SKY SOURCES

[smokerjim]

Would it not be a good idea to announce publically that the union will continue the series of one day strikes until January, to minimise the effect on the public, while maintaining pressure on RM to continue talks. If the union and RM have not made signifcant progress in that time, than an escalation will have to be seriously considered, etc, etc.

[Destroyer]

I think its plain to see to everyone that until a settlement is reached everyone can expect a minumum 1 day strike per week with the possiblity of escalation in the near future.

[tonytango]

"I can see the strike action increasing now," CWU general secretary Billy Hayes told the BBC.

"I don't think we're going to put up with this messing about." He said this could result in longer strikes."





it does sound like the CWU will start 2 day strikes pretty soonish... unless they are just saying it to keep pressure on rm.

[stephen500]

If RM are not serious about talks then one day a week untill after Christmas would suit them fine.
In fact if you listen to Dave Ward's latest interview he stated that RM want action stopped and will then be back after Christmas.
The CWU has to tighten the screw on negotiations. Perhaps they should threaten two day stoppages per function to bring it to a head. You can be sure if this action is still on-going after Christmas, we will be finished.
Its a bit like poker you have to know the best time to show your hand.

[Glenno]

Lets cut the crap once and for all about all out strikes it isnt going to happen. I really wonder if anyone who suggests this tactic has been involved in an all out strike? I have been involved in 5 all out strikes and I know the pressure it puts our members under everyday, you wonder as a rep if tomorrow will see a drift back. Yes it puts Royal Mail under pressure but it also puts ourselves under unnecessary pressure and will force a major drift back to work.

Look we have members on different levels in this dispute, in London we have had 18 days out most have lost £1500 already, we have others in Scotland ,Plymouth, Bristol, the RDCs all losing quite a bit. So the union needs to recognise that they have been struggling for almost 19 weeks. So it is great now we have the rest of union involved but to then ask them to lose two days in one pay packet on top of the hardship they have suffered will be a step too far for some and in my view a betrayal for their sacrifce.

The PEC have today made a decision on further action, I wont reveal it but I am not in agreement with it for reasons which will become clear.
We all want a victory but we must take the members with us. Winning is not about bravado its about leadership and taking the members with you. Upping the action to two or more days in one pay packet will mean that we see a drift. We can win this dispute. After all it was Royal Mail who asked the CWU to return to the TUC for further talks tonight. But the principle must be to hit them hard and often but ensuring we take our members with us.

can understand where you are coming from Dingo

[Truth]

Dingo is right, common sense must prevail, two days in one week would be a wrong move. This is not a time for hot heads, but leadership that understands the pressure that members are under.