Author: Paul

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RMT Circular 30th April 2018

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL CIRCULAR

 

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVES

ALL UNDERGROUND AND FORMER LT EMPLOYERS

 

 

 

30th April 2018                                                                     Circular No: IR/217/18

 

Dear Colleague,

 

INTRODUCTION OF WTT15 – TRAIN OPERATORS – JUBILEE LINE, LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/2)

 

The following resolution has been received from our Neasden Branch:-

 

“This branch notes that London Underground is proposing to introduce Working Timetable 15 from 20th May 2018.

 

Following a recent schedules meeting and scrutiny by our representatives it became clear that the introduction of WTT15 would increase the volume of weekend working which is in breach of the pay dispute resolution agreement dated 21st May 2016.

 

No improvements have since been made and we request the NEC to enter into dispute with London Underground on this matter and to ballot all Train Operator and Instruction Operator members (with the exception of Night Tube Train Operators) on the Jubilee Line for strike action and action short of strike action.

 

Work life balance is important to all of us and it’s crucial that we hold London Underground management to the commitments they have previously made to us on these issues.

 

I urge you all to pass this motion and send a strong message to London Underground that enough is enough”.

 

The National Executive Committee considered this matter and took the decision to inform London Underground that a dispute situation exists between us over this issue and to ballot all Jubilee Line Train Operator and Instructor Operator members for industrial action. Ballot papers will be posted to members on Thursday 3rd May and the closing date for this ballot is Thursday 17th May 2018.

 

If any member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the Freephone helpline on 0800 376 3706, RMT Head Office on 0207 387 4771 to speak to the Industrial Relations Department or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk to request a replacement. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, TRAIN OPERATORS, PICCADILLY LINE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/168/18, 28th March 2018) a resolution was also received from our Finsbury Park Branch and this matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which noted the views of Reps at the meeting held on Monday 23rd April and a report from the Lead Officer.

 

The NEC has taken the decision to write to LUL to raise all our concerns and to prepare a ballot matrix of all affected members. Also to refer the file to the Southern Sub-Committee to produce a timetable to resolve our members concerns.

 

I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

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Transformation Mass Meeting Confirmed

Transformation Mass Meeting

 

As part of the transformation consultation, the RMT have organised a Mass Meeting to feedback to our members involved in this reorganisation and decide our next course of action.

 

The meeting will take place at 14:00 – 16:00, Tuesday 8th May in the Mahatma Ghandi Hall, Indian YMCA, 41 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AQ.

(The nearest station are Great Portland St or Warren St Tubes)

 

The agenda for the meeting is:

  1. Feedback and Reports from the Negotiating Reps on TfL, LUL and JNP
  2. Questions from the floor, and then a response from your reps.
  3. A decision on what actions to take next.

 

The reality is that talks have been very hard and there has been a lot of misinformation and errors circulated. However, this is your chance to come and have your say and guide your union on how to take this matter forward or how we will oppose these changes.

The RMT London Transport National Executive (NEC) Member, Andy Littlechild will be in attendance to receive your feedback and report back directly to Unity House.

The meeting is open to ALL RMT MEMBERS and those staff that are affected and want to join our union to oppose cuts in any way our members and NEC direct us.

 

Transformation Mass Meeting Poster

 

 

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Merthyr Rising Festival May 25-27th 2018.

Merthyr Rising Festival May 25-27th 2018.

 

Merthyr Rising festival sponsored by RMT is a music, arts and ideas event that celebrates working-class culture and resistance at the birthplace of the red flag.

This year’s fifth annual event, set for May 25-27 at Penderyn Square, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, takes place during the anniversary of one of the very first organised uprisings by workers in 1831 known as the Merthyr Rising.

It was the violent climax to many years of simmering unrest among the large working class population of Merthyr Tydfil where it is believed that for the first time the red flag of revolution was flown as a symbol of workers’ revolt. Today Merthyr Rising celebrates this symbolic event annually through a cultural festival of music, arts, political discussion and ideas.

