PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

J ohn McDonnell MP gave a full report regarding the work of RMT’s Parliamentary group to AGM via a link due to the heatwave affecting travel across the country. He said that the legislation to establish Great British Railways making its way through parliament was a victory for the union and parliamentary group after decades of campaigning. The RMT group has submitted amendments highlighting the unions campaigns, including for GBR to be as a single employer, staff assaults and safe staffing levels, travel facilities and job protections for open access staff. The Employment Rights Act has also become law which is another major victory for the movement, but you will see the group have been arguing for no dilutions and the full version of the new deal. He said that the group will keep going to repeal more anti-union laws, deal with the single status of worker and extend collective bargaining. The group also pursued amendments to the Bus Services Act to raise safety concerns, strengthening employment protections for workers and introducing local forums with trade unions. The group fully supported the Action Against Assaults campaign seeking amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill in both the Commons and the Lords to create a standalone offence for public facing workers. On maritime and offshore the group was continuing to campaign to protect jobs and prevent a race to the bottom and exploring amendments to the forthcoming Energy Independence Bill to promote your campaigns. Another union victory was the fact that the Employment Rights Act contained the Mandatory Seafarers charter and the government was consulting on the regulations that underpin that. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2026 :: RMTnews 22 C uban ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter won a standing ovation from delegates re-iterating the union’s long-standing support for the Cuban people suffering the impact of the illegal US blockade. She praised RMT for its solidarity with Cuba including the annual Cuba garden party launched by former general secretary Bob Crow over 20 years ago on behalf of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC). “In that time this solidarity has deepened as the terrible impact of the United States blockade has been tightened even further,” she said. She outlined the current economic crisis in Cuba brought about directly by US foreign policy. “This is economic warfare. And more recently, this is an oil siege against Cuba,” she said. She thanked RMT for its fundraising efforts including supporting CSC’s Cuba Vivé appeal for medical equipment, medicines, and food aid and the union’s involvement in the May Day Youth Brigade. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2026 :: RMTnews The Annual General Meeting :: LIVERPOOL 2026 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA