05 janaury 2012     So what makes your union different

The union has been in existence since 2005 and was formed by a group of strong determined individuals from a broad section of the rail industry who came together to create a vision of what a union should provide for its members. This is how all unions came into existence, so what makes your union different.

Not only is it the people who you see at the top of this web page but also the people on the ground. It is names that you may never hear; who work without any recognition, not for the union but for their members. It is about you and your family who experience the troubles of everyday life. It is about every one of us coming together to create a community within the rail industry which focuses on the members and not the union. It is about putting into place certain core values that allows members to have a voice.

One of those core values would be based on allowing members to have a say, not only in the structure of the union but at their place of work. Our aim will always be to establish ATCU as a union where all members become part of the negotiating process, not secondary.

In November of last year ATCU became the first union to put to the members a Questionnaire Referendum (QR) on a pay deal. So what is so special about this you may ask?

The QR asks what you think and what you want.

Normal referendums ask only one question; yes or no on the whole subject. The problem with this is that any item which is disagreeable within the proposal may not be raised as an issue.

It is therefore ATCU’s intention to allow members to contribute to any and all negotiations at the earliest stages so that your voice is listened to. Far too long workers are at the bequest of the negotiators and the only time they are asked about their comments is at the end of talks, which usually is too late.

At present these QR’s will be presented to the companies but do not think that they will be ignored. Of course companies don’t presently recognise us for negotiating on pay deals, we all know this is simply a numbers game but the stronger we get the more influence we have. The reality of the fact is that the companies would have, for the first time, the true feelings and thoughts of their employees.

So what does this one important change mean?

ATCU is stripping back the hierarchical structure that focuses on individuals and moves closer to giving everyone a voice in the rail community.

This year we will be seeking the member’s views on the role of the General Secretary through a QR. As the only union that does not presently have such a position it is seen by some as radical which verges on revolutionary, not revolutionary in the negative sense but for positive change.

Equally next year, the union will begin the process of electing Regional Organisers and this is where you will have the opportunity to contribute to how that structure will be formed. It is therefore crucial that we have as many members’ email addresses and mobile phone numbers so that real time information can be provided.

As we have seen over the last year the world is changing, so we as a union have to constantly change. We have to quickly adapt to any and all shifting circumstances; to be a union that explores every avenue that would benefit the members.

Not only is it important to look to the changing horizon but occasionally it is equally important that we take a look back to see how far we have come. Take pride on what you have achieved.

We have a lot to do next year but we will do it together.

We wish you and those with families all the very best for the year.

David Nixon
National Organising Coordinator

For and on behalf of the
Organisers Committee