Merged: AFAP and the Mutual Benefit Fund

[meme]

ITCZ,
Quote: My “Master caution” light is going off because two men whose views I respect, have opposing views on a serious matter.

I’m in agreement with many of the sentiments you have expressed. It is indeed difficult when faced with a decision which may go against the wishes/recommendations of people you respect. “They can’t both be right”, you might say.

Well, that could depend on who they are representing. In this particular issue the individuals are representing their respective organisations in accordance with their responsibilities towards that organisation. We would expect no less. On the issue at hand, there is a clear disagreement between the Union and the MBF and both gentlemen are promoting the interests of their respective organisation. To that end they are both could be considered ‘right’ and acting in good faith.

In this instance, it is clearly in the interests of the Union to have the ability for their office holders to occupy positions on the MBF board, so naturally that line would, and is being pursued.
On the other hand, the MBF have very real concerns about a ‘Conflict of Interest’ which not only could, but has occurred. It is therefore their responsibility to recommend closing that loophole in order to avoid further occurrences.

Essentially this is an MBF initiative which on the face of it appears quite appropriate given the circumstances. It could be argued of course that the Union’s efforts as ‘spoilers’ is equally appropriate for promoting their agenda. Either way, when considering this matter, I think it is important we wear our own MBF hat.

I hope you get the opportunity to discuss the issue with both gentlemen so that ‘MASTER CAUTION LT’ can be extinguished.