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RMT Newsletters: Ideas for Content

Submitted by janine on Tue, 13/01/2009 - 21:22

After every level one meeting, produce a newsletter, with a brief report on each issue that came up, what was said by each side, and what the outcome was.
What has happened at work recently?
An accident, injury or other safety matter?
A clampdown on trivial uniform rules?
What are people talking about at work? What are their complaints?
What came up at your last union meeting?
What are the big issues about working conditions? This year’s pay talks? A new, harsher disciplinary regime? An attack on the union? Worries about possible job losses?
Plug forthcoming events – meetings, protests, social events.
Include items about workers who might otherwise be ignored or considered peripheral eg. cleaners, contractors.
Provide updates on subjects covered in previous issues.
Are there agreements that are not widely known but which workers can use to assert their rights? Perhaps have a regular ‘know your rights’ feature. The best source for information is www.rmtplatform.org.uk/rights
Publicise any wins! Did you get a disciplinary warning overturned? Did a union petition get the decrepit old mess room fridge removed? Also pass on news of victories elsewhere – scan RMT websites and RMT News for reports.
If one member asks you a question, others may be wondering the same thing. If someone asks, “Can I be made to work for four straight hours on a platform?”, put a short piece in your next issue pointing out that staff should only work platform duties for two hours at a time.
Is the union running a referendum on a pay offer or a ballot for industrial action? Should members vote yes or no?
Any union elections coming up? Tell readers how to stand, nominate and/or vote.
Challenge any bigoted, sectionalist or other divisive attitudes that you think might be taking hold amongst the workforce.
Is your employer treating one of your members badly? Unfairly docked her sick pay? Blocked a transfer or promotion? Individual grievances usually arise from general issues, so report on the general issue as well as the individual case (with his/her permission).
Have space for members’ views. Ask your members to write short articles or give you quotes. Perhaps have a regular slot: “Why I am an RMT member.”
Include reports on issues in your local community – perhaps an anti-deportation campaign, or the fight against the closure of the local hospital’s A&E department.
Have you been to any conferences or meetings that are worth reporting on?
Include political education. Perhaps run articles about union history; or the anti-union laws; or an international issue.
Explain union policy on an issue: say, racism, or council housing.
If you are writing about a forthcoming strike or other issue with legal implications, check your wording with RMT head office.
Promote union benefits eg. Accident Benefit.