CATERING STAFF ORGANISE TO RESIST ATTACKS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2010 :: RMTnews 13 the consequences of hiving off the RFA, urged Southampton Shipping branch “We all know what privatisation is,” said Mandy Evans, Swansea. “It’s about slicing and dicing, and this is a chance for rail and shipping members to stand shoulder to shoulder.” Putting privateers in charge of the RFA would be “sheer folly” said John Stevenson, Newport – not least because of the safety and security issues involved. REINSTATE EAST COAST TRAINS Delegates demanded re- instatement of direct east-coast services to Glasgow, which the company planned to cut from the start of the winter timetable. The decision would have a potentially devastating effect on the economy of the west of Scotland, particularly hitting elderly and disabled passengers who relied on services, as well as the livelihoods of rail workers and many others. Delegates also slammed misleading media claims by the government that there would be no reduction in services on the east-coat line via Glasgow. NO TO ASSAULTS Delegates expressed concern at the lack of support for Rail Gourmet trolley staff assaulted while wearing the uniform of Southeastern Trains – often on trains without a conductor for part of the journey. Conference demanded that they be given the same level of protection as guards. Catering staff were expected to wear the SET uniform and to work trains without a guard, yet while staff were being assaulted it was they who were being warned to ‘stay within the law’ or face disciplinary action, said Ron Richardson, Hastings. It was unacceptable that TOCs were trying to remove guards and trying to use catering staff to take their place, said James Davis. Removing shops and buffets from trains worsened the situation as staff no longer had a place of refuge, said Derek England. Use of technology that prevents retail members knowing the amount of money they should pay in was unfair and must stop, delegates agreed. The practice amounted to entrapment, and new equipment should be endorsed by company councils before being introduced. “This allows a company to accuse a member of fiddling without giving the worker the chance to refute it,” said Cathy Mazur, Euston No 1 • Delegates condemned the use of CCTV equipment by train operators to discipline members. CCTV should be used to protect health and safety and security, but was being used systematically as a weapon against staff, with managers trawling footage to find infringements. The union should pursue all abuse of CCTV by TOCs and infracos, using the union’s lawyers, said James Davis, Manchester South. • Workers unable to get to work due to adverse weather should not face deductions from their pay, delegates agreed. “When we have the police telling people not to travel unless it’s vital, employers should not be allowed to stop our pay – and we don’t have the luxury of being able to work from home,” said Derek England. • Conference demanded that TOCs respect equal opportunities policy procedures in the way that secondments are filled. “Despite the procedures there is obvious cherry-picking, and people become managers overnight without a post being advertised,” said Rebecca Hartley, Exeter Rail. It was not right that someone could be promoted to on- board trainer before finishing their probation and over the heads of long-standing staff, said Diane Holt, Exeter. • A major push to recruit among Select Service Partners was outlined by Dave Marshall, Organising Unit – and that meant all members going into SSP outlets to recruit. The union had an agreement with SSP, but it was important to build on the existing organisation if RMT was to improve the pay and conditions of some of the most vulnerable workers in the industry. TRIBUTE TO CHRIS AND CANDY Conference president John Kear, Bristol, paid warm tribute to conference Secretary Chris Kefford, who was unable to attend because of ill-health. Chris, and his partner Candy, the conference welfare secretary, had long been the mainstays of the Catering grades’ gathering, but had both had to resign. Delegates agreed to add a suitable emblem on the conference president’s chain to mark the contribution Chris and Candy had made to the conference. “Chris and Candy have been the key organisers for years, and it is tragic that they have both had to resign, but we all send them our very best wishes,” said John. In written reports, Chris expressed sadness at missing his first conference for two decades, and Candy Kefford reported a welfare fund standing at more than £1,700.