RMT AT WOMEN’S TUC

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2013 :: RMTnews 18 On International Women’s Day March 8 RMT launched a new model domestic violence policy framework for the transport industry at the union’s annual women’s conference in Nottingham. The policy document sets out clear principles for employers to recognise domestic violence as a workplace issue and maps out procedures for reporting, delivering a safe and supportive environment and promoting the policy amongst staff. Recognising that many transport staff work in a public environment, the policy sets out clear procedures for ensuring safety and security and eliminating the vulnerability that any member of staff facing the stress of domestic violence is likely to feel. The policy also sets out the steps required to support and assist a member of staff subjected to the trauma of domestic violence. The model policy will now be circulated to all employers in the industries where RMT organises with the expectation that the document will be enthusiastically supported and adopted as workplace policy and practice. RMT’s national women’s advisory committee chair Janet Cassidy said that it was important for the policy to be launched across the transport industry, especially on International Women's Day. “Women need to know that support is there and that violence towards women and children will not be tolerated. “Women are inclined to keep this violence to themselves and with welfare cuts looming it is expected that violence may escalate. “Don't keep it to yourself speak out, help is there,” she said. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that the policy wasn’t just words on paper, it is a working document aimed at protecting and supporting those subjected to domestic violence and RMT expects it to be endorsed and fully-implemented by employers across the transport sector. “Delivering a safe and supportive working environment has to be an over-riding priority for staff and employers alike,” he said. WOMEN’S CHARTER Delegates approved a revised women’s charter. Five RMT women member s were among the 295 delegates from 35 other unions at this year’s annual Women’s Trade Union Congress. RMT delegates were Janet Cassidy, Jacky Darby, Tracy Darker, Shirley Fulton and Rosanna Ward. There was a good mix with two from rail, one London Underground, one shipper and one from the rigs. Delegate Tracy Darker said that next year the union will be looking for a RMT representative from road transport. Tracy Darker was also elected on to the TUC women’s committee. There were 44 motions dealing with women and employment rights, the impact of welfare reform and universal credit, equal pay, maternity rights, parenting and childcare. Abortion rights, domestic violence and harassment and violence at work and transport poverty were also discussed. RMT’s motions on the attack on women’s rights and the impact of McNulty rail review on women and transport were both well supported and carried unanimously. If any member would like any more information on matters or motions discussed you can contact RMT national women’s advisory member Tracy Darker on email: tracydarker19@btinternet.com DELEGATION: from left to right Jacqueline Darby, Rosanna Ward, Tracy Darker, Shirley Fulton and Janet Cassidy RMT women’s advisory conference meeting in Nottingham launches model domestic violence policy for transport industry NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RMT AT WOMEN’S TUC