AGM report

2004 Annual General Meeting REPORT 19 2004 Annual General Meeting REPORT es joes “ia ey 3 3 UYGayad Seach a fieded AIT THE PAST EO THE PUTURE “THE people who use public transport and those who work in it must have a say in how it’s run,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow told conference. “We don’t want a return to old-style ‘state capitalism’,” he added, “it must be democrat- ically run by the people for the people.” Backing a resolution urging the union to “campaign vigorously” for the “extension of public ownership throughout the rail and bus industry,” Bob slammed the cost of privati- sation. “From 1996 to 2004 over £16 billion has been paid out in public subsidies,” he said. Bob went on to explain that, with the system of rail franchising, each train operating company could be brought back into public ownership at the end of its contract. And he reminded delegates that punctuality on South Eastern Trains had gone up since the privateers had been removed from the network and taken back under public control. The number of staff had also increased and money had been saved. “Let’s send out a clear message,” Bob concluded, “for renationalisation under democratic control.” Moving the resolution, London underground driver Glenroy Watson said: “When the Tories first had the idea of stealing people’s property, no- one would have believed the disasters we have had since.” Glenroy added: “As soon as privatisation took hold, trains started crashing. That was not a coincidence.” Condemning the policy of public-private partnership as “lies”, he said “It’s just been an opportunity to give away public money to their friends in private industry.” Glenroy admitted that calling on government to reverse its privatisation policies was “a tall order”. But, he insisted, “It won’t happen by wishful thinking. It’s down to us.” Bob Law, also from London, condemned the effect that privatisation has had on railworkers wages. “The reason we’re not getting our just desserts is because LU have to pay off the private companies,” he said. Seafarer Mark Winchester highlighted the Sealink Ferries privatisation. “It was originally sold off for £20 million and then sold on for £340 million and the company kept huge assets formerly in public hands,” he said. Greg Hewitt, from Brighton, said that the proliferation of rail companies had led to a “drive to the bottom” in wages and conditions. No more Tebays CONFERENCE unanimously backed calls for a “full and independent inquiry” into the Tebay disaster, which killed four railway maintenance workers in earlier this year. On the morning of Sunday February 15 a runaway trailer loaded with sections of rail ploughed into a work gang and killed RMT members Garry Tindall, Colin Buckley, Darren Burgess and Chris Walters. Moving the resolution, engineer Alex Hogg said: “We, as a trade union, will never accept that members have to lose life and limb. We must make the company directors face up to their responsi- bilities.” Urging delegates to back the call, he added: “We must stop another Tebay.” And supervisor Albert Lingard said: “We have to try and protect our members by bringing the bastards who caused this to justice.” The resolution, which came from the engineering sectional conference, also called on the RMT to campaign for “compre- hensive corporate responsi- bility legislation.” Greg Hewitt, from Brighton, outlined the “catalogue of disasters” that had led to the tragedy, including “an incompatible machine and trailer and brakes that didn’t work.” And Wigan signaller John Tilley described a similar incident that had occurred ten months previously on the Settle to Carlisle line. “The bottom line is that privatisation caused those deaths at Tebay,” he said, “politicians are equally guilty along with the employers.” Senior assistant general secretary Mick Cash, backing the motion on behalf of the RMT news – AGM Report 2004 A democratically-ru THE RMT Annual General Meeting in Portsmouth last month called for a “democratically run” transport network. 20 General secretary Bob Crow calls for a democratically-run transport network 21 executive, told delegates of the “disgust” that he had felt on hearing the news. “One man has blood on his hands,” he said, “John Major, who sold off our railways ten years ago.” Explaining the need for an independent inquiry, rather than an internal one, Mick gave three examples of similar incidents where investigations had been made but, “nothing was done. “When will they listen and when will they learn.” he asked. No to low pay Conference unanimously backed calls to “end low pay once and for all”. Delegates supported a resolution from the RMT Bakerloo branch to submit “pay claims based on flat rate increases” to help lower-paid members. Moving the resolution, London Underground delegate Vaughan Thomas explained that