Steve McKenzie (UNITE Community – Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley) recently interviewed Tom Breeds, a CWU shop steward in Bexleyheath, SE London.
When the postal workers strike began, we decided to go to the local sorting office in Bexleyheath, to show solidarity with the pickets.
Years before, we had gone to the same office, for the same reason, when national strike action by the CWU was taking place at that time.
On that occasion, it was deeply disappointing to find that the office was working normally, and that there was no picket line. This time, the visit to the Bexleyheath sorting office was completely different. The office was closed down, the strike was solid and there was a very well-attended picket line.
We were introduced to the picket coordinator and shop steward for the depot, Tom Breeds (TB). Over the weeks and several visits to the picket line, and after exchanging views on trade unionism, Tom agreed to do an interview for Left Horizons.
INTERVIEW
SM – What role do you fulfil at the Bexleyheath sorting office/depot?
TB – Postman and unit rep.
SM – How many workers are employed there and how many are in the union?
TB – Full time 65+, part time 25+. There are only four who are not in the CWU.
SM – The CWU have been out on strike on several occasions over the last few weeks. Could you tell us about the issues that have led to this?
TB – It started as a no strings one year pay deal, to address the cost of living/inflation crisis. The ballot was due to the managers failure to stick to the ‘pathway to change’ agreement, and to impose changes to terms and conditions.
SM – Have the strikes been solid at Bexleyheath?
TB – So far, the strikes have been solid, and plenty of picket line support.
SM – Is it true that a few years ago some workers at Bexleyheath, did not come out to support local or national disputes?
TB – Yes, and I would also like to point out that there were also a lot of non-union employees. There have always been some very good union members at Bexleyheath, but the behaviour of the non-unionists, has, in the past, masked that fact.
SM – That was in the past, it is clearly not the situation now. What has turned the it around?
TB – I believe, by involving and engaging the members, keeping them updated and explaining the reasons to support the union, along every step of the dispute, the members are willing to fully back the union.
Fundamental foundation stone
SM – Do you think that effective shop stewards in the workplace are a fundamental foundation stone, when it comes to rebuilding the Labour and Trade Union movement in this country?
TB – Reps in every unit is the cornerstone to effective representation, and joint working/problem solving must be how we influence decisions and shape equality and fairness.
SM – Other groups of workers, on the railways, the docks, refuse collection and even barristers have been taking strike action. Hundreds of thousands more are balloting for strike action, teachers, civil servants and hospital workers. Do you think more should be done to co-ordinate action?
TB – It would be good if the TUC called a day of action.
SM – The government is planning to introduce more anti-union legislation, with a view to making effective trade union action impossible. What should the response be by the trade unions if they go ahead with these plans?
TB – If the government tried to worsen trade union legislation the TUC must act, and I hope that the CWU would fully support.
SM – The CWU is affiliated to the Labour Party. The Labour party look like a government in waiting. If they did win the next election, what do you think their priorities should be?
TB – If Labour has success, they must be bold and listen to the workers, especially key workers, they must turnaround some, if not all of the imposed legislation and give workers a more simple process to stand up against management action, whether pay related or otherwise.
CONCLUSION
Rebuilding the trade unions starts at the workplace. This means recruiting workers and getting organised. The aim must be for an effective, enthusiastic and well-trained stewards in every workplace.
Tom’s answers in relation to informing and involving the members, and the need for effective representation said it all. Solid trade union organisation in the workplace and effective shop stewards are the key to rebuilding the Labour and Trade Union movement properly. Firm foundations are essential, if a house is not going to be blown away.
