From the American Postal Workers’ Union ‘Ask the President’ on Voice of the Employee Surveys:
Question:
I would like the National Executive Board to reconsider its stance on participation in Voice of Employee surveys.
Here is my reasoning: Management releases their “findings” and states something to effect that 63 percent of those participating gave a favorable response. That may be true, but it is very misleading because the good members of the APWU have boycotted and not voiced our opinions.
I believe that if APWU members honestly answered the questions, management might discontinue the VOE. I believe that if the National Executive Board reconsidered its position on boycotting the VOE and formulated a plan to tell the truth about what is happening in many facilities across the nation, the true voice of the employee would be heard.
Michael, Local 7038, Tri-County Ohio Area Local
President Burrus:
Thank you for communicating with my office and sharing your views about the APWU position on participation in Voice of the Employee surveys.
The union decided to boycott the surveys because postal management used selective responses to justify regressive contract proposals.
The views of employees are critical in the workplace, but the union is responsible for hearing the opinions of all employees and speaking with one voice on their behalf.
Union meetings provide an excellent forum to discuss issues and resolve contradictions among workers. They offer an opportunity to set goals and voice complaints. When there are differences of opinion, union members have the opportunity to resolve them democratically and establish the union’s official position.
When we begin collective bargaining in September, the union will have to contend with management proposals that counter our demands. Management’s improper use of the opinions of individual employees would only serve as a distraction.
Thank you for your concern about your employment and your support for your union.
July 22, 2010