LETTERS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: april 2010 :: RMTnews 31 BNP SNOUTS IN THE EU TROUGH Dear editor, As candidates in last years European elections, standing on the left wing No2EU:Yes to Democracy slate, we warned electors not to be duped into voting BNP, not just because of the vile racist policies of that organisation, but it was obvious that Nick Griffin, was more interested in claiming huge expenses than he was in representing the North West of England. Now we know the true extent that his snout has been in the trough. On top of his £82,000 MEP salary, in less than a year he's already claimed £175,000 for staff costs, £31,000 in 'office' costs, £18,000 in consultancy fees and £10,000 in agents fees. Despite his promises of transparency, he's not yet revealed how much of his £270/day tax free subsistence allowance he's claimed. Apart from peddling the policies of hatred and division, riding in the European Union gravy train seems to be his main objective. Such is his commitment to the North West of England that he's now abandoning those constituents to pursue a parliamentary seat in the South East. If anyone took the BNP to be a political party with any sort of credibility, then this exposes them as greed-fuelled bigots. John Metcalfe and Craig Johnston, No2EU-Yes to Democracy Candidates, 2009 Euro elections. THANK YOU RMT Dear Editor, I would like to express my sincere thanks to some significant people who have helped me throughout the last few years in my personal injury claim against Network Rail and subsequent employment issues. RMT rep Gary Weston and regional organiser Phil Bialyk were both instrumental in the process, advising and pointing me in the right direction. Both displayed considerable understanding of the nature of my case and showed empathy and professionalism at all times. The advice and support I received throughout from both Gary and Phil was unequivocal and I am very grateful to them both for all they did in the early stages of my case. They directed me towards Edwards Duthie Solicitors and my Solicitor, Malcolm Cherry, who later moved, with my case to Thompsons Solicitors. Malcolm was approachable and very supportive throughout my case and kept me up to date on the progress via letter, telephone and meetings. I felt able to trust his knowledge and judgement and felt confidence in the service he provided. My case has now been resolved and I am very happy with the result. I want to express my sincere gratitude not only to Gary Weston, Phil Bialyk and Malcolm Cherry but to any other people that were involved in my case behind the scenes. Having the support of a union such as RMT has been incredible and I would urge people to join, as you never know when you may require help in the future. Without the assistance and kindness shown to me by these individuals, I would not have had the satisfactory ending to this case and for that I am truly grateful. Yours Sincerely S McCurdy Two year old Max Finning, son of long-standing RMT member Steve Finning, scans RMT News to uncover the mystery of what Daddy actually does all day. S talwart RMT members of the RMT were honoured at the March meeting of Pontypridd Branch, with full time union officials Brendan Kelly and Phil Boston in attendance. Jim Fenly, Mike Rees and George “Jock” Harper have been long serving members of the union, but have recently retired or are about to retire. As a “thank you” for their loyalty and commitment to the trade union cause during their many decades of railway service, the branch made a presentation of RMT polo shirts to the departing members. Jim Fenly was also presented with an engraved silver watch in recognition of his sterling work as local P-Way representative, Health & Safety representative and Branch Chair. Pictured left to right are Brendan Kelly, Phil Boston, Jim Fenly, Jock Harper and Mike Rees. A TRIBUTE TO THE “PONTY OLD GUARD” AVID READER letters