Saturday, June 05, 2004

Groundhog Day

Further to the post on 30th April regarding Unison and our leadership's recommendation of "Take the Money" for those included. A recall meeting was held yesterday, despite the fact that our negotiators had not concluded that which was asked of them from the previous meeting, namely that they get the bits that are outstanding sorted, before coming back to us. Fewer people this time than last and despite the previous overwhelming success, this time the mood is different. There are a lot of people who stand to gain a lot out of the deal financially and management need it in place quickly, they have been regaling the world with how great a model they have and how fabulous the deal is. Last time, other than the platform, there were few speakers in favour of the leadership's motion. This time there were a few, none of them particularly good, excluding the convener who's a shrewd, if nippy sweety. One speaker actually has the honesty to say he wanted the money! Forget solidarity.

Looking round the hall at times it was odd, I noticed that management had successfully managed to create a division in the workforce and this was going to be close. The more absurd part of the whole proceeding was the SSP members effectively saying take the cash and sod solidarity comrades. Well they have lost 1 vote as they can fuck off next Thursday when I spoil my Ballot Paper, given that there are NO acceptable parties to vote for.

And the result was.....very close, but by 20 votes there is still power in a union.

posted by timesnewroman at 11:23 AM  

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