Still a minority in a tradtionally male-dominated industry, RMT women are organising against sexism and for our issues to be heard
The death of Sarah Everard and subsequent murder charge against serving Met Police officer Wayne Couzens has brought the issue of women's safety into sharp focus. This issue very much affects women in public transport, both as passengers and specifically as workers.
It is important that RMT London Transport Region takes up this issue in the way that its women members want it to.
Terms of reference / forum functioning
TfL’s Diversity and Inclusion team held an online meeting on 20 May. This was not a form Equality, Diversity and Inclusion forum, and included various participants as well as D&I management and trade unions.
The TfL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Trade Union Engagement Forum met on 29 January. RMT was represented by Janine Booth, Paul Greany, Jamie Parry and Daniel Randall (a last-minute stand-in for Glen Hart).
RMT tabled five issues for discussion. The other unions did not table any items, but ASLEF, TSSA and Unite did attend, and supported RMT’s demands.
1. Recognition of new name/gender
That we note the resolution from our London Transport Regional Council regarding the unacceptable and fundamentally sexist and disadvantaging treatment of women
employees going through the company’s Transformation process while on Maternity leave.
We instruct the General Secretary to take the matter up with the company through the Machinery of Negotiations without delay; and seek a legal opinion on London Underground Ltd and Transport for London’s application of maternity leave and organisational change.
Members to be advised by email & text.
RMT, Unite, PCS and TSSA were represented at the meeting. ASLEF did not attend.
RMT representatives: Janine Booth, Jamie Parry
Unite had three representatives at the meeting, PCS one. The other unions - TSSA, ASLEF and Prospect - were not represented.
‘Safety Moment’
We raised the issue of sexual harassment, especially on Night Tube. Management responded that the Mayor’s office (Michele Dix and Amy Lame) had drawn up a charter for women’s safety at night. The unions expressed alarm that we had not been consulted about this. Management agreed to arrange for our involvement.
The Blue Bar, 4th floor, Royal Festival Hall
6th June
1230hrs onwards
Indoor picnic type event to meet other RMT women and chat about RMT business and anything else. Drop in before or after work or stay for the afternoon. No formal agenda, no obligation to buy food or drinks, refreshments provided or bring your own if you wish.
This month, our theme for discussion will be: