REPS READY TO ORGANISE

december 2005 :: RMTnews 5 R MT representatives from three train operating companies, First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex, turned out in force in Bristol recently to hear assistant general secretary Pat Sikorski explain RMT's strategy, which included an explanation of TUPE transfer procedures. RMT reps applauded the efforts of their union to win employment guarantees and were keen to take this important message back into their workplaces. Alan Pottage of the union’s organising unit then stressed the need for all reps to start organising their workmates. “Don't wait on someone else to do it for you. As a rep - it's not an option but a responsibility to recruit workers into RMT,” he said. Four Company Council reps from each company have now volunteered themselves to form an organising committee who will sit down and fine tune an active strategy designed to involve everybody. Regional organiser Brian Curtis also explained how officers can assist and are available to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in with everyone else. There were many questions and positive contributions from the floor. The meeting ended with everyone getting a sneak preview of the new seven minute DVD for use in induction classes. Over eighty RMT rucksacks full of recruitment materials were then handed out to reps. “We need to be fully- organised with everyone in RMT if we are to deliver the best pay and conditions for our members,” said Brian. REPS READY TO ORGANISE Eight members of RMT’s Doncaster branch were presented with the new 40-year medals recently at the town’s Trades Club. General secretary Bob Crow congratulated the long-serving members for reaching “a fantastic milestone”. He said that the new honour was introduced to compliment the 25- year badge in recognition of those that had spent much of their lives looking after the interests of their fellow workers of all grades. The presentation was followed by a social event and buffet for members and their partners and a good evening was had by all. (From left to right) Medal winners Albert Garraghty, EC member Dave Collinson, Alan Johnson, Patrick Bryan, Bob Crow, Len Murden, Fred Harrison, Michael Davey, Malcolm Smith, Eddie Lacey. NEW 40-YEAR MEDALS PRESENTED