14 October 2016

RMT chief Mick Cash has announced the transport union's support for the Institute of Employment Rights' (IER) Manifesto for Labour Law, joining 12 other major UK unions and the Labour Party - which has said it plans to implement the IER's proposals.

The IER brought together 15 leading labour lawyers and academics to draft the Manifesto, which draws from a wide evidence-base and international comparisons to set out 25 policy recommendations, including the reinstatement of a Ministry of Labour, state promotion of collective bargaining at a sectoral and enterprise level, and the repeal of the Trade Union Act.

Mick Cash explained why the implementation of the Manifesto's proposals would be a victory for transport workers:

"RMT works tirelessly to support our members in the face of repeated attacks from profit-grabbing privateers.

"Rail bosses cut corners while raising fares, risking workers' livelihoods and passengers' comfort and safety.

"Seafarers are regularly undercut as a result of the super-exploitation of foreign workers.

"In the transport sector, exploitation is endemic. Not just among workers but among customers who are forced to pay higher and higher fares for a lower quality, short-staffed, service.

"We're stronger together. When we organise collectively across sectors, we amplify workers' voices in negotiations on pay, hours, safety, training. By sitting across the table from employers at sectoral level we can agree a fair deal for all transport workers rather than fighting our corner at every single company. This means less conflict, fewer strikes, happier workers and passengers, better relationships between management and staff.

"RMT is delighted to back the Institute of Employment Rights' Manifesto for Labour Law, and fully supports the implementation of its recommendations."

Click here to read more about the Manifesto and support our cause