AGENDA OF THE 27 th NATIONAL ORGANISING CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREW AND SHUNTING GRADES

Transcription

1 AGENDA OF THE 27 th NATIONAL ORGANISING CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREW AND SHUNTING GRADES President: Paul Howes Secretary: Mat Partridge 3 Pearson Street, Netherfield, Notts, NG4 2JA Tel: Mdp611@gmail.com Page 1 of 1

2 NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ORGANISING CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREWS & SHUNTING GRADES 2016 To Branch/Regional Council Secretary and delegates Comrades, the 27th National Industrial Organising Conference of Train Crew & Shunting Grades will be held at the: Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh Place, Liverpool, L3 5UL TEL: Accommodation is available on the following terms; Room Ref: RMTL if guests quote this number when calling to book they will receive our Function Rate - 65 Double / Twin including breakfast or 50 for a Single. Conference: Opens at 14:00 hours on Thursday 14th April, then at 09:30 hours on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th. An executive committee meeting will also take place at 12:00 hours on Thursday 14th April at the venue. MAKE THE CONFERENCE A SUCCESS SEND A DELEGATION FROM YOUR BRANCH OR REGIONAL COUNCIL. I look forward to your Branch / Regional Council joining us in our efforts on behalf of our grades, by sending at least one delegate to the conference. There is no deadline for the appointment of delegates they only need to turn up with credentials stamped and completed for each day they attend. Credentials are contained on the last page of this agenda. Please feel free to copy as many as required. Our conference has always seen lively and informed debate about key issues in our industry. Branches and Regional Councils are urged to consider the agenda and mandate their delegates as appropriate. Amendments to agenda items must be received in writing to the conference minutes secretary by Friday the 1st of April Each delegate upon entering the conference will be given a copy of any such amendments. Emergency resolutions are welcome and will be accepted if they are submitted before the start of the conference. Please submit in writing or . I look forward to meeting your delegates in Liverpool Yours Fraternally Mat Partridge Conference Secretary Page 2 of 2

3 1. Opening of Conference by the President 2. Civic address 3. Election of Tellers (4 required) and Conference harassment officer 4. Credential Committee report 5. Financial report and balance sheet Conference: Invitations are requested from Branches a. The 2017 Conference will be held in Nottingham. 7. Report of the Conference Executive Committee 8. Reports and Decisions of 2016 Conference 9. Address by Assistant General Secretary 10. Guest speakers (TBC) 11. Recruitment/Organisation workshop 12. Resolutions 13. Two Resolutions for the Annual General Meeting 14. Election of 2016/17 Conference Officers and Executive Committee: a. Secretary b. President c. Vice President d. Minutes Secretary e. Executive Committee (13 members). See Standing Order No Vote of Thanks A daily breakdown of conference business will be provided to delegates at conference. Page 3 of 3

4 CONFERENCE OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2015/2016 PRESIDENT Paul Howes SECRETARY Mat Partridge VICE PRESIDENT Rod Traynor MINUTES SEC Eddie McHugh GUARDS (2) DRIVERS (1) Regions 1, 2 & 4 R. Regions 1, 2 & 4 Vietch G. Rodgers Regions 3, 5, 6 & 7 Regions 3, 5, 6 & 7 M.McNulty/I. Hatton G. Harrison Regions 8, 9, 10 & 12 Regions 8, 9, 10 & 12 C.Ball/J.Buchanon Vacancy SHUNTERS (2) LUL (2) All Regions Vacancy Region 11 M.Hyde LIAISON COMMITTEE Page 4 of 4

5 FINANCIAL REPORT YEAR END 2015 INCOME Carried Forward (Bank Balance as at 31/12/13) Grant from Head Office Conference Income (various Branches) Total Income EXPENDITURE Conference Expenses Total Expenditure CONF PAYMENT Bank Reconciliation Bank Balance 31/12/ Uncleared cheques nil Actual Bank Balance Page 5 of 5

6 RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY CONFERENCE SUBMITTED BY CENTRAL AND NORTH MERSEY BRANCH PLATFORM TRAIN INTERFACE SELF DISPATCH This branch is gravely concerned regarding the recent incident at Hamilton Square Station, Merseyrail. Where a passenger was seriously injured while boarding a train, while the power operated doors were closing. This has now led our guard member Martin Zee open to prosecution under section 34 of the offences against the Persons Act 1861, and a charge of endangering railway passengers by wilful omission or neglect which means up to two years in jail if found guilty. We therefore call upon the GGC to raise with the General Secretary as a matter of urgency to write to all train operating companies to inforce railway byelaw 10 Trains (Equipment and safety 10.5) which states in the case of automatic closing doors, no person shall enter or leave by the doors when closing. Please support this Resolution Central & North Mersey Branch (0320) Page 6 of 6

