UNION WINS RECOGNITION AT HOVERTRAVEL

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: october 2008 :: RMTnews 8 R MT achieved recognition at Hovertravel earlier this year after more than 50 per cent of staff were recruited by the union. The firm operates hovercraft across the Solent between Portsmouth Southsea and Ryde on the Isle of Wight. In some four decades of Hovertravel’s operations this is the first time that a union has been recognised, representing a tremendous achievement for Portsmouth branch. RMT News joined regional organiser Peter Gale for the 10-minute sea voyage to Ryde. Peter was there for pay talks with management and it was a good opportunity to hear how the members were recruited and what it means to the staff at the workplace. It’s strange to enter a sea vessel that’s sitting on land, but the transition from land to sea and back again is seamless as the craft powers up, skims both, then with a sigh powers down the other side at Ryde Esplanade. Then it’s a meet and greet with union members as union veteran Mick Tosh unfurls the new branch banner for a photo. We have to be quick as the service operates every 30 minutes and we want the craft in the background. Beachmasters and union reps Alan Phillips and Paul Jackson then usher us into the staffroom – a cramped area in need of updating – to explain some of the background to the union’s work at the firm. The need for the union came about through the experience of disciplinary cases. “When we had a case there would be a break in the meeting while the management got professional legal advice while we got none, we just didn’t have the backup that we needed,” explained Alan. Recently, the branch did a survey of the 30 members to find out what their main concerns were, these include pay, Ryde staffroom facilities and weekend working. “Staff work 11-12 hour shifts on the weekend, which can have a big effect on family life.” says Paul. In the past Alan had been a National Union of Railwaymen member and had previous experience of recruitment and organising. He has been a crucial link between the branch and the workplace. Alan’s role came about through a chance meeting in the pub opposite Ryde terminal three years ago, when he met Portsmouth branch Secretary Richard Howard. Richard was wearing his RMT badge and Alan struck up a conversation, mentioning that he had been in the NUR. Richard says that union recognition at Hovertravel had been a model of how to recruit. “We found somebody who could be a focal point, supported that person and developed the membership. “We then supported the new members, which further grew the membership to the point where the union was recognisable. The workers here are on low pay and we are going to help them,” says Richard. UNION WINS RECOGNITION AT HOVERTRAVEL Left to right: Peter Gale, Richard Howard, Paul Jackson, Alan Phillips, Mick Tosh, Matt Barnicoat