Conference Report, Blackpool, June 2005. by Jim Findlay
General Issues
One issue that concentrated the minds of CWU members in the Post Office was Privatisation.
This issue was raised in numerous debates and was discussed by sponsored MPs and to great length by Billy Hayes and a vigorous campaign to place the policies of the CWU was supported by all present. A demonstration to support the anti-privatisation campaign will be held in London at the start of September.
The number one issue with Romec at conference was the difficulties in even getting them around the table never mind actually achieving any progress. Protracted national discussions have failed to produce an agreement that satisfies any party. These discussions are at national level and should they fail a policy to ballot the members for industrial action will ensue.
Other issues that were carried at conference were as follows:- some of these were held in camera. (only CWU members in the conference hall)
Bonus Scheme. A ballot, within three months of conference, was requested to be held if the decision was made to move to a Single Profit Centre based bonus scheme. This was not carried.
WLA. Romec has consistently undermined the agreement by attempting rollout prior to completion of trials.
Grade responsibilities. A consistency of grade job description must be maintained and any new grade job descriptions be agreed by a ballot of the members
Conference noted that the situation in RME has settled down since the introduction of Pay and Major change. Certain issues have arisen and were discussed at conference.
Training in the delivery of Individual Performance Revues. This is the first time our members have been required to conduct IPR on other CWU members and training is essential.
Substitution payments. Payment is only received on a weekly cover basis. It was suggested that a daily payment be negotiated. This was carried against the wishes of the top table.
SAP Problems with access and use of this system has made life for the engineers in RME. It is time that the system was upgrades to ensure that it is a user friendly system and a new front end access for short term faults be completed and installed as a matter of urgency.
If there is any issue that any member wishes to discuss then contact the Postal Section Secretary Jim Findlay