Organising at Park Royal

RMT news – Essential reading for today ’s transport worker RMT’s organising strategy scored a success – this time in the north east of England, writes Alan Pottage. Many new members signed up but more importantly a large number of new local representatives will be trained up. This is the only way we can build our union to maximum strength. RMT must create new levels of activity in line with the large increase of members recruited in the last two years. The success of our strategy is clear to see. RMT has grown faster than any other union in Britain over the last two years. BBC labour correspondent Steven Cape said recently, during the TUC’s Unions 21 conference, that the RMT was the only union growing at a time when other union’s membership has stalled or is on the decline. The success of the RMT in building the union was also mentioned by delegates and officials from other unions at the recent STUC conference – so we have much to be pleased about. On the other hand, our efforts in the regions have shown areas where we have no reps and are poorly organised. Our strategy, once fully implemented, will ensure every union branch and regional council tackles this problem and transforms areas of disorganisation into thriving and energetic RMT-organised workplaces. However, there is much more to be done and we have an obligation to all workers in the transport industry to properly organise. Nothing less will do! RMT membership grows RMT members at the Initial City Link Park Royal depot in London were impressed that ‘their’ general secretary made the effort to visit them during a shift. The union handed out over 50 membership packs to drivers, warehouse and clerical workers and a follow up meeting has been arranged for the near future. The big issue for the drivers is the implementation of the Road Transport Directive which is due by March 2005. This will limit hours to a maximum 48 hours with no opt out for safety reasons. However, members’ pay is so low that they currently have to work over 60 hours to take home a decent wage. RMT members therefore face financial dificulties. Alan Pottage of the organising unit said that was where the RMT came in. “If we get more members to join the union then our influence will be greatly strengthened and we can negotiate better pay, a proper bonus scheme and London allowance,” he said. The union has also been busy providing representation at disciplinary hearings for City Link members across the country. RMT lawyers even negotiated a financial settlement from a dog owner after their dog bit a member as he attempted to deliver a parcel. Without the union he would only have received a sticking plaster! RMT is in the process of training two reps from every City Link depot, who have been granted ‘paid release’ to attend a four day course in London. The RMT course will cover the proposed legislation. RECRUITING: In the north east ORGANISE: Bob Crow and executive member Ray Knight meet Initial City Link members at Park Royal MEMBERS FREEPHONE HELPLINE Open six days a week 8am until 6pm 0800 376 3706 e-mail: info@rmt.org.uk Legal helpline: 0800 587 7516 Seven days a week Organising at Park Royal 4 Viacom balloted for action RMT members at Viacom Outdoor are being balloted for strike action and industrial action short of a strike in support of better pay and conditions. Viacom staff, responsible for putting up advertising material on London Underground, rejected an offer from the company for a 3.5 per cent pay increase and a trial sickness and bonus scheme. RMT regional organiser Bobby Law said that members had expected an improved offer in return for increased productivity for some of the lowest paid staff on the Tube network. “This company has made millions from this Transport for London contract yet staff are still waiting for any significant improvements in pay and conditions,” he said. The result of the ballot will be announced on June 24.