LETTERS

RMTnews :: may 2006 :: www.rmt.org.uk 28 Dear editor, I am writing to thank RMT for your support in providing legal representation in Scotland by Mr Frazer of Drummond Miller. The case was finally heard on March 27 2006 and the verdict was not guilty. I am not impressed, to say the least, with the Glasgow courts and all the intermediate and adjourned dates, plus the travelling involved from Cornwall to Scotland. However, in court Mr Frazer did an outstanding job in smashing the prosecution’s evidence, resulting in a ‘no case to answer’ not guilty verdict. Having been a member of the union for 20 years, I did not anticipate going to court for doing my job. As the old saying goes, ‘you never know what’s round the corner’. I am very grateful to your legal department for giving me this much-needed support. Camborne bus branch secretary David Letcher also played an important role with his knowledge, advice and support. Yours sincerely Mr P Warren Dear editor, Virgin Trains station grades at Manchester Piccadilly were recently in dispute over the imposition of a roster that effectively eradicated four frontline staff. The collective solidarity of the brothers and sisters at Manchester Piccadilly forced management to withdraw this imposition and offer meaningful consultation and negotiation. I know I speak for the entire membership at Piccadilly when I tell you of the immense pride we all feel for the support the union has given us throughout this dispute. We have tried to build a strong and democratic union at Piccadilly with the help of the organising unit. It has seen our membership grow from just over 20 members to well over 50 in just 18 months. Our strike day support was 100 per cent and the picket line was staffed by active members throughout the day. We are now a collective voice to be listened to by Virgin. It falls to me to thank general secretary Bob Crow on behalf of us all. Special thanks to Peter Rowland for his help and advice and to John MacDonald for the tireless work he has put in to supporting our efforts. A thanks must go to Craig Johnston for travelling from Carlisle to join us on the picket line with the North West regional council banner. Paul Goodier made supreme efforts and joined us on the picket line with the Manchester South banner. Also thanks goes to Andy Warnock-Smith for support on the picket line and to Pat Sikorski who represented us throughout, no time or question was too much trouble. RMT is a union you have every right to take pride in as the help and support we have received has been second to none. Yours fraternally, Darren Taylor Virgin Trains station grades company council rep BUS LEGAL VICTORY