Memorandum by Torfaen Council Borough
Branch (LAG 48)
TORFAEN COUNTY BOROUGH BRANCH OF UNISON SUBMISSION
(NEW POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS)
(a) The new political structure (Cabinet
style) appears to have left consultation with Trade Unions behind.
(b) Scrutiny has not worked—our comments
would be that if the Scrutineer goes against the party line this
may have consequences, is this democratic?
(c) Most Councillors feel completely isolated
from what is going on except of course if you are one of the Cabinet.
(d) Cabinet meetings are called with no
set dates (as and when) with the Trade Union unable in some cases
to make a response to the proposals. In some, 120 page document
is produced the day before. How can the Branch Officers meet and
discuss such a large document that is produced in such a willy
nilly way.
(e) Nobody seems to challenge what is excluded
from press and public as defined in paragraphs 7, 9, 10 and 11
of Part One of Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972. This should
be scrutinised as it can be misused.
(f) Industrial Relations have suffered as
a result of Cabinet style and the rush to be in the top quartile
of the Best Value league.
Decisions are made by a few about the many with
not too much time given to transparency and proper consultation.
Tom Sexton Branch Secretary
February 2000
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