The annual conference of the CWU – the Communication Workers Union, primarly representing thousands of postal workers – took place at the end of April 2014. We publish here a report of the conference by Dave Rowe of Cardiff CWU (personal capacity), which highlights the dangers ahead for postal workers in the now-privatised Royal Mail.
The annual conference of the CWU – the Communication Workers Union, primarly representing thousands of postal workers – took place at the end of April 2014. We publish here a report of the conference by Dave Rowe of Cardiff CWU (personal capacity), which highlights the dangers ahead for postal workers in the now-privatised Royal Mail.
By far the biggest debate of the first day was a motion brought by the NEC which dealt with the question of the Independence Referendum in Scotland. The NEC was seeking agreement from conference to recommend to all members in Scotland that they vote “no” in the forthcoming referendum.
Several delegates took to the rostrum to attack the NEC for what they considered the national union’s medalling in Scottish affairs, attempting to justify their position by trying to portray the NEC as a dictatorial regime handing down pronouncements from above.
Andy Kerr speaking for the NEC put the debate into perspective saying that many Scottish branches had themselves asked the national union to take part in the debate and show leadership citing the view that too little is known about the outcome of a “yes” vote for Scottish Independence especially how it would affect the members of our union in Scotland and the rest of the UK. A “yes” vote would obviously split the working class in Britain even further and in so doing erect even more obstacles in the way of us achieving a progressive movement. The motion for a “no” vote was overwhelmingly carried.
Another motion which attracted a lot of debate from delegates was the motion calling for the NEC to support Anti Bedroom Tax groups. Speakers told of how it was costing councils more to evict people then to write off the debt, also that 3-bedroom houses were being boarded up as there were no tenants for them and one-bedroom properties were now in short supply causing people being unable to downsize and being forced into debt. It was noted that the Labour Party has pledged to scrap this evil tax if elected.
Monday was Youth Day at conference with delegates being shown a short film celebrating youth involvement in the CWU and there were many events around conference for youth members to attend and be encouraged to take a more active role within the union. This was followed by Billy Hayes, the general secretary, who made his key note speech on the second day of General Conference. In it he spoke about the decline in the economy despite the much publicised so-called recovery saying how government debt had actually increased from £60 billion to £110 billion and that 44% of new jobs are actually self-employed. He also outlined the CWU’s commitment to campaign for the re-nationalisation of Royal Mail and the intention to ballot members in October on maintaining the Political Fund.
The first day of The Postal Conference began with a speech by Dave Ward that criticised the government for the sell-off of Royal Mail. He then went on to commend the new Agreement to delegates saying that it should deliver growth rather than manage decline. However, despite extra money, there were lots of strings attached to this deal. Dave ended on a note of caution, by reminding everyone of the need to recognise the new environment we are now dealing with.
In fact, postal workers will be facing increasing pressure and attacks in the future. Despite this, the union seems to be looking towards cosy deals with management. This was illustrated by the fact that the head of Royal Mail was invited to address our conference. In what we were informed by Dave Ward to be a reciprocal arrangement with the Royal Mail Board whereby they allow a representative from the CWU to address them, then we, the CWU allow the Royal mail CEO Moya Greene to address conference, with also in attendance, senior Royal Mail managers! This seemed to be a somewhat bizarre situation whereby we allow someone who was brought in by the government to specifically oversee the privatisation of the 500 year old public postal service which this union has fought so hard against, being given a platform at our conference! Even more bizarrely, after her long drawn out speech, she was warmly applauded by the majority of delegates.
This reminds you of “come into my parlor” said the spider to the fly. CWU members need to be aware of the dangers in this approach. We must maintain our independence. The main task is to fight for our members and not attempt to play games with Royal Mail bosses.
