THIS IS A GUEST POST BY DHAIBHIDH C MHAC DHUIHDHLHEIGH OF THE LENINIST VANGUARD (DRUMNADROCHIT CHAPTER).
Greetings, Friends. I believe it was William Blake who said that man does not live by bread alone. I consider it vital that we all agitate for the downfall of the worldwide capitalist system and to eradicate all forms of racism and militarism, but I also know I need to earn a crust.
As such, I work in the systems department of a well-know private postal provider. Currently, we are negotiating a truly inspiring contract with the Israeli Post Office, but I digress.
I have no doubt my readers are aware of current disagreements between Royal Mail workers and upper management. This truly troubles me.
In March of this year, our brother, Michael – or, Mike, as he likes to be known – Weir MP highlighted some concerning news:
SNP Postal Affairs spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has expressed bemusement at news HM Revenue & Customs have awarded a £4.5 million-a-year contract to deliver its internal mail to TNT – just a week after it was revealed the company had been forced to hand over tens of millions of pounds in unpaid tax to HMRC.
The Dutch company, which was also blamed for losing the personal details of 25million child-benefit claimants in 2007, is also a front-runner to take a stake in Royal Mail if controversial plans led by Lord Mandelson are approved.
Mr Weir said:
“I think people will struggle to understand why a firm, which just repaid millions in unpaid taxes, has been awarded a multi-million pound contract from the Inland Revenue.
“HMRC really need to explain what their thinking is on this one.
“To make matters worse this is the firm that appears to be front-runner to buy into Royal Mail if Lord Mandelson’s privatisation plans come to fruition.
“Privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail, and open the door to job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers.
“A private partner will only be concerned with profit, and Royal Mail must not loose the social focus which is essential for rural areas.”
It appears to be that Mike is able to see the bigger picture, and his not to perpetuate a state monolopy just as our brother, Alex Salmond recognizes the need for international investment in our golfing services.
Just a fortnight ago, Mike said:
“I understand the concerns and frustration that postal workers have, however many people, and in particular businesses, are deeply worried about the damaging impact this strike action will have.
“Conciliation is the right way to seek a resolution, and both sides must pull back from the brink and get on with meaningful negotiation.”
Our brothers and dsisters in TNT and other private postal providers need to earn an honest crust. I am sure none of my readers are prepared to return to letters and post-cards rather than e-mail and texts. I certainly am not! Solidarity has its limits!
One cannot be too doctrinaire, and I find it truly inspiring that Procurement Scotland has vindicated the decision by the Scottish Executive to award public sector contracts according to value for money. Just this week, I saw that TNT has been awarding an £8 millions contract for deliveries to public sector bodies.
