RMT RETIRED MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2021 :: RMTnews 22 RMT’s 2021 retired members’ conference met in unprecedented circumstances for senior citizens across the globe. Describing the conditions of the pandemic, advisory committee chair Tony Donaghey said: “Older people in particular have been affected more than anybody else. “That’s not to underestimate the importance of all our people. Retired people, in unity with others in our country, will have to continue the struggle - and that includes RMT retired members,” he said. He also outlined the challenges placed on older generations by the transition to virtual meetings. “In terms of digital exclusion, elderly people have been ignored to a large extent. Adult education and retired people’s education is almost non- existent. That’s why we have to up our gear and continue the struggle that’s going on - also in unity with the younger generation. Digital exclusion has excluded elderly people in terms of our everyday living, because it precludes older people from communication over everyday issues”. With the emphasis on cross-generational unity, it was fitting that delegates heard from RMT young members representative James Lynch. “We are probably two of the most important generations in terms of how we help each other. “That’s the main positive we’ve learned from this pandemic in the context of our union,” he said. Delegates overwhelmingly endorsed a motion calling for the NEC to “organise a review of how our retired members could potentially be involved in further promoting RMT and progressive policies”. Oliver New, London Transport retired members said: “We need to look at different ways to encourage branches to be active, without getting into strange disputes over the technicalities and the constitution. We need to get stuck in.” Lesley Finlayson from the same branch added: “We’ve got a wealth of experience”. Conference also called for the union to publicise contact and meeting details for retired members’ branches, including in the RMT diary and on the union’s website. Frank Murray, London Transport retired members said: “We do need to get more publicity. A lot of people are complaining ‘I don’t know this branch existed’.” He said that his own branch had “recruited a lot of people since this branch started, and with more publicity we could recruit a lot more”. Delegates agreed to composite two motions on digital exclusion and voted to take them forward as one to the union’s AGM. The RMT RETIRED MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE Retired members call or a campaign of education to challenge digital exclusion which is putting elderly people at a disadvantage Tony Donaghey