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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2023 :: RMTnews
16
Introduction
This charter has been compiled by RMT's disabled
members as an agenda for change in the workplace.
We recognise that the world we live in today has a
long way to go before it will be able to fully comply
with the social model of disability. This charter
shows what the RMT is striving to achieve now and
in the future for our disabled members.
This is a charter of demands to benefit all disabled
transport workers, full-time or part-time, directly-
employed or outsourced, whatever their impairment
or conditions, whatever mode of transport they work
on.
Social model of disability
Society disables people with impairments and
differences by placing barriers in the way of our
equal participation in work and in wider society. The
social model identifies those barriers and removes or
reduces them.
Making the transport industry more accessible for
transport workers will also make it more accessible
for passengers.
We want all employers to formally adopt the social
model of disability, but more importantly, to put it
into practice.
Disabled workers need rights not pity or charity.
Physically accessible workplaces
step-free
enough space to move around
comfortable and suitable workstations,
including seated roles
accessible transport to, from and around
work
universal design
equipment to do the job
benign sensory environment inc. full-
spectrum lighting
Accessible workplace communications
dyslexia-friendly print layout
clear information
communications in various formats,
including large print, audio, etc.
assistive technology and software
Mentally healthy workplaces
shorter working hours
no bullying or harassment
a quiet room in every workplace
manageable workload
support after traumatic incidents
secure employment
mental health support and first aid
Control over how we work
individually controllable workstations
choice over working hours where possible
workers’ control over method and pace
of work
new technology to be used to assist not
replace staff
Fair and accessible recruitment,
promotion and training processes
no psychometric testing
practical work trials as an alternative to
exams and interviews
no requirements for jobs that are not
actually required for the role, including
irrelevant personal characteristics
training in accessible formats that suit all
learning styles
apprenticeships and similar schemes to
be accessible to disabled people, with
decent pay and conditions
Adjustments when we need them
changes to hours, location of work etc
RMT DISABLED WORKERS’ CHARTER