NEW BUS BRANCH AT CHESTERFIELD

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: november/december 2008 :: RMTnews 31 N ever one to let retirement get in the way of organising workers, Graham Geliher set about organising a new branch for RMT members at Stagecoach Chesterfield. Graham said that the depot had been part of Stagecoach East Midlands Bus branch for over 20 years and had been under constant attack from poaching by another trade unions. “For a number of years, membership had been declining due to concerted efforts by both management and Unite the union to wipe out RMT,” he said. In around June last year a new committee was elected, with Malcolm Lord taking charge as the main central negotiating committee rep for the depot. Branch meetings were then held on a regular basis and gradually members were recruited to the union and the committee generated an enthusiastic group of activists. Within a short space of time new Health and Safety reps and a Union Learning rep were established. At this time the depot was still part of East Midlands Bus but in April 2008 Graham set a date to retire. This led to changes to the structure of East Midlands Bus branch and Malcolm Lord stepped in to take over and establish a new branch at Chesterfield. With the help of the regional organiser Allen Heath and Ray Spry-Shute, courses were quickly organised to assist with training the new committee at the union’s education centre in Doncaster. Malcolm said that it was felt that the members at the Chesterfield depot were capable of operating as an independent branch. “It was felt that this would serve the members interests better, and following many meetings and discussions the new branch was set up under the name ‘Chesterfield Bus branch’,” he said. Graham said that, after years of constant attack, it was a tremendous achievement to have not only held ground, but actually been in a position to increase membership and be able to open a new branch. “Those members concerned should rightly feel proud of their efforts,” he said. The branch is now involved at all levels of the union nationally and is setting up its own talks on pay and conditions, with the aid of the regional organiser, and they should only go from strength to strength. “All members in the branch should realise how important it is to support your new committee and more than capable branch secretary Malcolm Lord,” said Graham. 2009 orphan fund calendars for sale! Calendars featuring either steam trains or modern trains are available for £6 each. 2009 orphan fund diaries also available for £2.50. Please send your order to: Mark Harding Unity House 39 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD NEW BUS BRANCH AT CHESTERFIELD NEW BRANCH: RMT general secretary Bob Crow congratulates new Chesterfield branch secretary Malcolm Lord