RMT AT STUC

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2022 :: RMTnews 25 This year’s Scottish TUC annual congress took place at the Music Hall in Aberdeen with RMT delegates playing a full role as ever. The RMT delegation agreed that a composite motion on Just Transition would be seconded by Jake Molloy, as this incorporated the union’s amendment. Another composite was supported by RMT delegate Kim Gibson from Inverness branch who spoke about over Fair Work. Another composite was moved by Amanda Walton of North Clyde branch, over Scotland’s recovery from Covid 19 and a vision for Scotland’s railway. Ann Joss from Aberdeen branch seconded a motion calling for a public inquiry into the Carmont rail crash and Graham Wallace from Glasgow Shipping branch moved a motion opposing the privatisation of the Scottish ferry industry. Mairi Beaton also from Glasgow Shipping branch also seconded a motion on reducing fatigue on ferries in Scotland. Zimmi Maroti from Glasgow No5 branch seconded a motion with an RMT amendment which called for the concept of roving health and safety representatives. The union submitted two emergency motions on justice for P&O seafarers and the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The P&O motion was moved by RMT general secretary Mick Lynch and the NMW motion was moved by Robbie Wyness of the Offshore Energy branch. The union also provided speakers for various fringe meetings. This year’s Scottish TUC also awarded RMT member Gary Pollock with the Frank Maguire Award commitment to health and safety during the Covid pandemic. Gary Pollock is a conductor and chair of Stirling No1 branch Gary stepped up to the plate as the health and safety rep during the first stages of the pandemic and has excelled as a fierce advocate for workplace safety on ScotRail. Throughout the period he continued to challenge management over their lax implementation of safety measures and through his steadfastness ensured the 349 locations were safe for staff and passengers, whilst allowing staff to continue with their safety critical duties. He also pushed the employers to provide rest facilities with suitable social distancing measures in place. Gary’s dedication to his role as a conductor was key to implementing safe zones on trains, for conductors, ticket examiners and passengers alike. Mick Lynch congratulated Gary for all his initiatives to reduce Covid transmissions. “You undoubtedly saved lives, and your award is testament to that,” he said. Congress was also successful in that many RMT members were representing their Trade Union Councils; namely Davy Hainey, Motherwell & Wishaw branch secretary, representing North Lanarkshire TUC and Janet Cassidy, North Clyde branch secretary representing Clydebank TUC, although Janet had to call off as she had an accident and needed hospital treatment. The delegation sent her best wishes for a speedy recovery. RMT AT STUC RMT member Gary Pollock wins the Frank Maguire Award for health and safety at work Gary Pollock