Notes from Regional Council Executive, 11 May 2010

Present: John Kelly, Gary Lazell, Clare Reilly, Glenroy Watson, John Reid, Carol Foster, James Wong-McSweeney, Andy Izard, Jackie Darby, Adrian Finney, Josie Toussaint-Pinnock, Vaughan Thomas, Janine Booth, Will Reid, Dean O'Hanlon, Lewis Peacock. In attendance: Olly New Apologies for absence: Steve Hedley, Gwyn Pugh, Paul Rutland, Steve Reeley, Bjorn Bradshaw-Murray, Micky Hyde, Dave Rayfield, Malcolm Taylor, Neil Cochrane, Linda Wiles

RECRUITMENT AND ORGANISATION

  • Camden 3 recruitment day was a success.
  • Stratford no.1 branch recruiting from 12pm Thursday.
  • We agreed the next two recruitment and organising days:
    • Finsbury Park branch, 10 June
    • East Ham branch, 1 July
  • Agreed to request all branches to host a training workshop run by LTRC for reps about recruitment and membership - would work well before branch meeting or as part of it.
  • London Taxis branch is to produce a new monthly magazine and has requested that the Regional Council advertise in it @ £50 per month. The Executive was concerned but supportive, and agreed to donate £100 towards the magazine, and request sight of the first issue before deciding on any further support.
  • We agreed to endorse and resource the plan for our Young Members’ Officer to organise:
    1. a survey of young members, asking their views on: workplace issues; issues in wider society; and what would encourage them to become more involved in RMT.
    2. a day event (probably in August) to discuss these themes and provide information and training, followed by a social event.
  • Secretary to arrange to meet with RMT's new vulnerable workers' project officer

COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES REPORT

Olly reported on:

  • Tube Lines bought by TfL
  • London Underground ballot
  • Machinery of Negotiation and Consultation
  • protest re. East London Line

Points raised in discussion

  • train grades organisation
  • machinery (especially MATS)
  • Tube Lines
  • privilege travel

We agreed to organise a film night with Reel News, with films/talks about fighting cuts.

NEXT REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

Resolution from Hammersmith & City branch: Training for representatives - accepted

PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

1. The current venue for Regional Council meetings is not very suitable, which is having a negative effect on attendance. The Executive agrees to investigate possible alternative venues and report back to the next meeting of the Executive. We also agree to consider at our next meeting measures that may be necessary to ensure good order at meetings should we relocate to licensed premises.

Agreed. Anyone who wishes to suggest an alternative venue should bring their suggestion to the next Executive meeting.

2. Noting that we do not hold a Regional Council meeting in June, we resolve to convene a meeting at the same time and place, to discuss our fight against London Underground’s job cuts and associated changes to procedures, the return of Tube Lines to public ownership, and other pressing issues. We agree that at 5.30pm, the meeting be opened to supporters, with a view to building on the work we have already done with passengers and organisations by launching a public campaign about these issues

Agreed.

DECISIONS OF LAST MEETING

  • All resolutions being dealt with.
  • Janine and Ross to draft protocol / rules for Regional Council expenditure, including budget headings and procedures for proposing donations and other spending.
  • Agreed £16 expenditure on women's lunch.
  • Janine reported the Regional Council has been charged for the purchase of 3 ties which she has no knowledge of. Has been raised with GS. Executive agreed that it is not acceptable for head office to charge the Regional Council for purchases of goods not authorised by the Secretary.

CORRESPONDENCE

Branches encouraged to fill in education questionnaire.

OTHER BUSINESS

John Kelly reported on earlier meeting of job cuts campaign committee, and encouraged branches to ensure that they send representatives.