LETTERS/50 YEAR BADGES

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2009 :: RMTnews 27 LETTERS... W illie Welsh, (left) Glasgow No5, receiving his 50-year badge at the recent station staff grades conference held in the city. He was presented with the award by Ian Macintyre, Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland. During his five decades of activism in the union Willie has held numerous posts including president of the Scottish regional council and has attended many grades conferences and annual general meetings. He became active soon after starting work as an engine cleaner in 1958. Since Willie’s retirement in 2001 he has remained involved in the union, recruiting new members to RMT among other branch duties. “I have met great colleagues during this time and have enjoyed their company on many, many occasions. I wish to thank every one of them,” he said. I was very saddened to hear of the death of fellow colleague and railwayman Bob Morgan, the driver involved in the Train Crash at Purley in November 1989. Mr Morgan was jailed in September 1990 for 18 months, 12 of which were a suspended sentence, but the term was later cut to four months on appeal. In 2007, at the Court of Appeal he had his convictions quashed on the basis they were unsafe in the light of fresh evidence relating to the signal at the centre of the tragedy. I am simply appalled at the sort of legal system we have where a railwayman at work is charged after an accident, when there is no evidence that the cause was intentional. Those involved in the legal system that perpetrated this injustice should not only hang their heads in shame but should be called to public accountability. Any railwayman now going about his or her lawful business is today the target for probing police enquiries, in the event an incident occurs and anyone is injured or worse. I contrast this with the response one gets from the police these days to the general misconduct upon the railway, and worse, that is perpetrated against railway staff every day. Many years ago there was a protocol, whether official or unofficial that a railwayman on duty would never be charged for any error arising from carrying out his duties, as long as there was no deliberate intent to injure or worse. The railway police are no longer our friends and need to be viewed with great suspicion if you are involved in an incident into which they commence enquiries. I counsel everyone to ensure that they join the appropriate trade union, and to never ever speak with the police after an incident unless accompanied by a legal representative. This does not suggest guilt but is merely to ensure that you have the full protection of a legal adviser. Any statements made or signed whilst still affected by an event cannot be altered later, and will be used to add weight to any potential legal procedings. What “justice” there is may no longer stand proud. R Veitch Train Guard, NXEC I am a conductor at Barnham Depot in West Sussex. In January I was dismissed from Southern against which I immediately appealed. There followed a robust campaign by my union reps, namely Chris Rodway, Adrian Walsh and Malcolm Chisolm from his hospital bed. In February I was reinstated and I have received a letter of apology from the company, my record has been wiped clean and lost earnings promised to be refunded. The stress which such a situation can impose on oneself and one’s family is quite severe. All in all an excellent result for which I would like to thank all involved including colleagues for their support during this difficult time. Mike Thomas Conductor, Barnham Depot The RMT Credit Union May Day 2009 prize draw took place at Unity House on May 1. It was the first draw to be televised and broadcast on RMTV. Doug Christie from trade union solicitors Thompsons was on hand to oversee that the draw was carried out fairly. RESULTS WERE: First draw winner for £1000.00 – Samantha Hulass, London and Orient Second draw winner for £250.00 – Laurence Cotton, London Retired members Third Draw winner for £250.00 – Simon Maguire, Glasgow Shipping Fourth Draw winner for £250.00 – Melvyn Taylor, Doncaster Fifth draw winner for £250.00 – Ann-Marie Roche, Worcester 1 50 YEAR BADGE AWARDED MAY DAY CREDIT UNION PRIZE DRAW PURLEY TRAIN CRASH DRIVER PASSES AWAY THANKS FOR SAVING MY JOB