LEARNING POLITICS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2011 :: RMTnews 31 I went to political school and presumed that this course would give me a greater understanding the political side of the union. Well, I got a lot more than expected. I believe the thirteen of us on the course came away truly inspired to do greater things. Judging by these comments from some of my fellow brothers and sisters they felt the same: "I found the school to be a very worthwhile. “ It was well-organised and the content of the course was very insightful. “I would recommend the course to anyone and everyone interested in the trade union movement. “I walked away from Unity House on the final day inspired and optimistic,” Paul said. “I found the political school a great learning experience, before I went I had no idea what RMT had to do with politics, after a week of intense listening I now think I understand. “I have brought back all I learnt to the workplace and now bore anyone when they mention anything about the political school!” Kelly said. “I would say the course awakens something inside everyone. “I didn't take much notice with the political implications of our unions actions and I have subconsciously hidden the inclinations to participate in political activities but since the course I have rejoined the Labour Party. “I also made contact with the Leeds Trades Council and committed to attend the next meeting and I will be contacting the anti fascist organisation Searchlight,” Maurice said. “I found the whole week very uplifting and if anything made me even more proud to be an RMT rep especially as I had a disciplinary to attend when I returned to work. “It filled me full of pride to be part of the union and more reason to fight the good fight for our members. “There is nothing I despise more than this Con Dem government and bosses that try to walk all over the ordinary working man. “It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the course and make some new friends whose company I enjoyed,” Gordon said. “I went on the political school with an open mind and it showed me the union and politicians should work closer together and how can things move on if this is not done. “Still uncertain about joining the Labour party but I do think RMT should be more involved, how can transport policies be taken forward without all transport unions round the table,” Mick said. “After a busy four days I had learnt much on the work of the union in the political arena, both at home and abroad. “I'm looking forward staying in touch with my fellow delegates and maintaining the friendship, solidarity and comradeship that we built over the week, for many years to come. “Take the opportunity to go on this course if it comes your way it’s well worth going,” Martin said. The course students were Ronnie Ash, Lee Balance, Kelly Berry, Toni Fisher, Jenny Grey, Maurice Hamilton, Richard Howard, Gordon Lewis, Dave O Donnell, Martin Reed, Paul Shaw, Michael Williams and Michael Wornes. The next RMT Political School is October 23-28, for more information contact your branch secretary or James Croy at Head Office (j.croy@rmt.org.uk) LEARNING POLITICS Jenny Gray of Bristol branch collects comments on an intensive week of learning at the union’s political school which included discussions around the economy, policy development, the European Union, solidarity, anti-fascism, trade union councils and the media