Interesting newsletter - when I think back to how the landscaped looked before the Federation came into being it makes me shudder.  There was that period after the Board changed from being helpful and working with industry - and where Master Plumbers seemed to agree with everything they did - that the ordinary guy, the employee, the apprentice had no voice.  Once it didn't matter because the Board treated everyone pretty fairly, and with transparency, but then that changed and it did matter.  The Federation have forever changed the landscape of our industries because they have shown that the little guy can triumph, that justice is worth fighting for.  There are still changes worth fighting for, and the Board raking in such a surplus as they have while licence fees have not diminished is one of them.  If getting together with Master Plumbers means that numbers are such that the Board must take notice then this will benefit everyone. 

I genuinely hope that all parties see a benefit in sitting around the table - for so long we have all sat in our respective trenches firing bullets at each other - some landed, some didn't.  Now perhaps we can try and come out from behind the trenches and sit facing each other at the table.  Nothing ventured nothing gained.  At least they can't say we didn't try.  Good on the Federation for suggesting it - well done!  Keep everyone posted as to how it pans out.