COME TO RMT YOUNG MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE!

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2011 :: RMTnews 31 GIVING SOMETHING BACK A few years ago I got into a spot of bother at work and my union membership saved me from a lot of trouble. From that point I decided that I'd like to give something back to the union and ended up attending the Young Members Conference in Birmingham in 2008. Now the word conference sounds boring and I was a bit apprehensive. I wasn't really that active within the union and to be honest, I was imagining something really military and formal however the weekend turned out great! On the first night, not knowing anyone, I waited where I thought I might stand the chance of finding young members – the bar! And guess what, I was right. I made friends with lots of people and I still keep in touch with them today. I got nominated to be on the Young Members Liaison Committee and through that, I have been able to get involved in several events over the last couple of years geared towards young members. If you are given the opportunity to attend then you should. By attending you will open up the doorway to so many options, make lots of new friends and have a great time! Don't worry about going on your own, most people do, but I can guarantee that when it comes to the end of the conference you'll leave with great memories and several new friends. Gwyn Williams, Holyhead shipping branch COME TO RMT YOUNG MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE! RMT young members explain why members 30 or under should get themselves nominated to attend young members conference CHANGING TIMES I’ve taken part in many interesting and cool projects in the last 11 years as an RMT member and have had the privilege of getting involved with the youth side of things on a numerous occasions. When the Labour Party came to power in 1997 things seemed to be looking up. Things are very different now. I really did think when Tony Blair and “new labour” got into power we were all going to fix things together. I don’t want to come across as all down on labour, far from it. The Labour Party have done many great things for this country and I will stand by that statement. My point is that it’s really easy to become very disillusioned by politics and politicians. You got to ask yourself this, who best represents me as a working class person today? Yes looking back now I was probably naive, but I’ve learned some valuable things from that time. Getting involved with the trade union movement was and still is the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve met lots of like-minded and genuine people with all the qualities I mentioned earlier and much more. The union’s youth conference is a really worthwhile event and you will feel welcomed and valued. So I urge all the young members reading this to get the info conference and attend. It’s a bit cheesy but it’s so true “we are the future” and the government that’s in right now ain’t giving anyone a easy ride it seems. So I hope to see some new faces and make some more great friends in the very near future. Christopher Lonie, Glasgow Shipping Branch MAKE A DIFFERENCE In my three and a half years of working on the railway I have met some wonderful people, but none so great as the members of RMT, in particular, the passionate group known as the young members. RMT young members have a lot of enthusiasm and great belief in their union. Attending the young members conference was one of the best things I ever did as I gained knowledge and a better understanding of the union movement and also acquired some friends for life (whether they like it or not! ha ha) Now don't think it's all boring and like being back at school. We’re adults and we are there for a reason, to share our passion and knowledge. I would urge everyone who is undecided to give it a go. You won't regret it. Get yourself to the 2011 young members’ conference – it could be the time you start to make a difference :) Sarah Collinson, young RMT member and new mum If you wish to attend as a delegate to the RMT Young Members’ Conference taking place in Plymouth on February 24/26 please contact your branch secretary for details