SOUTH DEVON BUS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2015 :: RMTnews 24 South Devon Bus branch was formed in 1989 when Torquay no.1 branch, Torquay salaried branch and Newton Abbot Bus branch were amalgamated when the union underwent reorganisation under the late general secretary Jimmy Knapp. The committees of these branches together with the regional organiser, the late Alan Kemp, thrashed out a new constitution and decided upon a name, thus South Devon Bus branch was created. Key members during this period who acted as leading representatives and branch secretaries were the late George Gallagher, Roy Willock, Norman Oldcorn and Paul Rossiter. Paul was branch secretary from 1991 to2012 and was succeeded by Peter Simmons. The privatisation of the national bus company in 1986 brought deregulation and the end of the closed shop. Due to the sudden withdrawal of the pay bill deductions, union membership collapsed. Paul and his colleagues spent many hours collecting membership subscriptions at the site gates every week as members came to work. Due to their diligence and hard work the membership began to increase. The re- introduction of pay bill deductions, due to union pressure, also had a positive effect. Yet the lack of training for union reps due to the closure of Frant Place led to the branch becoming a little stagnant. Finally the branch recognised the potential in a new employee, Danny Ferguson, who became the rep for the following ten years. In that time there was a complete turnaround in management and union relations. Danny with Peter Edwards from Exeter and Tony Marriott successfully improved the terms and conditions. Danny’s legacy was to ensure that the branch always built for the future. This legacy was carried on by his successor Dave Gilbey who took over in 2006 as senior rep and to this day still works hard protecting members of not only South Devon Bus branch but for the union in general. The branch is much respected in the South West of England and delegates regularly attend regional council, bus workers conference and sends delegates to the AGM over the years. The branch also submits motions to conferences with one that has come to fruition recently in the form of the RMT Bus Workers Handbook. This was taken to the bus workers conference by the branch and then forwarded on to an annual general meeting where it was passed by the delegates for production. Where possible the branch also sends members to the Bob Crow educational centre in Doncaster where Dave Gilbey is SOUTH DEVON BUS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Branch celebrates its 25 year anniversary with RMT general secretary Mick Cash