LETTERS/AWARDS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2015 :: RMTnews 28 Dear editor, In RMT News a member wrote in with concerns about voting for the Green Party and what Peter Pinkney said. We all know that in the past our union had links with the Labour Party just like our sister rail unions do at the moment. But over the years, including the New Labour era, our industry has been neglected. More and more members are finding it hard to vote Labour because there is no mention of public ownership of the railways, £8 national minimum wage by the year 2020 and supporting Trident. These policies do not go far enough and the missing policies that trades unionists want are reasons why the Labour Party cannot take our votes for granted. TUSC, the Green Party and others that listen to what the public want will attract votes even though the big three parties will continue to dominate the political arena. Labour MPs who support the work of RMT and are members of our parliamentary group are a taste of what Labour should be. Best wishes Richard Alcock EAST MIDLANDS BUS RETIREMENT Dear editor, I am writing on behalf of the Kent Workers Mayday Rally Aylesham to express our thanks for the support and solidarity shown for this event by RMT nationally and the many branches that have donated towards it. Although we expect this event to be a fun day out, there is also a very serious side to it in that we are rallying to demonstrate the concerns of an organised workforce that is being subjected to constant attacks by government on our ability to represent our members. Whoever forms the next government should be in no doubt that we will continue to press for better trade union representation and to hold all those who claim to represent us to account! If you are thinking of joining us on the day, fast trains take less than an hour to Canterbury West where you may have a pleasant stroll across the City to Canterbury East where trains take eleven minutes to Aylesham. The site is adjacent to Aylesham station so you can’t miss it. We look forward to seeing many of you on the day. Fraternally Mike Sargent, Event Coordinator Tom Duckmanton retiring after 45 years membership with East Midlands Bus Branch Secretary Mick Percival LETTERS POLITICAL DILEMMA KENT MAY DAY