Foreland Shipping February 2025
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NATIONAL SECRETARY Dear Colleagues,
I have recently taken responsibility for Foreland Shipping as you will have seen from the recent communication that was sent out. Since taking over I have been contacted by members identifying concerns and frustrations which I will be looking to address. I recognise that communication is crucial to all members, particularly those operating within the deep-sea sector, and with advancements in internet facilities onboard vessels within the fleet I would like to implement improved 2-way communication with you and your colleagues. Having effective communication will allow us to raise matters of concern to you with your employer. Nothing will ever change if members only complain about your issues in the mess room or on social media and whilst I am committed to implementing a positive change to current and potential members, I need members to become more actively engaged.
This can be achieved quite simply by organising a meeting of members onboard and ensuring that we have a point of contact or rep on every shift on every ship sending me a report on a regular basis of your concerns, any requirements you have and advising me of upcoming visits to UK ports where I can then look to schedule a visit. If we have an increasing number of members becoming active, we can be more effective in dealing with your issues, initiating greater awareness of your priorities, and being organised better than ever before at Foreland. If you want to implement a positive change within your workplace and within your union, then let’s start the year by addressing your workplace concerns and equally the concerns that some of you have about RMT. I am aware that there is criticism, and I am more than happy to speak with any member and discuss how I plan to change this and re-establish confidence among the membership where this may be lacking. I know what must be done but I need your help and support to deliver this!
Regards, Darren Procter