YOUNG MEMBERS GROW

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2020 :: RMTnews 21 The annual young members conference met in Scotland last month hosted by Glasgow Shipping branch. A record number of over 50 delegates attended this year’s conference to discuss and debate the future the union, organising our workplaces, potential minimum service laws, and motions to be sent to the AGM and NEC. Conference also had a special focus on the SOS 2020 campaign and the organising of maritime grades in general with speeches from both national secretaries and a very welcome delegation of two activists from the Maritime Union of Australia, who reported on worryingly similar efforts by their government to suppress trade unions and collective rights. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that young member activists were no longer just “the future” but also the present, and it was in our power to change the entire labour movement for the better. The two motions that will be going to RMT AGM are: "Campaign for 'fair' housing for Young Members", calling for support and solidarity to renters’ unions, and "Electronic Votes and Ballots", calling for an update to our balloting system so that there is a higher turnout of young members in particular while saving the trade union money. Glasgow Shipping branch in conjunction with Bro. Cheyne from Inverness No. 1 branch organised a Red Clydeside Walking Tour that was led by local historian David Jamieson. Well attended by delegates, it gave an insight into the working-class history of Glasgow including the renters’ strikes, World War One and Two, and the Spanish Civil War in which many working-class men and women from our predecessor unions went to fight fascism. This is commemorated by the RMT's Blockade Runners to Spain memorial that was unveiled in March last year. Being educated on the history of our union and the working class in Glasgow inspired many delegates to make sure we remember our history and that we draw from their experiences to carry on the fight ahead of us. We aim to have an even larger turnout to next year’s conference and more involvement from a wider spread of young members as we expand as an organised group and genuinely representative advisory committee. Special thanks are due to the ‘Banter Thiefs’ who performed at our introductory social, and we'd like to end by also thanking the outgoing chair and vice chair for all their work over the last few years. YOUNG MEMBERS GROW Incoming young members conference chair Rhys Harmer reports on a record attendance last month