MR T wrote:
BB - I keep telling you to ask Terry, after all he is the font of all knowledge, and is your most experienced negotiator. He doesn't seem to be doing too well does he? (except for getting subscriptions from Brighton, more fool you!)
For many many years, many people from both sides of the trade have openly expressed their desire to see both hackney and private hire associations sit round the table and talk. The stumbling block has always been dislike, egos and distrust, but finally certain people and associations have been brave enough to try.
You are playing a childish silly game over the fact I said five national associations, when I should have said five bodies made up of both national associations and unions.
Getting two to sit round the table would have been a success, but to get five, including NALEO, will do for me.
If your friend Terry, who you hold in the highest esteem, had any ability at all regarding the taxi and ph trade, his presence would have been secured from the very beginning. Certain hackney members of the GMB are however, held in high regard.
I can well understand your urgency and desperation in trying to make your branch work. After all your company is investing heavily each week and more than likely you will be held accountable for the many thousands of pounds it will have cost at the end of each year.
Terry's fame is going before him. I am sure he will enter many empty rooms in the future.
Mr T,
My point is a Meeting of Minds is attended by Five trade bodies, these five being the NTA, NTTG, NPHA, T&G Liverpool branch and the Manchester Branch of the GMB. Hardley National Representation?
I acknowledge the efforts you and CC have made in bringing trade members together. I also support any effort to bring trade members together, in the interests of all trade members.
I just can't see how it is a representation of all area's of the trade. You claim that Private Hire drivers are represented, if so by whom? It would appear that there are four H/C representives and an association of Private Hire companies.
The GMB hackney members you invited are excellent trade union members, but by selecting the GMB representatives you wanted to attend, has cast a shadow of suspicion over the goals of the Meeting of Minds.
Mr Flanagan the GMB PDB Branch Secretary is very well thank you. His relentless persuit of Educating all members of our trade continues, His desire to encourage every person in our trade to have a say, knows no limits, and his support for all GMB PDB members is commendable.
The only urgency and desperation I have is to continue supporting the members of our Branch.
The GMB PDB will meet any trade representatives, however we are quite capable of presenting our members views to Politicians on both a local and national level.
Regards
BB
_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk