I think thats probably the idea Woodley and Simpson are convinced of Belboid - and it has been behind all the "discussions" on merger since February last year. Classic TGWU conceit and arrogance really. How do they think the TGWU executive would react to another organisation announcing on the Today programme that they would be merging with them on the basis "because we say so".
I think it rests on a fundemental misunderstanding of the health of the GMB and a wrong headed anlaysis of the need for a real general workers union in the emerging new labour market. My view is that the best of the TGWU culture will be subsumed post merger with AMICUS, with a drift towards organising higher paid, semi-professional and skilled workers as (the argument goes) these workers are more "cost effective" to organise.
With the GMB outside the tent, it would leave the increasing numbers of McJobs workers; low paid, generalised and part time in need of a general union. The GMB, not compromised by the need to be all things to everyone, would have a great opportunity to be the single genuine general workers union and could thrive and survive with ease.
So I am not sure many in the GMB see an AMICUS/TGWU merger as a threat -more the implosion of a "rival".
I sincerely hope the whole thing comes crashing down and TGWU/GMB can get back to the discussions on merger that were far advanced last year before Simpson stuck his finger in.
I think it rests on a fundemental misunderstanding of the health of the GMB and a wrong headed anlaysis of the need for a real general workers union in the emerging new labour market. My view is that the best of the TGWU culture will be subsumed post merger with AMICUS, with a drift towards organising higher paid, semi-professional and skilled workers as (the argument goes) these workers are more "cost effective" to organise.
With the GMB outside the tent, it would leave the increasing numbers of McJobs workers; low paid, generalised and part time in need of a general union. The GMB, not compromised by the need to be all things to everyone, would have a great opportunity to be the single genuine general workers union and could thrive and survive with ease.
So I am not sure many in the GMB see an AMICUS/TGWU merger as a threat -more the implosion of a "rival".
I sincerely hope the whole thing comes crashing down and TGWU/GMB can get back to the discussions on merger that were far advanced last year before Simpson stuck his finger in.
