The morning was spent with Ray Spry-Shute, RMT Education Officer, looking at how to write motions. We drew up a couple of sample motions, and delegates agreed to take them back to their Branches for discussion. It?s not only women members who lack the confidence to get their views and ideas progressed through the union. This was a good practical exercise in showing how to influence union policy in a democratic way.

We talked about how to use the Women?s Charter (download it from the RMT web-site if you haven?t yet seen a copy) We want it to be a practical tool for improving conditions for RMT women, not just a paper exercise. We?re asking the RMT to produce reps? guidelines for negotiating some of the policies it talks about. But it?s also up to women members to ask reps and regional organisers what they are doing about achieving the aims of the Charter.

In 2007 the TUC will organise a major demonstration on International Women?s Day ? the original proposal was put to the Women?s TUC by our delegate Janine Booth. We want to play a full part in organising this, and have proposed a joint working party. We?ve also asked the RMT for a Women?s banner, and commemorative mugs.

At the next meeting (21st June) we?ll draw up a programme for RMT Women?s Education, which we?ll then put to the Education Sub-Committee. We?re also planning to produce a pamphlet about RMT women and their experiences at work and in the union.

So, we?re quite busy, but it only works if we know that women members are supporting what we?re doing. We need more input from women members, to help us pursue the real concerns women in our union are facing.

If you?d like more information, want to get more involved, or attend a meeting as an observer contact Equalities Officer Pat Wilkinson on p.wilkinson@rmt.org.uk, or Glen Burrows on bristolrail@rmt.org.uk.