RMT BRANCH ORGANISATION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2011 :: RMTnews 15 The strength of our union at local level will determine how effective the union is at organising and representing our members. Every RMT member belongs to a local branch so it is important to ensure that every branch functions and is active. It is the branch that is responsible for recruitment and retention in its area of responsibility. The branch sends delegates to conferences to make union policy. The branch also helps build impressive turnouts at demonstrations and protests. RMT members are fiercely proud of their ‘rank and file’ power within RMT, so the local branch is vital. Healthy local organisation means we can do more for our members. Take the recent success with the Carlisle cleaners. Our local branches visited the cleaners at their workplace as regularly as possible. The role of the branch was hugely important. Membership increased dramatically over ten months and this increased density allowed our members to strike for better pay and conditions. They were strong enough to move management from a derisory one per cent offer to ten per cent plus allowances. Our more active branches were able to sustain regular visits and increase our strength. Some branches toil but it only takes one or two committed members to turn things around and create an active branch. Southampton Shipping branch is a shining example. This branch has been transformed and is now actively helping to organise over 300 members, meeting monthly instead of three times a year. Darren Procter, the new branch secretary explains: “We realised early on that communication was vital to create more activity. “We had to get more members to our meetings if we were going to be an effective branch. “We started writing to members by email and post. We also use social networking sites. “By far the most successful thing I did was to start phoning members, as the response was fantastic. “I phone every month now and I would encourage all branch secretaries out there to improve communication,” Darren said. Darren now gets good attendance at his branch meetings’ so why don’t you do your bit and start attending meetings of your branch? You’ll be more than welcome! RMT BRANCH ORGANISATION Alan Pottage, Head of RMT’s Education and Organising Unit explains why the local branch is vital to RMT or call the helpline on freephone 0800 376 3706 Visit www.rmt.org.uk to join online JOIN RMT BRITAIN’S SPECIALIST TRANSPORT UNION Problems at work? Call the helpline (Now with two operators) Keep your RMT membership details up-to-date In the light of draconian anti-trade union laws that have been used against the union, members should keep their personal data up to date. It also important to note that in order to keep members informed your union requires your mobile telephone number and email address. Members can do this via the RMT website, telephone the RMT helpline above, or writing to the membership department at RMT head office, Chalton Street, London NW1 1JD.