POLITICAL SCHOOL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2013 2012 :: RMTnews 19 Eleven RMT members had the pleasure of taking part in RMT’s political school last October. The week started with delegates attending a session on the political and industrial history of the union led by RMT president Alex Gordon. Alex explained the importance of unions and how they’ve had a monumental effect on the way we live today, in particular the lives of working class people. The history behind the NUR and RMT and the effect it’s had on past and present politics is there for all to see. Alex Gordon talked about how lives for the working class people changed as far back as 1750 right through to 1913 when the ‘National Union of Railwaymen’ was formed. Since then the unions you know and love today have fought continuously to defend the rights, conditions and lives of ordinary working class people, including the fight for trade union rights, redundancy rights and equal pay to name but a few. During the course of the week we had from visiting speakers such as Professor Roger Seifert, who impressed us with his knowledge of the Labour Movement and what political strategies can be used to smash this current Tory/Lib Dem government. Roger spoke about how the the collapse of the US housing markets and the bail outs of the banking sector played a part in the double dip recession that we the working class people are suffering and, more importantly, paying for. Brian Denny gave an inspiring presentation about the European Union and how more and more powers are being passed from elected governments to anti-democratic EU institutions. Ian Davidson MP also explained how the EU worked, its functions and how it works to prevent working people and independent trade unions to live freely and prosper. Cllr Darren Rodwell was inspiring when he discussed the threat from far right wing movements such as the British National Party. Darren’s personal struggle and success in ‘smashing’ the group within his constituency is nothing less than amazing. With people like Darren in the Labour Party we have hope. After having a few days in the education centre in Doncaster we headed down to London for a tour of parliament and a meeting with John McDonnell MP who is currently convener the RMT Parliamentary group, our voice in parliament. It would take too much time to add all the other guest speakers but each and every one inspired all the delegates that attended the political course. But I would like to finish on the ‘political fund’ and why that without it would basically mean that unions nationwide would not be able to defend the rights of each and every one of you and demonstrations such as the Recent Rally in London would simply not happen. It also plays a massive part in protecting rights such as pay and conditions, pensions, jobs, rights at work, safety and trade union rights and recognition to name but a few. I implore you to vote “YES” when the ballot papers for the political fund opens in 2014. I and all the delegates would like to personally thank: Professor Roger Seifert, Alex Gordon, Brian Denny, Dave Nellist, Darren Rodwell, John McDonnell, C of E member Daren Ireland and special thanks to political officer James Croy for guiding us all throughout the week. I for one will continue to be involved in this great union and fight for the rights of working class people and defending the rights of our members. The RMT Political School and their branches were James Ide (Poole and District Bus), Keith Mitchell (East Sussex Coast Way), Declan Roche (Eire Shipping), Martin McNulty (Liverpool No 5), John Fitzgerald (Glasgow Shipping), Stuart Roberts (Newcastle & Gateshead ), James Taylor (Newcastle Rail & Catering), Martin Russell (Stockport & District), Alex Winter (Exeter Bus), Sarah Baureek (Waterloo) Neil Plummer (East Sussex Coast Way). For more information about the RMT Political School pleased contact James Croy at Head Office j.croy@rmt,org.uk Neil Plummer of East Sussex Coast Way branch reports on a recent RMT political school POLITICAL SCHOOL