LTB 1091/09 - TRADE UNION LIAISON ORGANISATION (TULO) - GE

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LTB 1091/09 - TRADE UNION LIAISON ORGANISATION (TULO) - GENERAL ELECTION

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No. 1091 09 Ref Date: 17 December 2009

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,
TRADE UNION LIAISON ORGANISATION (TULO) - GENERAL ELECTION
The Trade Union Liaison Organisation is the umbrella body of affiliated unions, commonly referred to as TULO.
It comprises of 15 unions. Since the Election of 2001 TULO's coordination has improved dramatically. Although, like any such organisation, it is not without its difficulties.
The CWU plays an important part within this organisation. It has been because of the support of TULO, we were able to make gains at the Labour Party National Policy Forum, and at subsequent Labour Party Conferences.
By enlarge we have stuck with TULO, but also maintain our independence on issues that are crucial to the interests of the people we represent.
The words achieved at Warwick I and II, and the 2005 Manifesto pledges would not have been achieved without the support of all the affiliated unions under the auspices of TULO. This is not to underplay the role of TUC (of which all TULO unions are naturally a part) and others who support our aims.
Most recently this was dramatically demonstrated at the Labour Party Conference 2009, when with TULO support, we secured our Emergency Motion on the agenda. Along with the unanimous support of the Labour Party National Executive Committee (see Annex C).
TULO nationally met to discuss the unions approach to the forthcoming General Election. The Government is legally bound to hold a General Election by June 2010 at the latest. Most expect the General Election to be held on 6 May 2010. Although there is also talk of March 2010, being the date of the Election.
The Queen's Speech announced on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 is to be the last one before the Election. It was one of the shortest in living memory at seven minutes. Significantly, despite its brevity, the number of Bills that will make it to the Statute Book will not be many.
The Queen's Speech was also the de facto death of the Postal Services Bill, with the decision not to carry over the Bill. It did, however, include the Digital Economy Bill which is welcome.
Discussions have now commenced with all the stakeholders as to what should be in the Labour Party Manifesto 2010.
Attached to this document is a summary of the CWU position as it will be represented. There are other subjects that cover wider issues, attached is the two industry specific.
We have also made it clear, given the amount of commitment agreed by various fora within the Labour Party, together with polling evidence of the public and the CWU moving forward on modernisation. Total engagement would not be possible without a resolution to the Royal Mail Pension deficit in line with CWU Annual Conference policy. The CWU would be unable to mobilise its members, organisationally and financially were this matter not dealt prior to the forthcoming General Election. TULO understands the CWU's position and accepts the need to address this matter.
The CWU National Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, 9 December, cleared this position.
Together with this, work is being finalised on the routes available, given the political will, to deal with the Pension deficit. This will be for submission to Government and distribution to all affiliated organisations, Constituency Labour Parties, Members of Parliament, TUC and all Stakeholders.
A new Early Day Motion is currently planned for tabling on the subject of The Royal Mail Pension Fund deficit, when Parliament returns on Wednesday, 6 January 2010. (Parliament broke for the Christmas break on Wednesday, 16 December 2009)
A briefing of Labour Members of both Houses of Parliament was held on Monday, 14 December.
A provisional meeting has been arranged for 6 p.m. Monday, 25 January 2010. This is to update Labour Members of both Houses of Parliament and in particular reinforce our pension deficit document. (It is anticipated this will be distributed by 15 January latest together with a copy to Branches).

A letter to Constituency Labour Parties outlining the CWU's position, together with a copy DVD, which covers the debate on the Royal Mail Pension deficit at Labour Party Conference 2009, was also included with the posting (copy attached).

Enclosed with this LTB a copy of the General Election result for 2005, names of Members of Parliament majorities, changes and the like. Copies of General Election results 1892 to 2005.
It is anticipated that the General Election will be decided on a swing of the 134 most marginal seats.
The National Social Grade (which is the framework often referred to in elections) is attached at Annex F
A graph of the Labour Party and Conservative share of the vote since 1892 to 2005 is attached at Annex G.
Branches will have received a copy of General Election results 1892 to 2005, under a separate mailing.
Summary of enclosures and attachments:
Annex A. - CWU Submission to TULO.
Annex B - TULO
Annex C - Emergency Motion to Labour Party Conference 2009.
Annex D - Letter and attachments to Labour CLPs (Poling information)
Annex E - 2005 General Election.
Annex F - NRS Social Grade - the is the Framework often referred
to in elections.
Annex G - Tory and Labour share of vote 1892 - 2005.
This information will be of value in lobbying CLPs and Labour MPs on matters germane to the CWU. Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the General Secretary's Office.
Yours sincerely,


BILLY HAYES
GENERAL SECRETARY
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