OFFSHORE RMT REPS ON COURSE

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: january 2010 :: RMTnews 10 The inaugural offshore RMT representative course took place recently at Thompsons solicitors, who kindly provided all the facilities for the reps. The well attended course included delegates from many parts of the offshore industry including divers, drillers and catering grades being well represented. RMT regional organiser Jake Molloy and Val Lockhart the management representative from the Offshore Diver Industry Agreement (OIDA), which represents the seven signatories to the agreement, also took part in the course during the week. This session was particularly lively, as you can imagine, and there were some very frank exchanges of points of view. It has to be said that Val and the OIDA signatories welcomed trade union involvement and encouraged employees to become reps. Issues surrounding the Catering Offshore Trading Agreement (COTA) were also discussed. Other subjects covered in the course included handling disciplines and grievances, campaigning, the structure of the union and RMT history. Throughout the week delegates heard speakers from various departments of Thompsons who specialised in welfare benefits, personal injury and employment law. It was interesting to learn that our members could use Thompsons for personal injury claims, even though they had car insurance they could waver the personal injury part and use Thompsons free for all the extended family. Members were also covered in other countries for industrial problems they might encounter. They also had specialist criminal lawyers. Everyone enjoyed the week and here are some of the comments that were expressed by the representatives. “I was happy with the course it did exactly what I wanted it to and extended my knowledge”. “It was informative and heavy going at times but I learned a lot”. “I felt that we could have tailored it even more towards offshore issues where possible, but it was very informative”. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, in particular the discussions with Jake Molloy and Val Lockhart and the sessions with the solicitors were really interesting”. “It was laid back and relaxed but now I know I am in at the deep end I will have the information I need”. “I enjoyed it and learned a lot, I particularly enjoyed Geoff Revell’s discussion on the history of the union”. “I have been involved for over 20 years and I certainly realise now that you never stop learning. The lawyers were excellent. I will be encouraging others to get involved and to get on this course”. So the message to all you potential union reps out there is get involved. If you want to take part in a first stage reps course ask your branch secretary or freephone the union direct on 210118. OFFSHORE RMT REPS ON COURSE Greg Hewitt reports on the first course for offshore reps