Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
Removing the barriers that prevent disabled people from travelling
Janine will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Neurodiversity in Rail conference. Here is some information from the organisers of the Neurodiversity in Rail conference, the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Excellence … About the Neurodiversity in Rail … Read more
The TUC’s Disabled Members’ Committee has made this statement: Accessible public transport is essential for disabled people to participate in society on an equal and independent basis. To be genuinely accessible, public transport must be adequately staffed by workers with … Read more
Janine speaks as part of a panel on Covid-19, democratic ownership and the future of the economy in May 2020. – organised by Another Europe Is Possible. Video plus text of speech below. Thank you for inviting me and … Read more
Accessible Transport I will be convening the committee’s accessible transport working group, which will also include Elane Heffernan (UCU), Colleen Johnson (NEU) and Austin Harney (PCS). We already have a campaign plan, which will now be updated. The Committee agreed … Read more
Disabled Workers’ Conference decisions We considered how to best carry out the decisions of the TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference. We agreed that the most effective way to do this was by establishing working groups on various policy areas. Committee members … Read more
On 27 May, I took part in a panel discussion at Autistic UK’s ‘The Future is Gold’ event. One question panellists were asked was ‘Why am I not able to get a free travel pass for use on all buses … Read more
1. TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, 24-25 May, Bournemouth Motions – The Committee agreed to to support all motions and amendments, except: Unison’s amendment to Unite’s motion on Universal Credit (oppose) – the motion opposes UC; the amendment wants to change this to … Read more
TUC DISABLED WORKERS’ CONFERENCE 2018 Venue accessibility: We noted our success in getting the TUC to change the conference location to an accessible venue. We looked at the detailed access statement for the venue, and I asked that a relaxation … Read more
The fourth meeting of RMT’s Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee was the best-attended yet. The Committee continues to grow in size, and all members attended the meeting and contributed to our lively discussions. We confirmed that at our last meeting, … Read more
The government’s consultation on transport accessibility has extended its deadline to Wednesday 22 November. Anyone can submit their views. RMT has made a submission and leafleted everyone at the recent Disabled People’s Summit asking them to submit evidence in support of retaining … Read more
RMT’s Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee met for the second time on Wednesday 13 September. 1. Committee membership We welcomed new members to the Committee, and completed the election of our Liaison (conference arrangements) Committee. 2. Guest speaker: Transport … Read more
At this year’s RMT AGM, I spoke in favour of a resolution from the union’s Disabled Members’ Conference calling on the union to adopt the social model of disability. The resolution was passed unanimously. This is what I said. RMT’s … Read more
Statement by the TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee to TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, 18 May 2017: There will be a general election on Thursday 8 June. Whatever the circumstances under which it was called, it is an opportunity for voters … Read more
Forthcoming TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, 18-19 May The Committee agreed: not to postpone the Conference due to the general election, by 7 votes to 2 to host a voter registration stall at the Conference (the deadline to register in time for … Read more
Published in Solidarity 435, 12 April 2017 On 28 March, transport union RMT held its first ever Disabled Members’ Conference. Rank-and-file activists had called for the establishment of this conference for several years, but repeatedly met with rejection by the … Read more
Yesterday saw RMT’s first ever Disabled Members’ Conference, held in London. Although quite small (9 delegates, plus union officials), the important thing was that it took place at all, especially as rank-and-file members had pushed for its creation against the … Read more
pic: Committee co-Chairs, Sean McGovern and Janine Booth Campaigning We have set up campaign working groups to get more work done on key issues: Employment Support Allowance / Personal Independence Payments Access to Work Precarious Contracts Cyber Bullying Access … Read more
Contact me: [email protected] 1. Disabled People Against Cuts held a week of action to coincide with the Paralympic Games. During the week, DPAC attended our Southern Rail picket line. Disabled campaigners have compiled a report alleging that Southern’s plans to … Read more
… with a nod to W.H.Auden’s The Night Train … This is the rhythm of wheel along steel It’s the soothing and comfort that passengers feel From the safety of knowing the doors only close When the guard says … Read more