CARING FOR RAILWAY PENSIONERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2017 :: RMTnews 26 R MT Glasgow shipping presented Dugald MacLachlan with the union’s first ever newly-struck 50-year service badge. Dugald first went to sea in about August 1961 on the Caledonian MacBrayne steamer Loch Earn and joined the NUS in 1964. He then joined the Columba and stayed on her until September 1965 before transferring to deep sea operations. His first ship was the Waiwera a Shaw Savill reefer which was docked in Melbourne during the 1966 seamen’s strike. Dugald carried out various other pool jobs before joining Scottish ship management in 1971 where he stayed until 1986. After 16 months on a Ben Line Tanker he returned to the coast and joined the Isle of Mull in1988 and he has been ever since. “I have enjoyed my time at Sea and the protection of the NUS/RMT and will continue to do so for a few more months yet,” he said. The British Transport Pensioners Federation (BTPF) was founded in 1948. It provides a voice for everyone that has retired from our great railway industry. It is one of the few recognised organisations that works to protect and maintain the wellbeing of Railway People in retirement and over the years it has helped secure many financial benefits for retirees and their dependents, as well as improvements in their travel facilities. We do this through regular direct contact with Railway Pensions Management and Investments (RPMI) and a BTPF member is currently a Director on the Board of the Railway Pensions Trustee Company Ltd. BTPF members are also trustees of a number of Railway Pension Scheme Pension Committees. A close relationship with Rail Delivery Group on all matters relating to free and privilege travel. Members also lobby Parliament through our affiliation to other pensioner bodies including the National Pensioners Convention. The BPTF also works closely with trades unions to help safeguard benefits and pensions. Just as important is the welfare support and advice we give to people in retirement. We also promote communications between like-minded people and social activities with former colleagues across all our branches. Such activities include day trips by rivers, roads and railways, holidays in the UK and abroad, theatre trips, dances, lunches, and talks given by interesting and sometimes well- known speakers. Details are available on the BTPF website of the 50 branches spread throughout the UK and membership is enjoyed by over 12,000 people. You would be welcomed as a member of the Federation and your relatives and friends are able to attend our meetings. For more information e-mail us at: answers@btpf.org To join up our website address is: www.btpf.org CARING FOR RAILWAY PENSIONERS British Transport Pensioners Federation chairman Les McDowell outlines the work of the British Transport Pensioners Federation Left to right: Roy Sheridan, Secretary; Les McDowell, Chairman; John Harrison, Vice Chairman; Chris Jago, Treasurer; and Mike Speagell, Membership Secretary. FIRST EVER 50-YEAR BADGE!