NEW GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTED

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2014 :: RMTnews 4 Arriva Trains Wales conductors working out of three key depots took strike action earlier this month over the victimisation and dismissal of two union members through an outright abuse by the company of the sickness absence policy. Following the massive vote in favour of taking strike action, the union called on ATW conductor members at Holyhead, Chester and Llandudno Junction depots to take 24-hour action. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the strike action was sparked wholly by the dismissal and victimisation of two RMT members following management’s failure to abide by the agreed procedures. “They have deliberately chosen not to exercise discretion but have instead opted to take the hard line approach of dismissal, it is that action that has resulted in a total breakdown in industrial relations. “I would like to congratulate the members’ action in support of their victimised colleagues and the union remains available for talks aimed at resolving this dispute,” he said. FESTIVAL OF EDUCATION: RMT’s new general secretary Mick Cash with RMT president Peter Pinkney at the first annual festival of education and organising at the union’s education centre in Doncaster last month. RMT education officer Andy Gilchrist said that it was a celebration of the vision for the centre. “I would like to invite RMT members and their families to come next year,” he said. Mick Cash, a former track worker active in the union for over 35 years, has been elected the new RMT general secretary in the first round of voting. On a turnout of over 24 per cent Mick Cash won 8,938 votes, Alex Gordon received 1,176, Steve Hedley 1,885, John Leach 1,428 and Alan Pottage gained 4,006 votes. A member of Watford branch, Mr Cash was senior assistant general secretary under Bob Crow for nearly 12 years. RMT general secretary Mick Cash thanked the membership for giving him an overwhelming mandate. “I am proud and honoured to have been given the enormous responsibility of taking our fighting and militant union forwards, six months after the bitter loss of Bob Crow. “There will be no deviation from the industrial, political and organising strategy mapped out by RMT under Bob’s leadership,” he said. ARRIVA TRAINS WALES CONDUCTORS STRIKE NEW GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTED