Vodafone union recognition dispute Part #2

Connect is at a key meeting today over the Vodafone union recognition dispute I mentioned before.

Voda have been stalling and putting this one off so fingers crossed for a good result.

Recruitment and retention award

This is the medal that our Branch Chair received at the 07 Conference (on behalf of the Branch) for the work we have done on member recruitnment and retention!

Amendment D16

Amendment D16 was proposed by us to resist the Executive Council’s decision to remove your death in service benefit. Frankly, their arguments were never convincing since they argued that many members over the age of sixty would continue to be fully-paid members, in work and would die in service, costing the union thousands. They never presented any research or actuarial evidence to support their opinion, so our members have lost a significant benefit because the EC is guessing.

The amendment was lost, and the Death Benefit will now be withdrawn.

If you object to the loss of this benefit then please write, ring or email Head Office. If you leave the union because of this then please let the union know why!

Proposition 7

The Executive Council shall consider pursuing cases to seek legal precedent where this will be of benefit to the membership and will positively reflect on the union.

This proposition was supported by the Executive Council and was passed.

Prop 6 Activism

Conference instructs the EC to launch a wide ranging examination all possible methods of encouraging a greater degree of activism within the union. This exercise should include but not necessarily be limited to a dialogue with a wide range of voluntary organisations in order to determine what success they have had in fostering greater participation by a representative cross section of age, gender, ethnicity etc.

Lost

Proposition 4

The Executive Council is instructed to devise, introduce and operate a process to recognise excellent achievement by individuals or groups within Branches.

Lost narrowly EC liked the sentiments but prefered a more Ad Hoc solution 

Proposition 3

Withdrawn

Proposition 2

The Executive Council shall encourage the adoption of a comprehensive marketing strategy by the TUC in order to:
– raise public awareness of the trade union movement
– encourage trade union membership where workplace recruitment is difficult

Passed with support from EC

Connect Conference 2007

Short interview with Denise McGuire at connect conference 2007

Election Rule Changes

Wednesday 20th June

A debate on changes to amend rules as proposed by the Executive Council.

A lot of opposition to the proposed changes as conference mostly on the grounds of reducing accountability and democracy.

Rule changes carried – this means that the outgoing Executive Council cannot be challenged at the Biennial Conference (as it will be elected before the conference takes place) and that the President is no longer going to face election by popular mandate.

We are not happy with this decision, which is anti-democratic and suggests that the Executive Council holds the membership of the union in contempt.

Let us know what you think!