BUS WORKERS RESIST ATTACKS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2016 :: RMTnews 12 BUS WORKERS RESIST ATTACKS The 73rd annual conference of bus workers meeting in Torquay debated the uncertainty of the pending Buses Bill, attacks on union representatives and the intention of the Tory government to withdraw the right to pay subscriptions direct from their pay; the so-called ‘check-off’ arrangement. The withdrawal of the check off facility via the proposed legislation contained with the Trade Union Bill prompted a resolution from South Devon Bus branch calling upon the union to put in place an emergency programme to mitigate the effects and any subsequent decline in union membership. Paul Rossister, South Devon Bus said: “Membership numbers will drop and we don’t want to have to chase people for money but we need to encourage members to sign up for direct debit”. As part of his address to conference general secretary Mick Cash spoke about both the Trade Union Bill and ‘check-off’. “The Trade Union Bill is the most pernicious and devious piece of legislation against working people we have ever seen, it is designed to stop people organising and fighting politically and industrially; it is about neutering us. “It is about stopping our mandate and not being able to fight against the government,” he said. Mick urged delegates to consider how they can best utilise health and safety legislation should the currently legal option for industrial action be removed from our armoury. He also drew comparison to the struggle of the suffragettes when he urged government to “make laws we can respect “. Mick Cash further announced a campaign specific to the ‘check-off’ issue by persuading people currently using this method to sign up now for payment by direct debit: “This will have a massive impact for us as a trade union, public sector workers will lose check-off, as will those members who are deemed to provide a public service, such as bus workers. This is a malicious piece of legislation that is anti- working-class and I urge members to sign up for direct debit,” he said. A South Devon Bus motion highlighted concerns about Bus workers discuss continued attacks on reps and on terms and conditions