Would you believe it

[baldrick]

However, if you are a member of the Union and believe in Democracy (as opposed to Anarchy) and the union democratically decided to strike, then my position is either strike or leave the union. You can't have it both ways but thats is only my opinion, would be interested to hear others.

My opinion is that a scab is a a***licking lowlife parasite who is happy to accept the pay and
conditions fought for by their fellow workers with backbones.

[Psychedalic]

La - I read your comments and it appears that you haven't been informed of the bigger picture in regards to the Strike.

Most of the people I represent would quite happy recieve a 2.5% payrise regardless of the rate of inflation. However they have supported the strike because of the "strings" that Royal Mail want to impose.

Most of the strings don't affect us in the short term, as we are not a DO but in the climate of "this is how it is, take it and call me sir" management, which refuses to negotiate - we have to do something and fight for our rights. We got to stand strong and united inorder to give us a chance of a future. If Royal mail continue the way they are Royal Mail will not exist in 5 years time.

One string the union is fighting for - Royal Mail want to lay off a great number of its employees. The union knows full well that the workforce will be cut, but one of the reasons that I am, and many others are going out on strike for is to make sure that people do have a EVR package, and that those who leave are replaced where necessary.

Royal Mail wants to cut jobs at no cost, they don't care about tribunals because it is a "cheap option" (yep they can unfairly fire you and it would cost them less than an EVR payout!). If Royal Mail get their way people will go, your work load will get so stressfull that you will be off sick and then you'll be fired!.. Dumb and dumber will be happy because they have cut cost and can leave with a massive payoff.

Your pension, your working conditions, your sick leave, maternity leave (congrats on your baby), health and safety etc.. All of this is the bigger picture and all of the rights we have (law) is because of unions.

So I urge you to see the bigger picture (pm me if you want to know more) and support the strike, because unfortunately if you don't the union you belong to will not be able to support you.

[BELIAL]

Take your pay cut then LA. A fine principaled stand . I fully respect your right to be a scab and to undermine your workmates. I do hope you are comfortable in this position, and given your moral stand will feel obliged to donate any gains from this IA to your fellow workers who fought for them. I salute your strength of conviction.

[evilc]

"I know my view isn't popular on this board but I think a lot of people at Plymouth MDEC do feel like me. I also know that my view is quite selfish really. I go to work, I earn my money and then I come home happy and content that I have earnt enough money to carry on with my lovely life and if I am honest I don't really think about the wider picture. The problem ultimately with the strike is that MDEC is a different world to what really goes on at most of RM and we at MDEC don't really know what it's like to work for another part of the company. I don't really understand what is so bad about the company's plan. "

LA
You are wrong the mdec is not different than the rest of rm, there are people in the mdec who have been employed at rm for a long time seek one out or ask chris or jeff they will explain to you more about rm, in the not too distant future sunday collections will cease that in affect means the removal of a weekend shift, now these people could lose their jobs or at best work tues to sat, which will wipe out a lot of keyers earning potential which is critical for the lowest paid employees in rm. So the present situation will affect mdec and please stop being so insular open your eyes.

Also like you i go to work, I earn my money and then go home, but where we differ I cannot help thinking about colleagues elsewhere in rm who are worse off than me or trying to start off in life with mortgages, famillies etc, that is why I take part in i/a cause I would not be where I am now if posties in the past had not stood up and be counted. :cfo :lfo

[Codebreaker]

Ok, so though it absolutely disheartens me, I reply to this post:

1. If it were not for the CWU (the 'Union') then Royal Mail would not have been moved from their stance of 0% pay increase. It was, in fact, the CWU that moved Royal Mail from that original positon to a 2.5% pay offer.

2. It is easy for Royal Mail employees to forget the change in Royal Mail's stance. It was a (small but significant) victory. A victory for EVERY CWU Member.

3. Royal Mail said "the offer is the offer", and, although they repeated their 'mantra', WE AS UNION MEMBERS (THAT KNEW BETTER) CARRIED ON. WE made Royal Mail (with the aid of, in my personal opinion, the Government through their directives to the TUC and in association with ACAS) came BACK to the negotiation table. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I AM PROUD OF FOR MY SMALL PART BUT ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO FEEL THE SAME WAY - WE, I BELIEVE, ALL DESERVE THAT.

4. If you (as I have) have read the reports or feedBack from your CWU Branch then you will know that it is not UNREASONABLE to assume we (CWU members) are positive. 'Let's be clear'... (RM Chairman or CEO speak)... "the offer is the offer". OKAY. I will 'take that on board'. However, I will beg this question of every Royal Mail employee, (including you 'La' (though I care hugely about both you and your husband), 0% then 2.5%, then WEEKS of negotiation. Hmmm, make up your own mind.

5. Let us all not forget the fact that, if you are or ARE NOT a member of the CWU, you will, without a doubt, BENEFIT from: (a) having the CWU negotiate on YOUR behalf for (YOUR) pay and conditions, and (b) not lose money for what your (STRIKING) workmates will have (in the end) achieved for the benefit of ALL.





GOOD LUCK TO US ALL AND HAVE FAITH

[DirtyHarry]

LA sounds like good old fashioned Tory fodder, a paid up member of the something for nothing brigade.

[dman]

Last night during our brief, it was briefed about the break down of talks between rm and cwu, then what happened next I was gobsmacked, one keyer who did not take part in i/a asked if they can have the 2.5% pay offer and the cwu members should wait till cwu finished negotiations.

i have to say we have some numpties working at the mdec

[de-coded]

Last night during our brief, it was briefed about the break down of talks between rm and cwu, then what happened next I was gobsmacked, one keyer who did not take part in i/a asked if they can have the 2.5% pay offer and the cwu members should wait till cwu finished negotiations.

I know what my thoughts are, I would like to see some of this forum's members comments.

It doesn't surprise me and I wouldn't be shocked if 90% of non-members agreed with the person.