The General Secretary

August 2006

A Summer of Discontent

The World Cup is over and the analysis begins: - "if only this" and "if only that". We now look forward to the future. All campaigns need analysing, but in many respects the POA's major campaigns are long running and continue. We should learn from "what might have been in the past" and make it reality.

Public Service not Private Profit

The Rally was a great success with more trade unionists attending this event than any other for a decade. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the low level turnout of POA members and would ask for your views on how we can improve your attendance at these events.

Within my speech, I made clear my grave concerns at the TUC failing to provide a speaker and leaders of the large Public Services trade unions not being present. It is regretted, that they feel that the organisation matters more than the issue of loss of a "public sector ethos" to "one of profit".

I know that all trades unions within the public sector support the stance against the privatisation of the public services, but, it is a pity that there was a lack of full commitment from some of the larger TUC Officials and the TUC itself.

One would have thought that we could learn a lesson from the past, the failure to support the NUM by the TUC and all of its affiliates, through a general strike, is clearly demonstrable.

The fight of GCHQ workers and indeed our own loss of Trade Union Rights, is etched in history.

Tolpuddle Festival

A full report will be formulated for the next Gatelodge, but I would like to congratulate all those who attended and did the Freedom Hike. Brothers and Sisters you made the POA proud!!

Managing Change – Co-operation or Capitulation?

At this time of great “Industrial Unrest” within the Prison Service, I would remind the reader that the POA has over many years “Co-operated” with change – even though this was seen as “Capitulating”. This time we all have to stand firm against the corruption of the authorities who perverted the independence of not only the Pay Review Body but the JIRPA at national level.

Stand together for Fairness, Freedom and Justice.

And finally

Recently we have felt the need to reinforce our message on Diversity. The POA is a union for fair minded workers who do an essential duty for society. If any of our members harbour racist homophobic, sexist or bigoted views then change your ways or the message is clear – leave the POA!

You should not damage our position as a union for the fair-minded.

During the next few months we will be consulting the members on Discipline in the POA. We wish to know your views – it will be your procedure.

We will be putting to the membership a ballot between July and September 2007, following discussions with the Certification Officer and debates at Annual Conference.

Prior to this we will be making clear the need to continue to have a POA political fund to ensure we can put your views to politicians of all political parties.

I thank you for your continued support in these difficult times. Together we can weather the storms and emerge stronger.

Brian Caton
General Secretary