14/8 Exeter branch meeting

Aside from organisational issues, the main topics of discussion and debate at the branch meeting were the world situation and the ongoing industrial action by the CWU. Also discussed was the possibility of a general election in October and events in September, October and November.

On the subject of the CWU/Royal Mail dispute, JL outlined the situation as it has unfolded to date, including the one-day strikes, the staggered strikes and the current postponement. He emphasised the support for the strikes by not just the vast majority of postal workers but the public as well. However, the leaders of the CWU seem to be pursuing a course of action better suited to getting a few concessions rather than the outright victory that is needed (for more details of the CWU action see previous posts on this site). In the discussion that followed JK talked about the strikes by Post Office counter workers, which were about the closure of 70 Crown Post Offices and the provision of the services in WH Smiths instead. AC pointed our attentions to the national demonstration in London on the 21st August. SB and JT also made some points related to the action in Devon and the tactics of the union leadership, which seems at odds with the attitudes and determination of the postal workers on the ground.

In the discussion on the world situation, JT gave a report on the event recently held in Belgium for members of parties affiliated to the Committee for a Workers' International (CWI). Socialists from all over the world gathered to discuss issues such as the ongoing crisis in the middle east, American imperialism, the environment and many other issues. A report of the event can be found in the latest issue of 'the socialist'. An online version of the report is available on the Socialist Party website. A report is also available on the website of China Worker (thanks to Leftwing Criminologist for the information about this link).

Recent postal action update from 'the socialist'

PUBLIC SUPPORT for the Communication Workers Union (CWU) action remains strong and in Bideford on 2 August only four out of 80 crossed the lines and scabbed. In Ilfracombe only two went in. And in Barnstaple only five out of 138 workers went in with no slippage in support.
Socialist Party members are helping to distribute CWU leaflets and have been approached by CWU reps to start organising a rally with other unions - NUT, UNISON, FBU - and are looking to contacts with the PCS and RMT. The theme will be 'Public Service not Private Profit'. It is hoped to expand this to other areas.

In the 'English Riveria', Torquay, a very effective leadership has led to a solid 100% turnout of CWU members. There are reports of unoffical 'work to contracted hours' and rows over use of workers' own cars, which has saved this bullying management millions of pounds over the years.
This '100%' was reflected in Newton Abbot. Teignmouth remains at 95% out, with reports coming in of agency workers being used. This apparently is illegal and a waste of time - one agency worker finished their round on a non-strike day at 7.30pm!

Sean Brogan

----UPDATE----

Since this was published in 'the socialist' the strike action has been postponed until September. Worringly, negotiations are taking place in secret behind closed doors, with only Royal Mail bosses Leighton and Crozier and CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes and Deputy General Secretary Dave Ward present. It does seem that Hayes and Ward are prepared to just get a few scraps off of Crozier and Leighton, despite the fact that anything short of complete victory for the postal workers in this struggle would open the doors for privatisation and the break up of the postal service which will lead to further setbacks in the future and weaken the power of the union to campaign and fight for its members.

JL