Rule 10A

Lay Representatives

Number

1. There shall be such numbers of RMT lay representatives as determined by the respective collective arrangements. 

Election

2. Nomination and election to these positions shall be in accordance with the provisions of either:

 

• The arrangements determined by the National Executive Committee;
• The arrangements agreed between the RMT and the respective employer;
• The arrangements agreed by the respective employer with RMT and sister unions.

Category of representative

3. Lay representatives, as defined within this Rule, may include:

• Local Representatives
• Area/Company Council/Functional Council Representatives
• Health & Safety Representatives
• Second Stage Health & Safety Representatives 
• Union Learning Representatives
• Equalities Representatives
• Convenors/Co-ordinators 

Duties and responsibilities

4. Lay representatives shall have a duty to: 

 

• undertake the appropriate level of training required to fulfil their role; 

 

• conduct themselves in accordance with the Union’s Rules, applicable codes of conduct, and all relevant policies and procedures therein, which may be amended through decisions of the National Executive Committee or Annual General meeting when considered necessary;

 

• act under and comply with the instructions of the National Executive Committee and within the remit of their role; 

 

• report and communicate any developments that arise and be accountable to their members, Branches, and Regional Councils;

 

• through the Union’s structures and local activity, participate in the organisation of workers in their workplace, company, associated contractors and suppliers, including active campaigning for the recruitment and retention of members;

 

• work effectively and positively in pursuit of the Union’s objectives with other Union Representatives, full-time Officers and lay officials;

 

• notify Head Office of changes to their employment or representative status for compliance with Rule and accuracy of information.

Obligations of the union

5. To enable the Union to fulfil its obligation to the lay representatives and members, the Union shall ensure:

 

• appropriate training is sourced and made available at cost to the General Fund; 

 

• the effective communication of the Rules, applicable codes of conduct and all relevant associated policies and procedures;

 

• the effective communication of policies, activities and instructions of the Union; 

 

• the reports from lay representatives are placed before the appropriate internal structures for progression as required;

 

• its records are updated following the notification of a change to a lay representative’s employment or representative status. 

Loss of earnings and expenses

6 Lay representatives will be reimbursed for loss of earnings and reasonable expenses incurred while undertaking their duties in accordance with Rule 14, Clauses 27 – 29.