RMT LGBT CONFERENCE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2016 :: RMTnews 21 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists from across the country meeting in Manchester passed a range of motions around equality in the workplace. Delegates pledged to fight transphobia in the workplace, campaign to protect same-sex couples survivor pensions and to include wider groups within the LGBT caucus at their annual advisory conference in May. Piccadilly and District West delegate Benny Ashmore said: “We are all aware that over the last year, transgender issues have gained media. “Transphobia is a serious social problem being dealt with daily by transgender people in the workplace, behaviour that goes against RMT’s values and policy on equality. “We believe the union should be promoting the battle against transphobia, as it is against racism and homophobia,” he said. Conference agreed unanimously to urge the general secretary to produce anti-transphobia posters, similar to the anti- racism material already produced by the union. Survivor pensions for same sex couples was discussed with delegates unanimously agreeing to fight discrimination which still exists. According to the TUC, despite the legalisation of same-sex marriage, same-sex couples do not have the same rights to survivor pensions as heterosexual couples, due to there being a 2005 cut-off before which survivor pension payments do not have to be made. The motion called on the union to make members aware of this inequality and petition the government, work with the TUC and find other ways to put pressure on government and pension companies. Delegate John Shackleford said: “The TUC has lobbied on this but I am and others are not getting any younger and we have to look out for our partners”. Delegates also agreed to add the “+” sign to LGBT to reflect those members who consider themselves “non-binary”. Concluding conference, RMT general secretary Mick Cash praised delegates for the popular design of the LGBT RMT badge, describing it as useful in engaging with the public on issues facing LGBT people. “Our prime role as a trade union is to organise. “The Tories have introduced the anti-trade union bill but the union continues to grow. “We need to make sure we aim for fully organised workplaces. “Organising is not just about recruitment but it is about training our reps to deal with the issues facing members,” he said. With the upcoming EU referendum, Mr Cash reiterated the union’s long-standing leave view, adding: “I’m the son of immigrants, this isn’t about being anti-European. “It is about not being dictated to by a rich and powerful elite running the EU,” he said. RMT LGBT CONFERENCE Fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the workplace