Catering / McGinley deal

RMT news – Essential reading for today ’s transport worker MEMBERS should note that in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended), RMT is required to hold a review ballot at least every ten years, in order that the union can retain its political fund. The ballot will give members the opportunity to vote on whether the union should be able to spend money for political purposes. The law says that the union must have a political fund to do this. RMT will therefore be balloting members on whether or not to maintain the union’s political fund. The ballot will take place between 15th October and 26th November. The ballot will be a postal ballot and voting papers will be sent directly to members’ homes or to another address which the member has requested the union in writing to treat as their postal address. Electoral Reform Services will be acting as the Independent Scrutineer and will oversee the conduct of the ballot. There address is the Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N8 0NW. Any member who has changed their home address or wishes their ballot paper to be sent to a different address and has not yet notified the union, should contact the RMT Helpline on 0800 376 3706, or email info@rmt.org.uk Catering for success RECENT RMT organising weeks carried out across the regions have led to an increase in catering members working for Select Service Partners (SSP). SSP is a subsidiary of Compass Group and holds the franchise for most of the outlets at major rail stations. Burger King, Whistle Stop, Upper Crust, Marks and Spencer and the pubs on platforms are all part of the SSP outfit. RMT has negotiating rights for all the staff employed in these workplaces. As a result of the recruitment drive there is an increase in membership, members volunteering to go on reps’ training courses and a recognition that RMT is there to protect workers in the workplace. Even more importantly, staff understand that there is now a way to raise any issues of concern. Alan Pottage of the organising unit said that it would take time to build up organisation in many areas. “However, it is imperative that we raise our profile in SSP workplaces, whether by speaking to staff about the union, dropping in leaflets, posters and application packs to outlets or arranging to spend a day in the mess room to provide staff with an opportunity to find out more about the union,” he said. Organisers found that there were many pressing issues, ranging from advice on specific work-related matters to general representation. “The main issue is the need for every SSP worker to receive a decent living wage. With the majority of staff being paid on or around the minimum wage, it is a matter of urgency for SSP workers that we take this matter up,” Alan said. The high turnover of staff has proved a barrier to organising. However, Alan said that over the past year SSP staff had expressed that they want change – they want to join the union, to become reps and to stand up and fight for better pay and conditions. SSP staff interested in joining RMT should phone the helpline - see number on left. MCGINLEY Recruitment has signed a representation agreement with RMT which recognises the union and formalises procedures for consultation. The agreement will see the creation of a company council of both employee and management representatives. The deal will provide collective trade union representation to thousands of infrastructure workers working for the company, which carries out rail maintenance and renewals. The company council will address issues such as health safety, performance plans and employee conditions. Meetings will take place quarterly, although additional meetings may be called as and when it is necessary. In addition, the council will seek to create one or two represen- tatives for each region as well as establish safety representatives. Further details of the new company council will be sent to each worker in due course. Barry West, the RMT activist who was instrumental in achieving the breakthrough deal, said that agreement would increase the voice of the union within the industry and could lead to other contractors recognising RMT to represent the workforce. “Recognising the need to work with the union to improve communications with the workforce will benefit everyone concerned,” he said. Alan Pottage of the union’s organising unit said that it was now important to ensure that RMT recruits members and trains new reps to give full-blooded protection. McGinley employees should contact the RMT helpline on 0800 376 3706 if they can suggest new reps for their location or gang. “We now have recognition rights for Renown, who also employ infrastructure workers, and RMT is making progress with sub-contractors and agencies. It is vital we properly organise these workers,” he said. G McGinley operates a confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about safety standards on the job they are working on and has pledged to support workers who raise concerns about safety and investigate any problems. The McGinley confidential safety reporting line is 07976 935728. Notification of RMT Political Fund Review Ballot IT’S A DEAL: From left to right: RMT health and safety rep Barry West, McGinley safety manager Graham Ellis, RMT regional organiser Brian Curtis and McGinley’s financial director, Eugene Meehan 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 4 Rail contractor McGinley recognises RMT