EQUALITY IN DIVERSITY

www.rmt.org.uk :: july/august 2006 :: RMTnews 35 Old photos have a deep fascination – we look into the faces of those who have long gone. Why do their faces haunt us? Why do their eyes stare at us, causing us to wonder what they were thinking, what were their lives were like, how did they cope with what were invariably hard and often short lives? There are so many questions that arise. The picture below was taken in Cardiff during the national seamen’s strike of 1911. It may surprise readers to see so many black faces. But were our black members subjected to discrimination? We will probably never know for sure. RMT has been asked to contribute to a book, Diverse Britain 2007 that will form part of next year’s commemoration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. The aim of the book is to reflect on the struggles of the past, the progress made and the challenges that remain to create and sustain a truly diverse nation. For the book, we have been asked to outline our achievements, past and present, and our future objectives in an article of up to 1200 words, with photographs. A circular has already been sent to branches asking for their input to our article. If you have any thoughts on this or have a story to tell, why not go along to your branch and share it with them. Perhaps someone can tell us what happened to the men in the photo? If you have information you want to share please write to: Pat Wilkinson Unity House 39 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD Or e-mail p.wilkinson@rmt.org.uk EQUALITY IN DIVERSITY RMT is calling on members to contribute to a new book Diverse Britain 2007 on the past, present and future challenges to creating a truly diverse nation Seafarers, black and white, voting in Cardiff during the 1911 strike