Dave ward on sky tonight

[AnotherLimey]

I'd just like to add that i am a rep in one if not the only branch that recommended a NO vote over BT2010, don't want to say we told you so

[Martin Walsh]

In fact a number of Branch's recommended no over 20 but only 5 got a no vote amongst the membership

[Danelectro]

The only option open to the CWU is honesty and openness,not more bluster,bullshit and drum beating from the same area reps,branch officials and national officers that worked so hard to sell BT2010 to the members in the first place.

Agree with all you say FT,the problem im having is yeah if theres the smallest chance of influencing or stopping the sale of RM then im in despite all the bad feeling caused by BT2010,im just not clear on how the 'Save Our RM' campaign is geared up to do that and what our chances are because the Condems aren't exactly in disarray over it.

[fishtank]

If you're going to fight,fight hard and fight dirty.
A gallant loser is just a loser.

[stephen500]

Having just looked at the interview on sky with Michael Fallon and Dave Ward, it appears that the whole argument for external capital is hinged on it being classed as "public debt".
Nick on Sky makes the point why can't RM just borrow on the markets, with Fallon arguing that it would be public debt.
Dave Ward argues it would not count as public debt.
Fallon was uncomfortable with this questioning and Dave Ward and the CWU needs to keep hammering away at this weak argument.
It is NOT public debt.
The question also needs to be raised what is this external capital for and how much is needed? And at what interest rate?
We have pdas, vans. Perhaps the automation they talk about is packet machines.
The governments plan is not well thought out.
They say that RM needs external capital, but as said they have not said what for and how much.
All the arguments are weak.
CWU needs to hammer home the old mantra of privatisation is outdated, results in higher costs for the consumer and weaker terms and conditions for employees.
Fingers crossed the coalition will do badly in the election Thurs and will be weakened.
We just need to put this privatisation off for 2 years, a big hope I know!
The government's course gets even worse if an ipo fails.
Then it would be off to the equity markets and they just strip away and sell up.
Six day delivery will then be gone and so will cheap prices and our terms and conditions.
Another failed privatisation, could be the nail in the coffin for Dave Cameron and maybe us!

[Martin Walsh]

Look I have never said that BT 2010 was without it faults . Failed revisions based on unrealistic performance targets ,which has led to bullying and Harassment and am increase in workplace stress centre closure programme which has reduced quality of service and attack jobs in areas.

however privatisation is on another level and we all need to understand that and make a decision on whether we are united in opposition or not.

[crammypostie1]

those with high serving time in royal mail its all good, those with temp contracts or new to the company... they most likely will be the ones gone, cheapest to get rid of them... whilst the long serving staff will be hit with more work

[UnhappyGremlin]

those with high serving time in royal mail its all good, those with temp contracts or new to the company... they most likely will be the ones gone, cheapest to get rid of them... whilst the long serving staff will be hit with more work

Wrong.
New staff on short term contracts will be kept on. But when offered a new contract it will be at minimum wage, with no allowances etc. And crap T&C's obviously. It is the easiest way to make a cut in staff costs in the short term. Then long service staff will be attempted to be bribed out of their contracts, whether out the door, or to reduce hours etc., or just bullied into quitting, or have trumped up charges against them for dismissal.
It will not be fun for anyone.