DISABLED MEMBERS’ MEET

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2026 :: RMTnews 26 A packed disabled members advisory conference meeting in Exeter laid out the main issues for the next year of campaigning. Conference chair Faye Wright, Exeter Rail welcomed delegates to an ever-growing annual meeting for members. RMT assistant general secretary John Leach also underscored the importance of the conference in fostering a knowledgeable organisation. He said that the collective expertise of the advisory committee and the conference had provided the union with invaluable strategic insights. “You are the experts based on your experiences and it is important that those who are most marginalised are heard,” he said. Joseph Clough, Stockport and District called for the union to campaign to remove all time restrictions from the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). “Disabled people in the UK face a postcode lottery, with some able to travel for free on buses during peak hours, while many in England cannot,” he said. He said that the union needed to step up campaigning to ensure public transport was fully accessible, both physically and financially, for disabled people. Faye Wright called for mandatory neurodiversity training for RMT officers and reps as the union needed to be on top of the issue. “By doing this we can make sure we are supporting neurodivergent members effectively and leading by example, not just asking others to do it,” she said. Angharad Cooter, Sheffield and District argued for the union to launch a campaign calling on employers to implement mandatory accessibility assessments for all new starters. The assessments would cover mobility, sensory, and any other individual needs required to ensure full and fair participation in the workplace. “Following completion of an assessment, the employer must provide equipment, adjustments, or support as specified by the qualified assessor, and such equipment must not be substituted unless an alternative is explicitly authorised by the assessing expert,” she said. Colin Stewart, Plymouth No 1 called for the union to write to train operating companies highlighting the importance of timely action where an employee has engaged the Access to Work scheme and their input is needed. “Access to Work not only helps the employee but also the company, especially where financial grants are requested,” he said. Phil Scott, Cambrian told delegates that there was a need for operational and safety critical information to be available as hard copy and not solely in digital format as was the case on Transport for Wales currently. “Operational Information can be difficult to obtain and access, especially if needed at short notice in a location with poor mobile or broadband reception,” he said. Roxsanne Lesieur, Leeds City and Aiden Morgan, Neasden ran workshops on the role of the union’s Disability Advisory Committee (DMAC). They explained the work that it was carrying out and their personal experiences of navigating work with a disability. They outlined how DMAC offers case guidance, training, access to resources and direct contact for union members who need assistance or support. Ms Lesieur explained that DMAC used the social model of understanding disability over the medical model so that adjustments are made to support people with disabilities rather than requiring disabled people to adjust. DISABLED MEMBERS’ MEET RMT disabled members call for accessibility and workplace support