YOUNG MEMBERS MEET

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2013 :: RMTnews 15 Delegates to this year’s annual RMT young members' conference assembled at an RMT picket outside Newcastle Central station in solidarity for the cleaners fighting for decent pay. Opening conference chair Jayesh Patel welcomed the first speaker, Bob Potts representing the RMT North East region, who spoke of the pride that RMT had in its young members and the strength it gains from being a fighting, campaigning union. Executive committee member Nick Quirk came through the young members ranks himself and he spoke of the growth and progress of the conference and encouraged all delegates to become active within their branches. RMT president Peter Pinkney said that he had been present at the first ever such conference some years ago. He said that the anti-union rhetoric and legislation that had been prevalent since the Thatcher era had not prevented the union from recruiting young members and the conference was testament to that fact. Bob Crow reiterated the need for unity as the union is currently under “massive attack” within the rail industry and that members must all stand together to defeat these attacks. He warned against the incoming changes to industrial tribunal rules that make it impossible to claim unfair dismissal unless you have been employed for two years. This will be further compounded by the financial costs involved in bringing a claim for unfair dismissal. However RMT intends to continue to defend its members and will pay these fees on behalf of members. Following on from recent massive demonstrations, Bob repeated his call for a general strike as this would show the younger generation what trade unions do and why they exist. “There is no point being in a trade union if it doesn't campaign and demonstrate,” Bob said. Delegates took part in a number of workshops on how the union works, how to write motions, how to get more young members involved, how to improve attendance at branch meetings and how to recruit young members. International guests from the US Transport Workers Union and Industri Energi from Norway encouraged youth activism and the US delegation said that the RMT conference served as an ideal model for them to employ within their organisation. There were lively debates on various motions including the possible utilisation of 10 per cent of surplus branch funds which could then be ring-fenced and used for delivering additional young member activities and a mentoring and shadowing programme whereby young members, would follow officials as they undertook their duties. There was a motion proposing the production of a young members circular which could persuade regions that do not have a young members officer to fill the role. YOUNG MEMBERS MEET Young members meet in Newcastle against the backdrop of Churchill cleaners fighting to secure a living wage