letter sent from Royal Mail to our homes detailing all the changes the business wants to make including sunday working, later starts and finishing times, annualised hours and changes to the sick pay policy?''

then produce said letter

[crimson king]

And as for Union Reps, there was a lot of 'we're going to negotiate' but I imagine from what i've heard that the idea is to drastically reduce the number of reps no details yet but I can't imagine anything below area rep will survive.

I would think it might be the other way around. Area Reps, and I believe Unit Reps in LARGE units, are on Full Release(so they're not doing any work as far as RM are concerned) and they still get paid a wage by RM.

The majority of Smaller Unit Reps, on the other hand, are still basically Posties (with Duties to Deliver) and don't get any extra pay for their CWU roles. You couldn't really stop Units Reps from helping their colleagues with information & advice, because they're doing it for Free anyway.

You couldn't stop them, but you could make it very hard for them to do so. Place them on a heavy duty, deny their facility time or suddenly need their room/space used for paperwork etc for storage.

Most of us perform the role despite it being a ball ache...leaning towards total castration would, I suspect, lead to many just not bothering.

I personally think this is nothing but an all out war on the Union in order to facilitate the takeover of RM and the eventually break up from GLS. Its very much s**t or bust for us all...reps, workers and even managers (although they seem to have been blinded by silver).

These upcoming strike dates are crucial. They need everyone to stand firm and back the Union 100%. Now is not the time to start crumbling, creating division by pointing out others working days off or doing O/T or just rolling over meekly so Simon can tickle your bollocks.

We got into this fight when we voted yes and where I'm from, you get into a fight you keep going until you have nothing left to give. Literally nothing. We're not there yet, so don't just waste the sacrifices made so far.

It's time to nut up or shut up.

[k979aaa]

Modernising more like Victorian and Dickensian working practices!