7 SUBMITTED BY DONCASTER BRANCH That this Doncaster Branch believes that all on train revenue staff should come under the Guards Council at all TOCS that have them, for collective bargaining purposes. This is to stop TOCS using said revenue staff to undermine the role of the guard. We note that this very practice is happening on the new Southern franchise and needs to be stopped as soon as possible. Further this Doncaster Branch requests that our National Train Crew Organising conference requests the National Executive Committee to instruct the General Secretary to write to all of our TOC Company Councils and ask them to place this matter as a standing agenda item until all on train revenue employees fall under the spheres of influence of our Guards Company councils. Page 7 of 7

8 SUBMITTED BY CENTRAL AND NORTH MERSEY BRANCH KEEP THE GUARD IN CHARGE KEEP THE TRAIN SAFE This Branch reiterates it s call for co-ordinated strike action where DOO/DCO/DDO threatens jobs within any Train Operating Company. Since the McNulty report of 2011, we have seen a sustained attack of our guard s members from Scotrail, Northern Rail, TPE, MerseyRail and Southern Rail, to name just a few. Our role as Guards is a safety critical one, from protection of the train in an emergency, to incapacitation of the driver and train evacuation. As our Badge says, Safety Qualified Guard. This is to Ensure the safety of the travelling public. It s time to defend our jobs, our and our future. Central & North Mersey Branch Page 8 of 8

9 SUBMITTED BY EAST MIDLANDS CENTRAL BRANCH Increase in Self Dispatch Conference is becoming increasingly concerned about TOC s increasing implementation of self -dispatch and the safety issues involved. We request the GS writes to all TOCS warning them of a potential dispute situation will arise should they persist with this unsafe practice. SUBMITTED BY EAST MIDLANDS CENTRAL BRANCH Trial by Social Media Members are being Interviewed on a more frequent basis because of perceived complaints via social media. TOC s do not include these in their official statistics as it would show their figures double therefore creating a double standard. Conference asks the exec to appeal; to reps to collate how ingrained this practice is to both protect members and expose TOCS misleading the public. Along with a campaign highlighting how social media affects our member s safe operation of working. Page 9 of 9

10 SUBMITTED BY EAST MIDLANDS CENTRAL BRANCH Dismissal by MFA TOC s are dismissing members with long term medical issues using this so called welfare system. Conference instructs the GS to write to all companies to warn them should any of our members be dismissed unfairly a ballot to protect the individual as well as the whole membership will be instigated. An injury to one is an injury to all! Page 10 of 10

11 CONFERENCE OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2016/2017 POSITION NOMINEE NOMINATED BY President Vice President Secretary Minutes Secretary Guards Region 1,2 & 4 (2 off) Guards Region 3,5,6 & 7 (2 off) Guards Region 8,9,10 & 12 (2 off) Driver Region 1,2, & 4 Driver Region 3,5,6 & 7 Driver Region 8,9,10 & 12 Shunting Grades (2 off) LUL Region 11 (2 off) REGIONS: 1 Scotland 2 Manchester & North West of England 3 North West & North Wales 4 North East 5 Yorkshire & Lincolnshire 6 Midlands 7 South Wales & West 8 South West 9 South East 10 London & Anglia 11 London Transport 12 Wessex Where there are two positions (Guards, L.U.L.) these shall not be held by delegates from the same Branch. Page 11 of 11

