Geraint wrote:
<Geraint> Democracy is a separate issue of course. On this point I agree
with Frank Daniels. It would, naturally, be preferable if all members felt
moved to
vote on all the issues put before them. Most of the blame for the fact
that we do not must be laid firmly at the door of those who manage the
organisation and who formulate its policies.
<Me> This is nonsense, Geraint. "Most of ther blame" can be laid at CILIP's
door for people not wishing to vote?? Has our profession become so
spineless that it needs professionals to be motivated by others about their
own profession? Sad state of affairs if that is the case, but I have to say
that judging by the tone of some of the emails on this list over the past
month or so you might have a point!
<Geraint> It is my belief that many (most) of us feel that our views are not
given due consideration by those who make policy. One such issue which
exercises me and and several other members (judging by recent and past
comments on this and other forums) is that CILIP refuses to act as a trade
union and get
involved directly in workplace negotiations on pay and conditions. One of
the principal objections (i.e., from CILIP's 'movers and shakers') to this
involvent is that CILIP would lose its charitable status. I don't have a
clue what charitable status is held by those professional organisations
which DO feel able to represent their members directly in the workplace, but
frankly, if the loss of charitable status means that CILIP could do the same
for its members, then, as far as I am concerned, the sooner the better.
<Me> The trade union red herring has been answered very well by others. It
has less to do with charitable status and more to do with the major
employers not recognising CILIP as a negotiating body. They wouldn't, it's
as simple as that.
Cheers
David
---------------------------------------
David McMenemy
Lecturer,
Department of Computer and Information Sciences,
University of Strathclyde,
Livingstone Tower,
26 Richmond Street,
Glasgow.
G1 1XH
U.K.
email: [log in to unmask]
www.cis.strath.ac.uk
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