LTB 515/22 -Disputes with Royal Mail Group - Centrally Driven Suspensions and Conduct Cases against CWU Representatives and Members

[Schiff]

You are not likely going to be suspended if you stick to the picket line rules and all issues around strikes and strike breakers and management.

Keep your emotions in check and you don't get in trouble. Why try to convince people not to cross a picket; even in the most gentle or relatable way?

Agency workers are on a zero contract; so why would they refuse work - we all still have our jobs, a contract and many protections. Not substantive or trainee managers have no choice.

CWU should stop barking and playing the victim. The end is nigh!

I'm confused. Ysou say stick to the picket line rules, then in the next breath ask why try to convince people not to cross that line. The whole point of a picket line is to persuade people not to cross. That is perfectly within the rules as long as people aren't abusive towards the ******s who do cross.

If Thompson continues with his shithousery then the end is nigh for RM because the strikes aren't going to go away. We may well still be striking next Christmas.

[chrisj]

You are not likely going to be suspended if you stick to the picket line rules and all issues around strikes and strike breakers and management.

Keep your emotions in check and you don't get in trouble. Why try to convince people not to cross a picket; even in the most gentle or relatable way?

Agency workers are on a zero contract; so why would they refuse work - we all still have our jobs, a contract and many protections. Not substantive or trainee managers have no choice.

CWU should stop barking and playing the victim. The end is nigh!

I'm confused. Ysou say stick to the picket line rules, then in the next breath ask why try to convince people not to cross that line. The whole point of a picket line is to persuade people not to cross. That is perfectly within the rules as long as people aren't abusive towards the ******s who do cross.

If Thompson continues with his shithousery then the end is nigh for RM because the strikes aren't going to go away. We may well still be striking next Christmas.

Let your picket do the talking... Anyone crossing the picket knows what they are doing... The modern picket is there for show, for information to the public not to convince or intimidate fellow workers.

Some are also getting suspended for outrageous comments on social media - what is wrong with these people? They are just giving the Union a headache and playing into the hands of Royal Mail and anti-union press.

The Union should be a consultative partner not running the show in offices... As good as the Union is, there are too many abuses and overreach of power going on.

[Schiff]

You are not likely going to be suspended if you stick to the picket line rules and all issues around strikes and strike breakers and management.

Keep your emotions in check and you don't get in trouble. Why try to convince people not to cross a picket; even in the most gentle or relatable way?

Agency workers are on a zero contract; so why would they refuse work - we all still have our jobs, a contract and many protections. Not substantive or trainee managers have no choice.

CWU should stop barking and playing the victim. The end is nigh!

I'm confused. Ysou say stick to the picket line rules, then in the next breath ask why try to convince people not to cross that line. The whole point of a picket line is to persuade people not to cross. That is perfectly within the rules as long as people aren't abusive towards the ******s who do cross.

If Thompson continues with his shithousery then the end is nigh for RM because the strikes aren't going to go away. We may well still be striking next Christmas.

Let your picket do the talking... Anyone crossing the picket knows what they are doing... The modern picket is there for show, for information to the public not to convince or intimidate fellow workers.

Some are also getting suspended for outrageous comments on social media - what is wrong with these people? They are just giving the Union a headache and playing into the hands of Royal Mail and anti-union press.

The Union should be a consultative partner not running the show in offices... As good as the Union is, there are too many abuses and overreach of power going on.

So wrong. The picket is there to talk to and convince people not to cross. That is absolutely within the rules. Those crossing the line may find that process uncomfortable and so they should if they have even a modicum of shame. Again, that is perfectly within the rules as long as those on the picket line are not abusive.

As for overreach of power, take a close look at Thompson when you use that phrase.

