PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

I have to start this month’s column by making clear I am 100 per cent against all kinds of fascism and racism. My column last month raised concerns from members and how it read, apologies to anyone if you were offended. I will continue with the demo that took place in London last month with stand up to racism which had a turnout that was fantastic to see from many groups across the country and was a pleasure to be part of with one clear message that we want our streets to be fascist free and we will march every week to deliver this message if we have too. I must also say how disappointed I am with the attack on RMT member Eddie Dempsey, whatever our differences in this union maybe there's one thing we do agree on and that is Eddie is no racist! I am overwhelmed at the support I receive when out and about in the RMT community and the message is clear that our union has moved forward in a direction that can now always be accessed by all. If I can start as a cleaner thirty plus years ago and now be ”your” President then it’s possible for all of you to achieve more and make our union greater than it already is! I would also like to thank care2 and ABC commuters for inviting me to hand in a petition to the Department of Transport of over 90,000 signature from passengers who now feel unsafe using GTR trains and stations since the removal of the guard. How can a train operator which has taxpayer’s money bailing it out time and time again allow shareholders to get their slice of profit? This is something that will become a national issue as train operators implement plans to cut staff on board and stations staff in the name of profit. When lives and safety become so unimportant I wonder where it will end and this scares me. Many of you were with us on our visit to Brussels on the fair transport demonstration against the continuing race to the bottom in the maritime sector and in the rail sector where the private sector is ripping the heart out of public services. We must also be ready to train in new tasks to accommodate new technology and modernisation but without threats to jobs. So we have to fight to defend a guard on every train where they have the last say in platform train interface and safety-critical duties with full route knowledge to keep passengers safe at all times not sometimes! We will be having a National demo in London this month on April 26 where guards and drivers from all train operating companies will join together to show support to each other and their future. There is a lot happening for our union but workers united will never be defeated and our strength lay in our rank and file members leading the way. I want to thank the South West regional council for their warm welcome and hospitality. It was a real pleasure meeting everyone. Solidarity Michelle Rodgers President’s column NO TO RACISM RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2019 :: RMTnews 23 Divers turned out in numbers for a meeting in Newcastle with RMT national secretary Darren Procter and regional organiser Jake Molloy to discuss the current situation with the diving agreement. It is planned to stage similar meetings in different parts of the country during the coming months. DIVERS MEET