Reps briefing gives latest position on talks

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5th November 2013

CWU representatives in Royal Mail packed out the Queen Elizabeth conference centre in London on Monday (November 4) - the day that postal workers were due to take strike action nationally - for a briefing updating them on the latest status of national talks.

Royal Mail

Undeterred by the recent sale of Royal Mail, deputy general secretary,

Dave Ward, told reps: "Privatisation is a new era but we're ready to take that on" and explained that the strike "was called off for no other reason than the company made concessions to this union."

Dave expanded on the concessions made on legal protections and pay but said that no formal agreement had been concluded as yet in talks which are due to continue until as late as 13 November. "If we don't get the agreement we have set out to achieve then we will reinstate strike action for a 24-hour period as soon as possible," Dave confirmed.

Dave handled dozens of questions and comments fielded by reps from around the country. He explained in no uncertain terms that the CWU will not sign up to a 'no strike' agreement and that reference to 'alternative dispute resolution' in the draft principles would not mean a 'no strike' deal. Dave also responded to questions about members' share allocation. "We need to organize this into a solid voting bloc" he said; "we're hoping to do this in the form of an independent CWU Trust and we'll be seeking advice on how to do this."

Privatisation and pay

General secretary, Billy Hayes, recapped on the events which had lead to privatisation and described the sale as "a setback" but reminded reps of the importance and strength of CWU in shaping the future of the company. In a swipe at rival delivery firm TNT, Billy explained that this week is Living Wage Week, and said that the leader of Manchester City Council - where TNT has just expanded street deliveries to - "should only welcome new jobs if they are Living Wage jobs, which TNT positions are not."

Billy reiterated Dave's key message regarding the Royal Mail dispute, saying: "We're going to get the best deal we can and it's all because of you and the work you do."

Post Office

Andy Furey, CWU assistant secretary, addressed the briefing to update reps on the Post Office dispute. Strike action set for Monday 4 November had also been called off after progress in talks at the end of last week. After thanking members and reps - who have taken 12 rounds of strike action since Easter Saturday in addition to a number of days of action short of strike - Andy was critical of the attitude of the Post Office, saying "they've gone out of their way to try and break our resolve - but without success." He explained how the recent ballot result from admin and supply chain members had helped to 'concentrate the minds' of management, telling reps: "we've now got an agenda for talks and we have the chief executive round the table".

Andy described this as "a crunch week" in talks, but warned that "the likelihood of more action is significant" and said that if no progress was made then notice for further strike action would be given on 16 November.

Talks continue

High level talks with both Royal Mail and the Post Office are still taking place between the CWU and companies' negotiating teams. Members will be updated as and when there is information to report.

[dvbuk55]

The strike was called off because RM had made concessions to the CWU did any of those concessions mean anything and what were they? There is no agreement just a load more chattering. TBH IMO they dragged the reps down to London for nothing more than a brace yourself with tough talk and nothing to show for the last 6 months. Further information in due course...........well any information would be something, rhetoric means nothing.

[Chelseablue]

And why did we no go out just before privatisation?..

[Son Of God]

I can't help but think the reps briefing was somewhat pointless... what did we learn that we didn't already know?

[dvbuk55]

I can't help but think the reps briefing was somewhat pointless... what did we learn that we didn't already know?

Well Jesus you are obviously omnipotent by showing us all the light .............or more to the point the lack of it

[clashcityrocker]

I can't help but think the reps briefing was somewhat pointless... what did we learn that we didn't already know?

They had already booked the hall for the biggest rally of posties in living memory.
They had to do something.

[dvbuk55]

I can't help but think the reps briefing was somewhat pointless... what did we learn that we didn't already know?

They had already booked the hall for the biggest rally of posties in living memory.
They had to do something.

Actually I'd forgotten all about the biggest rally of communication workers since 1971............which sadly they omitted to get permission for. However I believe our beloved leaders headed the stroll to Greggs - which strangely must have been dingos reference to "watch this space" being the pie shop window being emptied at a remarkable rate.

[Son Of God]

I can't help but think the reps briefing was somewhat pointless... what did we learn that we didn't already know?

Well Jesus you are obviously omnipotent by showing us all the light .............or more to the point the lack of it

:)

[jack]

The strike was called off because RM had made concessions to the CWU did any of those concessions mean anything and what were they? There is no agreement just a load more chattering.

Maybe its a crafty delaying tactic being used by moya to buy more time , as time goes by people will probably become more disillusioned with the whole escapade. And of course the union have appeared to have acted reasonable in postponing the strike whilst talks continue.

[mr deeds]

are we just being strung along? seem a bit like it to me...we going out and then all of a sudden" peace in our time" and the feedback coming out from the current meetings is that "deliveries is going nowhere"...we cannot accept this again after bt2010 shambles...we need to get rid of lapsing and have a fair days workload is the runners go out and come back early make them do other internal work I.e kill offs...check re-directions for expiry...take work of rounds that have excess packets etc they will soon lose interest then.

but we do need more info on what talks are going on, what has been said and suggested before they decide if we are to " go out"

[k979aaa]

are we just being strung along? seem a bit like it to me...we going out and then all of a sudden" peace in our time" and the feedback coming out from the current meetings is that "deliveries is going nowhere"...we cannot accept this again after bt2010 shambles...we need to get rid of lapsing and have a fair days workload is the runners go out and come back early make them do other internal work I.e kill offs...check re-directions for expiry...take work of rounds that have excess packets etc they will soon lose interest then.

but we do need more info on what talks are going on, what has been said and suggested before they decide if we are to " go out"

Well I agree but a fair workload for all must now be paramount and if you work over your time you must be paid not some ringmaster cooking the books for his bonus!