This year there will be two sound stages, one on Penderyn Square and the second a short walk away at the Castle car park. A campsite is available in the picturesque grounds of the iconic Cyfartha Castle. Full weekend camping is available from Thursday May 24 to Monday May 28 and is available to campers, caravans and campervans with costs from £35.

Artists performing at this year’s festival include Mike Peters and The Alarm, Dreadzone, The Blockheads, The Ruts DC, Roland Gift, Captain Ska amongst others. US political scientist, professor and author Norman Finkelstein, an expert on the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the politics of the Holocaust, will be holding a question-and-answer session in the Merthyr Red House.

Ticket prices for the whole weekend are £40 and day tickets are £15 per day.

Details can be found http://www.merthyrrising.uk/  Members and branches are urged to circulate details and encourage members to attend.

Yours sincerely,

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

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UPDATE ON TfL ENGINEERING CONSULTATION

UPDATE ON TfL ENGINEERING CONSULTATION

 

On Friday 20th April the TUs met with management for a Consultation meeting.

 

I am aware of the email sent out to staff at 11.32, which was just under 30 minutes before we met them. We had no knowledge of the email’s contents. As you are aware the TUs had been asking for weeks for staff to be taken out of scope so we were pleased that common sense prevailed finally and the management have agreed to remove the immediate threat of redundancy.

 

However, based on the second email sent out and also on the Consultation meeting we attended, I have grave concerns over the way the management will put in place the “targeted development plan”. They will be on a restricted timeframe, which has not been specified, but the management did state they did not see this being as long as 6 months. They will not be using the Performance Improvement Policy to do this either. If staff are not successful during this period then they could be terminated on capability grounds. This is not something that has been done before during a reorganisation under the RSRP. There has been no detail on how this will work, what support will be given and how staff will be assessed to see whether they meet the competencies following this ‘plan’.

 

The TUs have been advised that staff will be given the option of undergoing the development plan or taking VS, but people won’t be able to go through development, and then ask for VS if they don’t meet the standards.

 

There has been no mention of whether SAE will be looked at as part of this plan, or whether staff will have to ask about this instead of the plan.

 

There are a significant number of things which will need to be in place to make this acceptable to the RMT, one of which will be that no member of staff who wants to stay, will leave until every option has been looked at.

 

I have a list of questions which I will be raising at Consultation and am more than happy for any feedback to be sent to me so I can add questions if necessary.

 

Maria Taylor

mariataylor@tfl.gov.uk or tfl1ir@gmail.com

 

Other Reps

Mounir

07944 835 952

 

PMO

Jamie Parry

jamieparry@tfl.gov.uk

Posted on

RMT Circular 24th April 2018

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL CIRCULAR

 

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVES

ALL UNDERGROUND AND FORMER LT EMPLOYERS

 

 

 

24th April 2018                                                                   Circular No: IR/209/18

 

Dear Colleague,

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – KEOLIS AMEY DOCKLANDS

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/135/18, 9th March 2018), the second round of strike action from Friday 20th to Tuesday 24th April was suspended at the final moment after 13 days of intensive talks at ACAS led to progress on the issues in this dispute.

 

The following summarises the progress made in the talks on each of the issues at the heart of this dispute:

 

KAD Failing to Honour Agreements

  • KAD will honour the 2-year PSA roster pattern
  • KAD to trial 3 months visibility for the PSA parameter agreement, with management and PSA reps to determine success criteria over the next two weeks.
  • KAD will roster PSAs for 1820 hours per annum. Staff who have worked in excess of 1820 hours in 2017 will be credited time off in lieu or the equivalent hours will be removed from their 2018 requirement, as agreed by the individual staff member.
  • KAD agree that rosters for other grades are negotiable and completed using the agreed Collective Bargaining Machinery.

 

Training needs being neglected

  • KAD commits to train, retrain and maintain licences for employees to undertake the role that they are currently employed to do. Any changes to be consulted.

 

Misuse of Attendance/Capability Issues

  • KAD to adhere to existing capability policy which includes wording that identifies that termination for reasons of medical capability will only be instigated following advice by GP or medical specialist.

 

Tax Bill to Members

  • KAD to offer financial assistance to anyone affected. Initially, staff to approach a member of the HR team to discuss it confidentially. Staff whose child benefit was affected and who can demonstrate a loss to have case reviewed by KAD/RMT Organiser and ACAS.

