FIGHTING DIABETES

The housing crisis we are seeing at the minute has resulted in rents rising at extraordinary rates. These increases effect all but statistics show that under 30s are disproportionately hit. Under 30s are also less likely to be in a trade union than their older colleagues. But, there is something we can do. Tenant Unions - like Trade Unions – are fighting back for their members against extortionate rents, illegal letting fees, illegal evictions. Ordinary working class people are fighting for one another to ensure that these things are resisted. As a result the RMT Scottish Regional Council last year decided to affiliate to Living Rent Tenants Union which operates in Scotland. The affiliation was voted through and we are now supporting working class people fighting for fair housing through Living Rent. Trade unions need to create links beyond the Trade Union movement. Why fight for wage increases from bosses when landlords will take it all immediately with rent increases? By creating links with local Tenant Unions through financial help and active help, we are building a movement. If the Trade Union movement is seen to be helping those fighting for better housing then they will support us in our fight for better work because when it comes down to it, we are not divided on those lines, we all face the exact same issues. What better way to connect with young people under 30 than helping them fight for housing and fair work? This is a conversation worth having across the RMT and one that should begin now. 27 RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2020 :: RMTnews My name is Chrissie Willett, I work as a ticket seller and general troublemaker at TfL Rail, working for MTR. I have worked on the railway for fifteen years. For forty years, I have been Type 1 diabetic – so I should be quite good at it by now! My body does not produce insulin, so the only way I can metabolise food is by injecting insulin. Glucose control can prevent long-term harm, but life – and work – can get in the way. Aspects of our working conditions create barriers for a diabetic workers such as me. Stress (such as being abused at work) can cause high glucose, and irregular eating (caused by shiftwork) can cause low glucose. Both high and low glucose levels can be very debilitating. As a trade union rep, I have the tools and resource to negotiate adjustments. I have been able to get agreement from the employer that I work early turns where possible and do not work alone. Because I have diabetic retinopathy (a problem with vision), management consulted me about the lighting in my workplace. MTR Crossrail aspires to be ‘fully accessible’, but the Crossrail project is behind schedule and there are technical obstacles to access. When members and reps work together to build strong unions, we can win workplace changes to improve working conditions for all. D I S A B L E D M E M B E R S S P E A K O U T FIGHTING DIABETES RMT member Chrissie Willett talks about working together to overcome challenges to build strong trade unions