Labour issues final warning to RMT

The disaffiliation from Labour of the country's biggest rail workers' union is set to come a step nearer.

Labour's national executive was expected to issue a final warning to the Rail Maritime and Transport union in a row over support for other parties.

The RMT has been told that unless it revokes a decision to affiliate to parties such as the Scottish Socialists, it will be treated as disaffiliated from Labour.

The union has called a special conference in Glasgow next week to consider its next move but is not expected to change its policy.

A number of RMT branches have affiliated to the SSP and others are planning similar moves following widespread criticism of Labour policies.

Labour's executive will discuss the row today and could set a final deadline for the RMT to change its position.

But an RMT official accused Labour of being "heavy handed" with the union and said many other unions opposed party policies on issues such as foundation hospitals and private finance initiatives.

The union also complained it had not been given the chance to launch an appeal.

The RMT's deputy general secretary Mick Cash is a member of Labour's executive, along with several other trade union officials.

The RMT has been reducing its financial support to Labour in recent years and now only gives the party £12,500 a year.

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