Are Our Local CWU Union Reps Up To The Job?

[pinstripe]

Having read quite a few threads from relatively new starters regarding barely suppressed bullying tactics from management, I was more surprised that most of the posters didn't even know who their rep was, never mind that they weren't in the union. When I joined RM, the union rep introduced himself and made the time to explain things. What has changed?

Later start times, 24 hour contracts, temporary contracts, poor union leadership have all combined to make membership less attractive to new employees, but surely, the local reps should be much more visible to the new starters. A lot of them are fighting battles without even knowing that there is help right there.

I can only go by what I see in my own office. My rep is always there for the membership, but going by what I read on here, that is not the case everywhere. Why not? Is it that they don't want to rock the boat? Afraid of confrontation? Don't have the support from area and the local members? Haven't had the relevant training? Or are they just not up to the job?

Wouldn't it be better if our local reps were allocated the time to speak to new staff, explain his/her role, even give them a contact phone number. My question is why is this not done?

Do we need better reps or do we need new staff that will stand up for themselves?

[5plusbonusball]

It's my hard earned day off today, our office recently closed so when we moved into a another sectors office the rep made himself known to us because we had no rep.
However there's now no chance of getting hold of him cos he's just as busy as us, rushing to get out or otherwise busy. The other area reps are totally useless so here we're not well covered by the union.

[Cut Off King]

Speaking for my unit, my rep works hard. BUT he gets frustrated by members not helping themselfs.
They come in early, run around cutting corners and try to make time on any duty that they're on.
Members should back up their rep, not work against him / her.

[Budfrog]

Wouldn't it be better if our local reps were allocated the time to speak to new staff, explain his/her role, even give them a contact phone number. My question is why is this not done?

Or maybe have a Rep present when the staff are inducted and give the Rep 10mins alone with the new starters at the end of the process.

It's all about them knowing all the rules and the staff being kept in the dark - they like it that way because they do not have the capability to deal with informed staff on a level playing field. Divide, conquer and rule.

[pinstripe]

Perhaps this is an issue that needs addressing nationally. It's all well and good Billy and Dave dining at the top table, but it seems they are ignoring the basic need of the workforce. Representation.

Cut Of King & Budfrog, I agree 100%.

5Plus, I understand your situation. I think that was part of my point, local reps don't have the time, but they should. Isn't that part of this 'working together'?

[osgoody1970]

dave ward once told me that, I HAVE THE WORST JOB IN THE WORLD, as a unit rep, whilst i try to help newbies, they now say, "i'm just glad to have a job" (changed days) others don't come to union meetings that i arrrange as they want to get out the door as fast as they can, until there's a problem, then its, the unions crap, we cannot win, i do it now, not for the people in my office, but for the union reps, that help me, ie the area reps, the branch secretary, top people in my experience!!!

[fishtank]

Life will only get more difficult for local reps.
Royal Mail want to give the impression of a closer working relationship with the union,the union wants to have a closer working relationship with the employer.
The members on the whole do not want to see their local rep having any kind of relationship with management.
It is difficult for members to separate what they see as duplicity at the top of the union and what is sometimes necessary management/rep engagement in the office.
As for new new starts i think the union should have pressed for more involvement in the Work Place Coach and induction process.
This is the ideal starting point for both learning to do the job properly and union involvement.

[iamnotadoormat]

no problem knowing who our union rep is.........he is the one in the dom's office having coffee and laughing at us!!!!!!!!!

[dvbuk55]

dave ward once told me that, I HAVE THE WORST JOB IN THE WORLD, as a unit rep, whilst i try to help newbies, they now say, "i'm just glad to have a job" (changed days) others don't come to union meetings that i arrrange as they want to get out the door as fast as they can, until there's a problem, then its, the unions crap, we cannot win, i do it now, not for the people in my office, but for the union reps, that help me, ie the area reps, the branch secretary, top people in my experience!!!

I think DW is right - however what exactly has he done to reinforce the work that unit reps do, what exactly has he done to see that the union is foremost in the members/employees mind - cosying up to RM has totally the opposite effect.

[obscurityknocks]

Not been a rep long but i have set up a committee group (idea from another rep from another area who i know) of about 9 members who meet up maybe every 8 weeks. I approached ones i wanted in it, the ones who are not afraid to stand up and say something to managers. This included the work place coach so he can inform me of any new members or he can introduce them to me. The whole thing seems to work well at our place as i can tell a member of the committee something and its round the office in less than 24 hours. I know for sure managers dont like it but even more reason to set one up in my opinion.

[spen]

in my office part timers arnt invited to union meetings because they hold them before the majority of part timers start time. How can you expect part timers to be involved in something like that

[TrueBlueTerrier]

in my office part timers arnt invited to union meetings because they hold them before the majority of part timers start time. How can you expect part timers to be involved in something like that

What so they hold announced and planned Union meetings for members during what is effectively the working day for some. I have to say, that would be Nirvanha for me and my office. We have meeting usually in the Afternoon about an hour after we finish work or later.

My own personal opinion if I understand you correctly is that members who aren't going to come into work early to discuss matters with the Union, are less likely to hang around after work anyway. There has to be some commitment from members and coming in a little early or staying on a bit longer is hardly asking for the earth.

Or have you confused WTLL and Union meetings.

Or could these meetings be what we call "Gate Meeting" which generally are for urgent or immediate issues.

[spen]

iv never known them announce or plan a meeting,, when we come in around 8- 830, we get the fulltimers telling us there version of what was said,,, these meetings usually take place about 6 30,,,

[krussel]

iv never known them announce or plan a meeting,, when we come in around 8- 830, we get the fulltimers telling us there version of what was said,,, these meetings usually take place about 6 30,,,

We can no longer hold Union meetings during working hours unless its about any revision or Xmas arrangements etc.

I see your problem with the later starting time

Could you not all go and see the rep for a run down of the meeting when you get in.

[Puppetmaster]

The Problem in 2 words Champange Soclialidts !!- Fact +corruption,deals for deals !