FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2012 :: RMTnews 28 Bob Crow presenting awards to Peter Wyman (25 years), Trevor Wells (25 years), David Legg (40 years), Martin Hinsley (25 years), Les Ricketts (40 years), Graham Knott (25 years), Steven Edwards (25 years), Graham Cousins (25 years). K een footballer Rob Hughes was viciously attacked by five British youths outside a nightclub in an unprovoked attack while on holiday in the resort of Malia, Crete on June 17 2008. He was fighting for his life in a Crete hospital after the savage attack and underwent four operations on his brain. His alleged attackers, from the Surrey and Sussex areas, were allowed to fly home by Greek police because of a loophole on the law despite being identified by eye witnesses. It is a testament to Rob's courage and determination, along with the dedication of his family, that after being given only a slim chance of survival he now starts what may be a long recovery process. Rob's family had to endure the near loss of Rob and the knowledge that his attackers were allowed to fly back to the UK without charge because under Greek law a crime has to be reported within the initial 48 hours. In addition they face a huge financial burden learning just recently there is a very high likelihood that the family will have to pay for lawyers' fees. Added to the money they have already spent just staying out in Malia this will cause them future hardship. Rob's story has touched the football community which has rallied with everything from ground collections to benefit matches at Bromley and Sutton arranged to raise much needed funds for Rob and his family. Rob’s mother says she will not give up the battle of trying to get Justice for her son Robert. “It’s not been easy as I also care for my other son Steven who is now 35-years old and has been disabled since birth,” she said. Channel 4 has been filming Robert and the family for nearly a year. The documentary will be on TV next year under the heading of the Best of British in the lead up to the 2012 Paralympics. Details of how to donate to Rob Hughes: Donations can be made at any Lloyds bank or by transfer to: Lloyds TSB Acc no. 77358650 Sort code 773009 If you wish to arrange a collection or fund raising event please contact: support.rob.hughes@hotmail.co.uk London Underground Engineering branch held a long service presentation evening. forty year badges went to John Byrne, Jim Stradling, Micheal Hayes and Earl Dolphy. twenty five year badges were presented to Steve Joseph, Paul Jackson, Augustine Tellis, Ed Walsh and 10 year badsges went to Carl Anderson, Martin Daoud, Phil Fennell, Anthony Mack, Gary Petford and Arif Wazir. R MT general secretary Bob Crow visited Blackpool and the Fylde Coast branch to discuss the ferocious attack on the railways in the form of the McNulty report. Bob highlighted the threat to safety, services and jobs. He also blasted plans for massive fare increases and called for the broadest possible alliance between rail workers and passengers to defeat the threat from McNulty. Bob answered a number of questions from members about issues with First Transpennine Express, Northern Rail and Network Rail. The branch is growing in membership and activities, with persistent lobbying of local MPs on current issues and other campaigning work. The branch also has a high profile amongst the companies it organises in and across the local community. Also present was RMT North West Organiser Andy Warnock- Smith and Relief Regional Organiser North Craig Johnston. FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE BLACKPOOL MEETING SOUTH HANTS AWARDS