EBA6

This vote is a bit difficult to decide on after the direction taken by Post and CEPU during negotiations that have dragged on far too long.

Post have steadfastly stated they would not be moved no matter what. CEPU advised members of this fact and started a vigorous campaign for workers in relation to several key issues.
Post launched a nasty smear campaign against CEPU which turned members off Post. Negotiations stalled and a decision was made that led to members across Australia taking unprecedented Industrial Action.

I believe after that Action some ground was given by Post, but months after that Action, negotiations continued to achieve nothing.
Then with the Federal Election looming and with Post’s financial results for the year soon to be announced Post started to push for a conclusion to negotiations.

CEPU called in ACTU State Secretary Greg Combay in to negotiate on its behalf.
The results of that meeting are on previous entries below this one, workers have been going over the details and not everyone is convinced this is a good EBA for Postal Workers.
The lack of good faith during negotiations and the bullyboy tactics employed during this fiasco, leave workers no doubt Post’s attitude towards workers.
The subsequent back flip by CEPU who now advocate voting yes in the ballot, leaves members most of whom took Industrial Action over this issue wondering if enough ground has been given by Post and feeling disenfranchised by their Union.
Throw into the equation a federal Election and it gets even difficult to know what to vote.

I think if we vote Yes it is the best option if Howard gets back in, given that they want to go further in reducing Workers Rights.

If we vote No and Latham gets in we may be able to achieve a better EBA as a result of Labor’s Industrial Relations policy.

If Howard gets back in, he will say that the Australian People have endorsed his Industrial Relations Policy and Unionism in this country as we know it, will be lost forever.