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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2016 :: RMTnews
8
E
arlier this month the Trade
Union Bill entered the
statute books.
Despite a number of changes
the aspirations of this anti-
union government to
undermine trade union activity
remains.
The original Bill included
provision for the ending of
check off, the payment of trade
union contributions through
the paybill, and whilst this
particular section was amended
to make it subject to agreement
between the union and
employer, the very fact that
this was being contemplated set
alarm bells ringing.
This union has decided to
encourage every member
currently paying their
membership via the wage
packet to transfer to Direct
Debit subscription.
RMT is aware of the
potential threat of the
withdrawal of check-off having
had this imposed on it in 1994
by British Rail. For a time this
had a devastating effect on
union’s ability to provide a first
class service.
Over time the union has
recouped that position of
strength and security of income
and now the vast majority of
members pay their
subscriptions directly from their
bank accounts.
Although this new threat
has been put on hold, the
current pause gives the union
the opportunity to remove the
threat completely. Placing the
collection of your contributions
in the hands of the
management is no longer
justifiable or even convenient.
Far more members are paid
directly into their bank
accounts and the use of direct
debit is now the norm.
There are, in fact, many
positive reasons for members to
switch to direct debit:
•
RMT saves money by not
having to pay employers to
collect our subscriptions
and more money can be
spent on improving services
•
It allows the union to be in
full control of its
membership records and
employers will no longer
have access to any part of
that information. At present
they know who pays by
check-off
•
It reduces the threat of legal
challenges from employers
during disputes
•
It provides continuity and
HAVE YOU
SWITCHED?
Switch you membership payments to
Direct Debit from check-off to
protect your rights to representation