IN MEMORIAM

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2011 :: RMTnews 32 Dear editor, Having just read Alan Pottage's article in the May issue of RMT News about the apartheid struggles in South Africa, It brought memories flooding back for me of a time and of people who had a profound and inspirational effect on me. It changed my life and I began to see why it is important to recognise the wider international struggle of other trade unions. It was during that period that I was introduced to comrades from SARHWU by Geoff Revell. I will always be proud of our union’s part in the struggle to expose the security forces and their torturous practices for the disgusting regime they were. I had the privilege of meeting Justice Langa the then National President of SARHWU and his comrade Natay Sello, both had been physically and mentally tortured. I remember talking late into the night to both comrades about shootings, beatings and murders that were a constant part of their lives and remember thinking that I had done nothing compared to what they were prepared to sacrifice. I will not forget the role that Alan and Geoff played in getting apartheid issues on to the agendas of various AGMs and the TUC. And it was a great day when Nelson Mandela walked free from Robben Island. As Alan says in his article he and Geoff are now helping to organise workers in RMT. At the risk of embarrassing Geoff his role cannot be underestimated. As a tutor I know that he continues to inspire people, as I am told at every course, that Geoff's session on the history and organisation of the union is always one of the best parts of the course. Yours sincerely, Greg Hewitt. Dear editor, I wish to express my thanks to Pat Wilkinson, Equal Opportunities Manager, National Policy Dept and my local RMT rep Jake Rae for all of their help and advice. As a technician employed in the maintenance function within Network Rail me and my colleagues have been going through a very tough time with the latest reorganisation phase 2B/C. Due to the advice and help I received from Pat Wilkinson and also Jake Rae I was able to secure a position at the same grade I had been covering for the past two years. I would just like to urge all other members to look at the hard fought RMT equal opportunities rights documents. We all deserve to be treated fairly and open-list vacancies should be awarded on skill and ability to attract the best applicants from all communities and age groups. RMT was there when I needed it and a satisfactory outcome was achieved. I have nothing but praise for Pat and Jake for the help and support they have provided in these very difficult times. Thanks and best wishes Ross Wilson Perth S+T Network Rail I t is with deepest regret to report the deaths of a number of longstanding RMT members and friends of the union. Angus McPherson, RMT solicitor at Drummond Miller died last month after working tirelessly, both in a personal and professional capacity, for the union for over 20 years. RMT member and fellow worker Hammie Connolly said that Angus had a deep rooted loyalty to the union and its endeavours to improve the wages and conditions of the membership. He always impressed upon staff in the Glasgow office to maintain an open door policy to RMT members, a policy that will continue. Beryl Brockhurst, the union’s longest serving member of staff, passed away in May this year. Employed by the NUS in October 1958 as a Senior Clerk, working out of Maritime House, after the merger with the NUR, Beryl moved offices to Unity House in 1992. In 1995 Beryl became the reception administrator, assisting both the Finance and Membership Departments. Beryl was well known and liked by all who worked at or visited the office. Former NUS Executive Committee member Seamus Doran has passed away. Born in November 1937, Seamus worked for Cunard Line on the QE2, and left after the Dover dispute. Seamus finished his career working for BR Ferries, operating out of Portsmouth before retiring to County Wexford. Former executive committee Joe Connor has passed away. Joe was a former member of the National Union of Seamen and joined the National Union of Railwaymen in September 1960. As a member of the Kings Cross No. 1 branch, Joe served as a LDC representative and secretary for ‘Kings Cross Train Catering’ and was a delegate to the Catering Grades Conference as well as being a member of the Regional Council. He was elected to the National Executive Committee between 1987 and 1988. Joe was also active on behalf of the union’s Orphan Fund. Ray Dickinson passed away in May this year. He joined in December 1974 and served over 36 years in the union. Ray served as Humber Shipping branch secretary and was employed by P&O Ferries. He was AGM delegate in 2008 and 2009 was SGM Delegate in the same year. He was also Shipping BGM delegate last year. Michael Dilucia joined the NUS/RMT at the age of 17 and was a loyal member until his untimely death on May 25 2011. Mickey had a long career at sea and always had a story to tell of his experiences. He was a fountain of knowledge and, along with his great sense of humour, he will be remembered by all. Mickey was a good friend and a loyal shipmate and will be truly missed by all his friends and colleagues at P&O Irish Sea and the Belfast shipping branch. Our deepest sympathy goes to Mickey's wife Sheila, his sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. IN MEMORIAM MEMORIES A THANK YOU Michael Dilucia