DISCUSSING DEMOCRACY AND CAPITALISM

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2016 :: RMTnews 25 Our first session was with Professor Roger Seifert, he covered the labour movement and the recession, the labour movement’s political strategies and the Labour Party and trade unions in the UK at the present time. Many on the school weren’t aware that the Labour Party would not be in existence if it hadn’t been for the forefathers of our union and Doncaster railworker Tommy Steels who suggested to his local branch that the union start a political party to represent workers. RMT political officer James Croy explained how important the political fund is to the union to lobby support for our causes within the political environment of Parliament. For only £3.12 per member per year the RMT can work with Parliamentary groups of MPs; nationally and locally, to further the best interests of all our members whether that be campaigning, advertising or organising rallies for better pensions and job protection. Regional organiser Craig Johnston gave a session on campaigning with an update on the campaign against DOO and Rail North. Paul Mezaros from Hope Not Hate sparked a heated debate about racism; giving us facts about the true contribution of migrants to the UK. Hasan Dodwell gave an amazing presentation on the Justice for Columbia campaign which we think is worth joining, a real eye opener on the history of the country but more importantly the continued persecution of trade union activists which to date has claimed hundreds of lives of trade union activists. Many of us thought the most illuminating session was from Brian Denny who explained the complicated bureaucracy behind the EU and why the RMT recommended a vote to leave the EU. This was a very topical and relevant debate. The union is putting workers’ rights ahead of all party agendas to ensure we keep our jobs and earn a decent wage. The main thing that we learnt was the secretive and quite frankly frightening Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. President Sean Hoyle spent a lot of his time talking on a range of issues and RMT NEC member Lee Davison was on hand to offer support throughout the week. The last day was spent in Parliament in the House of Commons, having the political process of the House explained and demonstrated to us by a number of MPs who shared their views on our “democratic” system. Students appreciated MPs who took the time from their hectic schedule, to speak to us on issues RMT are fighting on. Thanks to James Croy for his patience and understanding in his efforts throughout the week. This course is a must for everyone. You will learn a lot, and as many of our group did, go away with a totally different perspective once you see how democracy and capitalism work, often to the detriment of our society. Thanks to Nicki Sysum and Derek Baines who produced the words for this article. Other students on the course were Billy Hargreaves, Jon Gutteridge, Dan Heritage, James Rowan Thandiwe Mabodoko, Shaun McCrudden, James Moran, Milly Samuel and Dave Whittingham For information about attending the school email j.croy@rmt.org.uk DISCUSSING DEMOCRACY AND CAPITALISM Delegates to the RMT political school at the Bob Crow education centre in Doncaster report back