AGAINST RACISM

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2010 :: RMTnews 14 This year’s Black and Ethnic Minority Members’ Conference sent solidarity greetings to the people of Haiti, in the wake of the earthquake that took place in January in which hundreds of thousands died and many more were made homeless. Glenroy Watson, London Underground Engineering, moving a motion on Haiti, pointed out that the country’s problems run much deeper than the recent earthquake. He explained that the country suffering a long history of interference from imperialist powers. The unanimously backed motion argued that what the country needed was not the reoccupation of the land by US troops but aid. It also called on the union to support a number of initiatives in support of Haitian independence. Conference also backed a motion in support of National Anti-Slavery Day. Frank Murray, London Transport Regional Council, argued that it is not just a question of history but that “there are examples of people being enslaved today. A lot of money is being made by traffickers who kidnap women and make them work in prostitution. Anything that highlights people being held against their will should be supported. “I want RMT to support a call for a national anti-slavery day for slavery in the past and present,” Frank said. A number of guest speakers addressed the event. Lorraine Fitzsimons, from Hope not Hate, the anti-fascist campaign group, acknowledged the fact that RMT was quick to take a stand by expelling BNP members from membership. Lorraine told conference that “the BNP plays on people’s fears. They turn everything into a race issue,” she said, before calling on delegates to get involved in their local anti-BNP campaigns in the run up to the elections. RMT president, Alex Gordon told delegates that the union believes that the conference plays an important role in the union. “RMT was one of the first unions to recognise the principle of self organisation,” he said. Alex also addressed the issue of the general election. “The problem is that the main parties are too similar. As a result racists and fascists are able to get into office by presenting themselves as different,” he said. Outlining RMT’s political strategy for the elections, Alex explained that the union would be prioritising campaigning for the re-election of the members of the RMT Parliamentary Group. He also said that the union would be considering backing other candidates on a case by case basis and that requests from some candidates’ supporters had already been made to head office. Hardiv Sohal, Thompsons Solicitors, outlined some of the key legal issues with regard to race discrimination in the workplace. He explained the difficulties of winning a successful race discrimination case, telling delegates that the vast majority of cases brought are unsuccessful. Micky Thompson, Council of Executives, gave a progress report on last year’s motions and the union’s other work on issues of particular relevance to the conference delegates. He said that the union recognised “the need to increase the RMT delegation size to Black Workers’ TUC and other similar conferences.” Frank Murray gave a report from the black and ethnic minority members’ advisory committee. He gave an account of several events that had been held over the previous year including a training seminar at Unity House in Black History Month and, in partnership with SERTUC, a public film showing of the history of Ska music at the Bernie Grant Centre in Tottenham. Looking to the future, Frank said: “We need more resolutions, we need more events. “We need to get people out there and involved,” he said. Next year’s conference will be held in Newcastle upon Tyne. AGAINST RACISM RMT’s Black and Ethnic Minority members’ conference