David Smith: ‘Trade unions are outdated’

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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The traditional conflict role of trade unions is outdated and no longer required in the modern world of work, according to David Smith, the former people director of Asda.

Smith, who left his post at Asda at the end of January, spoke exclusively to PM about his decision to pursue a portfolio career, and the issues he’s faced over many years in HR.


The role played by trade unions, he argued, has taken a back seat because of improvements in employment law and the increasing importance of employer branding. “Clearly unions grew out of the fact that the employer was abusing the work relationship – that was about redressing the balance of power.


“In the modern era, however, there’s a legal framework and a competitive framework, all of which are driving people to be good employers.” The future role of unions, Smith believes, will be as more of an information and advice resource than about “protecting people in the traditional sense”.


Smith’s interest in union issues goes back a long way. A veteran of personnel in the mining industry during the miners’ strike, he joined Asda in the mid-1990s to deal with its union issues.


Under the tutelage of the infamous Archie Norman and Allan Leighton, Smith’s role soon enveloped “a cultural change programme to take the business forward”. The turnaround of Asda from the verge of bankruptcy to become the UK’s second-largest retailer was all done on Smith’s watch; as was the supermarket’s accolade of the Best Big Company to Work For in the Sunday Times’ 2004 list. By 2005, however, the unions came back to bite – depot strikes and a sustained campaign by the GMB posed one of Smith’s “most difficult times”.

[norbert]

they've also been taken to court by the GMB 3 times , once regarding witholding pay rises up unless staff gave up union membership & collective bargaining in distribution depots & were fined £850,000 . The parent company Walmart " avoids " unions . Just google GMB / ASDA Industrial Relations or go to Corporate Watch .

There was also the notorious chip away idea of strategic sackings . It's subtle - ish ! but there are many similarities to RM propaganda / standard statements when you read ASDA's .

A lot of PR rhetoric , it's OK - ish until you translate the code .

[Night Tonic]

Out of step sometimes but definately not outdated, All the employment laws we have now are due largely to trade union influence. I'm no fan of the CWU or miltancy but you can't dismiss centuries of effort to improve the lives of ordinary people.

[tiredwalker]

Whatever you say about unions, imagine what our duties would be like if Rm had a free hand.

[Yahoorsur]

spoke exclusively to PM about his decision to pursue a portfolio career, 'Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha ha Ad infinitum
Would that be the same porfolio career as your big pal Al Leighton,once of this parish? now abroad and causing mayhem with the Canucks?


Smith’s interest in union issues goes back a long way. A veteran of personnel in the mining industry during the miners’ strike, he joined Asda in the mid-1990s to deal with its union issues.



David commenced his career in the Coal Industry. He has a generalist Personnel background, with experience in Recruitment, Training & Development, Remuneration and Pay Administration. He honed his Industrial Relations skills in the crucible of the Miner’s strike and subsequent restructuring of the Mining Industry in preparation for Privatisation. His career in the Industry spanned 19 years in a variety of locations and positions, where he developed a broad base of experience of the human resource problems facing leaders.

' By 2005, however, the unions came back to bite – depot strikes and a sustained campaign by the GMB posed one of Smith’s “most difficult times”.'

Aw diddums,did those nasty unions try and upset you?,what a bunch of scoundrels trying to improve working conditions,the bounders oh dear what a shame ,never mind


Oh god hagiography is alive and well.The man is a twat of the highest order,expect to see Royal Mail in his 'portfolio' any time soon.

david.smith@sfb.com

And thats his e mail address as well.

Can we get him to write a guest column on here any time soon? What about it Postman?

[BELIAL]

Titter Or to paraphrase c***

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The traditional conflict role of trade unions is outdated and no longer required in the modern world of work, according to David Smith, the former people director of Asda.

“In the modern era, however, there’s a legal framework and a competitive framework, all of which are driving people to be good employers.” The future role of unions, Smith believes, will be as more of an information and advice resource than about “protecting people in the traditional sense”.

By 2005, however, the unions came back to bite – depot strikes and a sustained campaign by the GMB posed one of Smith’s “most difficult times”.

Now I may be thick but I think the 1st and 2nd paragraphs I have quoted above are contradicted by the 3rd. If Unions were outdated and no longer required because of the current legal framework, which drivers employers to be "good" then why did the GMB cause him so many problems especially when it was voted one of the best places to work for.

Am I missing something or have I read it right and in fact he is a rabid anti union boss and the PM is a right wing bosses rag.

[norbert]

The traditional conflict role of trade unions is outdated and no longer required in the modern world of work, according to David Smith, the former people director of Asda.

“In the modern era, however, there’s a legal framework and a competitive framework, all of which are driving people to be good employers.” The future role of unions, Smith believes, will be as more of an information and advice resource than about “protecting people in the traditional sense”.

By 2005, however, the unions came back to bite – depot strikes and a sustained campaign by the GMB posed one of Smith’s “most difficult times”.

Now I may be thick but I think the 1st and 2nd paragraphs I have quoted above are contradicted by the 3rd. If Unions were outdated and no longer required because of the current legal framework, which drivers employers to be "good" then why did the GMB cause him so many problems especially when it was voted one of the best places to work for.

Am I missing something or have I read it right and in fact he is a rabid anti union boss and the PM is a right wing bosses rag.

it's the Walmart / ASDA rhetoric , you're not an employee , we're all associates - er ! yeah right ! and the Open Door Policy to take grievances up the command chain - it is American Christian Right neo - con & very anti union cr*** , as you say too many holes and contradictions