Prescott backs publicly-owned post office

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Minor concessions: Did you see a different starting point from RM prior to the strikes I did:

1. £30 loss in pay - withdrawn we still get paid D2Ds.
2. £12.50 loss in shift allowance - still get under 2007 protection.
3. MTSF - changed into a commercial but sensitive agreement - MTSF is still with us.
4. 2 hour flexibility wanted - they got 1/2 hour flexibility.
5. Working in other offices - I did that anyway now I know the rules better because of the agreement.

Pensions - we lost that one big time I agree - but lets hope that the exec rescue this one in some form but I won't hold my breath.

The disaffiliation has to be agreed by conference and then put to a ballot of all those who pay into the political fund.


Well if don't think back bench pressure wont work and its not worth trying why have a democracy in the first place. Surely a begin dictatorship is better than a zero influence pretend democracy. If you believe in democracy you have to play within the limits set by that form of government, and in a representative democracy, however flawed it is, we use the Back Benchers to put pressure on the PLP.


Me I will keep clutching at straws thank you as the old saying goes - "its the last straw that broke the camels back". Anyway even if we loose and RM is part privatised why should we, those who believe the Postal service should be run as service, give up. We can then start to lobby interested parties in reversing the changes.

I am sorry but I truly cannot understand your perception that if I believe something is wrong, but I think the barriers in the way of change are insurmountable, then I should give up. Its something I cannot get my head round.

To me defeat is a state of mind not a state of fact, if you think you will be defeated you have lost half the battle already.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Back Bench revolts that have affected Government legislation: Examples

Hunting Ban
Education and Inspections Bill
Top Up Fees
Lords (make up of the higher chamber)
F1

These all issue of the top of my head where pressure from the back bench has changed government policy or at least affected it in some way.

Of course lets not forget the Poll Tax as well in the Conservative era.

[BB brother]

How do you win an argument ?

Il give u the answer NT.

You get what you want.

And if you want people to think your that your opinions are uninformed rants.then congratulations,you've won this one hands down .

(Sorry postman,i couldnt resist lol)

.

[Night Tonic]

And how long do these concessions last for? 2010 to my knowledge at which point they can be looked at again and if TNT move in, kiss goodbye to all of them.

[flipper]

Have just read Robert Pestons blog on the BBC's website today about the governments "everything's-for-sale" industrial policy which has led us to the situation we have currently with wildcat strikes at power stations and I believe that Mandelson with his stupid idea of flogging off a large part of Royal Mail to TNT (in return I reckon for some kind of backhander) has to be made to realise that this is definately not in the best interests of the country, the governement, the business or the workforce.... but then I don't think he gives a cr*p anyway!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

And how long do these concessions last for? 2010 to my knowledge at which point they can be looked at again and if TNT move in, kiss goodbye to all of them.

There is no time limit on the 5 concessions I listed.

1. £30 loss in pay - withdrawn we still get paid D2Ds.
2. £12.50 loss in shift allowance - still get under 2007 protection.
3. MTSF - changed into a commercial but sensitive agreement - MTSF is still with us.
4. 2 hour flexibility wanted - they got 1/2 hour flexibility.
5. Working in other offices - I did that anyway now I know the rules better because of the agreement.

They will only be replaced by another agreement which we will be balloted on I hope. In the case of protected shift allowance that is protected until you either leave Royal Mail or change your role (whatever that means).

[Night Tonic]

I admire your optimism TBT but I question your basis for it given both the CWU's fluffy mitten approach (think pension) and RM's track record. Lets not forget how many mail centres are closing. Like I said, small concessions and if we are privatised, all those small triumphs will go anyway. What Prescott thinks is irrelevant. A ballot on pensions - what was THAT about?