CWU COUNTER PROPOSALS

[lovejoy]

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

We are aware that management are using work time learning sessions to attack the CWU rather than concentrate on the issues we are at dispute over.

One point that seems to be cropping up at regular intervals is whether or not the CWU have tabled counter proposals to Royal Mail. You should all have seen by now the document that Royal Mail presented to the CWU on the very last day of negotiations.

The whole country is united against the proposals that would drastically cut our working terms and conditions. It is for this reason that Royal Mail managers are unable to debate the content of the document. They know that not only do the CWU members not want pensions attacks, flexible working, annualised hours and the end of the MTSF neither do our managers!!

The CMA have already labelled Royal Mail pensions plans as the ‘great mail robbery’ and we must press this point to any manager who promote an agreement that would adversely affect them. TALK ABOUT TURKEYS VOTING FOR CHRISTMAS!!

For the record the CWU put proposals to Royal Mail throughout the in confidence negotiations and the Postal Executive Council have prepared a full response to Royal Mails proposals.

All ideas presented by YOUR union during the talks were rejected out of hand by Royal Mail. The CWU will now present their full counter proposals to Royal Mail as soon as the company accept the union’s offer of further talks. Details on the CWUs view will be released to us all in a letter to member’s home addresses. A full update will be given to all senior officials at the scheduled National briefing on Monday 1st Oct. As always we will make sure that as soon as the briefing closes the latest news filters through to ALL units.

This is yet another attempt by Royal Mail to break our rock solid support for the union. The best answer we can all give to these tactics is to support YOUR union official 100% and make it clear that for all the smoke and mirrors in the world they simply cannot hide the facts.

[dvbuk55]

I don't want to labour a point - no pun intended - but apart from the TUC Conference and the Labour Conference we've seen little to bolster our wavering colleagues!

On this site - regardless of the criticism of the leadership for lack of it and information for lack of it - you are preaching to the converted in support of the stand against RM and their proposals. That is because we have a modicum of intelligence and can gather information from many sources.

I always have a little suspicion of those who promote a situation which could have been handled better by trying to make it look rosy. It does look as though that other interests have taken precedence over those matters that DIRECTLY affect the membership.

[lovejoy]

I don't want to labour a point - no pun intended - but apart from the TUC Conference and the Labour Conference we've seen little to bolster our wavering colleagues!

On this site - regardless of the criticism of the leadership for lack of it and information for lack of it - you are preaching to the converted in support of the stand against RM and their proposals. That is because we have a modicum of intelligence and can gather information from many sources.

I always have a little suspicion of those who promote a situation which could have been handled better by trying to make it look rosy. It does look as though that other interests have taken precedence over those matters that DIRECTLY affect the membership.

I agree with you dvbuk but the trouble is that too many branches shirk their responsibilities. We can all slag off HQ but most branches have Branch Secretaries / Area Reps etc on full time release. It is not good enough for these officials to simply sit back and wait for comms from HQ.

They are elected to represent their members and not to just sit back and wait for things to come to them.

My officials have put out 105 updates, sent countless letters to our houses, have an email system with over 1000 members signed up and have over 700 members on a text update system.

Lets encourage all branches to be a little more pro-active and take a lot more responsibility

[dvbuk55]

You are absolutely right lovejoy. Local reps are derelict in their duties. They fail to hold sufficient meetings to inform their members of what is expected of them - and I speak from personal experience only and do not profess to speak on others behalf. If there is no information then tell them there is no information. The problem is as I have said before it always seems to be manana from HQ, rather like RMs jam tomorrow schemes.

I would question the wisdom of two day strikes back to back. I do not believe they will be as effective as the rolling strikes which we could have employed. I believe we should have begun the strikes earlier - and the reason given was - yes you've guessed it CWU proposals to RM. Which have still not been notified to members and I once again point to the Conferences as being the reason for the delays.

I have a real concern that there will not be as solid a strike front as before. There has been some time since the last strikes and I feel that the RM propaganda machine has been much more effective than the CWU. Are the leadership truly up for the fight or are they hoping for a gradual drift back and like Caesar wash their hands of the matter. I have to say that if the CWU went in to those meetings without an alternative plan or counter proposals then you have to question whether we have the right men for the job.

[lovejoy]

You are absolutely right lovejoy. Local reps are derelict in their duties. They fail to hold sufficient meetings to inform their members of what is expected of them - and I speak from personal experience only and do not profess to speak on others behalf. If there is no information then tell them there is no information. The problem is as I have said before it always seems to be manana from HQ, rather like RMs jam tomorrow schemes.

I would question the wisdom of two day strikes back to back. I do not believe they will be as effective as the rolling strikes which we could have employed. I believe we should have begun the strikes earlier - and the reason given was - yes you've guessed it CWU proposals to RM. Which have still not been notified to members and I once again point to the Conferences as being the reason for the delays.

