SEPTEMBER 2021
What about port workers? RMT has been organising port workers for many years. But what has become clear to me as your National Secretary, is that we deal with your industrial issues with your employer (where we have recognition), but we do not have a campaign of any description regarding port workers. When we talk about Maritime we talk about seafarers, offshore, renewables. But what about port workers? What about your issues? Why has this happened? Where are the views of our port workers? Whilst we must accept we cannot change what has happened in the past we must equally recognise that we have an opportunity to improve how we organise port workers, creating national networking links between the various ports, improving communication, debating key issues such as the impact of Freeports and highlighting safety concerns to our members. In order to raise the profile of port worker issues and to make the necessary improvement we need more members to become active because you are the union, you determine what we should be campaigning on, you determine what our policies on ports should be and through the democratic structures of your union you have the ability to tell us what to do, what is expected of us and what improvements need to be made. Your union will not be able to address any concerns that are specific to the ports sector if we do not know about them. Let's grasp the opportunity to become better connected and better organised in your workplace and in your sector!
Regards Darren
Darren Procter RMT National Secretary
QUAY WORKER SEPTEMBER 2021
BENEFITS of RMT membership One of the biggest concerns I have found within the ports when I have visited various sites is that members do not necessarily know the benefits of being in RMT. Whilst these are often publicised within RMT News, the feed back that I have received when visiting ports is that this is an area we could improve in communicating to the workplace. If you search on the internet ‘RMT Member benefits’ this will take you to the website that identifies all benefits and allow you to download the appropriate form if required.
These benefits include, but are not limited to: 8 Accident Benefit 8 Death Grant 8 Orphan benefit 8 Retirement benefit 8 Permanent downgrading or demotion benefit 8 FREE will writing service 8 Legal services for you and your family 8 Credit union 8 Education courses
Yet another death during cargo operations!
Recognition Victory Well done to all at Liverpool Shipping branch who, with support from Regional Organiser Daren Ireland, secured recognition at Stena Line in Birkenhead following an effective campaign to organise workers within the port. Whilst this is a victory and we applaud the efforts of all involved, we also recognise that the hard work starts now to tackle the issues within the port.
John David Photography / Shutterstock.com
Unfortunately another Seafarer was fatally killed during cargo operations onboard a seatruck vessel in the port of Liverpool. This is the third fatality in 3 years at this employer and whilst our first thoughts are with the family of the Seafarer we as a trade union must raise our concerns politically and with industry about the regularity of fatalities occurring particularly within the Irish Sea. Whilst we must await the outcome of the MAIB report, I’ll hazard a guess that the blame will rest with the workers and very little accountability will be directed to the employer, other than a ‘slap on the wrist’. Whilst employers seek to meet the commercial demands, the demand is placed upon the port workers to load quicker. When port workers drive within speed limits questions are raised about loading time, at the same time as telling you safety is their number one priority. I have stated to the shipping minister, and at public forums, that safety meetings between Seafarer health and safety respresentatives and port worker health and safety representatives should take place on a regular basis to discuss safety concerns as opposed to the master speaking to the port manger.
What are your views on this?
IVAN KUZKIN / Shutterstock.com
Poor Road surfaces? Poor road surfaces appears to be a common concern within some of the ports that I have visited. Often cheap temporary repairs are being made, but what impact is this having on our members driving around the ports?
You tell us.
QUAY WORKER SEPTEMBER 2021
Shift patterns
HGV shortage
In some areas we are seeing members leave employment due to the shift patterns currently in place that does not offer appropriate work/life balance. This is particularly true when split shifts are in place. Whilst we are raising this with employers and seeking solutions, recognising that there is not a one size fits all solution, depending on commercial operations, it would be good to hear opinions from our members on shift patterns and what impact this has had and continues to have on your work place.
As a consequence of the HGV shortage, we are seeing some of our members, who have the appropiate qualifications, moving to other employers with increased pay rates and joining incentives of up to £5000. Some of the port operators are still analysing the impact this is having and we will be monitoring this situation and the impact on ports where we organise.
Please give us your opinions.
Clare Louise Jackson / Shutterstock.com
Mental health matters
YOUR
Mental Health Matters You are not alone... there is help at hand.
Mental Health has become a massive issue in society in general, in particular within the maritime sector.
We have recently initiated a campaign to raise awareness of mental health and have communicated with some employers to RMT is working closely with employers and health ascertain what and rt suppo ve impro , chari琀es to be琀er understand they are promote mental wellbeing in your workplace offering in terms of support, education and workplace initiatives. We are seeing some good examples and some poor examples from employers within the maritime sector. As part of our campaign we are looking to highlight members who are interested in mental health to develop a national strategy on this important issue. If you are interested then get in contact for more information.
Pensions matter Your union has recently initiated a Maritime Pension campaign to highlight the importance of pensions.
Are you saving for your retirement? Are your loved ones protected in the event of your death?
The campaign aims to promote greater understanding of pensions and For more information on the to identify a RMT Maritime Pensions Campaign visi www.rmt.org.uk/about/pensions t roadmap that is required for If you require pension help please contac t RMT Pensions Officer, Paul Norris at preparing to pnorris@rmt.org.uk or tel 020 7529 8806 retire. We have recently held pension forums at several employers and, whilst we do not offer financial advice as a union, we seek to ensure our members are as informed as possible. Information can be obtained from our Pension Officer Paul Norris by contacting him on 020 7529 8806 or email p.norris@rmt.org.uk
Get active. Get involved... GET IN TOUCH! If you would like more information, would like to become more involved in union activities or you have an opinion on any of the issues raised within this newsletter, please get in contact with your local rep, branch secretary or regional organiser. If you are unsure of the contact details of your representatives then please contact the union on 0800 376 3706 or info@rmt.org.uk