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Union issues statement on decision by Customs officers
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Unite the Union has issued a press statement regarding the decision of a large number of Customs Officers to leave this Union.
Whilst the Union says it regrets this unfortunate stand, "we must respect the democratic wishes of employees."
They add: We are fully aware, this has come about regarding a single issue, involving an ex member of this Union, we will not go into detail of the problem, as this might jeopardise the chances of an Officer finding a satisfactory solution on the contrary from this Union we can only say that we wish the ex member the best of luck in its endeavour.
We must nevertheless be critical with the management of the department, for not acting swiftly on a matter that was brewing, and although they had the mechanism to resolve the problem, they did not intervene in a manner that would have avoided the situation that developed later on.
The union goes on to say that it offered all its services, including legal advice, but this was rejected, and again reiterate "our position of total respect for the decision taken, by the individual."
The Union says that for the information of all members it is a democratic organisation, and has a structure that can be acceded by the members.
"Any member or members, who consider that either an Officer, Convenor or a Shop Steward is not representing their interest or view, can address the issue to the District Committee, where the member or members can put their complaint, once this procedure is followed, the District Committee, the governing body, which is composed of twenty seven members, from all sectors, will invite the member/members affected to raise the complaint either orally or in writing, the committee will then take a decision, and action will be taken, if the complaint is found to be genuine, against any of the Officials, regardless of whether they are full time Officers, or Convenors or Shop Stewards. This procedure has not been followed by the resigning members. The membership must be fully aware that the Union organisation is run by human beings, they are not infallible, and can make mistakes. The Union organisation is owned by its members, it belongs to the members, and this must be made quite clear. The trade Union Officials represent the members, and speak on their behalf. As stated above members consider that there interest and grievance are not being properly addressed, they should use the mechanism outlined above," they say in a statement.
And they add: "What we can criticise is the way the resignations were presented with maximum publicity, this only discredits and undermines our prestigious organisation.
"Finally, we must thank the loyalty shown by these who have decided to remain in Unite the Union. To those who have left, we can only say that the doors of this Union will always be opened to them."
06-04-10
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