PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Comrades, I hope this copy of the RMT news finds you well and safe comrades. With this ever changing Covid- 19 Pandemic and our third lockdown, the advice is clear if you do not feel safe evoke your work safe procedure. No one has to put themselves at risk to collect the coffers of train operators, bus operators or revenue on the ferries and other sectors we organise in. Your life is worth more than a fare! It is time that they realise that safety of their own staff is paramount to keep the network moving. Across all regions and sectors we face unprecedented attacks on pay, terms and conditions and jobs and we need all our experienced activists and representatives to pull together and to also encourage new members and young members to become involved in the union and join the fight. In my own region, Manchester and North West, there continues to be an increase in young members getting involved at branch and regional level. I’d like to congratulate Grant Murray on becoming regional president, Mercedes Caccia on becoming regional women’s officer and Jessica Banks on becoming Workington branch secretary. I’m pretty certain that Jessica at only 23 is the youngest woman branch secretary in the union’s history. I offer them my full support whilst wishing them all every success. I’m also pleased to see Steve Nott step in to the important role of lead recruiter for the region having recently finished his NEC term, with his knowledge to share and encourage the region growth and involvement. February 4 was a historic day for this union becoming full signatories to the Energy Services agreement for our offshore members and with that giving the RMT its first collective bargaining agreement ( we inherited the others) in this industry . This is something that Jake Molloy has spent nearly an entire career working towards and hopefully it's a step in the direction to eventually full sectoral bargaining in the North Sea, something both Bob had an aspiration to achieve and our colleagues in Norway at Industri Energi already have. Often forgotten as also being keyworkers our offshore members play a key part in keeping our lights on and transport industry moving to so I send thanks to you also . The Futures bright for RMT in this industry and if we get it right it's a battle ground against any Conservative government. I would again like to offer our equality groups a chance to write an article for RMT News and use the space in my column. Solidarity, Michelle Rodgers STAY SAFE RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2021 :: RMTnews President’s column 23