I think people need to move away from suggesting there is something sinister in a postal ballot.
I can only speak for the ATCO Branch below:
For local ballots, the normal procedure is to have it 'on unit' in a ballot box and the results will be counted by the local rep, with or without an observer.
For national ballots the procedure is to use a postal vote, which is scrutinised by Prospect centrally. The ballots are sent to the address Prospect hold for the member on their records (hence the importance of keeping your details up to date). Once the ballots are returned, they are counted by full-time prospect staff who work for Prospect centrally. They do not work for the ATCO Branch, nor are any of the lay reps (BEC/Execs) involved. NATS do not have any input into our processes at any stage.
The full-time Prospect staff counting the ballots have a professional reputation and conduct to abide by. It is wrong to question their integrity as any sign of them not adhering to laid down rules of conduct for ballots would result in action by Prospect. The Prospect staff sit outside the ATCO reps and will not seek to sway the result in any way.
Rather than insinuating any potential fraudulent behaviour, energy would be better spent in ensuring a strong turn out in the ballot to show NATS Management that we have a strong, engaged membership that is willing to make its voice heard. A high turnout, whatever the result, gives the Unions the confidence to face NATS down, when required, confident in the support of the members.
On a slightly different note, when we stand united, there is very little anyone can force us into. It is when we appear divided that splits and weaknesses can be exploited. Sometimes, what happens within this site does nothing to inform but simply gives the impression of a split workforce that is weak. Surely that is not the impression, even if true (which I would strongly reject), that we should be giving to management. If people wish to change things within the unions, please do so, but do it without weakening them. There are processes in place to make changes. We are going to need the Unions, and need them as strong as possible, in the future. The fight on many issues, in my humble opinion, is far from over!
(end of rant
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