RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews 24 Dear editor, The train operating companies have been instructed by the Department of Transport to impose two-year pay freezes because of the Covid pandemic which is not our fault. Our bills, rents and groceries are really costing more every year and its causing hardship on many, but the long-term damage will be to our pensions which is very serious. In a few years time, when members look at their pension estimates, they may well be very disappointed with reduced lump sums and the devaluation imposed on it by the pay freezes. I have never known this union to accept pay freezes without a fight. The union has a responsibility to protect our pay and conditions, where are we going with this as a union? After two years our pay will be worth in real terms a lot less but I can’t see any fight back. Many thanks Mark Still Dear editor, In the last edition of RMT News I note our president’s sadness and frustration at the factionalism within the union. Is it just the Broad Left faction that makes her sad and frustrated or is it all factions? Does it for example include the CFDU faction, whose meeting she attended at the Waldorf Hotel, Manchester during the 2019 AGM, with no mention of sadness and frustration on that occasion? She further complains about derogatory references to democratically elected members of the National Executive – could this be the same president who was more than happy to appear in an election video promoting a supporter of another faction who was challenging a democratically elected regional organiser? That RO might well have found himself out of a job because of her endorsement and by introducing herself as the national president she then proceeded to disparage the incumbent because of his age in contravention of the discrimination laws of the land. Since I joined this union back in 1973, I have always been aware of different factions within our organisation. For better or for worse, factions exist within every political or campaigning organisation that I am aware of. Therefore, any call for unity by a neutral figure such as the president must necessarily condemn all factions. To condemn only one faction is to show approval for all others which in this case and the president’s favoured option would appear to be the CFDU, judging on her past record. Her display of sadness and frustration rings hollow to me and in favouring one faction while condemning another is an abuse of her position and utterly unworthy of an RMT president. Ray Knight Enfield, London W irral branch secretary Stuart Harris presented Keith Spencer with his forty year service award last month at Sandhills IECC. Keith started his career on September 9 1974 in Liverpool UG and has worked as a Grade 7 Signaller at Net Rail Sandhills MEC since September 1994. Stuart said that he was a congenial man with a passion for his job, the railway and his trade union. Stefan Melnyk was a dedicated trade unionist and a socialist and, a bus driver, he was an activist in RMT’s Central Line West branch for over 15 years. He actively represented workers across the industry and received an award for his work for members presented by former general secretary Bob Crow. Stefan was a loved and respected colleague by many bus drivers at Stamford Brook bus garage and further afield. He represented many drivers and route controllers during disciplinary hearings not only at his workplace but at many other companies. He accompanied many bus drivers to employment tribunals in his own time. He was a selfless and caring individual. Having spent over 20 years as a bus driver and Stefan’s knowledge and experience was vital to new drivers who relied on him for advise on writing accident reports, grievance statements and many other work related problems. Originally from Ukraine, he was a strong supporter of the Ukrainian Solidarity Campaign and built links with Ukrainian transport unions. Oz Dube and Ross Marshall Central Line West branch FACTIONALISM AND NEUTRALITY NO TO PAY FREEZES OBITUARY : STEFAN MELNYK WIRRAL HONOUR LETTERS / OBITS / AWARDS