12 CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS 1. The Conference shall be known as the National Organising Train Crews and Shunting Grades Conference. 2. The objects shall be the efficient and complete organisation within the National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers of the grades covered by Conference and the propagation of the maintenance and improvement of all conditions affecting their grades. 3. Conference activities shall be confined to matters germane to their grades and conform to national policy as laid down by the decisions of the Annual General Meeting or Council of Executives. 4. An affiliation fee will be paid to Conference as per 1983 SGM Decision No Each Branch or Regional Council affiliating will be allowed to appoint Delegates to attend. All Delegates must be employed in the grades concerned. 6. The expenses of all Delegates attending the Conference to be paid by their respective Branches or Regional Councils. 7. The Conference shall elect its own Officers annually. They shall consist of President, Vice- President, Secretary and Minute Secretary. 8. All Officers and Executive Committee must be duly elected Delegates from affiliated Branches or Regional Councils and shall be in attendance at Conference unless excused. 9. No accredited Delegate shall be eligible to hold Office as an Officer or Executive Committee member if he/she is a serving member of the Council of Executives. 10. The President shall not hold the Office of President for more than three Conferences in succession, and shall not be eligible for re-election for the following three Annual Conferences. 11. There shall be thirteen members of the Executive Committee comprising a composition of Train Crew and Shunting Grades on the following basis Combined Regions 1, 2 and 4 Two Guards and one Driver; Combined Regions 3, 5, 6 and 7 Two Guards and one Driver; Combined Regions 8, 9, 10 and 12 Two Guards and one Driver; All Regions Shunters; Two representatives L.U.L. Two Representatives. Where there are two positions (Guards, L.U.L.) these shall not be held by delegates from the same Branch. 12. There shall be a Liaison Committee of six members, which shall comprise the President, Secretary and four members of the Executive Committee. The latter four members to be selected on the following rolling basis One Driver Representative Regions 1, 2 and 4 combined, following year Regions 3, 5, 6 and 7 combined, following year Regions 8, 9, 10 and 12 combined; One Guard Representative Regions 8, 9, 10 and 12 combined, following year Regions 1, 2 and 4 combined, following year Regions 3, 5, 6 and 7 combined; One Shunter Representative One L.U.L. Representative. This cycle to be repeated there from. 13. Voting for the Officers and Executive Committee shall be by ballot at Conference. 14. Conference shall open an account with Unity Trust plc in the name of the Conference which shall be operated upon by means of cheques signed by the President and Secretary. Page 12 of 12

13 15. Conference Secretary shall within five days of receipt of moneys pay these into the Conference Account and shall not retain in his/her hands more than 10 for current expenditure. He/she shall also by a date to be determined render to every Branch and Regional Council and to the General Secretary a true accurate account of receipts and expenditure for the twelve months ended the previous 31st December. 16. The Balance Sheet to be included in the Agenda. 17. Conference shall after consultation with the General Secretary fix the date for its next meeting. 18. Conference shall meet on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday and shall commence at hours on the Thursday. 19. The Conference Executive Committee shall meet prior to Conference to consider the arrangements for the Conference, also the Agenda. The Council of Executives member and National Officer to be requested to attend. 20. Nominations, items and other matters for the Agenda shall reach the Secretary ten clear weeks prior to Conference. Amendments to reach the Secretary fourteen days prior to Conference. The Agenda to be dispatched to Branches six weeks prior to Conference. 21. The Conference President and Secretary shall be empowered to arrange meetings of the Executive Committee as deemed necessary. 22. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to arrange special meetings of the Conference as deemed necessary after application by a minimum of 12 Branches/Regional Councils. 23. Four Tellers shall be appointed from Delegates in attendance and shall not be candidates in elections. 24. A Harassment Contact Person shall be appointed from delegates in attendance to act as a first point of contact for any member present at conference who feels they may have been harassed for any reason. 25. On each day, every Delegate must present his/her credentials to the Executive Committee members appointed to receive them. 26. The venue of the Conference shall be voted on from invitations from Branches or Regional Councils and shall be for two years in advance. 27. Invitations to guest speakers shall be at the discretion of the President and Secretary. 28. Mover of the resolution shall be allowed not more than five minutes and subsequent speakers three minutes only (President and Secretary excepted). 29. When the final resolution has been discussed, a vote will be taken among Delegates to decide which items should be progressed to the Annual General Meeting. 30. The Conference Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence, affiliation fees etc. He shall also submit Grade Reports on behalf of Conference to the RMT News. 31. The Reception committee shall be granted a sum of 100 from the Conference Funds. 32. The Minutes Secretary shall provide to the Conference Secretary and President, within four weeks of the end of Conference, a typed report of the business of the Conference and brief summary of the speeches made by guest speakers. 33. The foregoing rules shall not be amended or rescinded without the consent of the majority of representatives voting at a National Conference. Amendments or addenda can only be submitted every third year, except amendments or addenda submitted by the Executive Committee of the Conference. Last updated April 2015 Page 13 of 13

