"Keeping our powder dry for the really big issues". This phrase has been bandied about on various forums along with, "Lines in the sand", "non negotiable" for as long as I have been in the company (6 and a half years).
As a Union member I am sickened and furious at the conduct of the "team" or "cabal" that have been speaking to the company without a mandate from the membership.
Regardless of their intentions, they entered into talks with the company who then gag them with a confidentiality clause so they are then unable to furnish the members with full disclosure of the nature of the discussion.
We are then presented with a briefing attended by an HR rep along with the Union delegation.
When asked awkward questions by our staff the HR rep giggles and is saved by the Union guys answering the question. That is taking "working together" to the extreme IMHO.
Who is working for us if the Union are rolling over and taking one for the team or management? If this is a negotiation where is the negotiating?
This as far as I am aware is the first proposal to come our way, and we are asked to endorse it. That is not negotiation as I understand it, or am I being naive?
We are being railroaded into accepting a proposal based on a few weeks study that has taken a team of "specialists" a couple of years to work out.
Have the Union got ANY powder to keep dry? There has been nothing from the Executive regarding the taking of any action at all to combat the Company position, whether industrial or work to rule. Indeed it would appear that, as far as the union are concerned, this is it, take it or leave... it or the company.
I feel completely disillusioned, betrayed, and let down by the Union. If they do nothing in the face of all the opposition out there, they should be bl
dy ashamed.
Here's a news flash, the members I have spoken to do not want this proposal. Start representing us. Lets have some transparency in the dealings with the company. Stop treating us like the big wheels treat us.
And before any Union reps have a go at me hiding behind an anonymous forum, I hope to attend the conference in November where I will ask the questions raised here, in public. If my mum (or WM) will let me go.