PRESIDENTS COLUMN

www.rmt.org.uk :: june 2006 :: RMTnews 25 I recently gave evidence to the House of Commons transport select committee on security arrangements following the London bombings in July last year which killed 52 people. RMT has been appalled at the lack of cooperation from the mainline rail industry to discuss an industry- wide approach to rail safety. Government ministers rightly praised the professionalism and courage of transport workers in the immediate aftermath of terrorist attacks. Yet, the Association of Train Operating Companies has refused to even discuss a framework for national security standards for an industry which is particularly vulnerable to attack. It was only following government intervention – almost a year after the attacks – that ATOC finally agreed for discussions to take place. The union also still has major concerns over government proposals to scrap railway fire safety regulations introduced by following the Transport Secretary authorising the Fennell inquiry into the 1987 Kings Cross Fire. These regulations lay down minimum statutory protections, including means of escape means of fighting fire, means of detection and giving warning, fire instruction and training and staffing levels. It is self-evident that the protections will be lessened because nowhere within the Fire Safety Order does it actually specify minimum standards that equate to the current regulations. Moreover, unlike the current regulations, the proposed Guidance to accompany the Fire Safety Order will not have any legal force. Removing the regulations will change the burden of proof, thereby making it easier for the rail industry to reduce the current standards below that specified in the existing regulations. At present the fire authority has to be satisfied that a specific requirement at a particular location is inappropriate, unnecessary or not reasonably practical. Under the government’s proposals’ it will be for the fire authority to show that the rail industry has failed to carry out a sufficient risk assessment. In light of the July attacks, the decision to remove the Regulations disregards the public’s concern for safety and security. The government should reverse their decision and retain the necessary protections provided by the regulations. I also believe that the current foreign policy of the British government has helped to increase the potential for terrorist attacks on transport infrastructure. This is a view supported by Royal Institute of International Affairs briefing of 18 July 2005 which argued that the UK is at particular risk because, as a close ally of the US, it has deployed armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Issues including social exclusion, poverty and racism all play their part. However, even where social and security measures steps are taken to deter terrorist attacks there is no guarantee, particularly when dealing with suicide bombers, that such attacks will not happen. Workers and their trade unions have a vital role in determining responses to these attacks. We need proper training for front- line staff, effective communication systems and even-handed security measures that do not threaten essential civil liberties as a very minimum at home and a foreign policy that promotes peace abroad not perpetual war. President’s column Travelling without fear 40 for Jim Jim Murray started at the Southern Vectis Bus Company in Shanklin 40 years ago. He worked as a conductor for five years then moved on to be a driver. Jim then moved to Ventnor depot and stayed there until its closure in 1984. He then moved to Ryde depot where he is currently a driver. When Jim is not driving he enjoys a game of golf at Ventnor Golf course and with the Southern Vectis Golf Society. RMT General Secretary Bob Crow presented Bristol Rail Branch members with 40-year and 25-year Membership Awards recently on an evening that celebrated over 350 years trade union experience. Over 350 years of trade union experience at Bristol Rail left to right: George Clay, John Scattergood, Dave Miles, Mike Radford, Steve Hampton, Bob Crow, Andy Bwye, Geoff Breakey, Tony Jakeman