Protest against the EDL, Luton

The English Defence League (EDL) is a racist organisation – but not just that. For all its ludicrous claims to represent the ‘white working class’, it attacks working-class people fighting back against cuts.

The EDL has denounced British Airways strikers, disrupted socialist meetings and attacked Swansea Trades Council’s May Day march. Now it is attacking student protesters against cuts and fees.

The EDL is holding a demonstration in Luton on 5 February. Anti-racists will be mobilising against them.

Health and safety week parliamentary rally

Assemble 12.30pm College Green, opposite the Houses of Parliament

Current Health and Safety legislation and enforcement is failing to protect workers. 152 people were fatally injured at work in the last year and there were over 26,000 major injuries. The ConDem government is threatening to make things even worse by diluting health and safety standards and slashing the funding of the Health and Safety Executive by 35 per cent.

AGM Awards

Submitted by Admin on 3 February, 2011 - 11:22

This resolution proposed by Neasden branch was carried unanomously by the February meeting of the Regional Council:

This Regional Council notes that the John Cogger Award for Youth is presented at the AGM, with Neasden Branch winning the award in 2009 and 2010. We think it is also time to award other activists within our union, and name them in honour of two comrades that we lost in 2010.

We propose that the John Cogger Youth Award remains the same, but the union considers introducing the following awards, also to be presented at the AGM.

Threat of Withdrawal of Staff Nominee Travel Facilities

Submitted by Admin on 3 February, 2011 - 11:16

This resolution, submitted by Neasden brancand amended by the Regional Council Executive, was carried unanimously at the February meeting of the Regional Council:

This Regional Council is appalled at the reports that certain GLA members once again have circulated to the media that he wishes to remove staff travel facilities for partners, flatmates, or family members under the same roof.

RMT calls off strike action on Arriva Trains Wales this Friday following legal advice

Submitted by Peter on 3 February, 2011 - 03:02

FOLLOWING LEGAL advice on the changing nature of the anti-trade union laws, and a pending legal challenge to a court decision in respect of action on Docklands Light Railway, a 24 hour strike on Friday February 4 by RMT drivers on Arriva Trains Wales has been called off.

RMT confirmed today that it will re-ballot members in light of the latest legal advice.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

Peter Hartshorn Reinstated

Submitted by Janine on 2 February, 2011 - 21:17

Peter Hartshorn, RMT rep on Green Park group, has been reinstated on appeal, with his dismissal suspended for 52 weeks. Well done to Peter and his RMT representative, and thanks to everyone from Peter's branch and the region who supported him through this difficult time.

Election of Reps - Thales (LT Contract)

Submitted by Janine on 2 February, 2011 - 20:13

RMT's General Grades Committee took the following decision:

That we welcome the Senior AGS’s report that Thales has agreed to hold the election for the vacant reps’ position within 2-3 weeks. Should there be any indication that this timetable may slip, this matter to be placed back in front of us.

We refer this matter to our Southern Sub-Committee for further examination and report.

15-Year Age Limits for Taxis

Submitted by Janine on 2 February, 2011 - 17:09

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the resolution received from our London Taxis branch.

That we believe that measures should be taken to reduce pollution and improve air quality in London and elsewhere, but that these should if possible avoid penalising working people. We share the concerns of our branch about the Mayor of London’s proposed 15-year age limit on taxis; we believe that there may be better ways of reducing pollution from taxis eg. the scrappage scheme suggested by our branch; and we are appalled at the lack of consultation with our members.

Thales Reps' Election

Submitted by Janine on 2 February, 2011 - 16:59

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we welcome the Senior AGS's report that Thales has agreed to hold the election for the vacant reps' position within 2-3 weeks. Should there be any indication that this timetable may slip, this matter to be placed back in front of us.

We refer this matter to our Southern Sub-Committee for further examination and report.