Most of the major trade unions in Scotland have
adopted a positive and sensible approach to the referendum, as have the STUC.
This year’s Congress was a real debate conducted in the best spirit of trade
union principles – and contrasts significantly with the chaotic contribution of
the Confederation of British Industry. I
accept the right of some individual trade unions and the STUC to adopt a
position of challenging both sides , whilst welcoming those unions and branches
that support a Yes vote.
However todays Communication Workers Union UK Conference
decision is disappointing as they have gone down the same cul de sac as the GMB
in that their leadership have imposed a line without consultation in exactly the
same way as the CBI did – to support a No vote without consulting any of their
members.
So it proved for the CBI - registering of CBI for
the No campaign without the basic requisite of consulting its own members was
only going to have one effect. Resignations. Another part of this however, begs the
question as to why so many public bodies were members in the first place.
At the STUC Congress, correctly, the decision was
taken to challenge both sides. This was
a genuine engagement, and any trade union who has engaged with their members
properly will tell you, that whilst they may have an individual view, they wish
the trade union to challenge both sides – exactly the course taken by PCS.
These recent events leave the decision taken by
the Communication Workers Union , all the more baffling. Already on social media, CWU members are
signalling their resignations, in what was described only a few weeks ago by the
Sunday Herald as a “sham consultation”.
Whilst I would never encourage any member to resign, the feeling of
being ignored and not consulted is an anti-democratic practice, which, given
the importance of the decision is indefensible.
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