a minimum flat rate combined with a cost of living percentage claim would address the issue. Train driver Derrick Marr told delegates that train cleaners’ pay can be as low as £10,000 per annum. “Train drivers are on salaries three times that, and lower grades are left behind. “We must make sure they get a fair crack of the whip,” he said. John Whittingham, from Chester, shocked delegates when he revealed that, in his area, cleaners’ pay rates were as low as £4.57 per hour. “I met a young lad working nightshift and he told me that he was only paid £5.17 an hour, including his night premium,” he said. General secretary Bob Crow, backing the resolution on behalf of the EC, said that the resolution alone would not address the issue. “If we pass this resolution,” he insisted, “we must take physical action to end low pay once and for all.” Fight for cleaners Conference also unanimously pledged to fight for the rights of low-paid cleaning staff. Moving a resolution calling for an “end to contract cleaning companies on all stations, London train driver Glenroy Watson said: “We, as trade unionists have a task before us. “The strong defending the weak is a basic principle of trade unionism,” he added. “We must fight for the lower paid.” And Trevor Jordan, from Morecambe, told conference that, when Virgin trains took over services in the northwest, “the cleaners were made redundant and re-employed on lower wages.” Paul Burton, from Orpington, agreed with the call to bring cleaning back “in-house” but, he warned: “We need to get in there and organise among the cleaners first.” And LUL driver Bob Law asked if recruitment literature could be printed in other languages. “Many of these cleaners don’t speak English as their first language,” he explained. Too hot Conference agreed that the union should write to the train- operating companies to demand risk assessments on the issue of working in extremely hot temperatures. Catering grades delegate Derek England said that members were working in often unbearable temperatures over 100 degrees causing staff extreme discomfort. London Underground delegate Bob Law backed the call and said that if there was a minimum legal temperature to work at there should be a maximum one as well. No to de-staffing Conference agreed to demand minimum rail station staffing levels and to stem the de- staffing of stations. Delegates unanimously backed a resolution calling for “all stations a minimum of two staff at all times,” for the benefit of passengers and workers alike. Glen Burrows from Bridgwater said: “Single- staffed stations are unsafe for staff and unstaffed stations are unsafe for the public. “As workers, we must challenge this as a health and safety issue and we should encourage the travelling public to do the same,” she suggested. Referring to the poor pay and conditions that station staff are faced with, she pointed out the recruitment problems that this caused. “This makes station de- staffing a self-fulfilling policy,” Ms Burrows added. London station assistant RMT news – AGM report 2004 n transport network to service the public at the RMT annual general meeting held in Portsmouth Mick Crossey agreed, saying: “We must fight to maintain staffing levels. Our union should make this a key issue in annual negotiations with the train operating companies (TOCs).” Signaller Dali Jabbar, from Ipswich, strongly backed the proposal, telling delegates that, in the absence of station staff, passengers often seek assistance from signallers. Chester customer assistant John Whittingham highlighted the huge rise in vandalism at unstaffed stations, insisting: “We need to point this out to the TOCs,” adding that vandalism had reduced in areas where station staffing levels had been maintained. No to EU drivers’ licence AGM unanimously called on the union to “campaign vigorously” against plans to introduce a new European train drivers’ licence. The scheme, which was agreed by the European Transport Workers’ Federation despite the opposition of RMT and ASLEF, was condemned as an “attack on pay and conditions”. London underground driver Mark Harding described the new license as “flags of convenience on the railways.” The license would allow cross-border working by all train crews and employers could employ staff from the lower paid countries of eastern Europe to undermine pay and conditions. Greg Tucker, southest delegate, warned that the proposal represented “an EU- inspired attack on our wages and conditions.” AGS Pat Sikorski said that the moves would create the conditions for a “rush to the bottom” in terms of wages of conditions and lead to the kind of “social dumping” seen in the road freight sector. Dover shipping delegate Mark Winchester reminded everyone that similar schemes had caused huge job losses among British seafarers over recent years. “There were 80,000 of us 20 