DISABLED VOICES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: sept 2014 :: RMTnews 19 Trade unions and disabled people are determined to resist attacks on disabled people’s rights and living standards – that was the clear and unanimously message from the Trade Union Congress’ disabled workers’ conference. RMT representatives joined over 200 delegates from twenty- five trade unions at the conference, which heard speakers, debated resolutions and elected a new Committee. The conference focused on the way that government cuts are hitting services that disabled people need, and expressed anger at the way that media scapegoating unfairly portrays disabled people as scroungers. RMT submitted a motion opposing ticket office closures and other staffing cuts in the transport industry, highlighting the way that these make travel even more difficult for disabled passengers. Conference strongly agreed, passing the resolution unanimously. 1 also spoke to conference about disabled access to public transport, calling for public ownership in order to facilitate a major programme of access improvements that would create jobs as well as enabling disabled people to have equal rights to travel. Other issues discussed included zero-hours contracts; attendance policies; mental health; and the government’s scrapping of support such as the Independent Living Fund and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. With a General Election less than a year away, conference delegates called on the Labour Party to pledge to reverse the Tory-Liberal Coalition's attacks on disabled people's rights. RMT’s Janine Booth was re- elected to the TUC disabled workers’ committee. LEW TORRINGTON: “I found the conference interesting and at times upsetting, with some the delegates’ stories of how they have been affected and treated by their companies and the state. But it was also uplifting in the way they fought back with the help of unions, friends and families – it certainly shows the value of being in the union. This should be highlighted more in recruitment. We need more equality reps with appropriate training, and more appropriate training for reps and union officials in mental health, autism and dyslexia in the workplace. If everyone showed the caring and the need for equality shown at this conference, the government and employers would have be more pro workers’ rights and not so profit- driven and greedy. If possible I may come again. I will be raising and keeping these issues high on the agenda at my branch and area council”. MIKE REID: “I spoke in support of a resolution on digitalisation and how it can exclude disabled people. RMT had submitted an amendment, adding to the motion a line that explained how transport companies are using ticket automation as a pretext to close ticket offices and that this would make travel more difficult for many disabled people. RMT delegate Anna proposed our union’s motion about cuts across the transport industries and how these will make transport less accessible to disabled people. After these speeches, delegates told us they now understand, and fully support, our Every Job Matters and Hands Off London Transport campaigns. It was my first time representing the RMT at a conference and I left knowing that our fight has the support of other unions, some of which have no (direct) transport links. Solidarity was a key word often heard. Together we can win!” JOHN STANFORD: “This was my second time at this conference and I came away a lot wiser. When you look around the hall, you get inspiration from the people that surround you. I left the conference quite agitated at the injustice of the disabled person’s lot. Janine’s and Mike’s speeches are the ones I remember most. The context of Mike's speech was simple but easy to understand and empathise with; and Janine was successful in getting her points across in the talk she gave. Personally, this was what I want our union leaders to be saying. ANNA GICHAGA: “It was an amazing conference, I was inspired by all those around me to take a more active role in the union”. DISABLED VOICES RMT delegate Janine Booth reports from the Trade Union Congress’ disabled workers’ conference WHAT RMT DELEGATES THOUGHT: