RMT AT WOMEN’S TUC

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2026 :: RMTnews 21 facilities, lack of basic welfare provisions, and stark disparities compared with directly employed colleagues. Ms Mazur added that this created a two-tier workforce where minority workers were treated as “second-class citizens” and called the situation totally unacceptable.  Mel Mullings, Bakerloo Line warned that the expansion of US tech firm Palantir Technologies into UK public services represented a form of “digital colonialism” that risked exploiting workers and public data for private profit. She argued that the growing use of AI and data surveillance tools could deepen inequality, with concerns that such technologies are often tested on black and migrant communities and may embed racial bias in workplaces. The motion called for strict safeguards, including full union oversight and transparency over any new technology introduced in the transport sector, to prevent surveillance, discrimination and the erosion of workers’ rights. She added that the union should demand that employers carry out “equity impact assessments” to ensure that new systems do not disproportionately target black workers. RMT’s largest ever delegation to TUC called for action against assaults on women. A key theme throughout conference was the increasing impact of violence and abuse, particularly for women in frontline roles. RMT played a leading role by highlighting the growing prevalence and severity of violence across public transport. RMT delegate Annila Saghir, Kings Cross moved a motion drawing attention to the heightened risks faced by women workers and passengers and provided data illustrating the rise in violent offences against women and girls alongside significant reductions in British Transport Police numbers. It also reflected findings from RMT women transport workers, showing that 70 per cent had experienced workplace violence in the past year, with many working alone at the time. Conference backed the call for urgent action, supporting RMT’s campaign to tackle assaults through properly staffed transport networks, an end to lone working and stronger legal protections. Annila also moved a motion in support of the WASPI campaign, drawing attention to the gender pension gap and the inequalities many women face in retirement. RMT delegate Jessica Robinson spoke in support of Women’s Occupational Health and Safety, emphasising the need to better recognise women’s health issues in the workplace. Roxanne Lesieur, Leeds supported flexible learning in the trade union movement, highlighting the importance of access to education and training. Emma Purcell, a stewardess for Stena Line, seconded a motion on supporting seafarers through menopause at sea, raising awareness of the challenges faced by women in the maritime sector. Annila was also elected to the TUC Women’s Committee, ensuring that RMT women will continue to have a strong voice in shaping the wider trade union movement’s agenda. “Conference once again demonstrated the importance of women being at the heart of our union, leading the fight for safer workplaces, fairer conditions and equality for all,” she said. RMT AT WOMEN’S TUC Conference discusses assaults, online abuse, workplace safety, pensions and women’s health CONFERENCE: Newly-elected regional organiser Primrose Jeanton addresses delegates