years ago, now we’re down to 10,000,” he said. Save Cal Mac Conference urged MSPs to drop “misguided” plans to privatise Caledonian MacBrayne life-line ferries as demanded by the European Union. Humberside delegate Dave Nelson called on MSPs to “challenge the whole process through the European Court of Justice.” A recent ruling - the Altmark Judgement - by the court allows some “crucial” services receiving government subsidy to avoid tendering. He said that the RMT had argued strongly that CalMac - which provides ferry services between Scotland and its islands - is crucial to its communities. “The Scottish executive says it has been forced into putting CalMac out to tender by EU rules,” Dave said. However, he added, “the Altmark ruling means that may well not be the case.” Dave explained that a legal challenge would now have “every chance of success. “This is the only honourable course and we can win,” he insisted. He reminded delegates of the outcry which stopped the previous Tory government from privatising Cal Mac services. “Let’s stop Labour doing what the Tories failed to do,” he urged. Mark Winchester, from Dover branch, insisted that tendering would be “bad for the public, bad for jobs and bad for safety. “We need to challenge it all the way to the top,” he added. Aberdeen shipping delegate Neil Keith described CalMac as a “lifeline service. “Don’t let them take it away,” he stressed. Replying to the debate, general secretary Bob Crow backed the resolution. “We’re 101 per cent behind you. CalMac is not for sale,” he said. Defend your pension General secretary Bob Crow called on Britain’s pensioners to take “direct action” to restore the link between pensions and earnings RMT news – AGM Report 2004 GENERAL secretary Bob Crow congratulated 25-year-old Yvonne McMurtrie as he handed her this year’s Young Members Award at the AGM. “It gives me great pleasure to give you this award,” said Bob, adding: “One thing is for sure, our young members of today will become the senior and leading members in the future.” Ticket examiner Yvonne, from Gourock in Renfrewshire, is a rep for her local station, a depot steward and a learning tutor. She serves as the assistant chair of the RMT young members advisory committee and, in her spare time, she helps with the Stonewall campaign for lesbian and gay rights. Yvonne wins youth award Mark Winchester, from Dover branch: tendering would be bad for the public, jobs and safety Mike Harding: proud to belong to a union that fights for pensioners Vaughan Thomas condemned the new Labour clique for “fully embracing neo-liberal Tory policies” Assistant general secretary Pat Cash: felt “disgust” when hearing about the Tebay disaster 22 yesterday. “Anyone who has got a car, get as many pensioners as possible in it, get as many cars as possible and block the M25 or the M1,” he stormed. “That’ll soon make them sit up and take notice,” Mr Crow added. Anticipating criticism for making the suggestion, he pointed to the “direct action” taken against Iraq by Britain and the US. “They spent four to five billion pounds smashing up Iraq, lets spend that money on fighting a ‘war for pensions’ instead,” he suggested. Backing a resolution - which conference passed unanimously - calling for “a programme of action” to restore the link, Bob said that the issue of pensions was “one of the most crucial issues before us this week.” Pointing to the recent success over pensions at Network Rail, he insisted that the victory had not been won by the union’s researchers or negotiators. “The pension scheme was kept open because workers were prepared to take industrial action. “That’s the only thing these people understand,” he declared. Condemning recent proposals to raise the retirement age to 70, he restated the union’s policy of reitrement at 55. “Why not provide jobs for unemployed youngsters by allowing over 55-year-olds to retire,” he said. London delegate Mike Harding said that it was a “scandal that five million of our pensioners are below the poverty line”, adding that he was “proud to belong to a union that fights for pensioners”. And Bobby Law, also from London said that he would not want the responsibility of driving a train at the age of 70. “The retirement age must come down, not go up,” he added. Wigan signaller John Tilley backed the resolution, saying: “Our union fights for dignity at work. This resolution fights for dignity in retirement.” Dennis McPake, from Birmingham, referred to the RMT news – AGM report 2004 London delegate Bobby Law: he would not want the responsibility of driving a train at the age of 70 Assistant general secretary Pat Sikorski: “We must say no to driver-only operations” DELEGATES voted overwhelmingly to reject the proposed European Constitution and to campaign for a ‘no’ vote in the any referendum. Reminding conference of the union’s slogan “workers