NEW MARITIME BRANCH FOR HARWICH

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2025 :: RMTnews 24 The union has been organising meetings at the port of Harwich across companies in which RMT has recognition with a view to launching a new branch covering all grades working for Harwich international Port, OCS and Stena Brittanica. RMT national secretary Darren Procter said that the union had agreed to the principle of having a single branch responsible in Harwich for organising all workers which would include seafarers, port workers and security staff. Darren has been joined by regional organiser Kathy Mazur for discussions at the port where there is a high density of membership and the potential for more. “Issues discussed include health and safety, agreement documentation and working practices and, perhaps, a lack of visibility by the union over recent years. “However, I believe we have an energised membership and a refocused mindset on the role of the union and what it can do for members,” he said. He said that the union must have a regular presence and offer support for reps to improve organisational structures and activity to create an organised workplace. “I recently met with the HR Business partner of OCS who has recently taken over and TUPED across members previously employed by Profile security. “I believe that there is an intent by the employer to eradicate all zero-hour contracts within the port and it was agreed that RMT can hold regular surgery days for these employees. “The other growth areas include the new HIP BCP terminal, CSA staff at Stena Line and the site which deals with duty free which is a covered by RMT’s collective bargaining agreement and the port is now regularly used by the UKRI vessel Sir David Attenborough. STENA Darren visited members onboard the Stena Brittanica and held discussions with reps and Stuart Morrison who is an rep onboard and branch secretary of Harwich Shipping branch. “This is not just a matter of moving members between branches but to take ownership of the port, progress an agenda of organising and encouraging activism whilst having support mechanisms in place with resources for to benefit members and the union as a whole,” he said. STENA: Stena reps recently visited Unity House for discussions around organising. (left to right) Stena rep and Harwich Shipping branch secretary Stuart Morrison, rep Peter Martin, Mick Lynch, and Stena full time convenor Michael Hobson and Darren Procter. RMT national secretary Darren Procter made a visit to members on the Foreland shipping vessel Anvil Point visiting members in the port of Marchwood recently to discuss pay and improving engagement with RMT deep-sea members. NEW MARITIME BRANCH FOR HARWICH FORELAND VISIT