Mood: down
I personally feel that the presentations went on too long and stifled debate from the membership on The Tentative Agreement.
Most members were aware of many of the points raised. A brief passionate overview probably would have been the best approach.
After the presentations, many members rushed to the ballot boxes to vote. At meetings like this, members should be encouraged to express themselves and ask questions.
What other issues should have been brought up and who else should have been there?
* The pros and cons of going on strike with so much already agreed upon by the NEB and CPC
* Personal comments on the floor and questions from the membership before the vote
* Putting together a ratification meeting for part-timers who have to work the weekends. They worked until six o'clock on Saturday and couldn't get out to vote.
* Others were locked out because they arrived late. This is an important vote. No one should be disenfranchised.
You should also know that in the WLPP there was nothing posted from the NEB (Same at the stations and SLPP?). It was a total Toronto Local Show. In a democracy, different views on the same issues should be equally promoted. That means on bulletin boards and tables which are seen daily by postal workers.
Both brother Killy and sister Kolompar have avoided a serious debate on effective tactics that can be used on CPC (e.g. the right time and right approach for a future strike threat).
Like I said in an earlier letter, there is "a strike smart way" to hit CPC and "a strike stupid way" to do it. It's either more gain than pain or more pain than gain. There are lessons to be learned from the strikes in 1997, 1991, and 1987. Everyone in CUPW should be involved in this controversial debate. Senior guys like myself have paid our dues and done our strike time.
Lets debate it. Why we should or shouldn't go on strike now!!!
Lots of good stuff on this webpage.
Posted by qualteam
at 11:01 PM EDT
Updated: Sunday, 14 September 2003 11:06 PM EDT