Tony Bouch
Just thought it would be helpful to position tonight’s announcement.
The CWU had always said the current situation in the dispute is fluid and would require dynamic reactions and that our tactics and strategies have to be flexible to deal with any developments.
Therefore based on yesterdays development which was the revised pay and change offer from RM, the previous tactics and approach had to be reviewed and decisions taken.
As announced tonight the full RM letter / offer will be published so everyone can see firsthand what is proposed.
Likewise Reps, Branches and Members will see that Royal Mail urged the CWU to accept the revised offer and put it to our members.
Whilst I am sure everyone understands why we aren’t going to accept it, we have agreed the stronger position for the CWU was to actually undertake a consultative ballot of our members on that offer and in addition also seek their views on a vote of no confidence in the Royal Mail CEO.
Therefore doing that a pace was a priority action, not least because of the comments in the RM letter and furthermore enables the CWU to fully explain to everyone what the proposed changes mean for everyone and every function/member which given the attacks in Royal Mail Letters, Fleet and PFW is one of the most important parts of the consultation exercise.
As such it was felt the right decision was to stand down action on 12th & 14th for the above to happen without any distractions and send a clear message back to RM & the CEO from our members.
However in making that decision we have announced tonight is 2 x 48 hour strikes covering from
0400 on Thursday 24th November until 0400 Saturday 26th November all out together.
0400 on Wednesday 30th November until 0400 Thursday 1st December all out together.
In addition to the above this week further decisions will be made by the CWU on a programme of action after those dates and into December and Christmas periods.
Therefore the decisions taken mean the consultative ballot will be a key membership engagement activity that is vital to maintain support everywhere and explain the latest offer, as well as ensuring the Royal Mail offer is unanimously rejected.
That result and the Vote of No Confidence will be announced on the eve of Royal Mails half yearly financials results which takes place on 17th November meaning further pressure to the CEO and Board.
Please remember that taking industrial action isn’t the position we want to be in, we want an agreement with the business and the change in strategy tonight is about using our strike ballot effectively as a tactic to get the right agreement we want for our members which protects their terms and conditions across all business units and functions!
Stay strong and keep the faith
so Martin has put that up wrong as it's NOT 48HRS on them later dates!!
