LETTERS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: november/december 2010 :: RMTnews 31 letters WHAT IS THE POINT OF UNIONS? Dear editor, I watched the TV programme Dispatches recently called What's the point of the unions? The best criticism they could come up with against Bob Crow was threatening to support his members and that they should fight for their jobs against the coming ConDem government cuts. Don't they understand that's Bob's job? I expect Bob is overjoyed that this accusation is levelled at him. It went on to say how much he was paid. As far as I am concerned, he is worth every penny and I wouldn't want Bob's job. He is so much in demand I don't know how he has time for a private life. What I do know is that when we went on strike several years ago I came into see where I was going to picket that day and, even though it was 5am, Bob was already there suited and booted supporting us all the way. So continue the fight Bob, and we are lucky to have you as our leader and over the coming months people will see the point of the unions. Trevor Munton-Willis Exeter No2 branch WHERE IS LABOUR? Dear editor, Labour MP John McDonnell presented a bill to Parliament on Friday October 2010 to stop employers from taking trade unions to court to stop strike action over “minor technical errors” within the ballot. The law currently states that trades unions have to provide employers with not only an accurate list of the people they intend to ballot but also details of their workplaces and designated grades. The bill would have kept in place obligations on trades unions to hold secret ballots – but it would stop employers rushing to court to stop strikes if workers vote overwhelmingly for industrial action. No one wants to go on strike, but the right to take industrial action is a fundamental human right. Sometimes workers are left with no choice but to withdraw their labour. It’s also a fact that strikes have led to some of our great social advances. Therefore it is extremely disappointing that the bill failed. The Tories (with a couple of exceptions) failed to turn up or actively tried to wreck the bill by “filibustering” in the chamber. Perhaps it’s no surprise that not one Liberal “Democrat” voted for the bill – after all they are now propping up a cut, slash and burn Tory government. What should be of more concern is the failure of huge numbers of so-called “Labour” MPs to turn up and vote for the bill – even though some who failed to support were actually in Parliament on the day. Perhaps the shameful decision of the “Labour leadership” not to support the bill played a major part in so many Labour MPs staying away. If our MPs can’t turn up at our Parliament to defend basic human rights and re-balance workplace industrial relations then it really is a sorry state of affairs. It is perhaps another indication of how far the ‘Labour’ Party has travelled in the wrong direction under ‘Bliar’, Brown and now Miliband. Yours, Craig Johnston National Executive Member for Manchester and the North West LONDON CALLING Dear editor, RMT members in the London Transport Region have an easy way to access the news and materials they need - the Regional Council's 'RMT London Calling' website. Set up two years ago, the website now contains nearly 2,000 posts, each giving members important information: about your rights at work, or an event, or the latest news from negotiations. Members can also download leaflets and posters, and watch videos. The website has sections for each branch and company in the region, and for equalities and political campaigns. Nearly 1,000 people have registered as users of the website, which gives them access to even more features. The website is a resource for members. It is run by rank-and- file activists, and is set up so that workplace reps can post information and members can post comments, so it belongs to members, not just officials. In our current battles to save jobs and defend conditions, the website has proved invaluable in getting updates and materials into circulation quickly, passing on messages of support for our action, and gathering information from different workplaces. Visit the website at www.rmtlondoncalling.org.uk Additionally, the 'RMT Platform' website is specifically for London Underground station and revenue staff: www.rmtplatform.org.uk Janine Booth London Regional Council Secretary