PRESIDENTS COLUMN

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: march 2008 :: RMTnews 21 I was speaking to an experienced RMT branch secretary recently that I have worked with for many years about my role as president. During our discussion asked me a very good question: “do you still represent members at local level meetings with management?” The simple answer is no, these issues are dealt with by frontline union reps at the workplace up and down the country every day. But, after my three years term of office as your president, I will be returning to these duties at the workplace, in my case on London Underground. Frontline union reps are often the only contact that members have with the union and they represent the backbone of the organisation. An effective rep is also very often the only thing stopping a worker losing his or her job. This is a big responsibility for lay reps and their experience is invaluable if members are to receive effective representation at the workplace. Whatever role these reps play, the union owes every single one of them a huge debt of gratitude as they form a fundamental part of the service that a trade union can provide. The vast majority of reps carry out this important work in their spare time as they very often only get a limited amount of time off for trade union duties and sometimes none at all. Reps can also feel isolated as the transport industry often involves shift work or, if you’re a seafarer or oil worker, spending time offshore. Even with modern communications to assist us, it can still be a daunting prospect to represent someone who faces complicated problems and issues at work. Taking on the boss in the workplace is not easy and requires courage, knowledge and even humour. All reps start lacking experience as I remember when I became one nearly 20 years ago. But there is a steep learning curve and I learnt a lot from older hands on the job. The union at a national level recognises this vital service and seeks to ensure that reps get the training necessary to do what can be a very difficult job. This training is carried out at the union’s new education centre in Doncaster. Regional councils also take the education of reps seriously as the sterling work in this area at the new Dover office shows. The crucial work of reps, day-in and day-out, is appreciated not only by me but all the officers and executive committee members of the union and we know that without these activists the union could not operate. Finally, the Offshore Industry Liaison Committee’s more than 2,000 members have voted to become the offshore section of RMT from May 1 2008. Both OILC and RMT believe in strong, democratic trade unionism at the workplace that rejects phoney ‘partnership’ with employers. The number one priority for our growing union should be defending the interests of the members and improving their pay and conditions at work through collective action and security. John Leach Front line reps President’s column HE BNP