DEALING WITH SEXISM

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2025 :: RMTnews 8 R MT women’s conference meeting in Birmingham declared in one voice for sexism and misogyny to be rooted out in the workplace. Several delegates shared stories of instances of sexual harassment of women transport staff and expressed frustration that often victims were seen as problems by bosses rather than the male perpetrators. Delegates also raised the fact that the union and wider movement must do more to deal with sexist attitudes and create a culture where women trade unionists feel safe and secure. RMT national executive committee member Primrose Jeanton said that such treatment of women and a refusal of some company bosses to deal with it properly was wholly unacceptable. “Harassment of women is an all-too-common experience for our members. And rail companies have a duty of care to stamp it out. “The union too must be a no-go area for sexists, and we must re-double our efforts to make sure sisters in our ranks are empowered through their branches and our equalities structures,” she said. She added part of dealing with misogyny in the workplace was the union’s campaign on insourcing - something which the Labour government has pledged to implement and the union “will hold ministers to account on their promises”. In one of the key presentations at conference, Bakerloo Line delegate and a recent RMT representative at Women’s TUC, Mel Mullings spoke about black women’s experience of sexual harassment and the double- edged prejudice of sexism and racism they face, known as “ misogynoir”. She pointed out the first ever Black MP Diane Abbott had been suffering from that double edged abuse for decades, citing negative stereotypes of “the aggressive black woman” as a way of de- legitimising concerns of those who suffer racism and sexism in the workplace. “Sexual harassment cases are through the roof and male perpetrators are being kept in their workplaces, whereas women victims are being moved on as if they are the problem,” she added RMT assistant general secretary John Leach gave a wide-ranging speech praising women members for their steadfast determination on recent picket lines and praised those who have become more active in their workplace and branch.  He also sent a strong message against discrimination and harassment urging male members to do more, saying: “Men must call out sexism within the union as it has no place in our movement”. Guest speaker Coventry MP Zarah Sultana told delegates via a zoom link that the fight for women’s emancipation was one that transcended national borders and that it was dangerous for the Labour government to try to adopt Reform Party tropes to give itself a boost in the polls. Conference also passed several motions including, calls for menopause training workplace reps, greater workplace protections for breastfeeding, a review of body-worn camera safety, and for RMT to support the campaign seeking justice for women affected by state pension age changes - the WASPI women. Katy Philips, Hull Rail DEALING WITH SEXISM RMT women’s conference calls out misogyny and sexism in the workplace