TUC DISABLED WORKERS’ CONFERENCE 2018
Venue accessibility: We noted our success in getting the TUC to change the conference location to an accessible venue. We looked at the detailed access statement for the venue, and I asked that a relaxation space be allocated for the use of conference attendees.
The fourth meeting of RMT's Disabled Members' Advisory Committee was the best-attended yet. The Committee continues to grow in size, and all members attended the meeting and contributed to our lively discussions.
We confirmed that at our last meeting, the General Secretary had committed to tabling our proposals for union action on mental health to the National Executive, and were disappointed that this had not yet happened. This issue will be pursued.
RMT’s first ever two-day Disabled Members’ Conference will take place on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 April, at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace hotel in Southend-on-Sea.
The conference will include:
The government's consultation on transport accessibility has extended its deadline to Wednesday 22 November. Anyone can submit their views. RMT has made a submission and leafleted everyone at the recent Disabled People's Summit asking them to submit evidence in support of retaining guards on trains. Details on how to submit are here.
RMT's Disabled Members' Advisory Committee met for the second time on Wednesday 13 September.
1. Committee membership
We welcomed new members to the Committee, and completed the election of our Liaison (conference arrangements) Committee.
2. Guest speaker: Transport for All
The newly-formed RMT Disabled Members' Advisory Committee met for the first time on 14 June. This is a summary of its discussions.
TUC Report
RMT sent its largest ever delegation to the TUC Disabled Workers' Conference in May. Our motion on keeping guards on trains was passed unanimously. Several of our delegates contributed well to the debates. There will be a report in the next RMT News.
Yesterday saw RMT's first ever Disabled Members' Conference, held in London.
Although quite small (9 delegates, plus union officials), the important thing was that it took place at all, especially as rank-and-file members had pushed for its creation against the wishes of the union's national leadership. Now it is established, it will grow from year to year, as the union's other equalities conferences have done.
TUC Disabled Workers' Committee, Conference and Manifesto
Campaigning
We have set up campaign working groups to get more work done on key issues:
I will be convening the working group on accessible transport
Keep the Guard on the Train
Contact me: j.booth@rmt.org.uk
1. Disabled People Against Cuts held a week of action to coincide with the Paralympic Games. During the week, DPAC attended our Southern Rail picket line. Disabled campaigners have compiled a report alleging that Southern's plans to remove guards breach the Equality Act in making its services less accessible to disabled passengers.
2. I have spoken about disability issues at several branch meetings, in our region and beyond, and am happy to speak at more.
On 19 May 2016, TUC Disabled Workers' Conference hosted the Labour Party's Disability Equality Roadshow. Shadow Minister for Disabled People Debbie Abrahams introduced herself and the roadshow's aims, then listened as delegates told her what we want. Various policy areas were discussed, with an introduction from a member of the TUC Disabled Workers' Committee and contributions from delegates.
I introduced the segment on public transport, making the following points: