WOMEN DEMAND BETTER

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: jan/feb 2026 :: RMTnews 14 Scottish Trade Union Congress delegates launched their manifesto in Glasgow recently, asking parties to work on many issues that women and girls must tackle daily in their communities, workplaces and schools. The RMT Scotland delegation made up of Mary Jane Herbison, Esther Burns and Angela Watts participated in the two days of lively debate.  Delegates also participated in a panel session on the rise of the far right and the use of social media.  RMT moved a motion on the RMT campaign Action Against Assaults, exposing the fact that in 2024 British Transport Police recorded over 7,000 violent and serious public order offences against rail staff, marking a 47 per cent increase since 2021. Further BTP cuts would mean guards having to deal with groups of drunk passengers alone and the risk of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and physical attacks increasing.   RMT is also asking for stronger legal protection for public transport workers who are abused and assaulted at work and campaigns for staffing levels and an end to lone working. RMT delegates also moved a motion against outsourcing and how it was an equality issue as most caterers and cleaners are women on lower pay, inferior conditions and sometimes no career prospects. RMT is fighting to create a single integrated, publicly owned railway with an integrated workforce. A reasonable adjustments for Breastfeeding motion was also moved by the RMT Scotland delegation. As most RMT members don’t work in a set place, like an office, it is very important that facilities are in place for women to express milk in a private room, not a toilet.  Delegates also argued that flexible working must be given by the employer, obliging them to change shift patterns.  It is well documented about the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby, so it’s important that the government must ensure that these reasonable adjustments are enshrined in law. WOMEN DEMAND BETTER Scottish TUC women’s committee launch manifesto in Glasgow DELEGATES: Mary Jane Herbison, Esther Burns and Angela Watts