NETWORK RAIL EQUALITY MEETING

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2019 :: RMTnews 20 Network Rail RMT equality reps and Diversity and Inclusion champions met recently at the Bob Crow National Education Centre at Doncaster. The meeting was held under the partnership agreement between Network Rail and the union and tutored by NW signaller and equality rep Mark Beresford and coordinated by Jess Webb RMT equal opportunities officer. Also in attendance was NW signaller and RMT national operations council member Mark Bellenie and EC member Paul Burton. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss good working practices with Network Rail at local, area and national level. Throughout the day discussions took place with information on best practice and advice on various tasks, including working with local managers. on welfare matters. There was also a discussion on activities as trade union equality representatives, including experiences, frustrations and hopes. There was also a discussion on workloads and where reps existed and where there are vacancies. This was followed by a presentation by Jonathan Payne Network Rail Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Programme Manager on the history of programme including challenges it recognised; the campaigns it had initiated and how they were going and where RMT equality reps are on that journey. RMT Union Learning Organiser John Holmes explained activities to date and advised on funding secured to assist with workplace based learning. Delegates agreed on the overall benefits of this first meeting the benefit of making this an annual event. NETWORK RAIL EQUALITY MEETING I nternational Transport Workers Federation president Paddy Crumlin and general secretary Steve Cotton presented former RMT national secretary Steve Todd with a Gold Medal award for his “outstanding contribution to seafarers throughout the world” whilst on the ITF Executive Board on behalf of RMT, and for his life’s work with the NUS and RMT in general”. Over 2,000 delegates to the ITF conference in Singapore stood and applauded his service to the National Union of Seamen, RMT and the international trade union movement in general. RMT general secretary Mick Cash paid tribute to Steve for over 30 years of service to the workers’ movement. “Steve Todd is a stalwart of the trade union movement and his knowledge and experience will be missed but I am sure he will continue serving the working class in other ways,” he said. GOLD MEDAL FOR TODD