Tories launch shock attack on workers education

RMT to work with other unions and TUC in campaign to reverse shock plan to axe the unionlearn programme
Transport union RMT said today that it will be working with the TUC and sister unions to reverse a Government decision to axe the highly respected and vital skills training offered to workers through the unionlearn programme

The shocking decision would smash apart learning and skills programmes for workers, including those facing redundancy, just at the time when off the back of COVID-19 they are most needed.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“This shock news has come completely out of the blue and particularly in the current climate is completely unjustifiable. It bears no reflection on the performance of union-led projects or the unionlearn programmes where delivery has continued to be exemplary and we have continued to receive very positive feedback from our members and employers alike.

“There is clearly a huge skills challenge ahead in the wake of the pandemic and the Union Learning Fund is perfectly placed to respond to that challenge.

“Through the TUC we are in contact with ministers in both DfE and also the Treasury and we will be jointly mobilising to have this decision reversed as soon as possible.”

> RMT National News

Saturday, 3rd January
General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We condemn the illegal military attack carried out by the United States of America on Venezuela which resulted in President Maduro being kidnapped by US special forces.
Tuesday, 30th December
Cleaners on the Docklands Light Railway will strike on New Year’s Eve in a dispute over company sick pay.
Tuesday, 23rd December
Rail union RMT, will stage a demonstration at 9am on Monday 5 January outside Marylebone station in opposition to plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new East West Rail line.
Monday, 22nd December
Rail union RMT celebrated a major victory for rail workers after it was confirmed that the outsourced TransPennine Express dispatch contract will be brought back in-house and transferred to Northern Trains.
Monday, 22nd December
Rail union RMT has called for FirstGroup-owned Avanti West Coast to be stripped of its remaining rail contracts and its operations returned to public ownership.