of the unite,” general secretary Bob Crow called for solidarity all across the world. “Why stop at Europe,” he asked, “why not, ‘out of Europe into the world?” He said that EU membership had destroyed the coal industry, the steel industry, manufacturing, fisheries and many other sectors in order due to the introduction of EU rules. “The EU is totally undemo- cratic. All the power resides with the Commission and the Council of Ministers and rules are drawn up by big business. “At a time when people are talking about devolving powers to the Scottish parliament and to the London Assembly, here is Brussels taking power further away. “If our government hands over financial decisions to the EU,” he added, “it’s not a government anymore.” Moving the resolution, London delegate Mick Crossey said that being opposed to the Constitution and undemocratic institutions in Brussels did not make you “anti-European”. “I love Europe, its people and its culture,” he said, “but this Constitution is all about big business, privatisation and attacks on working people. London train driver Greg Tucker declared himself to be “proudly internationalist”. “But this constitution codifies and enshrines an anti- working class, Thatcherite agenda of privatisation,” he added. Wigan delegate John Tilley said that it was necessary to confront any fears that may exist over campaigning against the Constitution. “We need to oppose this undemocratic bankers Europe without jumping into bed with UKIP,” he said. London delegate Bob Law said that you only had to look at who had drawn up the treaty, the far right French veteran politician Valery Giscard d’Estaing. “The bosses and their political parties are all for it so I’m against it,” he said. G The RMT TUC submission on the EU constitution is available on the RMT website in the research area under ‘consultation exercises.’ 23 No to the EU Constitution London delegate Mick Crossey: Opposed to the Constitution and undemocratic institutions in Brussels recent D-Day commemo- rations in France. “How many veterans were able to afford to make that trip without help?” he asked. Dorset bus driver Peter Gayle told delegates that, in his area, “we seem to spend most of our time fighting over pensions.” Mr Gayle explained how, due to a local bus company privatisation, his members had been “conned” over their pensions. Role of the guard Conference voted unanimously to “re-launch the fight” to restore the role of Britain’s train guards and slammed driver-only operations at Portsmouth. Since the 2002 national dispute on the issue, the Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) had issued a new rule book which has failed to address union concerns over safety. London train driver Greg Tucker said: “that the TOCs were more interested in revenue raising than in safely operated trains. “The dispute is not over. It is still alive,” he insisted. The motion called on the union to make a formal submission to the RSSB applying for the relvant changes to the new rule book, with the possibilty of a legal challenge in the event of their refusal. “We must put these demands on the RSSB”, continued Greg, “whether they like it or not.” Del Marr, from Southend, admitted that it had been “a long and arduous battle” but, he insisted, “we can’t give up on our members now.” Plymouth train manager Eduoard Fontaine likened the new rule book to children’s comics. “They’re like the Dandy or Beano”. Assistant general secretary Pat Sikorski said that the issue put guards under “severe pressure. “We must get back to saying ‘no’ to driver-only operation and we must fight to keep guards on trains,” he added. However, Pat warned that the union “cannot ballot against the RSSB” but only against the train operating companies. Save public housing Delegates congratulated Camden council tenants for resisting government attempts to privatise their homes. London underground driver Vaughan Thomas described how the Blairite local authority had wasted £0.5 million trying to persuade residents to back the plan. He condemned the new Labour clique for “fully embracing neo-liberal Tory policies” and he shocked delegates when he revealed RMT news – AGM Report 2004 IRAQI Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Subhia Hussain brought conference to its feet with a call for “real sovereignty” for the people of Iraq. The IFTU leader described yesterday’s transfer of authority as a “positive step,” but he demanded an “end to the occupation. “We won’t give the new government a blank cheque,” he insisted. “We’ll campaign with them, but we’ll campaign against them where necessary.” Mr Hassain, a former train driver, condemned the occupation forces for their anti-union stance. “Last year, the US military attacked our headquarters,” he said. Thanking the RMT for its support, he told delegates that the union headquarters