Napo AGM 2018 Day 2

As in previous years, the highlight of Napo's annual sojourn to the coast - for it is normally the coast - is often provided by external speakers and 2018 proved to be no different. Terry Renshaw is the youngest of the so-called 'Shreswbury 24' building workers 'fitted-up' by the Heath Government in 1974 for daring to strike and picket. Most, including the famous Brookside actor Ricky Tomlinson, were given jail terms for a variety of concocted offences including unlawful assembly. 

I'm ashamed to say I don't know much about the case so this was a steep learning curve for me, something I intend to remedy as soon as possible now I'm back home. It's really staggering to hear that at the time the building trades decided to unionise themselves, on average a man was killed every day on building sites across the UK. Living as I think we do in a largely open democracy, proud of the independently-operated rule of law, it's shocking to hear that even all these years on, successive government's have consistently denied that this was a political trial with court papers remaining closed until 2022. It is said release 'would pose a threat to national security'. Just pondering on that statement sends a chill down my spine. No wonder Terry rightly received a rousing standing ovation.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for our usual tub-thumping, huff, puff and bluster performance by the General Secretary. If he can't see it for what it is, a contrived bit of histrionics full of words but basically saying nothing, plenty in the hall did and remained firmly in their seats when the set piece reached its phony climax. I think I'm being generous if I said a third of the audience rose to their feet as if he's been rumbled at last. It's just a pity it's taken so long. 

Which brings us on to the Emergency Motion:-

Trade Union Certification Officer's decision

On the 20th September the Trade Union Certification Officer's upheld four complaints against Napo by one of its members. She "reached a decision that the union breached its rules".
This conference calls upon the General Secretary to explain to AGM how the union's Constitution was allowed to be breached, Furthermore, it instructs the General Secretary to confirm that he will ensure there is no such recurrence.

Proposer: Jamie Overland Seconder: Chris Pearson  

There is no doubt this was the low point of proceedings with many on the top table looking decidedly uncomfortable and irritated, so much so that an intervention from the floor saw fit to chastise them. There was never any danger of the motion not being carried unanimously and a very sullen General Secretary duly delivered some carefully-crafted weasel words devoid of any hint of mea culpa but citing 'a complex situation, inadequate constitution and no detriment having been suffered'. A totally unsatisfactory state of affairs in my submission and at the break I was reminded that in earlier 'fire-brand' times a motion of no confidence would have likely followed.

Of course trying to get to the truth of anything in Napo is a somewhat trying and ultimately fruitless exercise as history has demonstrated. A dickiebird tells me that one reason why the General Secretary was so obviously an unhappy bunny was because the leadership went against his advice. Of course some of them were sat beside him on the top table and this possibly goes some way to explain the subsequent cack-handed and perfunctory change of officers and gift presentation. I think I'm right in saying that Katie Lomas was not even named as the incoming Chair. 

It will not escape the attention of the sharp-eyed reader, and at least one contributor in the hall, that the seconder of the motion, one Chris Pearson, has been named on this blog as having been party to the decision to deviate from the constitution. Surely he would be in the obvious position to know what the hell went on? Well, yet another dickiebird whispers that he was on holiday at the time. 

What the hell is wrong with our union and why is it so dysfunctional at the top? And it's no use saying it isn't because the room is full of professionals well-used to reading, analysing  and sifting fact from fiction. The attempt to co-chair the organisation was a disaster and been a recipe for poor organisation and effective management. It's to be hoped that Katie Lomas has the drive and determination to get a grip on things before it's too late. With an eye-watering net operating deficit of £224,000 for 2017, in the words of the General Secretary, we do indeed either 'grow or perish'.  

Unlike Nottingham last year, we didn't manage to get through all the business, but even so lots of uncontentious and worthy motions were passed. Unfortunately time did not allow discussion of number 36 General Secretary Election Process, pointedly proposed by London Branch and which highlighted how our newly re-elected General Secretary had so successfully managed to circumvent any debate during the election process. But maybe that would have been a bit of uncomfortableness too far for ending things at Southport?  

Postscript

For those wondering why there is no mention of pay, this is because it was the subject of a private briefing session for two members of each branch. We were told this was for 'timing' reasons. Read into that what you will.