REWARDING THE MEMBERS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: june 2010 :: RMTnews 29 L ondon Midland retired branch Sam Wallace writes that the discussion at a recent meeting in Unity House surrounded the expectations for pensioners with a Con-Dem Government. “The feeling is that if we are going to realise implementation of the Pensioners Charter, we have a struggle on our hands, as our welfare is likely to be low down the priority chart, as it has previously been in this neo- liberal global race to the bottom,” he said. The Retired Members Advisory Conference also emphasised that RMT Pensioners must integrate more with 'working members' in their fight for occuptional pensions, but also to re- invirogate the campaign for a decent state pension, as over two million pensions are living in proverty due to the abolition of the index link by Margaret Thatcher and not restored as promised by 13 years by Labour. “We continue to play our part in the campaigns of NPC and Greater London Pensioners Asociation and will be represented at the Pensioners Parliament in June,” he said. The next Meeting will be at Unity House on Wed July 21 at 11.00. R MT general secretary Bob Crow visited Plymouth branch recently to present retirement gifts from branch members to Ed Fontaine, Graham Hughes and Bill Moore. Unfortunately they could not get a photo of Bob and Bill together. Bill joined the railway in 1964 and was a signaller at Plymouth signal box. Ed Fontaine joined the railway in 1991 and he retired as a First Great Western guard and rep. Bob also addressed many Network Rail infrastructure and operations members about the latest in the dispute. He also told the branch that we need to stand up and fight against the upcoming public spending cuts. It was clear that Plymouth No.1 agreed with this. Over 65 members attended the branch along with activists within the Plymouth Trades Council and Plymouth No.5 branch.A great send off to three loyal members. R MT Waterloo branch member Owen Ming, a loyal NUR and RMT member, retired from over 40 years working for British Rail and South West Trains last year. Branch secretary Rickey Goodman wrote to Owen to invite him to the branch so he could be presented with the 40 year membership award. Branch Chairman Bill Read said it was an honour to present this special award to Owen, and thanked Owen for his loyalty to the union and wished Owen a happy and prosperous retirement, and hoped to see him as a honorary member at future branch meetings. A very enjoyable Christmas meeting of the London Midland retired members. The party included retired and active members from Euston, St.P ancras, Watford and Rugby branches. Tony Donaghey said that they were very pleased to have general secretary Bob Crow, as well as assistant general secretaries Mick Cash and Pat Sikorski and Steve Todd, our shipping officer, in attendance. LONDON MIDLAND RETIRED MEMBERS MEET PLYMOUTH HONOURS ITS OWN WATERLOO SALUTES 40 YEARS