{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid3504243\rsid5444259 \rsid9442000\rsid11231906}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.6359;}{\info{\title GENERAL CONFERENCE}{\author rick}{\operator rick}{\creatim\yr2005\mo7\dy11\hr7\min48}{\revtim\yr2005\mo7\dy11\hr7\min48}{\version3}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1983} {\nofchars11308}{\*\company home}{\nofcharsws13265}{\vern24703}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1894\margr1610\margb720 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701 \dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale116\viewzk2\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot5444259 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2 \pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \ql \li19\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin19\itap0 \cbpat8 \fs20\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\cf1\insrsid5444259 GENERAL CONFERENCE}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li19\ri0\sb518\sl-274\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin19\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 General conference is held every year and is attended by }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5444259 delegations}{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 from every branch }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 in the country. This conference is the sovereign body of the union and decides upon:}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li778\ri0\sb274\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin778\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Our rules,}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li773\ri0\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin773\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 National & International Policy to be taken forward via the Labour Party, TUC}{\insrsid5444259 \par }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 and other international communication bodies we are affiliated to worldwide.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sb5\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Finance & Administration}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Recruitment & Organisation}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li773\ri0\sb10\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin773\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Education and Training}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Legal Services}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sb14\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Equal Opportunities}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li782\ri0\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin782\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Structure and Rules}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sb10\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Health safety and Environment}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li773\ri0\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin773\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 Political fund Management}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li768\ri0\sb10\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin768\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 National Discipline}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li773\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin773\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Retired Members Advisory Committee.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb259\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 Ballots take place at this conference to elect our delegates to attend various National and International conferences that will take place during the next 12 months. We also elect }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 members to our standing orders committee who organise and decide our order of business }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 at future conferences.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li5\ri274\sb528\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin274\lin5\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 The conference is now motion based appertaining to either of the subjects listed above, which are subsequently segregated into time slots. Motions are submitted by branches, }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 the national executive, regional committees or sectional conferences in advance.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb278\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-5\cf1\insrsid5444259 General Conference opened at 9am on Sunday 12 th June and was addressed by Andy Kerr }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 our elected National President. This was followed by a period of silence in tribute to all }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 our friends and colleagues who had passed away in the past 2 months.}{ \insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb264\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Billy Hayes our General Secretary then addressed us detailing the problems we had faced }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 in the previous year and outlining our direction for the forthcoming year. He referred to the successful Warwick Agreement where the union had obtained a commitment to a }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 publicly owned post office.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li10\ri144\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin144\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 We then got down to the business of discussing the submitted motions. 32 motions were tabled for discussion in the National and International section which was sub divided into 3 periods between 9.30 and 1205. Only 14 of these were actually discussed due to time restrictions. We carried motions opposing attacks on public sector pension schemes, }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Called for improved access to NHS dentistry requesting that newly trained dentists must spend at least 50% of their working week within the NHS for an initial period of 5 years }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 following qualification.}{ \insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb254\sl-274\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 We agreed to pursue policy seeking similar benefits for pensioners, disabled persons and }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 students that exist in Scotland and Wales as a result of devolved parliaments but not in }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-5\cf1\insrsid5444259 England.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri0\sb254\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Oppose measures taken by Insurance companies to exclude travel insurance availability }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 on the grounds of age, and subsequently seek legislation to protect against age }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-5\cf1\insrsid5444259 discrimination.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb269\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 We remain committed to seeking radical change in pension provision for all. Supporting }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 universal state pensions which are index linked to average earnings, and seeking an immediate increase for all those on basic state pension aboli shing means testing. Occupational pensions should be available to all workers, based on final salary and }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 employers should be compelled to make contributions each year ending the option of }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 taking contribution holidays.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb269\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 A review of the Postal Services Act 2000 is to be sought by parliament because we do not }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 believe that the regulatory authorities established are correctly applying to their original remits or acting in the best interests of the public.