LGBT+ LAUNCHES RMT CHARTER

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2026 :: RMTnews 23 Conference chair Simon Gilson explained that the new charter contained a charter of rights, and the relevant legal protections it provides under the Equality Act 2010, and what action union members can take to ensure it is enforced. The Act provides legal protection from discrimination due to having a “protected characteristic” including marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. That discrimination can be direct, indirect or take the form of harassment or victimisation. The charter also details how hate crimes against sexual orientation and gender identity are under-reported as people who are the victims are often not willing to come forward. It also explains what steps need to be taken to record and report a hate crime. It also explained the benefits of joining RMT and issues a call for LGBT+ members to be fully involved in all aspects of the union’s work. Primrose Jeanton, European Passenger Services, and Wale Agunbiade, East London Rail, welcomed delegates on behalf of the two branches that jointly hosted the event. John Stack, Finsbury Park issued a call for the union to “give our unequivocal support for trans and non-binary people.” Addressing the consequences of the government’s ban on puberty blockers he said: “Research has shown that following the UK wide ban, the consequences for trans and non-binary children and young people are revealing very serious adverse effects, less than a year after its imposition, including sharply declining mental health, increased depression, social isolation, anxiety, stress, self-harm, school avoidance and suicidal thoughts. “Trans children and young people deserve safety, understanding, and access to the same standard of care afforded to their peers. Decisions about their healthcare should be guided by medical evidence and the expertise of trained professionals, not by political agendas,” he said. Guest speaker,Bob Hughes from Switchboard, the longstanding LGBT+ national support line, explained that a crucial part of the organisation’s current work is supporting young people who are transitioning. He detailed how Switchboard was founded in 1974 and gave an account of how progress had been made on many issues. He explained that the organisation’s archive of phone logs are historical records that have been drawn upon by television companies for TV series. They contain notes of calls received during police raids on gay establishments in the 1970s and entrapment of gay men to the fear around HIV in the 1980s, the Section 28 legislation designed to stop “the promotion of homosexuality” and the bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub in London in 1999. Brian McCann, Manchester South proposed that the union to affiliate to Switchboard and highlight the work of the organisation. Conor Price, national executive, gave a progress report on the union’s work carrying forward the work of the resolutions from last year. RMT assistant general secretary Daren Ireland highlighted the Better Jobs, Better Services and Action Against Assaults campaigns. He told delegates that union membership was increasing and paid tribute to members in the room who had been signing up new members in their branches. Copies of the LGBT charter are available from equal opportunities officer Jess Webb at j.webb@rmt.org.uk LGBT+ LAUNCHES RMT CHARTER RMT LGBT+ members launch charter at annual conference meeting in London FIGHTING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER + RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE RMT LGBT+ MEMBERS’ CHARTER A UNION WITH PRIDE deA5-4a.qxp_Layout 1 22/04/2026 11:33 g