I have a real concern that there will not be as solid a strike front as before. There has been some time since the last strikes and I feel that the RM propaganda machine has been much more effective than the CWU. Are the leadership truly up for the fight or are they hoping for a gradual drift back and like Caesar wash their hands of the matter. I have to say that if the CWU went in to those meetings without an alternative plan or counter proposals then you have to question whether we have the right men for the job.

i think i'll reserve my opinion on whether or not they should be in post until after the dispute. All I know is that branches have been given plenty of info to work with. For example the do your job properly posters, letters and material is everywhere in our area. Can all other branches say the same??

I think that next Fri is still some distance away and good comms between now and then will ensure solid support. I do agree though that HQ need a shake up in that department.

I am a strong advocate that ALL union positions should be elected and not appointed. However I think the communications department is different. We have postmen/women running the department. I am not saying they don't do their best but we need professionals in there.

We need people with solid media contacts and a good history in campaigning. only then will be on a level playing field with the employer

[Wild Rover]

Something that's always puzzled me is the fact AL/AC are apparently heading off to pastures new next April.

Why the hell then are these two men hellbent on ruining RM before they go? Or is that the agenda?

[crocodillapig]

maybe if you seen the size of their share portfolio you would understand!

[Wilbur Spoons]

I am sub rep in our office and would like to stand up for how things are for us at the moment. We have had a ban on holding meetings since the dispute began, on occassion we have tried to communicate with people one on one only to have a manager turn up next to us like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben, trying to stop us communicating anything. Our managers are generally decent btw so I dont know how it is for people with tossers in charge.

The rep has been threatened with suspension merely by having the work to rule sheets on his frame, its almost like we are at war, but we do still try to communicate.

The other problem is lack of communication from the area reps. We really dont know whats going on ourselves and frustration is setting in.

[dvbuk55]

I am sub rep in our office and would like to stand up for how things are for us at the moment. We have had a ban on holding meetings since the dispute began, on occassion we have tried to communicate with people one on one only to have a manager turn up next to us like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben, trying to stop us communicating anything. Our managers are generally decent btw so I dont know how it is for people with tossers in charge.

The rep has been threatened with suspension merely by having the work to rule sheets on his frame, its almost like we are at war, but we do still try to communicate.

The other problem is lack of communication from the area reps. We really dont know whats going on ourselves and frustration is setting in.

And the Area Reps don't know because......................?

[cruisey]

The area reps don't know because the national reps aren't filtering the information through. Our area rep is going for the juggular of hayes, ward, gibson etc next monday. All of the brum delivery reps believe there will be a huge backlash against the top table if there is no info coming out of the national briefing, or if they continue to feck about.

[dvbuk55]

The area reps don't know because the national reps aren't filtering the information through. Our area rep is going for the juggular of hayes, ward, gibson etc next monday. All of the brum delivery reps believe there will be a huge backlash against the top table if there is no info coming out of the national briefing, or if they continue to feck about.

And so they should. These blokes/lasses shouldn't be asked to face the troops with an empty magazine.

[pop it in pete]

I am sub rep in our office and would like to stand up for how things are for us at the moment. We have had a ban on holding meetings since the dispute began, on occassion we have tried to communicate with people one on one only to have a manager turn up next to us like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben, trying to stop us communicating anything. Our managers are generally decent btw so I dont know how it is for people with tossers in charge.

The rep has been threatened with suspension merely by having the work to rule sheets on his frame, its almost like we are at war, but we do still try to communicate.

The other problem is lack of communication from the area reps. We really dont know whats going on ourselves and frustration is setting in.

I ve had a smlilar problem with my union meeting being banned by the DUM. But i informed everyone that they are intitled to take a meal break. As i was taking mine in the yard would any union members care to join me and discuse the current state of affairs during their meal break. So i went outside and so did the rest of the office. So their are ways round their supidity. Good luck.

[disheartened]

Something that's always puzzled me is the fact AL/AC are apparently heading off to pastures new next April.

Why the hell then are these two men hellbent on ruining RM before they go? Or is that the agenda?

Their agenda is to destroy the union and with Labour's backing!!!!!!!! I dont think RM and the CWU will meet again before next weeks strike,RM will just wait and see what the numbers are for those who strike and those who work.If like i fear the short sighted and tunnel visioned come in to work they deserve all they get,but the likes of myself and i hope a majority can see what 4 days loss of money now will save us in the future.

The story i hear so much is "i got bills to pay,i gotta come in"well excuse me so have i and 99% of other members,read the proposals of what RM want to do you if they get their way,the DO's i visit in my capicity as a C&N driver do not seem aware of what the reprecussions are if RM get there way.

I would'nt be surprised if AL & AC stay on,specially if they win this fight and get their way,because that'll be a green light to privatise the bussiness.

Any waverers need to educated,surley the pensions debarcle alone should ring alarm bells.