[chrisj]

Scab on RMC
We DO NOT use the word 'scab' on here...
RULES wrote:
Please do not in any circumstances resort to name calling or behaviour that could be deemed as bullying or harassment. Specifically, regarding the term 'scab'. It does have an historical meaning in some circles, but it can also be seen as abuse by others. Therefore members are requested to use the more acceptable term of 'Strike Breaker'
B&H of strike breakers-colleagues ignoring and not talking to strike breakers-and the other way as well.
Depending on the severity you could be taken down the conduct code and possibly lose your job.
Depending on how you are it's obviously best to try to move on-remember your job could be at stake.
Each person reacts differently to both sides of the argument-be professional.

We clearly haven't been following this rules strictly on RMC.

The is the CWU rules that talks about 'no shouting' at strike breakers but telling them not to attend... No wonder some of the CWU reps and members have gotten into trouble.

It is too risky to tell someone that is already going work to turn back and not work; has that person been under a rock? Or the person will be reminded of consequences of their actions - that is already an act of intimidation or threatening behaviour.

Keep yourself to yourself and your picket line mates; then no chance of getting into trouble. The same applies to members of the public that wants to gob off - stay professional!

[stevejm]

The courts do not recognise collective bargained agreements unless explicitly implied as legally binding the express terms of that agreement. The Agenda For Growth Agreement as an example which was a no strike agreement.

The problem being the CWU in calling for a Ballot allowed a get out clause for Royal Mail to tear up those legal undertakings allowing Simon Thompson going nuclear with terms and conditions.

Itwas stupid of CWU to allow that clause to be part of the AFGA but RM were not obligated to annul that agreement - they chose to which should tell us all we need to know about the intentions of this board.

[stevejm]

You are not likely going to be suspended if you stick to the picket line rules and all issues around strikes and strike breakers and management.

Keep your emotions in check and you don't get in trouble. Why try to convince people not to cross a picket; even in the most gentle or relatable way?

Agency workers are on a zero contract; so why would they refuse work - we all still have our jobs, a contract and many protections. Not substantive or trainee managers have no choice.

CWU should stop barking and playing the victim. The end is nigh!

Because that is what the law allows for.

[FilthyBloke]

For me nobody came to try and talk me out of it. I was just met with insults and aggression. Not by everyone. Some listened and were understanding but the plastic militants had nothing but insults.
As the weeks passed I just decided to give it back. They want to blank me? Cool.
They want to stare at me as I walk past? Great.

And for the poster above who suggested strike breakers carry ‘shame’? Not me. I think it’s far more shameful to gang up on someone and shout insults and openly admit to never showing courtesy to strike breakers again.

[chrisj]

Yes, the rule might allow you to try to convince people not to cross the line but it is a fine line; it is not worth it! The whole picket line thing will probably go soon; employers and government might dispense with picket lines being too close to a work place.

Why allow an old system that is generally intimidatory in nature? It is a relic of the past and in this day and age of mobile camera phones, even a gentle persuasion when played back depending on how sensitive the victim is, will be incriminatory...

Filthy, at least there will be no more barrier to getting on with the job for a while.

*Dave said we could be on strike till next Christmas or for as long as it takes... As long as it takes for what?

[FilthyBloke]

Yes, the rule might allow you to try to convince people not to cross the line but it is a fine line; it is not worth it! The whole picket line thing will probably go soon; employers and government might dispense with picket lines being too close to a work place.

Why allow an old system that is generally intimidatory in nature? It is a relic of the past and in this day and age of mobile camera phones, even a gentle persuasion when played back depending on how sensitive the victim is, will be incriminatory...

Filthy, at least there will be no more barrier to getting on with the job for a while.

*Dave said we could be on strike till next Christmas or for as long as it takes... As long as it takes for what?

It does seem all a bit dated but I don’t have a problem with a picket. It can be a good way to gain public support and such. But you’re right, having it in a place which forces people to walk through can be seen as intimidating.

I’m not sure what Dave is holding out for. At first it was a straight 10% pay deal and no changes and now it seems to be just trying to stop Royal Mail steam rolling through their plans.