Skip to main content

News in brief: 25/06/2014

LEGAL: RMT delegates pledged yesterday to fight Tory moves to make the most restrictive trade union laws in Europe even more draconian.

Doncaster’s Mark Eastwood pointed out that London Mayor Boris Johnson and Prime Minister David Cameron, who are pushing for minimum turnout limits to be slapped on strike ballots, were both elected well short of having 50 per cent of public support.

But delegates said they would not just campaign against bids to worsen laws but fight to scrap all existing anti-union legislation.

 

IMPERIALISM: Western intervention in Syria is “unjustified and illegal,” transport workers declared yesterday.

RMT European passenger service’s Michael Lynch told delegates that Britain, the US and other imperialist powers have no right to interfere in Syria.

But he said that in forming union policy RMT has “got to be careful because we’re not dealing with a band of saints on the one hand and a band of sinners on the other.”

 

WELFARE: Transport workers said yesterday Con-Dem cuts that “punish the poor for being poor” must be reversed.

London Underground engineering’s Les Harvey told delegates that coalition welfare cuts “represent a sustained attack on the working poor in this country.”

RMT also said a future government must also develop a welfare system that is designed to “guarantee justice and dignity for all.”

 

EDUCATION: RMT agreed yesterday to rename its learning and training centre to commemorate late general secretary Bob Crow.

Delegates supported changing the name to The Bob Crow RMT National Education Centre as well as erecting a statue of him to be placed outside.

Acting general secretary Mick Cash said it was “a perfect idea.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today