The Transport union, RMT – National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers which currently represents over 80,000 members across almost every sector of the transport industry held their annual LGBT Conference in Southampton yesterday (Fri 18th May 2012) and Mark Healey from 17-24-30 was invited to speak by Jessica Webb (RMT Equal Opportunities Officer).
Mark travelled down to Southampton first thing in the morning to join the one-day conference taking place at the Jury Inn. The conference started at 9.30am with Paul Blair chairing proceedings, he introduced Graham (Southampton Branch) who welcomed everyone to Southampton.
The agenda for the conference included; the welcome, minutes and matters arising, address by the General Secretary, Organising Unit, address by Richard Williams (Thompsons Solicitors – “What has the Equality Act done for LGBT members?”), Report by the Council of Executive Representatives, National LGBT Members Advisory Committee Report, Event participation and RMT LGBT Group promotion, address by 17-24-30 Organisation Founder Mark Healey, Resolutions, Venue of the 2013 Conference and Elections (Chair person, Vice Chairperson and 2 Liaison Committee Members).
Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) gave a rousing speech stating “that whilst there is discrimination there is a need for these conferences and that we have much to learn from the LGBT membership”.
Mark got to speak after the first coffee break, once the minutes, matters arising and a couple of other items of business had been dealt with. He talked about the history of the London Nail Bomb attacks and how 17-24-30 was launched in April 2009 to mark the 10th anniversary of these attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho. He spoke about the homophobic attack on Ian Baynham in Trafalgar Square and how 17-24-30 responded when Ian died, outlining the events that took place in the lead up to the first Vigil against Hate Crime. He went on to talk about the charities plans for the year ahead, asking those present to take the information back to their local branches to get them to affiliate to the campaign.
You can download a pdf of the presentation here: RMT 17-24-30 Presentation
17-24-30 Affiliation
After the soft launch of its affiliation scheme last year 17-24-30 is planning to build upon its relationship with the trade union movement, encouraging unions like to RMT to affiliate and help fund the annual April acts of remembrance, the Internatonal Day of Hope and Remembrance (including the London Vigil against Hate Crime) and the ongoing work of the campaign to tackle hate crime in our communities.
You can download a pdf of the affiliation form here: Affiliation Form
RMT LGBT – Stand up and be counted!
RMT demands equal rights for members regardless of their sexuality. Homophobia in the workplace can never be tolerated. The union’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender advisory committee meets several times a year and organises its own conference to help inform RMT policy on LGBT issues.
Call the RMT Freephone helpline 0800 376 3706 to be put in touch in confidence with the RMT’s LGBT Representatives.
- download new RMT LGBT Campaign Poster: RMT_LGBTposter160611
- Click here for further information in the RMT LGBT section of the RMT website.
17-24-30 NationalHCAW 