DISABLED MEMBERS SPEAK OUT

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2019 :: RMTnews 18 After taking a blood test on a cancer awareness day at Towcester races (yes, really), I found out that I had cancer. Until it happens to you, you don’t know how you are going to feel. Cancer doesn’t just mess with your body, it messes with your mind. It was the start of a crazy time in my life; or, as I thought at the time, what was left of my life. Things that would bug me before now seemed irrelevant. Real things and real life are what matters. The oncologist said that the treatment and the illness affect different people in different ways. The biggest thing for me was the tiredness. In the end there was only one choice of treatment: surgery. It was not that bad: only three days in hospital. But the recovery period was three weeks sitting in a chair with a pipe attached at one end and a bag of wee strapped to my ankle at the other end – not pleasant. And having a shower was difficult. I was off for six months on full basic pay. It is because we are strongly unionised on Network Rail that we get company sick pay – disgracefully, it is not something that every worker gets. While I was off my old manager left which was just as well! The new manager was much better. I went back to work and did trade union and pension fund duties, weekday office hours. Again, strong union organisation meant that I could keep on working even when I could no longer manage my old job. Cancer is considered a disability under the law, so if you have cancer, you have certain rights, including the right not to be discriminated against or harassed, and the right to adjustments to your work. But to assert your rights, you need to be in the union! The hardest thing – and talking to fellow prostate cancer sufferers, all say the same – is coming to terms with the after effects. All I can say is don’t try to go back to the person you once were, you will never be that. Make the most of the person you now are! Namely ALIVE! CAUTION: CANCER AT WORK! Disabled members speak out Retired signaller Dave Gott writes about his experience with cancer and work. ALL CLEAR: Dave Gott with general secretary Mick Cash and assistant general secretary Mick Lynch