Hi Betty Girl,
Whilst appreciating that this is getting to be an ancient problem, non the less times have moved on since the original decision in 2008, in terms of the union makeup and activity. Unite were/are trying to ensure that both Bassa and Amicus are recognised solely as branches of Unite and not as negotiating or decision making units in their own right, hence keeping them out of negotiations with BA on the current CC dispute. In the meantime both appear to be fighting for political independance of action.
So its now Unite, in the form of Len Mc as the new and ongoing joint/ general secretary, who are looking to seek the limelight, nothing has been said
AFAIK from either of the two branches.
That said, it does seem a ridiculous situation whereby a local contract of employment in HK should be the subject of an employment tribunal in the UK, but obviously there must be some connection for the UK legal involvement - I'm not going there, I rattled on enough in the previous post.
Yes, unions do have a role to play in the normal run of things and should be of assistance to their members, unfortunately with the politics and infighting that have arisen on the union side in the past two years, it appears that the members needs currently have no relevance or priority other than to be used to make political or financial gain.
The other problem of course, is the unique working and lifestyle structure of CC, which despite modern technology must be a nightmare for communication purposes for both BA and CC, especially where the union as the only cohesive force, succeeds in convincing its members not to even read the communications from the employer and, the members are encouraged not to discuss issues among themselves but simply believe as gospel any statements made by the union. This way lies the anarchy of the past 12 - 18 months.
Solutions? - not with the present bunfight going on and with due respect, Ms Mak's problem is actually irrelevant unless political points can be made by the union and become a cause celebre.
