Author: Paul

Posted on

Campaign for Trade Union Freedom

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices

 

Wednesday 29th April 2015

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Threat of more anti-unions laws – affiliate to Campaign for Trade Union Freedom

 

Following the general election, the prospect of even greater restrictions on the freedom of trade unions may be realised. For example, the Conservative Party manifesto proposes increasing anti-union legislation across the board but especially in a number of industries including transport. Their manifesto states:

 

“Strikes should only ever be the result of a clear, positive decision based on a ballot in which at least half the workforce has voted. This turnout threshold will be an important and fair step to rebalance the interests of employers, employees, the public and the rights of trade unions. We will, in addition, tackle the disproportionate impact of strikes in essential public services by introducing a tougher threshold in health, education, fire and transport. Industrial action in these essential services would require the support of at least 40 per cent of all those entitled to take part in strike ballots – as well as a majority of those who actually turn out to vote. We will also repeal nonsensical restrictions banning employers from hiring agency staff to provide essential cover during strikes; and ensure strikes cannot be called on the basis of ballots conducted years before. We will tackle intimidation of non-striking workers; legislate to ensure trade unions use a transparent opt-in process for union subscriptions; tighten the rules around taxpayer-funded paid ‘facility time’ for union representatives; and reform the role of the Certification Officer”.

 

If implemented this proposal would mean that in transport, if RMT balloted 10,000 members for strike action we would be required by law for 5,000 of members balloted to cast their vote and for 4,000 of those to vote in favour of action for the ballot to be valid. This would mean an 80% Yes vote would be required on a 50% turnout in every ballot.

 

Whatever the outcome of the election we will continue to fight against any attacks on trade union rights and to campaign for new freedoms. RMT is affiliated to the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom. If your branch or regional council is not yet affiliated I strongly encourage you to do so. Please visit http://www.tradeunionfreedom.co.uk/

 

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

Posted on

LGBT PRIDE EVENTS 2015

My ref: EO/16

29th April 2015

Circular No. NP/77/15

 

TO: THE SECRETARY

ALL BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

LGBT PRIDE EVENTS 2015

 

This year we wish to increase our presence at LGBT Pride events around the country.  Not only are Pride marches a time of celebration for our LGBT community, but are an opportunity to promote the union and our campaigns.  This year we will be taking the campaign for the nationalisation of the railways to the following Pride events:

 

Birmingham    23rd May

London            27th June

Brighton           1st August

Plymouth         8th August

Cardiff                         15th August

Glasgow          22nd August

 

Pride marches are family friendly events and all members, whatever sexuality or gender are welcome to join in.  I encourage branches and regions to take their banners and support our LGBT members.

 

Please do use the attached poster to advertise these events.  For any queries or to say you wish to take part, contact our Equal Opportunities Officer (j.webb@rmt.org.uk).

 

Yours sincerely,

Posted on

Young Person's AGM Course

 

 

 

ED/16/15

Circular No. NP/31/145

 

23RD February 2015

 

 

 

To: All Branches & Regional Councils, Regional Organisers.

 

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

Young Members’ Annual General Meeting Education Course 2015

 

In recent years the Union has organised a Young Members Education Course to run in parallel with the Unions ‘Parliament’ the Annual General Meeting which has proved highly successful. This year the Annual General Meeting takes place in Newcastle, and a similar education course for any of our young members to attend will be organised. To attend you should be a member of the RMT and aged 30 or less on the 20th June 2015, and not attended this event before.

 

The course will be begin with an informal Introductory Social gathering on the evening of Saturday 20th June 2015 so those attending should make their travel plans accordingly. The Course will begin in earnest in the early afternoon of Sunday 21st June to coincide with the opening of the Annual General Meeting which the ultimate decision is making body of the Union. Throughout the week the programme will look to help all the Young Members attending to understand both how this meeting works and how they can have an input in the coming years to help determine the policies and direction of our union. During the week there will be opportunities to meet face to face senior officials and Officers of the RMT, including the General Secretary and President as well as international guests of the Union. Also in the week ideas and practical plans will be discussed as to how we can help build an even bigger and stronger RMT for the future. Of course throughout the week there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the location and mix socially with those attending. The course will close early on the morning of Friday 26th June 2015 to enable those attending to travel home.

 

*A special request is also being made for those who may wish to seek selection for the General Secretary’s Football team due to play on the afternoon of Saturday 20th June 2015. If you are interested please indicate on your application form and if necessary accommodation will be provided for the night of the 19th June.

 

Your accommodation will be provided at the SleepZ, 15 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE, cost met by your union.

 

 

If you wish to attend this Annual General Meeting Education Course in Newcastle you should complete the attached application form and return to the National Education Officer at, RMT Education, 47-49 Thorne Road, Doncaster, South Yorks, DN1 2EX. The Union will meet the reasonable travel costs of those attending to and from Newcastle as well as all accommodation costs. If you are unable to secure Paid Time Off from your employer then the Union will meet this up to the agreed maximum rate. All applicants will receive guidance on the education expenses procedure with their application acknowledgement letter.

 

If you wish any further details of this course please contact the National Education Officer at: a.gilchrist@rmt.org.uk

 

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

Posted on

LUL Substations Framework Agreement

Despite months of talks with LUL and awaiting a reply to the last RMT proposal, LUL have decided to threaten to impose a settlement on our members.

This is clear provocation and unacceptable to the RMT and the company will be sent a clear reply on our intentions, including Industrial Action if necessary

LUL Letter ref Power Framework

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