There has been much speculation about the withdrawal of some of the National Associations from the National Association Steering Group.
In our last newsletter you will have read that a full and frank discussion took place at the start of the meeting at Esher on the 7th March 2014. It appeared at the time all representatives left the meeting content with the outcome and agreed to move forward.
We at the Driving Instructors Branch of Unite the Union have now decided to make all the notices of withdrawal available for all to view. This allows individuals the opportunity to decide for themselves.
So why the sudden change of heart?
It started with the Driving Instructors Scottish Council who didn’t attend in person, they used video conference equipment. Some of the others then followed shortly after
The response from DIDU makes some relevant points, namely that the meeting was an ‘open meeting’ and therefore not covered in any way by Chatham House Rule. A request was sent for the final copy of the minutes with the view of posting them for their members to read. No objection was raised at this time, so the response that has since come is a bit of a surprise to some.
There has possibly been much collusion between some associations over the matter of withdrawing. This was always a possibility after the way some suddenly turned down the offer of free food and accommodation prior to the 7th March meeting. (Their members picked up the bill)
At the end of the last meeting a date was provisionally booked for the next meeting; this was agreed because the meeting had gone relatively well.
Whilst we respect any association's right to withdraw should they see fit, where does this leave the members that they represent.
It was mentioned in several of our newsletters, sometimes commercial interests come before members’ interests.
The full minutes of the meeting of the NASG can be seen at;