 

Health and Safety Issues

  • Outsourcing of gritting occurred prior to KAD taking over the contract. KAD to ensure that future work to be undertaken by competent people.
  • Agreement on use of contractors applied to all grades covered by collective bargaining. KAD commits to only utilising agency staff when all reasonable steps have been taken to exhaust internal resources for needs and requirements.
  • Air Quality Assessment results, Depot Assessments for hazardous substances and Risk Assessments to all be resolved via the Health and Safety Forum.

 

RMT Reps consulted affected members and the consensus was that the proposals from the Company were sufficient to suspend the industrial action. This position was endorsed by the National Executive Committee and all parties were informed accordingly. As always, the Union will remain vigilant to ensure the terms of this agreement are properly adhered to.

 

DISMISSAL, L. VIGO, TRAIN OPERATOR, BAKERLOO LINE – LUL (LUL/4/1)

 

The following resolution was recently received from our Bakerloo Line Branch:-

 

“This Branch notes the recent Employment Tribunal decision that ex-Queen’s Park Train Operator Luis Vigo was unfairly dismissed by London Underground last year following a minor non-safety related staff error. Furthermore, it is clear to see that the investigating managers and the CDI panel conspired against Mr Vigo by compiling a heavily biased CDI brief and by repeatedly failing to investigate any evidence which was inconvenient to their cause.

 

Whilst we welcome the fact that these managers’ shenanigans did not fool the Employment Judge, the fact is that Mr Vigo remains jobless. Whilst he may be due financial compensation, it is totally unacceptable that LU should be allowed to sack a member of staff for a trivial offence and in a manner which might make a sweat-shop owner blush.

 

This branch believes that it is important that our employer abides by the many agreements, policies and procedures we have fought for in the past, and respects the fundamentals of natural justice in its treatment of staff; it is the job of our union to ensure this happens.

 

We see the company’s attack on Mr Vigo as an attack on us all because it sets a dangerous precedent. Therefore, this branch resolves to ensure justice is done by securing the reinstatement of Luis Vigo and calls on our union to ballot train staff combine-wide for strike action and action short of a strike in pursuance of this objective”.

 

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has taken the decision to organise a Reps meeting to discuss this matter and its resolution. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep you advised of all developments.

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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RMT / Cuba Solidarity Campaign 16th Garden Party

RMT / Cuba Solidarity Campaign 16th Garden Party: Wednesday 13th June 2018.

 

Following the United Nations General Assembly last week adopting a resolution underlining the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba, RMT will continue to show its solidarity with the people of Cuba. The resolution enjoyed favourable votes from 191 of the 193 UN Member States.

 

Therefore, I am pleased to announce that, in association with the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, the 16th RMT Annual Garden Party for Cuba will take place on Wednesday 13th June 2018 at Maritime House, Clapham, London, commencing 7.00pm.

 

Tickets will be available in the new year and will be £15 each. This includes a free bar, buffet and music. As usual we will be joined by a number of distinguished guest speakers.

 

The Garden Party will provide a wonderful opportunity to show solidarity with Cuba with friends from across the Labour and Trade Union movement.

 

I hope to be able to see you at the Garden Party on 13th June.

 

 

2018 Cuba Garden Party Form

Posted on

RMT LT Retired – next meeting, events

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

The next meeting of the LT Retired Members Branch will be on 8th May at 14.00 in Unity House, 39 Chalton St NW1 1JD. (A week later than usual because of May Day)

 

As usual we will have reports, discussion and updates on RMT and retired activities including a report from the National RMT Retired Members conference.  There will be a key discussion on Labour – should the RMT re-affiliate? This is part of the consultation process taking place across the union, leading up to a decision at a Special General Meeting on 30th May.

 

We are fortunate to have as our guest speaker Sarah Boston, author of “Women Workers & The Trade Unions”.

 

Please pass this on to retired members who may be interested.