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li10\ri134\sb250\sl-283\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin134\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Along with other uni ons we must seek to abolish the demand for political fund ballots to be conducted every 10 years.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb259\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 The union has condoned the stance of the government taken with regard the war in Iran }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 and will continue to support groups opposed to the war, or seeking withdrawal of our }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 troops as we believe the occupying army are part of the problem creating instability and violence.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb264\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 40 minutes prior to lunch were allocated to discuss recruitment and organisation, 7 motions were originally tabled. Conference agreed to bestow National Honorary }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Membership on a number of former executive members, an ex national officer and a long standing member of standing orders committee. No nomination was forthcoming for John }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Keggie though. Many issues regarding recruitment are also debated within the finance and administration section of conference tabled for Monday morning.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb259\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Equal opportunities received an hour's attention with 6 motions tabled. 3 were accepted, one carried and 2 withdrawn. Within this section we considered issues regarding }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 domestic violence, how menopausal difficulties are subject to discrimination within our }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 existing attendance procedures, combating racism, and sought an annual report on employment tribunal's cases taken against employers on behalf of ethnic members.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li10\ri82\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin82\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 The remaining periods of Sunday afternoon addressed attempts to amend or replace }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 existing National rules. Over 50 motions were submitted for inclusion and additionally a number of emergencies as well. Some motions may seek to amend or replace just one or two wor ds within a rule whilst others seek to delete and replace an entire rule which may }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 cover several pages within our }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5444259 rule book}{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 .}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri0\sb5\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Branches agreed to increase their share of membership contributions via branch rebates }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 from 27% to 29%. Nominees for elections must be endorsed by their own branch but can }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 also be endorsed by other branches in some circumstances. Proposals confirming sectional conferences would be held each year were accepted, (in previous years some conferences had been cancelled owing to budgetary r estraints). Other changes carried related to the number of branch delegates able to attend sectional conferences and the }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 number of motions that could be submitted by branches, advisory committees or regional }{ \fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-6\cf1\insrsid5444259 committees.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li14\ri264\sb269\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin264\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 On Monday morning we received a verbal report from Tony Kearns our Senior Deputy }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 General Secretary whose prime responsibility is the union's finances. He explained the }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 measures being taken to reduce the union's debt and the need to be ever vigilant.} {\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb259\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Conference then discussed motions relative to our finance and administration. 17 motions }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 were tabled into two time slots of 45minutes and an hour respectively. Of concern were problems emanating from the membership record dept which in turn affect the financial receipts of branches. Membership app lication forms have not necessarily been fit for }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 purpose recently but it would appear that new ones are now available and suitable for use }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 in the various companies from which we recruit. Videos are also available for audio visual presentations to groups of prospective new recruits as well. Recruitment is the life }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 blood of our union; SDD and natural wastage within the postal business mean we have no room for complacency.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb269\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Measures to find commercial computer software to adopt for use as standard software }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 packages throughout the union are required. Opportunities should be sought to buy bulk purchases of computers and software within our national, regional and branch structures.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sb278\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Membership contributions are always an emotive issue and for several years various p roposals to address the matter have been rejected. It is difficult finding an affordable contribution rate in an industry that reflects such diversity in pay scales. As the union seeks to recruit in many new companies following the constant downsizing of the former }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 BT, and the Post Office is following in joint ventures for catering, cleaning, building }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 maintenance etc the matter needs to be addressed urgently. Many of these new companies }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 are paying only the minimum wage to new members of staff employed and a re hostile to union recognition deals. Our union needs to offer an affordable membership rate to employees of these companies so that we can recruit the required level of membership within a workplace or company to trigger automatic recognition. Following a passionate but level headed debate conference finally agreed to allow the national executive to determine a reduced rate for existing and prospective members in a company called Monterey and others if necessary. The rates would be reviewed in twelve mon ths.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li19\ri14\sl-274\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin14\lin19\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 The CWU is also an employer of staff who are represented by GMB. We too have }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 responsibilities to provide pensions schemes for our employees and along with many other companies and unions some of these schemes are in deficit. Addressing these issues }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 is complex as we have financial and moral obligations of best practise to observe.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri442\sb254\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin442\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 An attempt to restrict salaries of officers elected in the future to that of the grades represented was overwhelmingly rejected.