YOUNG MEMBERS MEET

The conference was a first for me with regard to union activities as for the four and a half years I have been a member I have never played an active role. The meeting opened with an address from the regional organiser Andy Warnock Smith, who mentioned that the Adelphi hotel where we were staying carried a strong trade union association with the union and hotel staff were members. Andy brought us up to date with the dispute with Network Rail and the importance of solidarity on this issue of safety. He said that it was vital that MPs and passengers alike are made aware of this in the fight to win this struggle. He also explained to the delegates that the RMT in comparison to other unions is a member-led union with elected officials rather than a union that appointed them, a fundamental difference than other unions. RMT regional council secretary Darren Ireland outlined why RMT is an all- grades union, uniting all transport workers for the common good. He said that there should not be sectional unions in the transport industry. He gave the example of the success of the campaign for train cleaners in the North West which led to a 50p raise in their hourly rate. For me, this was particularly interesting to learn all the different workers we support as a union. Young member Jo Parry outlined the benefits for young members such as the entry to music festivals such as Glastonbury and the proms with some free camping food and beer. Volunteers work for five hours at the events and the money raised gets paid to the RMT young members’ fund which can fund event for young members. Jo also talked of the young members’ course which takes place this year in along side the AGM each year, this year in Aberdeen, which young members may attend once and is a great education for young members, I intend to go this year. Dave Marshall of the organising unit informed us that over the past eight years the union has increased its membership by 30 per cent. As young members it is important to recruit new members to continue the union for years to come. Groups of us discussed ways to retain existing members, recruit new members and to educate members that branch meetings are for all and not just for experienced reps. During the feedback session we have resolved to produce a welcome pack for new members. A representative from Thompsons solicitors explained the benefits to unionised workers such as free will writing and legal assistance. There was a brief workshop explaining unfair dismissal and how the union works with Thompsons to fight the case. Guest speakers included workers from Vesta in the Isle of Wight. RMT supported these workers in their plight. Despite the fact that government minister Ed Milliband had pledged to create 500,000 new green industry jobs by 2010, these 600 vital jobs building wind turbines in the area were axed. The union backed the Vesta's workers in their campaign, which included a sit- in. RMT general secretary Bob Crow argued that RMT protects the workers who maintain the blades on the windmills, why not the workers who produce them? The union supported the workers by all means possible, and when they embarked on their occupation of the factory activists concealed food in tennis balls to be sent over to the workers. For me this really was such an interesting conference as a young member and to hear how our union supports its members regardless of their grade and industry. To know that the support and solidarity is there from day one when you join your job and regardless of whether you join as part of an agency or have a rolling contract. I would recommend that if you are a young member that you speak with your branch secretary and arrange to attend the 2011 young members’ conference in Plymouth and see for yourself just how diverse our union is. *The Young Members Advisory Committee is currently in the process of election, The Full committee will meet and discuss organising activites and would like the opinions of RMTs Young Members in how the committee can focus on recruitment, activism and organising Young Members. If you would like to be emailed an update of what young members are doing in your area, please email rmtyoungcomrade@googlemail.com OR visit RMT JUNCTION and search for YOUNG MEMBERS” First time delegate Nathan Singh, Kings Cross branch gives his impressions of the annual young members conference meeting in Liverpool YOUNG MEMBERS MEET RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: april 2010 :: RMTnews 24