Political fund victory

RMT news – Essential reading for today ’s transport worker RMT members voted overwhelmingly in a high turnout to keep their political fund with one of the highest majorities in the trade union movement. Nearly 90 per cent of those taking part in the ballot voted to keep the political fund which allows the union to campaign in the political arena and have a say on changes in the law. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said it was a magnificent result following all the political turmoil that had taken place, including the expulsion of the union from the Labour Party. “This massive endorsement for having such a fund also highlights the need to change the anti- union law, brought in by the Tories, which forces trade unions to hold such ballots simply to have their say on crucial matters that concern their members,” he said. The result is an improvement on the 1994 ballot which was 83 per cent in favour on a 28 per cent turnout. The result of the RMT political fund ballot is as follows: The number voting Yes was 21,131 (88.2 per cent of the valid vote). The number voting No was 2,840 (11.8 per cent of the valid vote). The turnout was 36.9 per cent (see p23). Members give thumbs up to political fund FERRY company Wightlink agreed to implement an agreed 35-hour week after members overwhelmingly backed strike action in a ballot earlier this month. Management also withdrew unacceptable restrictions on this year’s pay increase in order to pay for the reduction in hours, which was agreed back in 2002. The 35-hour week was agreed on the basis that the decrease in hours would be at no loss of pay or introduction of productivity. However, employers had insisted that the reduction in hours should be paid for through a paltry pay increase and an increase in productivity. The ferry company also claimed that night services would have to be cut. However, RMT regional organiser Phil Bialyk said that the company had now agreed to reduce hours and increase pay rates and allowances by 3.2 per cent. “We had already agreed to phase in this reduction of hours as part of the pay deal two years ago to assist the company and now we have waited for it, they were trying to double count it,” he said. The company also made pledges not to consider any alterations to services and night services will continue. As a result, plans to restructure staffing arrangements on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route, with the loss of 15 posts will not be implemented. The agreement will go out to a ballot of members in the new year with a recommendation from the union to accept. Organising at Lynx Express RMT HAS organised workers in Lynx Express for many years and has embarked on a new campaign to redouble organisation and recruitment within the company. The history of the union’s recognition with the company precedes the current privatised world of parcel delivery and railways. It has its roots in the nationalisation of the railways in 1948. Lynx is a descendant of the goods and cartage division of British Railways and today Lynx members are central to the union’s concerns. That is why RMT has mounted an extensive campaign to ensure we have an elected representative in every depot. A co- ordinating meeting has already been held in London and the union has established a system of area stewards who are responsible for mapping levels of activity in depots and maintaining contacts with members. RMT has sole recognition rights for Lynx workers in England and Wales. The TGWU has recognition in Scotland only, It is unfortunate that the TGWU has recently sought to recruit our members in England. RMT assistant general secretary Mick Cash said that it has been made it clear that RMT will not countenance any poaching in this way. “Our main priority is to work to constantly improve the term and conditions of our Lynx members,” he said. RMT South Hants branch secretary Arthur Richardson (above left) said that the union had started to make inroads, but there was still a lot of work to do. “By constantly ensuring that we have a solid membership base, we are in a good position to win the gains our members so richly deserve,” he said. RMT’s traditions in Lynx Express are rich and strong. This new campaign will ensure they remain so. MEMBERS FREEPHONE HELPLINE - 0800 376 3706 Wightlink improves offer 7