Disabled people and members

Discrimination against disabled workers continues, and RMT is organising to oppose it

Report: TUC Disabled Workers' Committee meeting, 16 September 2014

Submitted by Janine on 28 September, 2014 - 18:40

The TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee elected two co-Chairs for 2014/15: Sean McGovern and Janine Booth.

Disabled Workers’ Conference 2014 - Resolutions

We looked at all the resolutions passed by Disabled Workers’ Conference in May. A document containing these resolutions will (eventually) be posted on the TUC website – until then, email me j.booth@rmt.org.uk if you would like me to send it to you.

Here’s a summary of what we are doing on each:

1. Zero hours contracts and disabled workers

Disabled Access to Public Transport: TUC Disabled Workers' Conference Speech

Submitted by Janine on 29 May, 2014 - 20:23

This is the speech I gave to TUC Disabled Workers' Conference on 28 May.

Many of you will have your own experiences of both the freedom provided by public transport and the difficulty using it – be that the railway, buses, shipping, air travel, trams, riverboats, taxis, or other modes of transport.

Let’s look at some statistics and facts – mainly about the railways.

In a 2013 survey of disabled people, nearly 80% used the railways, half of them at least monthly, often weekly or more.

TUC Guide 'Autism In The Workplace'

Submitted by rmtlondon on 2 May, 2014 - 14:03

RMT rep Janine Booth has written a guide to autism in the workplace for the TUC - their first ever guide on this subject.

Autism is a term covering a wide range of conditions that reflect neurological differences among people. It can cause social barriers which may affect the lives of people with autism at work. There are about 332,600 people of working age in the UK with autism. However, only 15 per cent of adults with autism are in full-time employment and only 9 per cent are in part-time work.

Tube Job Cut Plans Will Hit Every Equalities Group

Submitted by rmtlondon on 24 April, 2014 - 16:29

Fit For the Future – Stations will hit every stations worker with pay cuts, displacements, reduced work-life balance, etc. But its proposals will affect women, black and ethnic minority, LGBT, older, younger and disabled people in specific ways.

LU is obliged by law to assess what the impact on equalities groups will be. But LU has carried out a shabby and inadequate assessment. RMT and other unions’ reps have met LU about these issues in the last few weeks; management has revealed that it does not treat its obligation towards equalities groups seriously.

Every Job Matters Talks - Equalities Report & RMT Solutions To Concerns

Submitted by rmtlondon on 1 April, 2014 - 01:10

A group of union reps are examining the impact of London Underground Ltd’s proposals for Fit for the Future – Stations on equality groups including women members, black and ethnic minority members, lesbian/gay/bi/trans members, disabled members, older members (55+) and younger members (under 30).

Trade Unions & Disabled People Fighting Austerity

Submitted by rmtlondon on 30 March, 2014 - 11:31

The Trade Union Congress have updated their briefing document, 'Trade unions and disabled people fighting austerity' to take into account of recent court rulings.

The document is aimed at union officials and activists, to give you the key facts and to encourage you to ensure disabled people's inclusion in the union’s work and campaigns.

Introduction: resisting a relentless attack

Members Feedback Wanted On Equalities Impact of Tube Job Cut Plan

Submitted by rmtlondon on 18 March, 2014 - 19:27

A group of union reps are examining the impact of London Underground Ltd’s proposals for Fit for the Future – Stations on equality groups including women members, black and ethnic minority members, lesbian/gay/bi/trans members, disabled members, older members (55+) and younger members (under 30).

We would like to hear from members about any concerns and opinions you have about the way you think the proposals will impact on you and your workmates.

For example you could send us:

Report: TUC Disabled Workers' Committee meeting, 6 February

Submitted by Janine on 15 February, 2014 - 18:38

The meeting took place on the final day of our 48-hour strike on London Underground and TfL. The Committee agreed to send a message of support to RMT and TSSA, and Committee members held a brief protest (in the pouring rain!) outside Tottenham Court Road station after the meeting. Photos of the protest have been circulated widely on social media.

RMT Exposes Full Impact Of Tube Cuts On Women, Older And Disabled People And The BAME Community

Submitted by rmtlondon on 6 February, 2014 - 18:35

RMT exposes full impact of tube cuts on women, older and disabled people and the BAME community

As the tube action enters its third day, with continuing rock solid support, RMT has revealed that London Underground's own assessment of the impact of its proposals on passengers raises concerns that the cuts will have a seriously adverse impact on women, older and disabled people and the BAME community,

The revelations come as RMT General Secretary Bob Crow joins a protest by disabled workers against the tube cuts on Thursday 6th February at 2.30pm at Tottenham Court Road tube station.