INTRODUCTIONS TO TRADE UNIONISM

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september/october 2026 :: RMTnews 21 RMT young members have been getting more involved with the Marx Memorial Library and Worker’s School (MML) which holds fascinating archives concerning trade unionism, Marxism and the working-class movement and hosts lectures and workshops to share this history. We are running joint courses aimed at young members in early October led by us and Sarah Cundy, chair of the young members’ advisory committee. We intend to run another reading group later in the autumn, looking at MML’s archival collections as the basis for discussion. These reading groups are designed to be accessible to non-graduates and graduates alike. Marc Harris first found out about the library while attending the RMT young members’ introduction to trade unionism course, taught by Sarah alongside the secretary of the library, Simon Renton. The course introduced activists not only to trade union history and politics, but also to the important role the library plays in preserving the history of working-class struggle and socialist education.  Marc has now helped to develop the reading group using the library’s extensive archives and was elected as a trustee of the library, reflecting the growing relationship between RMT and the MML. This has created a space for discussion, political education and opportunities to bring together trade union activists. Kelly Ritchie got involved through volunteering with other young members to carry out maintenance and repairs on the building, and later through the reading group. “The library celebrates the history of trade unionism and shows that internationally and historically, we have fought many fights for the rights of the working class and will continue to do so. “I love being able to discuss and learn from others at the library, and the care that goes into preserving that history is quite inspiring,” she said. As railway workers and active trade unionists, they both felt that there was a real connection between the work of the library and the solidarity and collective organising within the union. “We’ve helped organise building maintenance at the library with other volunteers and encouraged members who may not feel confident to get more involved and take ownership of the labour movement’s history and institutions. “Working with the MML has been really rewarding and thought-provoking and has helped to share the importance of solidarity not just in times of struggle, but in everyday organising. “We hope more RMT members will get involved, visit the library and see it as a place that belongs to the wider trade union movement,” they agreed. For more information on the work of RMT young members contact: YMchair@rmt.org.uk INTRODUCTIONS TO TRADE UNIONISM RMT young members Marc Harris and Kelly Ritchie outline educational courses