letters

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2022 :: RMTnews 28 AGM REPORT Dear editor, Reading the report of October's RMT Annual General Meeting, I had to check that they weren't some pages missing, as so much that happened at the AGM was not included. It is remarkable how much was omitted from a seven-page report, which seemed to give more coverage to speeches from the top table than to decisions made by delegates. The motions from the union's own equalities conference had just a single sentence, which did not give any detail on their content. So, to assist readers, here are some of the decisions that went unreported but which did happen: • determination to fight the Tory government's plan for a new anti-union law to compel us to run a service during our own strikes, and to refuse to co-operate with it if it is passed • a call for employers to deliver accessibility for disabled workers as standard, rather than to offer it 'as required' • a radical programme for stopping climate change, based on worker-led transition from polluting industries to clean, socially useful production • opposition to 'gay cure' bigots • support for developing black leadership • the creation of a process for RMT's lay tutors to negotiate with the union about their work • overturning several decisions by the National Executive, including a series of inadequate decisions on disability issues • solidarity with the Uyghur people against repression by the Chinese state, and rejecting a proposal for union officials to visit China including meeting with state representatives In future, could RMT News please tell readers of the range of debates and decisions at the union's AGM, rather than cherry- picking its favourites and ignoring the rest? Thanks Janine Booth Finsbury Park branch, AGM delegate Editor’s note: The AGM report which appears in RMT News is not a verbatim record of what is a week-long conference. As the union is facing an onslaught of attacks on jobs, services and conditions for transport workers the focus of the report was the fightback required to resist it. All decisions taken at the AGM are dealt with by the national executive committee. PROTESTS OUTSIDE UNITY HOUSE Dear editor, I feel that I should write to convey my dismay at the protests ongoing (at time of writing) outside our union’s head office, Unity House. These protests most certainly do not serve our union in any way that would unite it. They are divisive and, some would say offensive to its members and just as importantly the staff employed by our union, who serve our members with such great skill and care. As our members across the transport industry face cuts, both in jobs and real term pay this union and its members needs its national officers and staff to be able to go about the business of keeping this union at the top of its game and continuing to be the industrial trade union we should all be proud of. This whole debacle does nothing within our union, our industries or our class but take away from the wider issues currently afoot. A national rail strike is looming, the night tube and indeed the Caledonian Sleeper actions are still ongoing, we have a de facto furlough lottery and members facing upwards of 30% pay cuts and and a furlough lottery in Dover. Pay freezes have been put in place so that our members, and the working class at large, cover the costs of Tory cronyism that gave out the wheelbarrows of cash to mates during the height of the covid pandemic. Our members face all of the above, yet these few individuals who are conducting these protests outside Unity House, without due process of trade union machinery, would drag the name of our union, officers and staff to the gutter with name calling, insinuations and personal attacks on social media and other platforms. Quite recently this great union ran a campaign against bullying and harassment in the workplace, but quite frankly if we cannot protect our staff and members who simply wish to go about the business of serving our union what is the point of such a campaign? The bosses are watching this issue with glee, rubbing grubby hands in anticipation of the time when they can use it against our members. I for one stand in solidarity with, and urge other members to so, our democratically elected general secretary, assistant general secretary and the Unity House staff who have been subjected to the abhorrent divisive protests that do nothing but go against our motto of “unity is strength”. Yours Gareth Jameson I am a health and safety rep from Hull Rail branch and I want to make members aware of some fantastic efforts by our branch chair Brother Mike Keal to inspire and empower other safety reps. On Friday December 17, 2021 Brother Keal, as Health and Safety rep, utilised his powers informing other workers in Network Rail Signal Box Hull Paragon Station to bring the station to a close and suspend service due to a lack of authorised Fire Warden at Hull paragon station which has become a common occurrence. Brother Keal had put Transpennine management on notice after the mainline Hub terminus was completely unmanned for 12 hours from 18:00 to 06:00 on December 5/6. Brother Keal told management that should the situation arise again he would shut the station down as he was not willing to allow Transpennine Express to toy with the safety of brothers and sisters from four TOC’s, as well as the bus industry, store vendors and members of the general public. Upon informing the police, Brother Keal organised station security personnel to clear and close the station, notices were placed on the gates to the effect of “station shut due to breach of safety regulations as a result of staff shortages”. I would like to recommend Brother Keal for a commendation from our union that he has served passionately for the last 13 years, for services to our union, it’s members and the public. Showing utmost courage upholding union values and protecting members safety. In solidarity, Jack Gimber RMT Health and Safety Representative Hull Paragon Station WELL DONE MIKE! LETTERS