RMT POLITICAL SCHOOL

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2009 :: RMTnews 22 This year’s recent Political School at the RMT National Education Centre in Doncaster was represented by a wide spectrum of grades from rail, road transport, shipping, docks and buses from all over the UK. The purpose of the week- long school was to raise awareness of the tools available for political campaigning and lobbying at all levels. James Croy, the RMT political officer, gave an overview of the course and an insight into the process of using politicians to further RMT’s aims. A lecture from Professor Roger Seifert of Warwick University took up the best part of the first day. His presentation on industrial relations and Marxist philosophy set the week off in style and everyone had an input into the debate. Alex Gordon of the RMT Council of Executives spoke about the history of RMT and the wider trade union movement. Derek Kotz gave an insight into how to handle the media. Kelvin Hopkins MP, who is also a member of the RMT Parliamentary Group, spoke and answered questions via video link from London. Other guest speakers included trade unionist Tom Feilings from Justice for Colombia, who painted a gloomy image of the life expectancy of a union rep in Colombia. Also, an official from CWU made us aware of the fight against privatisation of Royal Mail. An important afternoon session was led by Paul Meszaros from anti-fascist group Hope not Hate. He spoke about the threat of the British National Party and other fascist organisations and how to campaign against them. The highlight of the week was the trip to Parliament and a chance to question some of the RMT Political Group including John McDonnell MP. We also had the opportunity to see how Parliament works to support RMT campaigns and see other MPs including Norman Tebbitt and the branch chairman of Leeds Goods & Cartage debating with Dennis Skinner. In the evening we had the chance to relax at dinner with some of the MPs who are members of the RMT Parliamentary Group. However it was back to business the next day when we discussed what we had got out of the week. Most of us were then able to join a RMT demonstration outside Network Rail Head Office called to protest at Job cuts. The whole of the class thought that it would be very useful to have a follow-up weekend in about a year’s time to discuss how the school has helped any of us to further our political causes. We all agree that this political school should remain as a permanent fixture to the RMT educational curriculum. The RMT School is open to all RMT members and one of the students from the schoo,l Pauline Harris, has specifically asked that we inform RMT News readers that she would urge any women members interested in politics to attend the school. Members wishing to apply to be on the school in future should contact their branch secretary. For more information email Political Officer James Croy, j.croy@rmt.org.uk or call 020 7387 4771. RMT POLITICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS HAIL EVENT A BIG SUCCESS This article was written following feedback from students at the school. Thanks to Trevor Howard for drafting and pulling it together. Ken Rollings (Heathrow Express) Pauline Harris,(Plymouth 5) Mohamed Aslam, (Exeter 2) Anthony Winckless (Deptford) Denis Connor (Glasgow 5) Trevor Howard ( Leeds Goods and Cartage) Owen Herbert (Swansea 1) Bryan Henderson (Dover Shipping) Karl Norendal (Carlisle City) James Bannister (Penzance 1) Mick Stubbs (Southampton Shipping) Tim Rugg (European Passenger Services) STUDENTS ON THE RMT POLITICAL SCHOOL