AWARDS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march/april 2026 :: RMTnews 28 R MT Scotland gave former RMT regional organiser Mick Hogg a great send-off at his retirement celebration recently.  Mick retired early due to health issues after 16 years as a regional organiser and 34 years in the union. Despite his health Mick gave an inspirational speech, thanking everyone attending and calling on the need to defend working class interests and the need for solidarity He thanked his daughter Nicky who has helped so much recently and other family attendance. Others in attendance included RMT Scotland Council secretary Jim Grey, president George Welch, NEC members Gary Pollock and David Douglas and regional organisers Ann Joss and Gordon Martin and both assistant general secretaries Daren Ireland and John Leach. Former Edinburgh and portobello branch secretary Graham Buchanan also gave thanks to Mick’s service as well as MSP Richard Leonard who recalled Mick’s service to the labour trade union movement in the transport and mining industries. Mick was also joined by former comrades and friends from the National Union of Mineworkers along with his brother - fellow RMT member Alex who along with their late father was victimised and sacked in the miners’ strike 1984/5. R MT’s Medway and District General Grades branch held its AGM in Rainham with Eddie Dempsey in attendance to present some awards. He also spoke on a range of topics from the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), body worn video equipment and union’s anti-assault campaign. It led to a liively and informed debate and questions, as well as humour and solidarity. Eddie said that ‘the lifeblood of our union was the quality and commitment of reps and activists in the workplace because, without them, “nothing happens and nothing changes”. Eddie presented a 10 membership badges to conductor and health and safety rep Dave Reid (10 years), and 25 year badge to outsourced cleaner and ex- revenue protection officer Ken Woolgar. Elections were held for health and safety reps and branch committee positions followed by a lush buffet spread. EDINBURGH RETIREMENT MEDWAY MEDALS