ADAPTING TO CHANGE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/aug 2025 :: RMTnews 14 R MT is adapting to meet the challenges of the future around recruitment and retention, the union’s president George Welch told delegates at the branch and regional council secretaries conference in Inverness. He said that new developments around RMT’s digital transformation project would assist branch secretaries to organise members more effectively. “We’ve got a new strategy for retaining and recruiting members coming up. “The new membership system and the dedicated organising and recruitment team, combined with your experience as branch secretaries, are going to make a real difference,” he said. He went on to thank local officials for all the work they did for the union including “pastoral care” as well as all the administrative work to keep branches going. Casting an eye on upcoming changes in the industry, including public ownership of train and track, he said that the union needed to be prepared for changes in the industry. “If rail is going back into national ownership that will bring change. “I’m sure some of you were around when the industry was privatised, and you went through all of that. Your expertise will be required as we go through these new changes,” he said. Scotland organiser Ann Joss who is responsible for offshore workers in the oil, gas and renewables industry, told delegates that the union was doing important work in that area and how the ‘just transition’ was not prioritising workers. “Everything we use—our cars, the trains we travel on, the planes we fly in, the goods we buy in the shops— somewhere along the line, they all depend on oil and gas. “But over the past year, we have seen a steady decline in what’s available from the North Sea. “The so-called ‘just transition’ that everyone talks about, has turned into an unjust transition. “The cost of moving workers from oil and gas into renewables hasn’t been properly met,” she said. She praised the Scottish government £900,000 support package to help people gain new qualifications, but this only covers around 200 people. “What about the rest? “Those who don’t qualify for that support will have to pay for their own certification and even after that, getting a job is the next hurdle,” she said. Guest speaker Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands & Islands, praised the union for all its work and the often- unfair criticism received from politicians and the media. “It’s the collective strength of unions like RMT that ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice for every worker. These principles are non-negotiable if we want our public services to thrive. “Your work is fundamental to the fabric of our communities. For us, rail isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about connecting dispersed communities, supporting our industries, and offering a sustainable transport alternative for people in a region where options can be limited,” she said. Delegates also called for clear rules to prevent branches being assigned to host conferences without their agreement, urging that all hosts be confirmed at least two years in advance to allow time for proper planning. Concerns were also raised over training for branch officials, with calls for consistent, regionally delivered sessions covering essential roles like secretaries and membership officers. Conference also recognised the difficulties in setting up bank accounts, proposing that head office take responsibility for the initial set-up and provide clear guidance and support. ADAPTING TO CHANGE Ann Joss addresses conference