TRADE UNIONISTS UNITE FOR DISABLED WORKERS’ RIGHTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2017 :: RMTnews 20 T he largest ever RMT delegation took part in the Trade Union Congress Disabled Workers' Conference last month, writes RMT delegate Janine Booth. A diverse group of delegates from around the country contributed to the various debates, learned a lot about disability issues and joined with other trade unionists in a united movement to fight government and employers' attacks on disabled workers' rights. On the first day of conference, the TUC Disabled Workers' Committee made a statement about the General Election, pointing out the parties' different records and policies on disability issues. It was clear that while the Conservatives have attacked and demonised disabled people, the Labour Party has rejected some of the damaging policies of its last term in office and now has a set of policies that is radical and progressive. RMT delegate Glenroy Watson spoke in the debate on parity for employed and self- employed workers, arguing that everyone be entitled to sick pay equivalent to what they would have earned had they not been sick. Fellow RMT delegate Carl Day-Crewe spoke on the motion on hidden disability rights, explaining that some people have conditions that affect their memory and that they need recognition and rights. Janine Booth spoke in the mental health debate, calling for the trade union movement to address those working conditions - such as management bullying, anti- social hours and workplace violence - that can cause workers to develop mental health problems. Mental health was a strong theme of the conference, as several trade unions had submitted motions about it. There was also an informal session on the subject, the highlight of which was former footballers Jason Brown and Michael Bennett speaking openly about the depression and anxiety they had experienced and the efforts of their trade union, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), to challenge the stigma around mental health in sport. The conference also debated the shortcomings in accessibility at the conference venue, Congress House, and agreed to submit a motion to this year's TUC Congress insisting that the TUC improve accessibility or use a different venue. RMT submitted a motion to the conference in support of our fight to defend the role of the guard on trains and oppose driver-only operation. Proposing the motion, Jennifer Aggrey- Fynn explained to the conference the safety-critical role of the guard, and outlined the strike action that RMT has taken so far, including on Southern, Merseyrail and Northern. She ended with a rousing "Say No DOO - keep the guard on the train - our jobs, your safety - see you on the picket line!" TSSA seconded the motion, and then delegate after delegate, from a range of unions, spoke in favour. A deaf delegate told conference that he cannot rely on announcements for information, and needs the support of a guard. Another delegate spoke of how disabled passengers already faced numerous barriers to accessing train services already, and the removal of guards would make it worse. A delegate who regularly travels on Merseyrail spoke of how everyone who works on and uses it wants to keep guards. A blind delegate told how she would not be able to get off at her destination without the help of the guard. The conference voted unanimously and enthusiastically in favour of our motion. Bus driver Mark Langabeer, from South Devon Bus branch, was attending the conference for the first time, and found it a positive experience: "I enjoyed the conference and the solidarity with other delegates. I am returning to my workplace with renewed enthusiasm to fight disability discrimination". TRADE UNIONISTS UNITE FOR DISABLED WORKERS’ RIGHTS