GET ACTIVE, GET INVOLVED...

I am proud to be a docker. I am proud to be a member of RMT. I am proud have been elected as a delegate to the various conferences, but what would make me even prouder is an emergence of port workers becoming more involved in the union’s machinery and giving us an identity as a grade that we have probably lacked previously. GET ACTIVE, GET INVOLVED!!

I became actively involved as a member of RMT union in 2017 following successfully achieving recognition. I became an industrial representative in July 2017 and I have successfully completed both Level 1 and Level 2 representatives courses that have given me the tools to best represent members in my port. I am also a Health and Safety representative within the port and actively involved in making representations to our employer on behalf of our membership.

Since becoming actively involved I have regularly attended my local branch, Dover shipping, to seek advice and raise our concerns and understand the best way to progress them. I have recently been elected as the Chairperson of Dover Shipping Branch and actively involved in planning organising initiatives, seeking reports from various employers within my branches sphere of influence and ensuring representation of members with issues in the various workplaces.

I have attended numerous demonstrations including Condor Ferries in Portsmouth, various P&O ferries demonstrations, TUC rallies and supported picket line disputes of our brothers and sisters working on the railway.

I have also attended regional SOS2020 campaign meetings. I was elected as a regional delegate at the 2021 and 2022 AGM and 2022 Biennial Maritime Industrial Organising Conference. I have also attended 2022 RMT Health & Safety conference and will be attending 2023 Health & Safety conference.

There is nothing stopping other RMT members, working within the ports sector around the country, becoming actively involved and organising for the betterment of your terms within your place.

I have worked for the company for around 18 months and quickly became involved in the union as I’ve seen first hand the difference it has made within my workplace.

When a vacancy arose, I put myself forward to become a representative as I had previous albeit limited experience at a previous employer with another trade union. I am a member of Liverpool Shipping branch and I’ve attended branch meetings via zoom which makes it easier for individuals to become actively involved and have your say on a range of matters taking place within the union.

I recently attended my first educational course at the National Education Centre in Doncaster. The course was fantastic and provided me with the necessary tools to assist representing members and organising within the workplace. The support that I have been given since taking up the role has been great. From my branch officials, Regional Organiser Daren Ireland and National Secretary Darren Procter as well as a network of representatives at my own employer and those that I established links with through the educational course at Doncaster.

I would recommend that anyone in the work place that is not a member to sign up and access the many benefits that the union has to offer. But most importantly, get involved in your union making your VOICE STRONGER AND MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE WORKPLACE.