14 STATEMENT TO ALL MEMBERS ATTENDING RMT CONFERENCES The General Secretary has written As part of the continuing process of ensuring that the Union s equal opportunities policy applies throughout the structure, I shall be glad if you will ensure that delegates to your Conference are reminded of our policy, as follows Members will be aware that this Union has a policy of equal opportunity. Harassment and discrimination on the grounds of age, gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated. All members are expected to adhere to this policy whilst attending the conference and breaches of the policy will result in disciplinary action being taken. This is expected throughout the period of the conference, both within the conference hall and outside. Harassment has many forms but the key to recognising this sort of behaviour is that it is considered offensive or unwelcome by the recipient and it is often persistent. Some forms of unacceptable behaviour are detailed below Racially or Sexually abusive language or jokes and name calling Display of offensive written or visual material including graffiti Unwanted touching, leering or even physical assault Threats or insulting or abusive behaviour or gestures Persistent requests for social contact, even when it has been made clear that this is not wanted. This includes sexual propositions and unwanted comments on dress or appearance Use of patronising/offensive titles or nicknames Open hostility to any member, including organised hostility Any member who feels they have been harassed on any grounds can take action through the special procedure, as set out in the following guidelines. In the event of such harassment, the grades conference secretary should be the initial point of contact. RMT Guidelines on Harassment and Discrimination at Conferences and Courses If an individual feel that they have been harassed for any reason, they should raise it in the first instance with the Conference harassment contact person, at the earliest opportunity. If the individual feels unable to raise the matter directly, they should ask a friend or colleague to do it for them. The role of the first contact person is to counsel the complainant and explain the avenues open to her/him. If the complainant wishes to take the matter further, the first contact person must raise it with a senior union officer (at least A.G.S.) immediately. Complaints of harassment or discrimination may result in informal or formal action, depending on the expressed wishes of the complainant. When a complaint has been made, the senior officer must immediately set up an investigation with a view to reaching a conclusion within 4-6 weeks. This investigation will involve interviewing witnesses and the parties concerned. A female member will be involved where requested. The Officer conducting the investigation will present his or her findings to the General Secretary as soon as they are drawn up and the General Secretary will put them before the Council of Executives, stating whether or not the investigating officer is recommending disciplinary action. The Council of Executives will then decide whether or not charges should be brought. The General Secretary will inform both parties concerning any proceedings to be initiated, and appropriate charges will be framed. The General Secretary will then appoint a special sub-committee of the Council of Executives to take the resulting hearing where the charges will be put to the alleged harasser(s). Page 14 of 14

15 The alleged harasser(s) will be entitled to representation at the hearing. Following the hearing, the special sub-committee will recommend action as appropriate to the full Council of Executives. The final decision concerning disciplinary action will rest with the full Council of Executives. Any member found guilty of harassment may be disciplined under Rule 3, Clause 10(a), or Rule 2, Clause 18, and disciplinary action may result in expulsion. In normal circumstances, this procedure should take no longer than eight weeks to complete. Members should be aware that they are entitled to take a case through legal channels at any time if they choose to do so. Any member who is not satisfied with the way in which their case has been handled, whether the complainant or the alleged harasser, has the right to appeal to the Annual General Meeting. Page 15 of 15

16 RMT NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREW & SHUNTING GRADES 2016 DELEGATE CREDENTIAL FOR THURSDAY 14th APRIL 2016 ADELPHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL 14:00 DELEGATES NAME:. DELEGATES GRADE:... DELEGATES ADDRESS:.. NOMINATING BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL:.... SIGNED:... NAME:.. CONFERENCE COUNCIL SECRETARY BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL STAMP RMT NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREW & SHUNTING GRADES 2016 DELEGATE CREDENTIAL FOR FRIDAY 15 th APRIL 2016 ADELPHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL 09:30 DELEGATES NAME:. DELEGATES GRADE:... DELEGATES ADDRESS:.. NOMINATING BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL:.... SIGNED:... NAME:.. CONFERENCE COUNCIL SECRETARY BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL STAMP Page 16 of 16

17 RMT NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF TRAIN CREW & SHUNTING GRADES 2015 DELEGATE CREDENTIAL FOR SATURDAY 16 th APRIL 2016 ADELPHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL 09:30 DELEGATES NAME: DELEGATES GRADE:.... DELEGATES ADDRESS:.. NOMINATING BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL:.... SIGNED:... NAME:.. CONFERENCE COUNCIL SECRETARY BRANCH/REGIONAL COUNCIL STAMP Page 17 of 17