CALLING YOUNG MEMBERS!

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: jan/feb 2026 :: RMTnews 21 The young members advisory committee is organising a year of activity starting with the annual young members’ conference which is getting bigger every year. Over 60 delegates attended conference in Canterbury last year and we are hoping for more in 2026 which is generously being hosted by Newcastle and Gateshead branch (wae aye!). Conference will be taking place on 27/28 February 2026 so ask your branch secretary for a form to attend. This annual event is a coming together of young members from across the country to take part in educational sessions with guest speakers, debate and discussion on motions, and lively socials in the evenings. In previous years, we’ve had practical training on organising your workplace, sessions on lobbying politicians, and high- profile guests such as campaigning economist Gary Stevenson and RMT speakers including officers and NEC members. There are informal and inclusive workshops focused on the big changes facing our industries, including the transition to Great British Railways. Conference is also a great way to meet other reps and activists and to gain the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to become more involved in the union going forward. This year will bring more of the same: engaging speakers, hands-on organising workshops, and plenty of time to share experiences and get to know people from across the length and breadth of our union. As you can see, this year’s young members’ Introduction to Trade Unionism course at the Marx Memorial Library has also started with plenty of room for more participants. This time, in collaboration with the library, we have sought to introduce a new approach to the course: one that was more self-led and less lecture heavy. However, this is only part of a packed year of organising, courses, and events led by RMT young members. We were also honoured to receive a highly commended award for ‘Best Recruitment and Organising Communication’ at the TUC Communications Awards for the RMT Apprentice Charter produced by the RMT apprentice organising committee. The charter was part of our wider apprentice organising campaign, which has seen young members get organised in their workplaces, run socials and events, and put pressure on politicians and employers to improve the pay and terms and conditions of apprentices. So, if you are aged 30 or under, don’t miss out. Ask your branch or regional council if you can come along as a conference delegate. Please submit nomination forms to the National Education Centre, Doncaster, or via email to m.cudjoe@rmt.org.uk by 9 February, 2026. For any general enquiries about the RMT young members, you can contact me (Sarah) at YMChair@RMT.org.uk. Equally, if you’re an activist over 30, please encourage young members in your branch or workplace to think about attending! CALLING YOUNG MEMBERS! RMT young members’ chair Sarah Cundy outlines plans for conference and beyond AWARD: Rhys Harmer of RMT’s young workers’ apprentice organising committee and Sarah Cundy accept the TUC award for the Apprentice Charter from general secretary Eddie Dempsey. LAUNCH: Awarding-winning Apprentice Charter launched at Young Member’s Conference last year