BRANCH SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/aug 2014 :: RMTnews 24 B ranch officials gathered in Fort William for our 95th annual Branch secretary’s conference, sadly this year without Bob Crow, writes Fife and district branch secretary Jim Phelps. Acting general secretary Mick Cash addressed the conference pointing out that he had only attended in the past as a branch secretary and was keen to see this conference continue to grow in popularity with reps from across the country. The Fort William branch arranged a civic reception in the Town Hall with local councillors, and the use of the Railway Club for conference. Education Sessions included a presentation from lawyers from Drummond Miller and Thompsons on legal updates that effect members and RMT education officer Andy Gilchrist delivered a session on the role of the branch secretary. Scottish RMT regional organiser Gordon Martin emphasised the value of the conference and the role that branch secretaries play in aiding organisers across the country. A collection raised £115.50 for the British Heart Foundation in honour of the late general secretary Bob Crow. The new conference executive has been asked to read the draft version of the new branch secretaries’ handbook and to report back early autumn so that the final version can be sent out and it is hoped that a weekend seminar in January can be arranged around the new handbook. T he very first RMT health and safety representative course stage one was held recently at the Doncaster RMT Education Centre, writes course member John Woods of Liverpool branch No 5. Myself and seven fellow students found the training centre to be an excellent facility with the accommodation, dining, leisure and classrooms all self-contained. It even has a hot tub and, yes, I did try it out. Barbara, the kitchen staff and cleaners really go all out to make your stay like a home from home and very enjoyable. The course was delivered by the excellent Jim Philp, RMT tutor and Branch Secretary for the Fife and District branch. He was a wealth of knowledge and a fantastic instructor always able to get the best out of the candidates and keep everyone engaged and invested in the work we were doing each day. Due to the diverse backgrounds and levels of experience each and every person was able to contribute different things which enhanced the overall learning experience. Whilst I have always known you are never alone in RMT, there is now a more personal feel to that sentiment knowing I can call upon Jim and my fellow students for support in the future thanks to the bonds forged at Doncaster. I am now more confident than ever to carry out my duties as an RMT-accredited health and safety Representative at Thales, Manchester Metrolink Trafford Depot. Like so many others on the course it has ignited a passion for all things health and safety and I am keen to do my Stage two course later in the year to extend my knowledge further. R MT drivers’ rep Clive Gillman, Exeter branch secretary Andy Bradford and RMT clerical rep Jeff Hiscoke are cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, along with Paul and Maggie Rossiter in the back up vehicle, to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Saint Francis Hospice. “We have chosen these because the British Heart Foundation was chosen in the memory of the late Bob Crow, Cancer Research because the big ‘C’ has touched all of us one way or another and Saint Francis Hospice looked after my niece, Justine Rollinson, at the end of her long battle with breast cancer,” said Jeff. The group sets off from Land’s End on August 17, via the RMT education centre in Doncaster on August 24, and plans to arrive in John O’Groats on September 2. For more information about how to donate go to web links below. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ LEJOG_2014 BRANCH SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE LAND’S END TO JOHN O’GROATS! HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST