Women’s survey

I AM determined that RMT is a representative union – one that listens to its members. That is why I am ask- ing you to take the time to respond to this question- naire. Without your views, we can only guess what you want. The union’s membership is reflecting the increasing numbers of women working in the trans- port sector. Our task is to ensure we adapt and develop to encompass issues important to women. Childcare is one such issue, though not entirely restricted to women as many men are increasingly want to share responsibility. The union does endeavour to provide childcare at national meetings, e.g. the Annual General Meeting, Grades Conferences and Advisory Committees. But clearly this may not be enough. We need to be addressing what happens at branch and regional council meetings. Branches especially are seen as the gateway into union activity and therefore every- thing must be done to encourage members, of both sexes, to attend. We are determined to provide the opportunity to women to participate and are currently trying to establishment regional women’s advisory commit- tees. The purpose is to enable women to come together and discuss what affects them in the work- place or in the union. Members of the National Women’s Advisory will help facilitate these meetings and will feed your comments through to every level of the union. I hope you will take the time to complete this sur- vey and ensure that women have their say. More and more women are joining RMT and we need to do everything possible to encourage them to fully participate in all the activities of the Union. It is only by active participation that we can claim to be truly representative of women. A Special Conference was held in May, dedicated to this theme. As a result of that conference and in consultation with the union’s national Women’s Advisory Committee, the Council of Executives has decided that the best way of determining what our women members want, is to ask them. Is there something the union can do to encourage women to attend their branches? Is childcare a problem or are there other factors we need to take into account? This is what we want to find out from you. In order for us to encourage as many women to take part as possible we are holding a £50 prize draw to be pulled out of all the names of those who take part. It would be much appreciated if you could spare a few minutes to answer the questions below and pop it in an envelope. RMT news – Women’s rights A women’s place is in the union A message from the RMT General Secretary £50 prize draw 21 1. Do you have childcare responsibilities? Yes F No F 2. If yes, please give ages of children ______________ 3. Have you ever attended a branch meeting? More than once F Once F Never F 4. What type of help with childcare do you require? e.g. crèche facilities, assistance with childcare costs or something else _______________________________________________ 5. Would you be more likely to attend union meetings if childcare was catered for? Yes F No F 6. What do you think branches could do to encourage women to attend their meetings? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 7. What do you think regional councils could do to encourage women to attend their meetings? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 8. Have you any suggestions as to how the national Women’s Committee could be developed to improve its effectiveness? ________________________________________________ Send to RMT, FREEPOST NW3706, LONDON, NW1 3YD