ORGANISING THE SOUTH WEST

The most recent campaign was completed in the Wessex and South West region and efforts were concentrated on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Exeter and St. Austell areas. Regional activists Neil Hooper, Keith Murphy and Mark Hacket helped out on the ground whilst lead recruiter Keith Erskine helped organise and plan the week. Non-members were encouraged to join the union and existing members appreciated the time taken to talk to them about their issues and to clarify a few of the additional benefits that comes with RMT membership. Workers were contacted from an array of different companies including Southern Vectis Bus, Island Line Trains, At Seat Catering, Rail Gourmet, South West Trains cleaners and platform Staff, Whitelink and Network Rail track staff. Keith Murphy said that the organising weeks were helpful in identifying areas where the union need to organise more effectively. “As a branch secretary, I am grateful for the additional resources that are now available, not to mention the help I received from our Organising Unit’s Donald Graham,” he said. National Organising Co- ordinator Alan Pottage said that every RMT region held at least one organising week each year and encouraged members interested in helping to build the union to get involved. “Elected reps should apply for paid leave but resources are also available to help those who cannot get paid release. Our teams are then issued with organiser bags stuffed full of quality materials to give out during our campaigns,” he said. The next organising week shall take place in the South Wales and South West region at the end of July. july/august 2005 :: RMTnews 5 ORGANISING: Keith Murphy on the organising trail in the South West region RMT BALLOT AT WESSEX TRAINS OVER REDUNDANCY R MT IS balloting members at Wessex Trains for industrial action over the compulsory redundancy of a member of staff. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that the dispute was about as straightforward as they get. “Wessex have an agreement with us that there will be no compulsory redundancies and they have broken it. “Wessex Trains have driven a coach and horses through their own procedures,” he said. There has been no consultation with the managers’ sectional council, the company withdrew its offer of an alternative job after a transfer date was agreed, and another alternative post at the members’ own Bristol depot was frozen. “Wessex are heading for a confrontation despite the fact that there is plenty of work at Bristol which is being covered by overtime,’’ said Bob. This is a crude attempt to reduce staff numbers before re- franchising, which is due next April, and members have indicated that they are not prepared to see the company tear up agreements. “RMT has worked hard to avoid a dispute, and will continue to do so. It is a pity that Wessex has not done the same” Bob added. ORGANISING THE SOUTH WEST The union’s organising strategy continues to roll out into the regions in the form of ‘organising weeks’ designed to stimulate regular activity