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06/02/2004
RMT vote puts it on collision course with New Labour
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) is on collision course with the Labour Party after reaffirming an earlier decision to support other political parties.
At its Special General Meeting convened in Glasgow today, the union's Scottish branch voted by 42-8 to reaffirm the policy agreed at the 2003 AGM to support other parties as well as the Labour Party.
The Labour Party had threatened to expel the RMT if the decision was made to allow affiliation to the SSP. And, according to the Labour ultimatum, as of 12pm tomorrow the RMT will no longer be affiliated to the Labour Party – so losing its seat on the party's national executive council.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: "The RMT has reached this decision through the democratic structures of the union. No political party can dictate our policies or interfere with our internal structures."
The SSP said that the union's actions represented a "major blow" to the Labour Party, both in financial and political terms, and it could herald the start of a "general erosion" of union support for the party.
Party leader Tommy Mr Sheridan said: "Trade union members across Scotland should now examine their links with New Labour which is privatising services, supporting illegal wars and refusing to give pensioners a decent pension."
He added: "New Labour is no longer the party of the millions; Tony Blair has transformed it into the party of the millionaires."
It has been reported that the Fire Brigades Union may follow the RMT's lead and disassociate itself from the Labour Party.
Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney said that, as former member of the RMT, he was "deeply saddened" by today's events.
(gmcg)
At its Special General Meeting convened in Glasgow today, the union's Scottish branch voted by 42-8 to reaffirm the policy agreed at the 2003 AGM to support other parties as well as the Labour Party.
The Labour Party had threatened to expel the RMT if the decision was made to allow affiliation to the SSP. And, according to the Labour ultimatum, as of 12pm tomorrow the RMT will no longer be affiliated to the Labour Party – so losing its seat on the party's national executive council.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: "The RMT has reached this decision through the democratic structures of the union. No political party can dictate our policies or interfere with our internal structures."
The SSP said that the union's actions represented a "major blow" to the Labour Party, both in financial and political terms, and it could herald the start of a "general erosion" of union support for the party.
Party leader Tommy Mr Sheridan said: "Trade union members across Scotland should now examine their links with New Labour which is privatising services, supporting illegal wars and refusing to give pensioners a decent pension."
He added: "New Labour is no longer the party of the millions; Tony Blair has transformed it into the party of the millionaires."
It has been reported that the Fire Brigades Union may follow the RMT's lead and disassociate itself from the Labour Party.
Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney said that, as former member of the RMT, he was "deeply saddened" by today's events.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
