Tories launch shock attack on workers education

RMT to work with other unions and TUC in campaign to reverse shock plan to axe the unionlearn programme
Transport union RMT said today that it will be working with the TUC and sister unions to reverse a Government decision to axe the highly respected and vital skills training offered to workers through the unionlearn programme

The shocking decision would smash apart learning and skills programmes for workers, including those facing redundancy, just at the time when off the back of COVID-19 they are most needed.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“This shock news has come completely out of the blue and particularly in the current climate is completely unjustifiable. It bears no reflection on the performance of union-led projects or the unionlearn programmes where delivery has continued to be exemplary and we have continued to receive very positive feedback from our members and employers alike.

“There is clearly a huge skills challenge ahead in the wake of the pandemic and the Union Learning Fund is perfectly placed to respond to that challenge.

“Through the TUC we are in contact with ministers in both DfE and also the Treasury and we will be jointly mobilising to have this decision reversed as soon as possible.”

> RMT National News

Wednesday, 4th February
Outsourced cleaners on the Docklands Light Railway will strike alongside a protest at Transport for London’s Board meeting today, intensifying pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to honour his pledge to bring cleaners back in-house.
Saturday, 31st January
RMT welcomed London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services being brought under Great British Railways on Sunday but insisted outsourced workers must not be left behind.
Friday, 30th January
Transport union RMT, will demand safe staffing and an end to lone working on the railways at an Action Against Assaults event at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 11 February.
Tuesday, 27th January
Outsourced cleaners will strike alongside a protest at TfL’s Board meeting on 4 February, increasing pressure on Mayor Sadiq Khan over outsourcing and democratic control of the capital's transport system.
Friday, 23rd January
RMT members working on the Windrush line will take strike action in February after their employer refused to make a decent pay offer.