LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

As I've so often said in the past, I'm no longer surprised by PPS management decisions in the Canterbury Region; I do, however, continue to be disappointed. I'm disappointed because those in the management structure who would like to proceed with honesty and integrity (and they are there!) continue to be overruled by those who appear to be driven by a different set of objectives!

"What's he on about now?" I hear you say; well it's quite simple really and I'm here to tell you! You will recall my recent newsletter informing members of the joint decision (PPS and CANZ) to proceed to urgent mediation in respect of the "Fall Alone Night Watch" issue in an attempt to get the dispute resolved. You will also recall my comments in respect of management participants that included, but were not limited to;

• "To be fair to the management representatives who participated in what can only be described as "Clayton's Consultation" (because there wasn't any), they were under very clear instructions that the proposal is to go ahead. Accordingly, they were between a rock and a hard place in terms of manoeuvrability."
• "To their credit, PPS representatives participating in today's meeting acknowledged that we are duty-bound to follow this course and are happy to cooperate!"

Unfortunately, the good will shown by the managers present on the day has been totally eclipsed by a Senior Management decision to cancel the mediation that had been provisionally set down for Wednesday morning. Indeed the situation has become so bizarre that when I contacted Regional Manager Paul Monk this morning to pursue the issue, he even questioned whether PPS representatives had, in fact, agreed to mediation. Thankfully, the integrity of those in attendance on behalf of PPS on the day in question is such that they continue to confirm that such an agreement was reached.

I have to say though, that having one's own integrity challenged by someone who has chosen not to participate in the debate surrounding this issue and, therefore, was not present at the meeting in question is a bit hard to swallow! It gets worse though! Apparently, Mr. Monk's concerns in respect of what was or wasn't agreed arose as a result of his discussions with Regional HR Manager David Palmer - who also wasn't present at the meeting in question! How bizarre is that?

The situation is further complicated by the fact that I cannot elicit a clear response from Mr. Monk regarding the reason for cancellation. His provisional suggestions range from; "This is a National issue that cannot be resolved in Canterbury." (I'm sure Phil McCarthy will be interested to hear that!), to, "We can't do mediation Wednesday because it clashes with the RMT meeting." All I can suggest in response to both is that Mr. Monk should get both his facts and his priorities straight. The facts are as follows:
1. It's been clearly indicated by National PPS Manager Phil McCarthy that National consultation is at an end on the "Stand Alone Night Watch" issue.
2. Mr. McCarthy has provided CANZ with a written assurance that PPS Canterbury Management would, …"participate in full, documented, objective consultation with CANZ in respect of matters previously raised by us."
3. The outcome of the consultation, which took place on Wednesday 20 November, was that there was unanimous agreement to proceed to urgent mediation in respect of the matter.
4. The mediation, which was provisionally agreed for Wednesday 27 November, has been arbitrarily cancelled by PPS.
5. The Mediation Service informed me of this decision.
6. PPS did not have the common courtesy to contact me and convey this decision themselves. It was not confirmed to me until I contacted Paul Monk this morning.

Next Stop Employment Relations Authority!
I have informed National President Lyn O'Connor of the latest developments. She has discussed the matter with the other National Officers and it has been determined that CANZ will now make urgent application to the Authority for a hearing. It is disappointing that we have to take such a confrontational approach, but in the absence of any semblance of cooperation from PPS, we have no other alternative.

My colleague John Slater is making the necessary arrangements as I write this update. Who knows? PPS may yet have a change of heart (and pigs may fly!), but I'm picking that the Mediation Service may well have reached the point where they are not prepared to accommodate the petulant behaviour displayed by your employer in this matter.

I will update you in the event of further developments.

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser