PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january/february 2025 :: RMTnews 27 First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the members who participated in the recent election. Your involvement is the driving force behind our union, and I am deeply honoured to have been elected as your president. I would also like to express my commiserations to my opponent, Fraser Scott. Fraser ran a passionate campaign, and I know he shares the same commitment to improving the lives of those we represent. We are all on the same side, united in our goal of achieving a fairer, stronger future for workers. Throughout my campaign, I had the privilege of meeting incredible members and activists. These conversations reinforced the dedication, passion, and tireless effort that keep RMT strong and united. The strength of our union has always come from its members. Our union is—and always will be—led by its members. At the heart of this strength are the unsung heroes: the representatives who work tirelessly at the branch level to resolve problems, ensure voices are heard, and protect workers’ rights. Branch meetings are not just spaces to learn what is happening—they are places where decisions are made, and actions are set in motion. These meetings are essential forums where members can shape the direction of the union and ensure we continue to represent everyone effectively. While RMT is a strong and respected union, there is always more we can achieve. For this, we need more members to actively engage. It’s vital that more of us recognise the importance of participating in the democratic processes of our union. Every voice matters and the more of us who contribute, the stronger we become. Now, more than ever, trade unions play a critical role in the modern workplace. While some employment practices have improved, this is no time to become complacent. We must continue to fight until every worker enjoys fair wages, secure jobs, and respect in the workplace. This is not a moment to ease up—it is a call to press forward with renewed energy and purpose. The reality is this: despite the glossy corporate slogans and ‘values’ displayed in mess rooms the primary goal of most companies in our industry remains profit. That pursuit often leaves workers behind. It is up to us, as a union, to ensure workers are treated fairly and their rights are protected. Your involvement is critical to this effort. Local branches are the lifeblood of the union —the spaces where your voice truly matters. It is at branch meetings where real issues are raised, collective solutions are crafted, and the moral compass of our industry is reclaimed. I urge every member to take the step of getting involved. Attend your local branch meetings and make your voice heard. Whether it’s sharing your experiences, supporting a colleague, or organising for change, your actions make a difference. Together, we can ensure that the union remains a powerful force, advocating for workers and fighting for what is right. Let’s also work to make our branches welcoming places for new voices and ideas. A union is strongest when it reflects the diversity of its members and we must ensure that everyone feels encouraged to participate. By keeping the door open to fresh perspectives, we not only strengthen our union today but also secure its future. Finally, I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Alex Gordon, who has stewarded the business of our union over the past three years with precision and competence. Alex’s leadership has left the union in a strong position and I hope to build on his efforts as we move forward together. George Welch President’s Column TAKING OFFICE intrusive tinnitus. Following his ordeal, the member instructed workplace injury experts at Thompsons Solicitors to bring a claim for compensation. Despite the defendant's denial of liability, expert evidence was obtained from an engineer specialising in occupational noise exposure and a medical expert in the field of hearing damage. The defendant’s insurers initially refused to negotiate a settlement, necessitating the commencement of court proceedings but a settlement was reached without the need for a trial. SIGNALLER INJURY An RMT member who suffered injuries while employed as a signaller has received compensation from his employer, Transport for Wales. The member was walking towards the signal box in an area that was dark due to lights being in disrepair—a hazard that had previously been reported. He lost his footing and fell, landing on his left arm, which pulled on an anti-slip on the stairs, resulting in injury. An adequate risk assessment and timely repairs to the lighting could have prevented the incident and injuries. Following the incident, the lights were repaired. The member instructed workplace injury experts at Thompsons Solicitors to bring a claim for compensation. The defendant admitted liability and a medical expert determined that the member sustained grazing to both forearms and elbows. The injuries took about four weeks to heal, leaving scarring. The accident also accelerated pre- existing arthritis in the left elbow by up to one year. Settlement negotiations resulted in the member receiving a settlement award of £7,000, reflecting the severity of the injuries. All these cases demonstrates that the union is committed to taking on cases that claim companies and no win/no fee solicitors might not, ensuring members receive the support and justice they deserve.