CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN THE UNION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2016 :: RMTnews 13 RMT women’s advisory committee rounded off a year of celebrations by holding a parliamentary reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the rule change in 1915 which allowed women members into the union. The November meeting also marked the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, known as the white ribbon campaign. Their last committee meeting of the year was held in the House of Commons followed by a reception just off Westminster Hall hosted by Lisa Nandy MP, shadow secretary of state for energy and climate change. Lisa reflected on her connection with the women as she had previously been a member of RMT’s Parliamentary group and spoken at the women’s national conference earlier in the year when it was held in her constituency of Wigan. Council of Executive members Michelle Rodgers and Kathy Mazur spoke about the lack of real access to flexible working and concerns raised by the breakup of the industry dragging workers into zero hour contracts and agency status. It was noted that in a year celebrating 100 years of women, for the first time in our history there are two women on the Council of Executives, a point to celebrate on its own! Women’s committee chair Becky Crocker reflected on it being the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and that female members of staff are victims of sexual assault and harassment in the transport industry as well as passengers. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady talked about the threat of the Trade Union Reform Bill to the trade union movement and the impact it would have on workers unable to protect their rights. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn MP was a surprise guest and he was invited to say a few words which were well received. Despite his team desperately trying to drag him away to his next engagement he was happy to have photos taken with the members of the committee. CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN THE UNION EC members Michelle Rogers and Kathy Mazur with TUC GS Frances O’Grady Lisa Nandy MP and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn