PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Next month will be our AGM, RMT’s supreme governing body where real democracy will take place elected rank and file members from branches will discuss old and new policies, and I'm sure they will make policies for taking our union into another year. I hope it’s lively and comradely; I am looking forward to seeing new and old comrades and making more friends in our movement. This month has been a real roller coaster for me, full of emotion and despair I was privileged enough to represent our union in Palestine, a TUC motion from the teachers union one which still hasn’t been carried out in full but we have started by sending 16 women from different trade unions to meet predominantly Palestinian women but men also in occupied Israel, the sights and people will be memorable for the rest of my life their resistance, determination but most of all resilience is empowering. So much I can say but my column isn’t big enough but there will be a fringe at the agm and hopefully I’ll put an article in the RMT news. I also attended the STUC in Dundee where the Rmt delegation again Spoke out instead of conforming, lots of good speakers and motions, from off shore, maritime and our general grades. It was a great week shared with old and new friends and I'm already looking forward to next year. The cleaners conference was in Southend, I was pleased to be around members who have so much to give and gain and when they spoke out about getting recognition, support and respect from the movement with there fights around out-sourcing, sick pay and pensions like other transport workers they did it with passion which the whole room could feel. It's a conference which is going from strength to strength and one I’m proud to see achieve victories as thirty plus years ago I worked at Craigintinny depot in Edinburgh and my journey has led me to be your President. I also attended Brussels ITF women’s committee lots going on but all achievable when we work together. Successes in the last couple of years with campaigns to rid our industries of violence and harassment but still lots to achieve also having over seventy itf women trainers. A new chapter begins where past projects and new are worked on, and making our industry attractive for women workers is paramount lots of changes on the horizon for all our industry we must be prepared to defend, change and learn to protect. I must say it was also an absolute pleasure to visit Caphouse colliery a day I’ll never forget thank you to all those involved in making the day memorable, thanks to Wakefield Trades Council for the warm welcome and allowing me to address you and for all the support for our dispute around driver only Operation and safety of the train and public. Well done to LU Fleet for the solidarity shown to defend jobs from more austerity cuts implemented by this Cotton government and assisted by labour mayor Khan for London. The same people making it impossible for our black cab members to operate effectively and efficiently. I had the pleasure of attending the Taxi branch again, and will be attending Croydon no1 branch later this month. Solidarity, Michelle President’s column LOOKING TO AGM RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2019 :: RMTnews 23 renewal costs through employment tax allowances,” Andy said. Victor Winning, London Anglia Midland Transport, condemned the opposition party’s proposals to increase costs for road freight. He asked “what is the reasoning behind the Labour Party’s requirement to increase the taxes paid by British road hauliers?” Neil Hagar, Teesside, called for RMT’s parliamentary group to push for upgrading the freight capacity alongside the forthcoming electrification upgrade of the Manchester- Leeds-York via Huddersfield Trans-Pennines route. “The union needs to find a way of convincing the Department of Transport and Network rail to seriously consider that both upgrades [electrification and freight] are carried out at the same time,” Neil said. Delegates expressed disappointment that confusion over targeted recruitment proposals which had been put forward at last year’s conference to AGM had to be dealt with from scratch at this year’s event. Mick Lynch, assistant general secretary, gave the officers’ report on what he described as an increasingly challenging environment to organise in. “The union must find ways of extending our influence through organisation and recruitment strategies. “The strong levels of membership, a network of representatives across the sites and divisions and campaigning on the issues such as pay and pensions like we have on Freightliner brings rewards in terms of profile, membership and organisation. “We are the most democratic and principled union in this country. I urge you to keep fighting, keep winning and let’s stick together in RMT,” He said.