DIVERS MEET

RMTnews :: march 2006 :: www.rmt.org.uk 4 Open six days a week Mon to Fri - 8am until 6pm, Sat - 9.30am to 4pm e-mail: info@rmt.org.uk Legal helpline: 0800 587 7516 Seven days a week Members Helpline Freephone 0800 376 3706 PETER LINDSAY APPRECIATION EVENING S outh East Essex branch, formerly the Southend-on- Sea branch, showed their appreciation to their former branch secretary Peter Lindsay who celebrated his 75th birthday in January. Peter retired in 1995 after serving as the Southend and District branch secretary for 15 years. Peter also served on the NUR Council of Executives from 1979-1981 and from 1985-1987 during each term working with national president Tony Donaghey. Tony was pleased to present his old friend Peter with some commemorative glassware, on behalf of his former colleagues, in appreciation for his services. R MT divers and diving personnel recently attended meetings in London and Aberdeen to demand that claims for improvements in pay and conditions are treated seriously by the employers. National secretary Steve Todd said that it was clear that members were not prepared to accept the continuation of inadequate rewards in pay and conditions. “They have set the agenda for change and the union will be acting on it with all the resources necessary. “Being organised through a strong and united RMT membership will be the key to success,” he said. The divers’ claim will centre on a substantial increase in all pay rates along with demands to address other issues such as travel, responsibility, stand-by and bank holiday payments. Other issues include sick pay, holiday pay, sat bonuses, pensions and loss of licence insurance. RMT Regional Organiser Stan Herschel, who will lead negotiations for divers, said that a submission reflecting the views of members would be made. “We expect employers to recognise the validity of our members’ claim and respond positively. “Members will be actively involved in the process through a representative structure and further meetings will be arranged as appropriate,” he said. B radley Davis received his 40 year badge from the General Secretary Bob Crow at a recent Great Eastern Rail branch Christmas social at the Railway Tavern in Stratford, London. Bradley Davis joined the railways and the union in 1962. Bradley was a groundstaff employee with EWS and retired in 2005. Great Eastern Rail meets on the third Thursday of every month at 18.00 at the same venue. ADIEU TO BRADLEY DIVERS MEET