ENGAGING IN POLITICS

A dozen RMT members from across the country gathered in Doncaster in October to attend the first political school at the union’s new, fully-equipped education centre. RMT activists from the rail, bus and maritime industries were present at the week-long course. The political school covered various issues of importance to the union and the wider trade union movement. It also gave the group the opportunity to travel down to Westminster for the demonstration and rally in support of John McDonnell's Trade Union Freedom Bill. As you would expect the week began with an overview of the content of the work we would be doing during the week and an excellent lecture on the history of our union from Council of Executives representative Alex Gordon. This was followed by a thought provoking session with Professor Roger Siefert. Roger covered the nature of employment markets, political strategies adopted by the movement and the relationship between the Labour Party and the unions today. Mr Siefert was of the opinion that RMT lack political influence while we remain outside the Labour Party. The assembled students made our disagreement with his analysis perfectly clear. Day two covered international issues facing the labour movement. SOLIDARITY Colombian metal workers trade union leader Harold Tello explained in great detail the dangerous situation trade unionists face in his country where activist's are murdered on a regular basis by government- backed thugs and multi-national companies. Iran is another country which is a dangerous place for union activists and students and tutors at the school sent a letter of protest to the Iranian President at the disgraceful treatment of Mansour Osanloo who is the president of the bus workers union in Tehran. CAMPAIGNING Brian Denny of Trade Unionists Against the EU Constitution gave an in-depth report on the dangers within the proposed Treaty for trade unionists. He said the centralisation of power to Brussels meant more privatisation and much less democracy. Ian Davidson MP also addressed us, via video link, on the issue and called on all RMT members to write to your MP to demand a referendum that the government promised it would hold two years ago. Paul Meszaros from the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight advised students on how we can help defeat the rise of the BNP and other far-right groups and the current Hope Not Hate campaign. There was a general discussion about how and why we campaign as a union. RMT political officer James Croy gave excellent direction as we broke into groups to discuss campaigning tactics. This was followed by press officer Derek Kotz who gave advice on how to handle the media. Students spent in day in London at Parliament as guests of John McDonnell MP, RMT’s parliamentary group chair. He gave us an insight into the work of the 22-strong group of MPs and how it operates on behalf of the union. He also gave us expert tips on how we should use parliament to our advantage in our campaigns. We attended the demonstration in support of John McDonnell’s Trade Union Freedom Bill outside parliament. General secretary Bob Crow and Scottish regional organiser and present STUC president Phil McGarry gave speeches amongst others on the need to secure union rights for British workers. The final day at Unity House in London included a course review. We discussed many ideas on how to improve the course, although we were all in agreement this one was excellent. Take my advice, if you get the chance get on this course next year. No matter what level of political experience you have, you will learn something on this course which could benefit our entire membership in the future. Gordon Martin RMTnews :: november 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 28 ENGAGING IN POLITICS Gordon Martin shares his experiences at the first political school at the union’s new education centre in Doncaster VISIT: John MacDonnell MP welcomes RMT’s political school to Parliament