tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601510630767929201.post7821163232297420298..comments2024-01-11T14:49:22.005+00:00Comments on Martin Powell-Davies - teacher, trade unionist and socialist: Union must listen to members when deciding action policyMartinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00561427714319716345noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601510630767929201.post-14485612685247992972009-07-09T07:59:40.096+01:002009-07-09T07:59:40.096+01:00Thanks for posting this Martin.
In the case of Pr...Thanks for posting this Martin.<br /><br />In the case of Prestwich Arts College I don't think even the National Action Committee was consulted. The decision to reduce to a one hour strike was taken solely by the Div Sec and the Regional Officer at the negotiating meeting and then members were informed of that decision as a fait accompli. <br /><br />Martin is absolutely right. The members directly involved in the dispute are actually in a much better position to see through the shenanigans and tactics of the employers when they make these so called 'offers.' We know our own school intimately and we know when we are being sold a dummy by the bosses. The effect of reducing the action was to demoralize members and to put a brake on the momentum of our struggle, and we now have to redouble our efforts to regain that momentum. It also damages the union, because members lose faith in it and non-members are now more reluctant to join us.<br /><br />Of course, no one who was involved in the negotiations on Friday will be directly affected by their outcome, it is in some ways an academic exercise for them. For us it is not an abstract issue, but something that will impact massively on our workload, stress levels and work-life balance. <br /><br />Roy<br />NUT Rep, Prestwich Arts CollegeRoy Wilkesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5601510630767929201.post-10969500630646218982009-07-08T22:20:24.936+01:002009-07-08T22:20:24.936+01:00I agree that these decisions must be overturned. ...I agree that these decisions must be overturned. More than that I think it was amistake for Alex to argue for calling off of the action in Tower Hamlets. But the point remains about respecting union democracy.<br /><br />I also think that we need to ahve this debate out in the associations and on the campaign teacher e-list and other meetings.<br /><br />This are vital fights in both Bury and Tower Hamlets against workforce remodelling, privatisation, stratification of state education and union busting.Jasonhttp://www.permanentrevolution.netnoreply@blogger.com