ORGANISING DOCKS, PORTS AND WATERWAYS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: sep/oct 2025 :: RMTnews 8 The union is developing effective strategies to build membership in docks, ports and waterways. Historically this area has been neglected due to some companies being viewed as ‘general grades’ whilst others were viewed as ‘maritime grades’ so ownership in terms of organising was often blurred. Following a change to unions rules all workers operating within docks, ports and waterways are now categorised as maritime and this requires an organising strategy that gives workers within this sector visibility, campaigning objectives and structural representation. RMT national secretary Darren Procter said that any organising campaign must include correct data, identifying industrial and health and safety reps, training and conducting a survey to see what members in this sector see as priorities. “Being in a union should be more than an insurance policy and we need to instigate debate and discussion around terms and conditions of employment or your objectives as a workforce. “That means developing networks of activists that are connected to each other, discussing challenges within the workplace and presenting quality arguments to improve terms and conditions. “We have identified that we have 20 health and safety reps that need training as well as vacancies within some workplaces and this has got be a key focus area within this sector going forward. “We must embark on a journey of improvements that includes key principles of effective industrial and health and safety reps in every workplace and to be ballot ready and organised to counter attacks on terms and conditions of employment or workplace injustice. To ensure that we are organised we need members in every workplace to discuss if we meet those key principles and if not, what are we going to do about it, because remaining unorganised is not an option. “To be organised within your workplace requires members to identify workplace leaders capable of being a representative with the relevant support and training,” he said. The union is developing a clear focus on becoming better organised in this important sector and to encourage greater trade union activism. Hopefully this article will trigger debate and discussion within the workplaces of those within the sector and so RMT can put focus on your aspirations at work. R MT national secretary Darren Procter visited the port of Holyhead to present a 50-year membership medal to Hywel Gray who works for Stena Line as a port worker.   He was joined by Holyhead No1 branch Secretary and NEC member Steve Conway.  Hywel was presented with a 50-year medal, a signed letter from the general secretary and a voucher for a meal in a local restaurant by the branch in recognition of his loyal support to the union for over 50 years.   Also pictured is Geraint Jones who was presented with a 10-year membership award and is employed by Securitas in the port. ORGANISING DOCKS, PORTS AND WATERWAYS Union launches campaign to recruit and identify reps in this crucial sector ORGANISED: RMT members on the evening shift at Loch Ryan port working as dockers discuss getting better organised and priorities of members in the ports sector.