NEW RMT WEB SITE

From this month, RMT members logging on to the usual www.rmt.org.uk address, will be rewarded with a fresh look and feel, improved features and a simplified site navigation system designed to convert even the most unabashed technophobe or Internet novice to the web. Among several exciting developments is the introduction of streaming video. RMT aims to develop this feature so that members will soon access web-casts from union officials, video from picket-lines and demonstrations and even live coverage of RMT’s annual conference. Another initiative gives members the chance to vote in a weekly poll on the latest burning topics concerning rail, shipping, transport and politics. And anybody with a web-enabled mobile phone will be able to access the new RMT website wherever they are – on the move in a bus or train, or even in a union meeting. RMT’s web team hopes to make rapid progress in developing the site to allow individual RMT branches to host their own pages and post material relevant to local workplaces and memberships. Alongside these new initiatives, the website will continue to contain the usual features with which visitors the old site will be familiar – access to the RMT shop, the extensive archive of union documents and other research resources, to the members’ section and message board, press releases, information on pensions and benefits and other indispensable tools. The new site has been designed to RMT specifications and developed in association with Poptel Technologies – a London-based co-operative which has worked extensively with labour movement organisations and the voluntary sector for many years. For the first time RMT’s website will enjoy the attentions of a dedicated web editor/journalist, employed by the union to update and develop the site as well as liaise with members, branches and regions over content. NEW WEBMASTER Chris Kasrils, who has worked as a journalist within the labour and progressive movement for many years, arrived at RMT in December to fill this post. Chris is now working alongside colleagues in the RMT press and media department and has been tasked to develop other new methods of communication with members such as SMS text messaging to mobile phones. “This is an exciting new challenge in which we can harness all the new technology that is available in order to strengthen and develop this great union,” he said. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “In today’s world, people demand information not only on a daily basis but on an hour-by-hour basis. “The fact that the union has employed a full-time web editor shows the importance which RMT and our membership attach to being at the forefront of new information and communication technologies. “An old adage says ‘knowledge is power’, I believe that our new, improved website will go a long way to empower the membership in the daily struggles we face in the workplace,” he said. Chris Kasrils welcomes feedback and suggestions regarding the website, which can be emailed to: webmaster@rmt.org.uk www.rmt.org.uk :: january 2006 :: RMTnews 11 RMT is proud to announce the launch of its brand new website this month, giving members improved access to information and interaction with their union – day-by-day and hour-by-hour KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!