Postman encouraging others to leave cwu

GRS · Post by **GRS** » 23 Aug 2017, 17:04

Bear with me on this and I'll try and explain the situation. Our union rep is not very popular. Many see him as too close to management and a bit of a yes man, just agreeing with the DOM on day to day issues. He also doesn't seem to have much of a handle of what's going on with the talks between CWU & RM. One guy in the office threw his toys out of the pram over a minor issue and decided a few weeks ago he was coming out of the union. I told him not to be so daft especially with the way things are and that we need to stick together. However he went ahead and stopped his subs. I'm now getting wind that others are having their ear bent by this guy as I've heard people then telling others in the office how to stop their union subs by phoning up payroll. Saw the same guy today talking to someone else and caught a bit of the conversation as I went past and they were talking about the union so I reckon he was sounding this other bloke out to see if he would leave as well. I think this is what he's doing - striking (forgive the pun) up conversation with people about the union and seeing what their take on it is and if they have a moan or say they can't see how being in the union benefits them he's telling them it's easy to leave and how to do it. Not sure if people are also seeing leaving the CWU as an easy opportunity to come in and work during any strikes by simply being able to say that they're not a union member. I'm not 100% sure what is going on but there is definitely something afoot with it all. This guy will also see it as a victory over the union rep if he can turn round and say that since he's left so have x amount of others. Surely this needs to be stopped but can it and who can do that? No point in me telling the rep as he'll just jump in feet first and the guy will deny it. I feel very uncomfortable with it and obviously at such an important time let down by these sort of individuals.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 23 Aug 2017, 17:17

Legally and morally he is doing nothing wrong, he is exercising his right to free speech.

You could counter him by talking to those he targets and trying to convince them to stay in the Union, but again its your right to do that, or not to do it, its your choice.

Also just a clarification. Non-union members have exactly the same protection during Industrial Action as Union members do, they cannot be treated any differently from members whether striking or not.

meercat · Post by **meercat** » 24 Aug 2017, 00:38

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:Legally and morally he is doing nothing wrong, he is exercising his right to free speech.

You could counter him by talking to those he targets and trying to convince them to stay in the Union, but again its your right to do that, or not to do it, its your choice.

Also just a clarification. Non-union members have exactly the same protection during Industrial Action as Union members do, they cannot be treated any differently from members whether striking or not.

lol morally nothing wrong?! Don't you agree with the concept of solidarity then?

Post by **cloherty1976** » 24 Aug 2017, 15:18

meercat wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:Legally and morally he is doing nothing wrong, he is exercising his right to free speech.

You could counter him by talking to those he targets and trying to convince them to stay in the Union, but again its your right to do that, or not to do it, its your choice.

Also just a clarification. Non-union members have exactly the same protection during Industrial Action as Union members do, they cannot be treated any differently from members whether striking or not.
lol morally nothing wrong?! Don't you agree with the concept of solidarity then?

That died in the 80's...

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 24 Aug 2017, 15:25

meercat wrote:
TrueBlueTerrier wrote:Legally and morally he is doing nothing wrong, he is exercising his right to free speech.

You could counter him by talking to those he targets and trying to convince them to stay in the Union, but again its your right to do that, or not to do it, its your choice.

Also just a clarification. Non-union members have exactly the same protection during Industrial Action as Union members do, they cannot be treated any differently from members whether striking or not.
lol morally nothing wrong?! Don't you agree with the concept of solidarity then?

I think of solidarity as a way of life, not just a fancy word.

However, where does solidarity end? Is solidarity just for the issues you agree with, such as Union matters, or does it go as far as allowing people to exercise their right to Free Speech. I disagree with his opinions and actions, but I can't say that they are morally wrong just because I disagree with them.

Of course, if they have the right to free speech, people who dislike his views have the right of reply.

Destiny · Post by **Destiny** » 24 Aug 2017, 16:45

Rep calls a gate or canteen meeting. Discusses latest 4 Pillars & also expresses concern potential toxic developments in your unit (without naming names).
I'd attempt get area rep down also then add something at the end of his speech.

Either way he gets mugged for what he is without directness & in front of everyone, no come back.

twoloops · Post by **twoloops** » 24 Aug 2017, 17:52

I filled the forms out to join the union on my induction day 5 month ago checked todays wage slip still taken no fees, are they not accepting new members until after the vote?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 24 Aug 2017, 18:17

mattycash wrote:I filled the forms out to join the union on my induction day 5 month ago checked todays wage slip still taken no fees, are they not accepting new members until after the vote?

You can join on line http://www.cwu.org/join-us/join-online/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

xray3 · Post by **xray3** » 25 Aug 2017, 08:53

If your rep is not doing his job properly and addressing members issues to DOM
get all members together and challenge Rep.
You have the right to also raise concerns to local Branch and Area Reps to sort out problems. Ask Area Rep to come in on visit and sort this out asap.
We have all had experience of this and I am not naive so if rep is not doing job properly report them to Branch and Area Rep.
I am more fortunate that my local rep and Branch are excellent and will loyally support us members. Especially now we are approaching industrial unrest with relentless pressure from Managers and business.
Now is the time to stick together, will always be less bad apples than good or am I shopping at wrong supermarket !

Post by **SpacePhoenix** » 25 Aug 2017, 09:07

GRS wrote:Bear with me on this and I'll try and explain the situation. Our union rep is not very popular. Many see him as too close to management and a bit of a yes man, just agreeing with the DOM on day to day issues. He also doesn't seem to have much of a handle of what's going on with the talks between CWU & RM.

They must be happy with him otherwise someone would have put their name forward to be a rep (don't know what the process would be)

twoloops · Post by **twoloops** » 15 Apr 2018, 09:44

After an incident in our office last week & speaking to other work colleagues I was shock to find how many are not in the union?

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 15 Apr 2018, 10:36

Destiny wrote:Rep calls a gate or canteen meeting. Discusses latest 4 Pillars & also expresses concern potential toxic developments in your unit (without naming names).
I'd attempt get area rep down also then add something at the end of his speech.

Either way he gets mugged for what he is without directness & in front of everyone, no come back.

That sounds like an organised attempt to intimidate another member of staff. Do you seriously think the union should be involved in that?

What is this guy doing other than expressing his views about the union to other members of staff? If he can convince members to leave that easily perhaps the union and members in that office should be looking at themselves rather than this guy.