RMT AT SCOTTISH TUC

RMTnews :: june/july 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 6 T he 110th annual Congress of the STUC was held in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Regional organiser Phil McGarry was re-elected onto the Scottish TUC General Council by attaining the highest recorded vote in Section A for the second year running. Phil served over the past 12 months as the STUC vice- president and was duly elected president of the Congress for the next 12 months. The general theme of the Conference was “Reaching Out”, focussing on organising and recruitment, particularly targeting those workers who daily face exploitation and discrimination. This is reflected in the fact that the affiliated unions have increased overall membership by some 6,000 members. During the next 12 months the STUC will be reaching out to a wide range of vulnerable workers such as migrant, agency and part-time workers, and joining with community groups and campaigning organisations to underline the message that trade union membership at the workplace is vital. RMT’s delegation observed the mandate and the policy guidance issued by the Council of Executives. Ian Macintyre seconded Motion 27 on Public Services which included an RMT amendment against the tendering of our ferry services on Caledonian MacBrayne. Phil McGarry also seconded Motion 28 on Cuts in public services which was moved by PCS. RMT president John Leach moved the amended Motion 95 against any military attack against Iran and the general secretary Bob Crow seconded a composite motion on transport. RMT delegate George Lonie seconded a motion on Scotland’s lifeline ferry services. Andy Gordon of the Council of Executives moved an amended motion on the environment and climate change. Phil McGarry, on behalf of the STUC General Council moved the motion to amend the STUC Constitution and Gordon Martin moved a composite motion on peace and disarmament. President John Leach also spoke at a lunchtime fringe meeting on the Trade Union Freedom Bill and seconded a motion demanding trade union rights. RMT delegate John McDougall acted as a teller throughout Congress. There were 354 accredited delegates in attendance, comprising of 237 males with 117 females representing 39 trade unions and 23 Trade Union Councils, together with representatives from all of the equality conferences. R MT delegate Scott Agnew moved an emergency dealing with the sinking of the Bourbon Dolphin in the North Sea and of the tragic loss of crew members. The Norwegian oil supply ship Bourbon Dolphin capsized as it moved an anchor for a drilling rig, about 86 miles off Shetland. Among the dead were 14-year-old David Remøy and his father Oddne Arve Remøy, the ship's captain. Surviving crew members said that it took less than five minutes for the boat to capsize. They managed to jump into the sea before being rescued. Rig workers observed a two-minute silence for the lost crew members of the Bourbon Dolphin, which was followed by a lone piper (right). RMT AT SCOTTISH TUC STUC DELEGATION, From Left to Right: Back Row: Stuart Elder, Ian McMahon, Gordon Martin, Bob Crow, John Leach Middle Row: George Lonie, Andy Gordon, Phil McGarry, Ian Macintyre, Scott Agnew, Denis Connor, Mike Rollo Front Row: John McDougall, Gerry McCann, Janet Cassidy CONFERENCE MOURNS CREW OF BOURBON DOLPHIN