ORGANISING AT SERCO NORTHLINK FERRIES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2016 :: RMTnews 19 R MT has launched a campaign to increase membership and improve the union’s organisation at Northlink Ferries. RMT regional organiser Gordon Martin, lead officer for Northlink, arranged the meeting with local reps and Donald Graham from the organising unit, and Dennis Fallen learning coordinator attended. Members discussed the issues which may have been barriers to organising in the past before spending the rest of the day working out a positive strategy to take RMT forward. The agreed strategy is already taking shape with the reps training needs being addressed and a newsletter has been sent to every member with helpful information and contact details. Regular visits to the vessels will continue to be made by union activists and Paul Shaw from the RMT national executive committee will accompany the RO on his visits to all three vessels next month. BRIAN TAYLOR New shipboard rep on the Hamnavoe said that he was very keen to play his part along with the others to build a stronger port committee. “The new reps are in the fortunate position of having two experienced reps, Keith Whyte and Tom Causby, who are always willing to offer assistance and give advice when required. “RMT and Northlink have also recently reached agreement on a learning framework which offers all staff the opportunity to learn new skills. “The company has purchased six new iPads which will be split equally between the vessels to allow the most to be made of the learning opportunities, and the shipboard union learning reps and the learning coordinator are available to discuss this further with members if required. “We intend having another meeting towards the end of the year to review our strategy and will amend, if required, to ensure the very best possible organising structure is in place at Northlink Ferries,” he said. ORGANISING AT SERCO NORTHLINK FERRIES