BRANCH SECRETARIES MEET

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2017 :: RMTnews 27 The branch secretaries conference met in Inverness last month, reports conference secretary Jim Philp Retiring Inverness branch secretary Bob Bowie was on hand to welcome the executive to the town and explain the social arrangements. The education sessions this year were given by RMT pension officer Paul Norris who gave a no punches held account about the updates to the pension situation in various companies that the RMT has members in. This was extremely interesting and valued information for those in attendance. Paul was also answered numerous questions from the floor. A session on legal issues was delivered by Alan Rodgers of Drummond Millar and David Martyn of Thompsons who gave updates and examples of Employment Law and how this effects the union going forward in presenting cases. This included the Trade Union Bill and its affect with reference to picketing and the information that needs to be given in advance to conduct a legitimate picket line. All members present were enlightened to the facts given and realised a further challenge and additional barriers were going to be put in front of members rights to picket workplaces. RMT general secretary Mick Cash also attended this session and his input was welcomed. Incoming local branch secretary Kim Gibson opened a well-attended social event on the Saturday night which was also a surprise retirement present to Bob Bowie after 30 plus years in position. Mick Cash did the honours and Bob was thankful to all and wished Kim and the branch executive all the best for the future of Inverness branch. Conference was overseen in the hands of president Keith Murphy. The conference executive wished to thank Bob and Kim for the invite to Inverness and the hospitality shown to the delegates in one of the most beautiful and historic parts of the country. questions and motions to push for debates on RMT campaigns and issues. Lively question and answer sessions were held with other Parliamentary group members, MSPs Neil Bibby, Lewis MacDonald and Clare Haughey. A fascinating behind-the- scenes tour of the Parliament had been arranged by Elaine Smith and her staff, moving from the Presiding Officer’s desk in the debating chamber, through the Garden Lobby to the busy offices of the MSPs and then on into Queensberry House, and its memorials to James Keir Hardie and Donald Dewar. Attendees then took in the spectacle of First Minister’s Questions from a packed public gallery, hearing Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale tackle Nicola Sturgeon on the effects of the public sector pay cap on NHS earnings and staff retention. The urge to shout down the Conservatives was palpable! Activists met with Transport Minister Humza Yousaf and did not miss the opportunity to raise the topic of the unacceptable terms and conditions of Mitie subcontractors within Scotland’s railways. Agreeing to investigate the matter, he spoke of his respect for our members and recent successful RMT-led campaigns including keeping Calmac in the public sector and fending off the extension of Driver Only Operation on Scotrail services. MSPs Neil Findlay, Richard Leonard and Patrick Harvie reiterated their support and encouraged those attending to make full use of their political representatives going forward. The final day was rounded off with a review of the course. Areas for improvement were identified, but the consensus was that the school had been inspiring, educational and relevant to the challenges being faced by Scottish members today. Students on the Political School and their branches were as follows, Alice Glasgow (Edinburgh1 & Portobello District), Mandie Walton (North Clyde), Brian Reynolds (Glasgow Shipping), Craig Burns (Edinburgh1 & Portobello District), Dan Smith (Glasgow & District Engineering), Dave O’ Donnell (Fife and District), Davie Hainey (Wishaw & Motherwell), Eileen Gilfillan (Wishaw & Motherwell), James Meechan (Glasgow Shipping), Kim Gibson (Inverness 1), Mary Jane Herbison (Glasgow 1&2), Shaun McCrudden (Edinburgh1 & Portobello District), Dan Henderson (Glasgow Shipping) BRANCH SECRETARIES MEET