NEW COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

www.rmt.org.uk :: april 2006 :: RMTnews 15 JACK JONES: Jack is Holyhead branch secretary and has worked as a fitter for Sealink and as a signaller since 1992. He has held a number of posts in the union and has an interest in health and safety issues. He said that low pay, the rights of union reps and building the union are the most important issues for him during his three years on the executive committee. PETER ROWLAND: Peter is a member of Manchester South branch and works as a train guard. He has held a number of union posts including branch chair. He began on the railways as a carriage cleaner in 1978 and is an example of career progression which has been undermined by privatisation. He says this is one more reason why the railway must be re-nationalised to halt the fragmentation of the industry. FRANK COCHRANE: Frank is a member of Glasgow engineering branch and has served as a branch secretary. He has safety concerns over the fragmentation of the rail industry and the use of sub- contractors on the network. Pensions are also a big issue for Frank and he believes it will require unity of the workforce across the industry, regardless of sectional interests, to defend the scheme. PAUL BURTON: This is Paul’s second term on the Council of Executives and he has also been president of the clerical and supervisory grades conference. He said that he learnt a lot about the union the first time on the executive and intends to use that experience in the interests of the members. He says he enjoys getting out and about meeting members and outlining what the union can do for them. He feels that low pay is a key issue particularly in the catering and cleaning grades. DERRICK MARR: Derrick is a train driver who has also served on the Council of Executives before. He began his career as a catering assistant and strongly believes in an all-grades union that does not indulge in elitism and sectionalism. He says his experience of re-structuring has not had a positive impact on the workforce and believes it is necessary to win back what many members have lost in terms and conditions. The new members elected this year to serve for three years YOUR NEW COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS