PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2025 :: RMTnews 27 I’d like to open my column by paying tribute to the outgoing general secretary Mick Lynch and welcoming the incoming one Eddie Dempsey. Mick has been an outstanding leader of this union with a now legendary line in curmudgeonly responses to stupidity and a hostile media. On behalf of union, I would like to wish Mick a long and happy retirement following a lifetime of struggle and playing such an important role in building our working-class movement. He will indeed be a hard act to follow but I believe Eddie Dempsey can do that after working beside Mick over these last crucial years. Eddie has already got around a lot of our spring organising conferences which are such a crucial part of democratic and campaigning structures. providing a platform for members to discuss key issues and shape the policies that will guide us going forward. The first conference was the health and safety in York with over 200 delegates. Conference was a blend of traditional discussions, updates and essential training for our representatives, reinforcing their role as the backbone of our union. No employer or company has ever introduced meaningful safety measures simply out of goodwill—every improvement has been won through the struggle and persistence of trade unionists. Without the tireless efforts of workers, campaigners, and activists, the rights and protections we have today would not exist. That is why it is imperative that we remain vigilant and reject calls to cut so-called ‘red tape.’ Conference made it clear that our representatives are more determined than ever to push back against unsafe practices and fight for stronger protections. The well-attended young members’ conference meeting in Canterbury also provided delegates with a vital opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and the future they want to build. The passion and commitment of our young members was evident, demonstrating that the future of our union is in safe hands. Their willingness and enthusiasm to engage with and address key issues shows a deep understanding of the challenges ahead. This crucial conference is an investment in the future of our movement, ensuring that new generations are prepared to fight for workers’ rights. The women’s advisory conference in Birmingham in another important gathering to discuss the issues and priorities of women in our union. Women in the transport and maritime industries face unique challenges, and this conference provides a dedicated space to discuss the concerns that matter most to them. From fighting workplace discrimination to addressing the gender pay gap and improving working conditions, this conference plays a vital role in shaping policy and ensuring that gender equality remains a central focus of our union’s work. All the advisory and grades conferences taking place form the foundation of our union’s democratic structure. They allow members to come together, exchange ideas, and directly influence RMT policies. Attending and participating in these conferences is a fundamental way for members to have their voices heard and contribute to the direction of the union. If you want to be more involved in shaping the future of our union, attending a conference is one of the best ways to do so. Whether you are passionate about workplace safety, young workers' rights, equality or another key issue, there is a conference for you. If you would like to be considered for attendance or want to learn more, speak to your branch secretary. Our union is only as strong as its members and by engaging in these conferences, we ensure that our collective voice remains powerful and effective. The fight for workers’ rights never stops and we must reaffirm our commitment to working together in defence of and improving conditions for all RMT members. George Welch President’s Column WORKING TOGETHER workplace and help prevent similar accidents in the future. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION An RMT member has received a substantial sum in respect of injury to feelings, loss of earnings and interest in a successful disability discrimination claim. The long-standing member worked as a Customer Host Gateline Assistant. His disability affecting his right knee became increasingly painful. He attended Occupational Health who said that his knee condition caused him difficulty with prolonged standing and walking, he was deemed fit to work with adjustments. However, he was placed on sick leave, pending a risk assessment with regards to the use of a stool. The manager also raised was concerns about the member wearing leg braces even though none of the Occupational Health advisors had stated that it was an issue. The employer’s safety officer subsequently informed the union that he was happy with the revisions and that the only remaining issue was the provision of a stool which would need to be agreed with Network Rail. However, the member was informed that his return to work was not possible as they had not agreed a risk assessment with Network Rail over the use of the stool and they had no other sitting position available pending the issue over the stool being resolved. The member had surgery and remained off sick after the procedure. He was then informed by payroll that his entitlement to full sick pay would expire and he would go on to half pay. The union presented a grievance alleging disability discrimination and breach of TUPE (relating to sick pay). Successful claims were submitted at the London Central Employment Tribunal for the failure to make reasonable adjustments and discrimination arising from disability. The employer resisted the claims and did not accept that our member was disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. The member was supported throughout this process by the union, local RMT reps and the RMT in- house Legal Department and he remains in his role with the stool in place to assist him. All these cases highlight the importance of RMT’s legal services in supporting members and spouses who are injured in the workplace.