Despite pressure to stop action "in time of war", the RMT leadership has continued to call further strikes. It is
But if we are to win our arguments, we need to find ways of getting the bigger picture across. This is not just some petty local dispute, hyped up by the 'awkward squad' - but a fight for rail safety against a government whose only concern is the well being of the train companies, rather than the travConference secretary Greg Tucker reports from the RMT's 2003 train crew conference:
RAIN CREW are angry with Tony T Bar. Noebecause Bob Crow els
us we should be, but based on our daily experience. This is the inescapable conclusion from this year's train crew conference.
We are now involved in the biggest rail dispute since privatisation - fighting for rail safety. And the government has come down firmly in support of our bosses.
The resolve of conference was clear.- to continue with our action until we win. During our meeting it was announced that members from three more companies had voted to join the strike
Across our industry, government policy is simple - support the privatised Train Operating Companies (TOCs) - at our
Firstly, the railway "Strategic Plan 2003" cuts back on services. Passengers will be left without trains. Jobs will go. Operating companies will reap increased profits
Then the Strategic Rail Authority interferes in our wage negotiations. It threatens any company agreeing wage increases above the cost of living. As if they needed to. But it helps stiffen the companies
Finally, and most significantly, they have decided to waive all penalties whenever strikes take place, however valid they may be. In effect, the government is massively subsidising the train operating companies fight to attack our jobs and conditions.
Add to that the Health and Safety Executive's backing of management use of unsafe, poorly trained scab labour.
This is why our conference remains highly critical of Labour - and why the debate on the future of the political fund is taken so seriously. If Labour will not represent our interests, then we need to give our support to parties and individuals who
As highlighted in the last issue of Resistance, this year the RMT AGM will discuss opening up the political fund
With key RMT members standing up for RMT policies for the SSP in the Scottish elections and independently in Wales, the time has come to break our reliance or
That was the clear message which RMT train crew want the union to take up