RMT AT STUC DUNDEE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2014 :: RMTnews 23 T he RMT delegation to the Scottish TUC Congress in Dundee earlier this year was joined by president Peter Pinkney and acting general secretary Mick Cash. RMT regional organiser Mick Hogg spoke for a motion on collective bargaining calling for the repeal of the anti-trade union laws and the need to expand the coal industry in Scotland. Graham Wallace of Glasgow Shipping Branch seconded a motion calling for a decent minimum wage and for full employment rights for seafarers. Andrew Elliot of North Clyde branch spoke on transport and EC member Denis Connor moved an amendment calling for rail renationalisation. ASLEF opposed the amendment and the motion was withdrawn. The General Council though made a statement saying that the STUC support for Scotland’s railways to be brought back into public ownership. RMT regional organiser Jake Molloy moved a motion on the need for a public enquiry into the offshore industry which was carried unanimously. Jake was elected onto the STUC’s General Council unopposed, replacing Ian Macintyre who stood down due to his retirement. Ann Joss of Aberdeen Rail Branch moved a motion calling for a referendum on European Union membership saying that in the event of a vote in favour of Scottish Independence that the STUC supported a referendum on Scotland’s EU membership. Ann also addressed Congress as chair of the STUC women’s committee highlighting issues including childcare provision, casualisation and zero Hours contracts and the equal pay gap. Richie Veitch, Edinburgh and Portobello branch also spoke in the debate over zero hours contracts. RMT president Peter Pinkney spoke at the Scottish Campaign against Euro-Federalism fringe meeting and as RMT political advisor I chaired a packed fringe meeting on austerity, worker’s rights and the need for more Morning Star readers and supporter groups being established. The absence of our general secretary Bob Crow was truly felt by all the delegates. A tremendous vote of thanks needs to be extended to all the RMT delegates and officers for their activity and prominence, job well done. RMT AT STUC DUNDEE RMT Scottish political advisor Phil McGarry reports on a successful STUC congress in Dundee