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri0\sb259\sl-274\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 The intensity of these debates reluctantly meant that less than half of the motions tabled were addressed.}{ \insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri0\sb250\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Debate after lunch focused on provision of our legal services, only 2 motions were tabled }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 so just fifteen minutes were allocated as the time slot. Bo th motions addressed issues regarding Employment Tribunals. Some large and well organised branches favour handling their own cases but the general officer and conference agreed to retain the existing procedures which utilise trained specialists appointed from our members and allocated cases by our legal services dept.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb264\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Conference then addressed the Political fund management. 9 motions were submitted }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 prior to conference and several emergencies were tabled on to the agenda following Alan }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 Leighton's statement s eeking a partial privatisation. An hour was the allotted period of }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 time as several of the motions were contradictory and consequently fell if policy was }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 previously established.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb269\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Once again the Unions links within the Labour Party were being challenged, in s ome cases the challenges were from activists within the Socialists Workers Party or Respect Who seek to get their hands on union funding, in other cases Conservative (yes they do exist) or Liberal activists. The opposition to the link has grown stronger s i nce the party has been in government and activists are frustrated by a lack of progress in many areas, I understand and in some cases share their frustration but still believe that retaining the link is imperative if we wish to influence and pursue our ag endas.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb269\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Opposing privatisation of the Post Office is at the top of our agenda but if the Government announce any measures to commence this then it is almost certain that our link will be terminated. Currently we have a manifesto promise to retain a publicly owned postal service but many challenge this statement. I know that the Labour Party }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 membership wish this to be the case and will fight to retain it, regrettably I am aware that }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 certain ministers have other ideas and will be aided and abetted by members of the Post }{\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-5\cf1\insrsid5444259 Office board.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb264\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Our members must realise that privatisation is no quick fix to our problems, but will }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 certainly create many more. BT shed 160.000 jobs and many who found jobs with other }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 companies within the industry are employed on drastically reduced personal terms and conditions with no union recognition rights either, is that what we want?}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li14\ri0\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Conference endorsed a motion which could lead to a split if the union fails to gain further }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 assurances following this years TUC conference or Labour Party Conference. Perhaps the }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 union will need to consider splitting our political fund allowing members an opportunity}{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259\charrsid5444259 }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 to opt into labour party contributions if they want. This may indeed attract many more }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 members contributing to the Political fund over all.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb264\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Education an d training was allocated an hour for 8 submitted motions, of these 1 was accepted, 1 carried and another remitted following assurances given, 3 were withdrawn Conference did not endorse training Branch Officers to help them deal with members }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 suffering from mental health problems, it believed that other agencies were best suited to handle our members needs. H/Q accepted to negotiate with all employers for paid release }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 to attend union education seen fit by our executive. Conference carried a motion that }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 ensur ed activists who have to attend mandatory courses such as equality and diversity training should not be financially disadvantaged.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb264\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Finally conference reviewed its structure and rules for 75 minutes. 8 motions submitted, }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 those carried opposed any future mergers with a union not engaged in the communications industry. Unsuccessful motions sought to change the size of our }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 executive, provide reserved seats on our national and industrial executives, and provide }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-2\cf1\insrsid5444259 opportunities for all secretaries of women's regional committees to attend general }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 conference in an ex officio capacity, paid for by the regions.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \qj \li14\ri619\sb259\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin619\lin14\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 This years conference conducted itself well and in many areas handled its business quickly and efficiently without lengthy debate on each motion. Where controversy }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 existed then debate was lengthy but generally well mannered.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb269\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 An absence of high profile speakers not directly related to the union was missing though. Jeannie Drake who is deputy general secretary of the our telecoms sector addressed us in }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 her capacity as president of the TUC rather than Brendan Barber or Francis O ' Grady. The MP from Selby newly selected to our parliamentary team represented the Labour }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 Party rather than a minister and our overseas speaker was a former UCW employee now }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 employed as Deputy General Secretary of the European Postal and telecommunications }{ \fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-7\cf1\insrsid5444259 union.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb264\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 Around and within the conference complex there were numerous fringe meetings to }{ \fs24\expnd0\expndtw-4\cf1\insrsid5444259 attend with as many as six during Monday lunchtime. Reports from some of these will }{\fs24\expnd0\expndtw-3\cf1\insrsid5444259 have to be submitted after my return from annual leave.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li10\ri0\sb264\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\fs24\expnd-1\expndtw-5\cf1\insrsid5444259 Colin Tull.}{\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li5\ri0\sb264\sl-264\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin5\itap0\pararsid5444259 \cbpat8 {\insrsid5444259 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sb254\sl-269\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \cbpat8 {\insrsid5444259 \par }}