PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Everyday we see and hear about news events from around the world that should concern us all. Indeed our own union has seafaring members throughout the globe, and we all have a responsibility and to fight for the planets future, against war and injustice. It was towards this end that I was part of our union delegation to a Labour Conference to Stop the War in San Francisco in the United States last month, organised by the International Longshore and Warehouse union locals 10 and 34. Transport workers from around the world gathered to discuss security issues and the movement against the war and the fight against racism. We were able to meet dockworkers, rail workers and teachers all representing their unions. It’s when you do this face to face, with workers from other countries and cultures, that you realise how much we have in common with them rather than with management in our own countries. Meeting US dockworkers suffering strict surveillance whilst at work – on the pretence of national security – and I may as well have been talking to transport staff in the London Underground or elsewhere in the UK. All these have faced the same kind of heavy-handed management taking advantage to spy on their workers. Of course our union believes and fights for real security at work. We also understand that the causes of war have to be addressed as well. And we ain’t going to be the fall guy for failed government policies I was very impressed to see a branch of the ILWU (local 10) in action, they made everyone feel very welcome in their premises and supportive to workers in their workplace. I told them of the similarities between their branch and any RMT branch meeting, certainly at my own branch, Finsbury Park. It was on this basis that we were able to discuss many other common issues as well. The two-day conference was very important for grassroots international solidarity. There were differences of views in debate, but our bond as trade unionists and fraternity as internationalists prevailed. We all got a lot out of the meeting and felt stronger and able to defend our members. John Leach Transporting international solidarity President’s column RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: november 2007 :: RMTnews 29 T ransport workers join RMT for better pay and conditions and protection at work. But members also recognise the union needs a political voice so the union can campaign in the political arena to advance members interest which is why in its 2004 political fund ballot 88 per cent of members voted to retain the fund. The week-long RMT political school is designed to help students gain a better understanding of the union’s political involvement in lobbying parliament and the government as well as in the international arena. The school gives participants a better understanding of how activists can support and develop political campaigns to advance the interests of RMT members. As well as, our guest speakers, thanks should go to education officer Ray Spry- Shute, tutor Ron Rodwell and education centre manager Barbara Collinson and all her staff who looked after everyone. The school was a success because all the participants were committed to campaigning for the interests RMT members and for a better world in general through a strong and united union. Participants were Christopher Davidson, Darryl Emberson, Craig Johnston, Paul King, Agnes Lingard, Gordon Martin, Helen Mooney, Brian Reynolds, Steven Skelly, Christopher Smart, Micky Thompson and John Whittingham. RMT will be advertising more political schools open to all RMT members whatever your level of experience. If you are interested in applying contact your Branch Secretary or for information get in touch with James Croy at j.croy@rmt.org.uk or ring 020 7529 8822. WHY A POLITICAL SCHOOL?