LEGAL VICTORIES ON THE ROAD

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: jan/feb 2026 :: RMTnews 26 LEGAL SUPPORT FOR RMT MEMBERS AT EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS If you are experiencing difficulties in the workplace and need advice regarding a potential employment tribunal claim contact the union. In the first instance, ensure that you contact your local RMT Representatives or Regional Organiser. Then complete an L2 – Request for Legal Assistance (available on-line) and send it to your Regional Office with all supporting documentation. RMT’s legal department deals with virtually all cases from assessment to the case’s conclusion at a tribunal for members across England and Wales. The legal department has also submitted claims to Employment Appeal Tribunals. The in-house legal department is now firmly established and employs four solicitors and continues to advise and support members in their work-related criminal cases in the Magistrates Court. This often involves defending members against false allegations made by the public of assault, false allegations of theft and alleged driving offences. Furthermore, it continues to offer tailored advice and support for bus and taxi drivers, in respect of their licensing issues, licensing appeals before the Magistrates Court, driving offences, and in respect of appearances before Traffic Commissioners. The In-house legal department continues to strive to deliver a first-class service to all of members. They are committed to provide a strong service to assist the union through the ever-changing legal landscape and their successes have grown yearly. Your Free legal service covers: • Employment Law – provided by the RMT Legal Department • Access to Personal Injury Lawyers – where 100 per cent of compensation is kept by members. • Access to a basic will service. • Access to special terms for conveyancing, probate, powers of attorney. • Access to special terms for family law related matters. The contact number for the legal department is 020 7084 7260 or go on-line to rmt.org.uk/about/legal-services/ An RMT member has received over £7,500 in compensation after a terrifying motorway accident left her injured and unable to work for two months. The incident happened early one morning as the member was driving to work along the motorway. Traffic ahead had slowed, hazard lights flashing — and then disaster struck. A large piece of metal debris, which had fallen from a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), smashed into her car, causing significant damage to her car and many others. The HGV responsible failed to stop and was never identified, leaving a trail of destruction across all four lanes of the busy motorway. The member’s vehicle had to be towed away, and she was left with injuries to her neck, shoulders and lower back, along with anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. Unable to work for two months, she turned to RMT’s legal partners, Thompsons Solicitors, who pursued her case under the Motor Insurers Bureau Untraced Drivers Agreement — a special provision for victims of hit-and- run or untraced drivers. Thanks to determined legal action, a just settlement was secured. HEAD ON COLLISION An RMT member has secured over £3,400 in compensation after a frightening head-on collision caused by a driver who admitted that he fell asleep at the wheel. The accident happened in the early hours as the member was driving home after a night shift. Without warning, a car travelling in the opposite direction veered onto the wrong side of the road, crashing directly into him. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where the other driver confessed to police and paramedics that he had dozed off behind the wheel. The impact left the member’s vehicle heavily damaged and caused multiple injuries to his neck, chest, knee, hips, back, and face. He also experienced shock and sleep disruption, forcing him to take two weeks off work and suffer lost income during his recovery. Thompsons Solicitors, the union’s legal partners, pursued a claim for personal injury and financial loss. While the other driver’s insurer accepted blame, they refused to offer fair LEGAL VICTORIES ON THE ROAD RMT fights for members from day one of membership L E G A L