Oh Dear...
Looking through the copy of Duncan's latest missive a few things struck me.
1) Once again we have some dodgy old numbers coming out - the suggestion that a £5 surcharge on the monthly subs will only yield £18 per commuter. At the last reckoning (i.e. before BASSA changed the membership number on their website to read 'about 10,000 members') BASSA had 9279 members. £18 per month is 3.5 member's contributions, so that means the number of commuters is about 2,650 - about 40% of the total number who walked out according to BASSA. That £18 each commuter would receive would include £5 of their own cash, so net result is actually £13. Wouldn't even get a Ryanair flight for that. I did wonder whether the climb down was more to do with lack of enthusiasm in support.
2) Duncan seems to want t obe Mr Popularity with the Unite leadership. Comments like his reference to the Trade Unions Congress as a 'jaunt' will not endear him. Equally, saying that Unite is 'toothless' and effectively saying that if the leadership aren't for BASSA they must be against them will not garner support. Almost sounds like Duncan wants BASSA to cut loose from Unite, something that Unite would be only to pleased to see happen I suspect.
3) Duncan sounds like he wants to shrink the size of the branch down to 6,000. He doesn't seem to have any time for anyone who didn't walk out on strike- the 'if you aren't for us , then you are against us' mentality again. Not sur how that is going to play with the union leadership. To willfully discard 40% of your membership is not going to do much for your credibility.
4) I'm not sure that if I was a branch secretary where a high proportion of my members were of the opposite gender, I would be making light of watching porno movies. Doesn't say much for the union's viewson equality, women's rights etc...
Final thought. BASSA have been appealing for members to stand in as reps. Only one thing wrong with that. Reps should be elected as they are deemed to be the people who have consulted with the membership and are able to represent their views. Self selection doesn't suggest that the volunteers are considered by thier colleagues to be people who canvass and represent the views of all the members. You need an election. Ahhh but that would mean having one for branch secretary as Duncan is no longer qualified as he was sacked by BA.