RETIRED MEMBERS STILL NEED YOU

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2012 :: RMTnews 37 The retired members section of the union are keen to encourage those members who are approaching or are all ready retired to get involved with their local retired member branch. Branch activity has already improved, although there is always a need to encourage members once they have left work to continue their trade union involvement by joining retired members’ branches. This year’s annual national retired members’ advisory conference held in London recently illustrated the improvement in member participation with over 35 delegates and visitors attending. I think that a larger venue will be required in 2013 if this improvement continues, as there was standing room only. RMT senior assistant general secretary Mick Cash welcomed delegates and acknowledged the challenges that face all retired members. He stressed the importance of an active retired members section in RMT and the valuable contribution which is made by retired member branches. The conference agenda was comprehensive in addressing the many issues that face retired members nationally and this was highlighted by the seven resolutions submitted by branches that covered items such as the austerity Cuts, the McNulty Report and pre- retirement courses. The agenda included five guest speakers from RMT Credit Union, RMT Learning, RMT Organising Unit and Railways Pension Scheme administration. National Pensioners Convention secretary Dot Gibson also outlined the shameful attacks that the Con Dems are waging on pensioners across the country. She stressed the need for a collective campaign to fight for social justice for all pensioners and working class people in general. She said that the Welfare State established after the Second World War promised to protect working class people from the cradle to the grave and as a result of the savage austerity cuts being carried out by the Tory-Liberal government was being taken away from the very people it was meant to protect. RMT retired members are at the heart of many union campaigns and members are fighting nationally and internationally against global capitalism that threatens the very livelihood of all working class people. However, we still need members to come forward and participate in these activities so that this section of the union can continue to grow. Getting involved in retired member branches is not only a good way of continuing to be politically active after retirement but it is also a great way to meet like- minded people. If you are interested in contacting your local retired members’ branch secretary please call 020 7529 8806 or email p.norris@rmt.org.uk for more details. BASSETLAW BRANCH NOMINATES DAVE GOTT COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES AND SEEKS SUPPORT SOUTH HUMBERSIDE BRANCH NOMINATES DAVE GOTT COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES AND SEEKS SUPPORT LINCOLN ROAD CAR BRANCH NOMINATES DAVE GOTT FOR COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES AND SEEKS SUPPORT RETIRED MEMBERS RMT STILL NEEDS YOU RMT pensions officer Paul Norris reports on the growing annual retired members conference