This composite motion is all about our union being more democratic.
Taking industrial action is a big decision. Our members expect us to tell them the issues clearly and consult them fully. And its right that branches carry out that work. Members want to talk it over with the reps they elected. People they know and trust.
We have to respect their right to make their own decisions.
But we have to respect the decisions they make and the way they are made too.
If we take industrial action after consultation then we shouldn’t stop without at least some consultation or at least contacting the relevant branches in the event of an 11th hour offer. That is what is fair to our members.
Mistakes have been made because of the current rules. A strike was cancelled by a few people in a room without calling a single branch or asking a member outside that room.
There has been ill feeling and anger, but now is the time to put it all behind us and find a new unity behind new arrangements that will stop the same mistakes being made in the future.
Its time to put more decision making powers with our members. They are the union and they deserve our respect.
