ORGANISING ON THE MEDWAY

R eps and activists from RMT’s Medway and District branch were out and about on a recruiting and organising day. RMT regional organiser John Parsons was jalso oined by newly elected engineering Company Council rep Chris Eccles from Ramsgate Engineering Branch. The main focus was the Train Care Depot at Gillingham where members spoke with most of the engineers on duty, joined up two new members and started a conversation with one longer serving member who was considering standing for the local rep vacancy at the shed. Once Chris Eccles had updated the notice board at the depot, we moved across to speak with the Churchills Cleaners at the depot, led by John Johnstone CC Rep for Churchills SET contract where John Parsons surprised him with a presentation of his 10- year badge. “Churchills and other outsourced cleaners have been through the wringer over the last few years, but we are committed to keep fighting for decent pay, sick pay and free travel to and from work as a bare minimum of a fair deal for our grades. “We all need to concentrate on recruiting and organising the cleaners and all outsourced grades as a matter of urgency because it will make us all stronger,” John said. The organising posse then moved up to Gillingham Station and Train Crew Depot, where they met up with the Dave Reid, the branch recruitment and organising officer. They spoke to members and non-members on the platforms and in the supervisor’s office, discussing the issues raised at the shop floor, encouraging them to get to branch meetings. The group handed out lanyards with QR code tabs, so that when they talk to non- members they can get them to sign up online just by scanning on a smartphone. A long day was finished with a cold soft drink in the Train Crew lobby and a brief chat with the local managers who, although a little surprised to see us, were quite friendly. Medway branch chair Paul Dennis said that being part of a union wasn’t just paying your dues and voting for officers every couple of years. “It is about committing to stand with friends and colleagues at work, whenever called upon and standing behind our reps and officers when the employers, the government or the media pick a fight with us,” he said. As well as the great work put in by all, John Parsons met up with recently retired member Colin Benham and presented him with his 40-year badge and medallion. Colin said that he never regretted joining the NUR back in the day as it gave him peace of mind, a sense of camaraderie and a voice when it came to workplace issues and pay negotiations. John Parsons said that it was an honour to present the medallion and badge on behalf of the general secretary and the union. “40 years is a significant milestone in membership and service and Colin deserves to be recognised for his solidarity and commitment,” he said. 29 RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september/october 2024 :: RMTnews ORGANISING ON THE MEDWAY John Parsons presents badge to Colin Benham John Parsons presents badge to John Johnstone John Parsons presents badge to