LETTERS

RMTnews :: june/july 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 36 Danuta Oliphant retired recently from her job in RMT’s membership department where she was one of the main contact points for members calling into the office. She joined the staff as a temporary finance administrator before transferring to the membership department. Danuta was essential in maintaining membership records, subscriptions and liaising with the payroll offices that utilize the paybill deduction facility. She proved to be popular with both her colleagues and members with her warm- hearted approach to her work and infectious laughter. Danuta is hoping to settle in Poland where she has relatives and friends. Pictured: Staff rep Ron Rodwell, Danuta and Bob Crow at the retirement party. Dear Bob, For reasons connected to my local Labour Party, I have relinquished my RMT membership in order to join a union affiliated to the Labour Party. Needless to say, this has not been an easy decision for me after more than thirty years membership of the NUR/RMT. The union has been an important part of my life and an overwhelmingly positive experience. I wonder if I might ask one favour of you – which is to arrange to send on to me my 25- year badge. I regret to say that, although we tried a couple of times, circumstances prevented my collecting it from my South London Rail branch. Your sincerely, Rt Hon Keith Hill MP Thank you for your letter dated March 16 2007. I apologise for the delay in my response, however, you will appreciate that I have been very busy with elections. I am sorry to learn that you have decided to relinquish your RMT membership. I see from your employment record that you began your career with the union on July 19 1976, and it is very disappointing that you have decided to join another union after all the money and resources the union invested in your Parliamentary career. However, it would be wrong of me not to recognise the role you played in influencing the RMT’s decision to leave the Labour Party. In view of the aforementioned, I think it would be both fitting and appropriate if I present you with your 25-year badge at this years Annual General Meeting which takes place in Edinburgh from June 24 to June 29 2007. Indeed, I would be delighted if you could attend the General Secretary’s International Dinner which takes place during the evening of Saturday June 23 2007, where you would be able to meet many of your old friends and colleagues. I also enclose a signed copy of a recent RMT publication, “Never On Our Knees”, which you will no doubt find an absorbing read. You will see from the book that many of your old colleagues are mentioned and I can assure you that the following previous Executive Committee members, Peter Lindsay, Ken Thomas, Larry Cotton, Geoff Revell, John Milligan, Assistant General Secretary Pat Sikorski and Mick Atherton all remember your distinct contribution to the trade union movement. Further, I also enclose copies of two films the Union commissioned to record the Rail Against Privatisation march which took place in 2005 and the march for trade union freedom which took place last year. I am sure that these films will enable you to keep abreast of the key issues facing RMT and trade union movement. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, R Crow, General Secretary. FAREWELL TO DANUTA General Secretary’s response LETTERS