was still closed. “The US military is constantly tring to frustrate our efforts to work and organise,” Mr Hussain added, “but we will not be deterred in our struggle for the Iraqi people.” The IFTU leader, who was imprisoned for eight years under the Saddam regime, laid out the agenda of the Iraqi labour movement. “We oppose the privatisation of our utilities and public services and we are fighting for a new Labour Code, to repeal the fascist laws of 1987,” he explained. Mr Hussain also highlighted the massive levels of unemployment – over 65 per cent - in the country, which, he said, were worsened by foreign firms bringing in their own workers to replace Iraqis. Towards a new Iraq Rebuild the Labour Party RMT Parliamentary group leader John McDonnell urged Labour Party members and trade unionists to “refound” the party. Speaking at the AGM, Mr McDonnell called for the best possible support for the newly-founded Labour Representation Committee to defeat the Blairite clique. “It will be the most important meeting of the labour movement for a generation,” he insisted, adding: “Trade unionists and rank and file party activists will come together to refound the Labour Party.” The socialist MP added that the aim of the LRC would be that, “one day, socialists and trade unionists can say: ‘This is our party once more’.” Mr McDonnell slammed London mayor Ken Livingstone for remarks that he made last month - Mr Livingstone urged tube workers to cross picket lines during the Tube strike. “I’ll personally speak to Ken about this,” he promised, adding that the London mayor’s comments had been “unacceptable and shocking.” The campaigning MP gave delegates a full report on the work of the union’s 14-strong group of MPs – all Labour – which meets on a six-weekly cycle. “Our main focus has been on the issue of renationalisation and an end to the chaos of privatisation” he said. “Our Early Day Motion calling for South Eastern Trains to remain in the public sector has received 112 signatures and rising, reflecting the support we have from the public. “When we put the arguments for renationalisation in the Commons, ministers are constantly floundering in their attempts to justify their privatisation policies,” the Hayes and Harlington MP said. 24 IFU leader Subhia Hussain addresses conference that, nationally, £65 million of public money has been spent on housing privatisation propaganda. Greg Tucker, from Kennington in south London, said that his local council had spent £0.3 million “just trying to sell off my estate.” Mr Tucker also pointed to the abuse of housing renovation grants by some of the local authorities involved. “We must stop the bribing of tenants with renovation grants,” he urged. Working class representation Conference vowed to “support and actively encourage” the newly-founded Labour Representation Committee in its fight to rescue the Labour Party as well as holding discussions with other unions on how to develop working class representation. Nottingham conductor John Marshall reminded delegates that “there are still 20 unions affiliated to Labour and we must try to stir them against Blairism. “We need a strategy to move the struggle forward,” he added. Dennis McPake, from Birmingham, agreed, saying: “Don’t forget there are still good people in the Labour Party. We need to fight from outside, but we need to fight from inside as well.” But London train driver Bobby Law said: “I was expelled from the Labour Party 15 years ago and this year, for the first time, I didn’t vote for them. “Working-class people are calling out for a party to represent them,” he added. Bristol delegate Glen Burrows said: “We need to address the issue of how working-class people are represented.” However, opposing support for the LRC, Glen said: “The question of reclaiming the Labour Party is one for Labour Party members.” And London train driver Greg Tucker told conference that “we need to decide how to construct an alternative to Labour.” However, John Tilley, from Wigan, told conference that the LRC launch had been the only “bit of good news I’ve had recently”. “We need to reclaim the party - heart and soul,” he urged. Responding to the debate on behalf of the executive, general secretary Bob Crow asked delegates to back the resolution and the added amendment. “I’ve never been in the Labour Party,” he said, “but I’ve got good friends in it and we need to be at the LRC,” he added. Although the union was expelled from the Labour Party in February, the union’s rule book still commits it to affiliation and it still sends its affiliation cheques to party RMT news – AGM report 2004 Delegates share a joke L E Y C O L Leycol Printers Limited 5 Hancock Road London E3 3DA Tel: 020 8880 6000 Fax: 020 8880 6001 ISDN 020 8983 0479 http://www.leycol.com Proud to print RMTnews Essential reading for today ’s transport worker 25