BRANCH SECRETARIES MEET

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2018 :: RMTnews 29 RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2018 :: RMTnews R MT branch secretary’s conference secretary Jim Philp reports on the 99th annual event A good weekend was had by all at the 99th branch and regional secretary’s conference in Cardiff hosted by Cardiff branch attended by old and new faces. Conference president Keith Murphy thanked everyone for their attendance and it was good to see secretaries from all around the country. RMT education officer Andy Gilchrist delivered a two hour education programme which was well appreciated as well as an update on our unions continuing education activities. RMT general secretary Mick Cash gave a great speech on the unions performance and the will and determination of our members at the sharp end. Thompson lawyers gave a report on the work that they do on behalf of members and some very good debates were had. Next year will be the 100th conference and we are hopeful that the attendance will be even better and we encourage more officers to attend. It will be in the Lake District and the conference executive is hard at work putting things in place. It has been asking branches for assistance for a design to encompass our centenary year which hopefully could be used on badges and t- shirts. Looking forward to seeing branch and regional and assistant secretaries in the Lake District next year. BRANCH SECRETARIES MEET Some time ago I decided that I wanted to do something to kick-start a fund raising initiative, to ensure that our members who have been taking strike action in defence of the travelling public could continue to be supported financially. As someone that has never liked heights, I didn’t think I would end up dangling off the tallest building in my home town and I have to thank my sister Sheena for coming up with that bright idea. On August 4 my good friend Bob Harper joined me in abseiling 560 foot, down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. It was a great opportunity to raise some money but also public awareness of our current disputes regarding driver-only operation. The fact that train operating companies and the government are working hand in glove, trying to remove the safety critical role of our guards, putting the safety and accessibility of the travelling public at risk is not always well known, so any chance to get that message out there was not missed. The public appeared to be genuinely interested when we engaged with them about why we were abseiling down the tower and many didn’t mine putting their hands in their pockets to show support. I would like to challenge all branches to organise just one event to raise as much money as possible in support of all our members that are forced to take action going forward. As I write this we have £2,590 on the justgiving page and I will leave it open for little while longer just in case anyone reading this would like to donate. So thank you to all that have given already. Solidarity www.justgiving.com/crowdfundi ng/sean-hoyle RMT president Sean Hoyle abseils down Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth RAISING FUNDS AGAINST DOO