Its aim was to find out what issues are of current concern to women, to encourage women to become more active in the RMT, and to find out what obstacles exist for women who want to be union activists. It also invited women to join a Regional Network of women members, so that ideas and information can be shared more efficiently in future.

In answer to the question "What is the most important issue facing you currently at work": women opted for safety and security, problems with shift-working and child-care, lack of managerial support and apathy and low morale as the most important.

As trade union members women feel that they are still discriminated against, and not taken seriously, for example, when they wish to become union representatives. They feel the union concentrates on wider issues, such as pay, while neglecting issues of concern to particular groups, such as child-care. Some women reported intimidation at branch meetings, and feeling left out ( if, in fact, they can get to meetings in the first place)

Trying to juggle career and motherhood is still a massive problem, with very little notice taken of this problem in the workplace, and male colleagues not always being supportive. Women are still expected to take sole responsibility for organization and carrying out of housework and child-care.

We asked "What should employers be doing to give women more support in their work?"
Managers should discuss and listen more, and show gratitude for good work. There is a need for better management communication and backup and improved training. Women want the workplace to feel more safe and secure. And they want better wages!

What should RMT be doing to improve its services to women?,
The union needs to be more supportive, especially over parental issues. Women want more information, via regular meetings, magazines, for example. They want more women reps and for women to be represented on all sectional councils. Male reps should receive full training regarding women's working rights. Union reps and organizers should visit workplaces more regularly, to note problems at first-hand, and should be ready to discuss, listen and act upon the problems raised by women.

Which topics would you be interested in for discussion/activity?
In order of importance to women these were: Coping with Stress, Health & Safety, Assertiveness, Working Alone and Harassment & Abuse

A Regional Network for Women has been set up, a Women's Day School is planned for January 2006, and a Newsletter is in preparation.

RMT women members in Region 7 who would like more information should contact Glen Burrows on glen@glenburrows.wanadoo.co.uk