 

Comradely,

 

Olly New

 

Branch Secretary

07931 198501

 

  • Two years of RMT strike action – say no to Driver Only Operation: on Wednesday 25th April RMT members are asked to join a protest outside Parliament at 11.30 am in Old Palace Yard, SW1P 3JY. This will be followed by a meeting inside Parliament.
  • May Day Demonstration Assembles 12.00 noon, Tuesday 1st May in Clerkenwell Green, nearest tube Farringdon. Rally in Trafalgar Square.

“A New Deal for Working People” – TUC are holding a national march and rally on Saturday 12 May 2018 and RMT is planning a huge contingent. Assemble 11.00am Victoria Embankment WC2N 6PA

 

  • RMT Cuba Garden Party Wednesday 13th June – order tickets at the branch meeting

 

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Rail for London

The RMT have been building members that work for Rail for London at various locations including Allsop Place and Romford.

 

However, once Senior Management found out, they immediate gave recognition to two sister unions, TSSA and Prospect on the basis that they sign a no strike deal.

 

 

TSSA NO STRIKE AGREEMENT

 

 

 

This is not only unbelievable but unacceptable and Rail for London staff have continued to join the RMT on the back of wanting a democratic and fighting trade union watching their backs.

 

Our sister unions and management have resorted to desperate measures such as pressuring staff to join the chosen unions, allowing free access for recruitment drives to their representatives and officers and resisting all attempts by the RMT to  organise effectively. However, this has failed.

 

The TSSA even had to resort to free membership however, people know that negotiation without industrial power is collective begging and the RMT are never on their knees.

 

We have written to the TUC to lodge a formal complaint regarding the matter and await a response. However, the truth is that recognition without members as meaningless as a Trade Union that cannot strike.

 

The RMT therefore plans to increase our membership and have already lodged a pay claim for the staff at Romford Rail Operating Centre regarding General Salary Levels, Rostering and Flexible working and shift rate and overtime payments.

 

 

RfL Letter

 

 

Sadly for Rail for London, this union doesn’t sign no strike deals but what we do, is fight for our members in every possible way including Industrial Action

 

 

Posted on

New Inflation rates for year to March 2018

New Inflation rates for year to March 2018

 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have published inflation rates for the year to March 2018. The Retail Prices Index (RPI) was 3.3%, down 0.3% on the year to February 2018. The often quoted, but irrelevant for pay purposes alternative measures of CPI and CPIH were 2.5% (down 0.2%) and 2.3% (down 0.2%) respectively.

 

Your union’s policy is to use the RPI rate for all pay negotiations. Should an employer attempt to use alternative inflation measures during pay talks, please inform the National Policy department as soon as possible.

 

I would be grateful if you could bring the content of this circular to the attention of all members in your Branch.

Posted on

Pre- SGM Fringe Meeting for SGM delegates and Observers (RMT)

Dear Comrades,

 

The LUEngineering Branch are organising a fringe meeting at the Special Annual General Meeting for delegates and branch observers (RMT).

 

This will be to show case the debate and highlight the reasons why our branch, and many others, believe that we should retain our existing political strategy and not affiliate to the Labour Party.

 

We will name guest speakers at a later date

 

The fringe meeting will take place the night prior to the SGM at the same venue, i.e. Tuesday 29th May 2018, from 18:30 at the Doncaster Trades and Labour Club, 3rd Floor

Posted on

Discussion on RMT Affiliation to the Labour Party

RMT Paddington No.1 Branch and SW&W Regional Council host a discussion on RMT Affiliation to the Labour Party

RMT and LABOUR

 

‘The past we inherit, the future we build’

 

 

Special Meeting

Wednesday, 25 April

2018 18.00hrs

Friends House

173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ

 

All members WELCOME

 

RMT members are being consulted on our union’s affiliation to the Labour Party.

 

Come and hear the arguments and take part in the discussion.

Or watch and comment online via live-stream

 

 

https://goo.gl/ s5B4Qa

 

 

Speakers:

John McDonnell, MP

Hayes and Harlington

 

Steve Hedley, Senior AGS, RMT (personal capacity)

 

Paul Jackson, Secretary, LU Engineering Branch

(Speaking against affiliation)

 

 

Meeting poster

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