Saving Royal Mail from the vultures

CWU conference

Saving Royal Mail from the vultures

THE THREATENED privatisation of Royal Mail has dominated this year’s
Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) conference.

Alec Thraves

General secretary Billy Hayes pointed out to delegates that Labour’s
manifesto pledges to keep Royal Mail in the public sector. But the
majority of postal workers are totally convinced that Allan Leighton,
backed up by Blair and ex-CWU leader Alan Johnson, will start the
process of privatisation over the next few months.

Delegates demanded the immediate launching of a campaign amongst
postal workers and the general public to prevent Royal Mail being taken
over by big-business vultures.

The more militant members of the postal section argued again and
again in the general conference that unless the Labour government gave a
new categorical statement that Royal Mail will not be privatised then
the CWU should stop financing New Labour.

This position was narrowly defeated in an emergency motion by just a
few thousand votes.

But no-one, including the pro-Labour leadership, is in any doubt that
if any part of Royal Mail is privatised, the CWU will cut its political
links with New Labour.

Socialist Party member Judy Griffiths had the largest applause during
the continuing debate on Labour’s link when she said: "Blair has
privatised more than Thatcher would ever have dared."

For postal workers, this summer will be one of preparation for a
massive confrontation with New Labour over their attempts to privatise
Royal Mail.

The rest of the trade union movement must give them full backing and
support.

The conference later voted unanimously to support the 6,000 workers
in O2, who are fighting for a fair pay deal.

The company is refusing to offer a consolidated pay rise and are
pushing for a deal based on performance. They want to break the
principle of cost of living pay rises.

Also the performance review scheme has never been approved by the
union.

The conference voted to support the CWU members in O2 if they have to
take industrial action, which looks likely at the moment.