RMT WINS FORTH BRIDGE RECOGNITION BATTLE

R MT has won a recognition deal for painters working on the Forth Bridge, which spans the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. The bridge, which connects Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, with Fife, is an internationally recognised landmark owned by Network Rail Infrastructure Limited. Nearly two years ago workers employed by contractors Palmers Ltd approached Fife and District branch secretary Jim Philp about joining RMT and getting union recognition. This led to a recognition ballot, held through the statutory process via the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC). Workers voted overwhelmingly in the secret ballot in favour of RMT recognition. The campaign involved the union’s regional council, the local branch and the organising unit worked closely together, including regular leafleting outside the workplace, mass meetings away from the workplace and regular newsletters to members. RMT built up membership to around half the workforce in a matter of months and a meeting was arranged with Palmers. Regional organiser Phil McGarry attempted to get a voluntary recognition agreement. The company initially seemed to be interested in recognising the union. However, due to opposition from the senior partner in the contractor’s alliance, Balfour Beatty, RMT had to use the statutory CAC route. Meetings have now been held between Phil McGarry and Palmers to negotiate the procedural agreement and a meeting of members will take place soon to elect two reps and a health and safety rep. Donald Graham from the organising unit pointed out that the union also has members employed by other contractors on the bridge. “This recognition deal sends out the message that we can also win recognition with other companies if workers want RMT to represent them,” he said. Congratulations should go to those members who have had to put up with delaying tactics for nearly two years for the right to have the trade union of their choice recognised by their employer to bargain collectively for them.” RMTnews :: january 2008 :: www.rmt.org.uk 4 I work for Palmers Ltd at the Forth Bridge where we have just won the right to be recognised by the union of our choice, RMT. Me and fellow workers on the bridge felt we needed the security and backing of an effective trade union to deal with our issues and problems. RMT has always been the union for rail workers and the union played an historic role at the bridge prior to privatisation. I have an active interest in health and safety and I soon realised that I would have the opportunity to expand and develop this issue with the support from the union. I joined RMT as it is a trade union where the workers are the main priority. I am proud to say that after winning our vote on recognition that the vast majority of my workmates agree. RMT WINS FORTH BRIDGE RECOGNITION BATTLE WHY I JOINED RMT Name: Wullie Brady Job: Plater/Encapsulator Company: Palmers Ltd