Searchable article text
RMTnews :: october 2005
20
Following the introduction of
the Tonnage Tax, the
government set up a taskforce
to look at employment and
training almost four years ago.
The union has attended every
meeting including employment
sub-groups and made a number
of contributions and
submissions. The union has
also met with the previous
Shipping Minister, David
Jameson, and the present one,
Dr Stephen Ladyman, in
additions to giving evidence in
the House of Commons at the
Transport Select Committee.
On many occasions we have
been ably assisted by John
McDonnell MP, leader of RMT’s
group of MPs. Finally, RMT is
making its submission to the
taskforce which, in turn, will
make its submission to the
government with its proposals
for an employment and training
link. There are a record number
of ships returning to the Red
Ensign with approximately 400
ships recording tonnage.
Despite this, there are only
50 ratings a year being trained
to start a career at sea, which is
nowhere near enough. The age
profile of ratings is at a very
serious level and people are
leaving the industry because of
a lack of employment
opportunities.
The minister is on record as
saying that seafaring
employment is a high priority.
The government says it would
rather see a voluntary link and
if one is not forthcoming, it
intends to use alternative steps.
Let’s hope they keep their word
because our members and the
industry can ill afford any more
setbacks or empty promises.
This union does not want to
drive ships away from the Red
Ensign, nor does RMT want it to
become a flag of convenience.
We want fair play and a share
of the wealth the industry is
enjoying, by wealth we mean
jobs for our members.
NAVIGATING
THE FUTURE
National secretary Steve Todd
outlines a number of significant
issues facing the union and
efforts to improve employment
prospects, health and safety,
social well being, protection of
jobs and pensions
SHIPPING