North East Region
TOC MEMBERS RESOUNDINGLY VOTE YES
It was never in doubt The anger and frustration we h manifested itself in the latest ballot of members work operating companies, showing that loyal, hard-workin longer submit to being demonised by the media, man the government. A massive YES has been returned in ballot to continue with industrial action defending job terms and conditions.
The government, the Rail Delivery Group, and the ca continue to insist that TOC members were presented just offer. They must think our members are fools - w them again and again that we will not accept what the to feed us. Members, some of whom have not had a p years, are expected to accept a massive real terms pay attacks on their jobs and pensions as a reward for doin is enough.
We continue to hear from employers that there is no money, yet we have seen the likes of Avanti West Coast, who have cancelled 17% of their planned trains since Dec 2022, 'rewarded' for their failure with continued contracts, and pay rises to their directors of up to 30%.
In our own region, Transpennine Express continues to compete to be the country's most incompetent train operator with almost a quarter of their trains cancelled in March. Incredibly one of their directors received a 275% rise! Ordinary workers, meanwhile, are expected to lick the metaphorical crumbs from the floor and be grateful.
These private operators are not exposed to risk or cost for any cancellations, so the taxpayer picks up the bill and rewards their failure whilst they reward themselves and demonise the workers.
We all want a resolution to this dispute - we have stood strong on the face of attacks from the government, from company propaganda, from managers undermining us by working on strike days and picking up extra money for doing so. Now is the time to stand strong. We can achieve so much by standing together and we will win if we do. Support the strikes, support your picket lines.
Congratulations on your massive display of solidarity. UNITY IS STRENGTH.
Two further conferences have been held in Newcastle, showcasing the region's range and dedication when it comes to representing the North East on a national level
The Disabled Members conference was held at the Discovery Museum, with members from across the country coming together to discuss ways to improve their often-overlooked equality in the workplace. Guest speakers Sophie Ward (RMT Research Officer) and Eddie Dempsey (Senior Assistant General Secretary) both made an impact with addresses to members regarding planned cuts on the railway and the effect they will have on both disabled workers and passengers, along with the Disability Confident scheme This conference yielded two particularly important resolutions which were voted to be take to the national AGM next month, for the union's executive to debate en-masse The first of these, on Dementia Training, created much debate with several speakers sharing their experiences, including one of the museum staff who felt so strongly about the subject asked for permission to speak at the rostrum to give her own experience with her own family. The second on cancer-related discrimination in the workplace is also to go forward to the AGM, having been put forward by Newcastle Rail & Catering branch
Members employed in train crew and shunting grades also met for their conference, hosted by Newcastle & Gateshead branch and particularly well-attended. A resolution was moved from Berwick Rail branch pertaining to vision testing for train managers, and was voted to be taken to the AGM
Although the North East won't be playing host to so many conferences next year, they will still be occurring across the country. Any member within the specific grade or identification can attend these conferences, and it is especially important to have voices heard from all regions Conferences can directly affect union policy, thereby affecting each and every member: please do consider attending next year and making your voice heard.
Courses and Training in Doncaster
Members in the region may not be aware that the RMT runs a variety of courses in Doncaster, at the Bob Crow Education Centre These courses range from comprehensive training for local level and health and safety reps, to introductory courses on the structure of the union, and they are open to any member Recently, members from the North East attended a Women’s Course, aimed specifically at educating female members in how the union works, and how they can support one another in particular issues that women may encounter in their workplaces Similarly, there are also courses that equip members with the confidence to take part in union activities, aimed at black and ethnic minority members and LGBTQ+ members. For reps, there is also the possibility to study in depth elements that may affect members you could be called upon to represent, such as neurodiversity and cancer in the workplace
These courses can be accessed and booked from the RMT website –once you have logged in with your membership number, click on ‘eMembership’ and you will find a full list of courses and the option to book yourself a place The courses are fully residential with meals and accommodation provided. Please see your local rep for more information.
