by DAVID NICHOLSON in Llanelli

WELSH NATIONALISTS meeting in Llanelli at the weekend pledged the party’s full support to RMT in the rail union’s long-running industrial action.

Plaid Cymru’s economic spokesperson Luke Fletcher said: “I say to the RMT that we have been with you every step of the way.”

He was speaking during the party’s debate on striking and solidarity alongside RMT Wales official Steve Sketty and Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj.

Mr Sketty told delegates that the industry faced £4 billion in cuts despite rail workers being hailed as heroes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He pointed out that the Tory government has spent over £300 million to indemnify rail companies, paying out more than solving the dispute would cost.

Ms Taj hailed the Welsh government’s social partnership legislation as progressive and said it involved unions at the heart of discussions.

“Employment legislation is not devolved, but the social partnership Bill puts us in the room.

“It is not about sweetheart deals as the strikes in Wales show.

“The relationship we have means that talks have continued in Wales and Monday’s ambulance strike has now been postponed for discussions to continue.”

“We also have a programme of know your rights in schools where children are learning about trade unions,” Ms Taj said.

Plaid’s Senedd member Peradur Owen Griffiths explained that the new curriculum gives young people an understanding of trade unions and the cultural history of Wales.

“But when you speak to striking teachers they say that they just do not have the time or head space to teach this.”

Plaid councillor Carrie Harper urged party members to support the strikes and to show solidarity by going to picket lines.