Author: Paul

Posted on

COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION OF CARILLION

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

 

Circular No IR.031/18

 

16th January 2018

 

Our Ref: BR1/15/6

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION OF CARILLION

 

Obviously our worse fears of the last few weeks has happened and sadly through no fault of their own our members find their future employment, and current monies owed, in jeopardy.

 

I have no doubt the rumours and differing information that is flying everywhere in the media is worrying and confusing.

 

First and foremost we have advised our members to turn up for work in the normal way.

 

The latest position is that I have had initial discussions with Carillion and representatives of the official receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers (PCW) in regards the compulsory liquidation of the company and its impact on workers involved in the delivery of rail contracts.  The representatives indicated that they are looking at a range of options to preserve jobs.  They have confirmed that once they have more detailed information they will meet us within the next few days to address any concerns we have.

 

I have also met with the Chief Executive of Network Rail asking for the work carried out on the Carillion contracts to be bought in-house to ensure stability of employment for our Carillion members. I have also asked Network Rail to guarantee payment to staff for the work they did over the Christmas period, including any bonuses. Our concern is that the January payment that the Government has said will be honoured may not include enhancements earned in December that would normally be paid in the February paybill. I have also asked Network Rail to ensure all sub-contractors that had been working under Carillion contracts be paid as well.

 

I have written to the Mayor of London asking for all contracts that come under Transport for London be bought in-house and any wages owed be honoured. Our Lead Officers for the Train Operating companies are doing likewise.

 

We have written to, and sought urgent meetings with, the government asking that they protect workers’ jobs and wages and classify all rail work as public sector and take all Carillion rail contracts in–house. The RMT Parliamentary Group has also sought an urgent meeting with the Government.

 

The union is also making the appropriate urgent representations to the relevant bodies regarding pensions and I will communicate with you very shortly on this matter.

 

Things are moving at a pace at the moment but regrettably there is still a lot of confusion as to what the outcome of this terrible collapse will bring to members but I can assure you we are doing all we can at this awful time.

 

I will keep you advised of developments as they happen.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

Posted on

December 2017 Inflation Rates

New Inflation rates for year to December 2017

 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have published inflation rates for the year to December 2017. The Retail Prices Index (RPI) was 4.1%, up 0.2% on the year to November 2017. The often quoted, but irrelevant for pay purposes alternative measures of CPI and CPIH were 3.0% (down 0.1%) and 2.7% (down 0.1%) 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.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Posted on

RMT CALLS ON LONDON MAYOR TO TAKE CARILLION’S LONDON RAIL CONTRACTS INTO DIRECT TFL OWNERSHIP

RMT CALLS ON LONDON MAYOR TO TAKE CARILLION’S LONDON RAIL CONTRACTS INTO DIRECT TFL OWNERSHIP

 

RAIL UNION RMT has today called on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to take immediate measures to bring Carillion’s London rail contract work into direct public ownership through Transport for London with guaranteed protection for the workforce, their jobs, pay, conditions and their pensions.

Staff working on the Carillion contracts carry out a range of safety critical signalling, power, maintenance, cleaning and track works on Crossrail, the East London Line Extension, Heathrow Express and London Overground.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“We have written to Sadiq Khan today urging him to step in as a matter of urgency and take the Carillion London rail operations into public ownership with jobs, pensions and the essential safety-critical work protected.

“When Metronet collapsed on London Underground immediate moves were made to maintain the functions under public ownership to ensure safety and continuity.  The Carillion situation is no different and RMT is seeking to move this forward as a matter of urgency.”

Posted on

RMT TRADE UNION EDUCATION & LEARNING FESTIVAL 2018 – UNVEILING OF JFT96 MEMORIAL.   

RMT TRADE UNION EDUCATION & LEARNING FESTIVAL 2018 – UNVEILING OF JFT96 MEMORIAL.   

 

The 2018 RMT Festival of Education & Learning will take place at the Bob Crow National Education Centre. In accordance with a decision of the National Executive Committee a bespoke memorial will be unveiled in honour of the ‘Justice for the 96’ campaign and the victims and their families. JFT96 committee members, and family members will be invited to attend this year’s festival.

 

The Festival will take place on Friday 15th June 2018 opening at 11.00hrs and closing at 17.00hrs. Entry will be by free ticket (s). The festival will be very much an RMT family event, with food, refreshments, live music and guest speakers throughout the day. An extended invitation to our Trade Union friends affiliated to the TUC and GFTU will also be made.

 

If members and their families wish to attend you should request tickets from the National Education Officer at a.gilchrist@rmt.org.uk or in writing to Bob Crow National Education Centre, 47-49 Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN1 2EX

Posted on

RMT calls on Government to give assurances to workforce caught in Carillion financial crisis.

RMT calls on Government to give assurances to workforce caught in Carillion financial crisis.

 

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

 

“The Government should be giving clear-cut assurances to the workers who are watching the Carillion crisis play out on their TV screens this weekend. They are caught in the crossfire of a financial crisis that is not of their making and Ministers should be giving them the guarantees that RMT and other unions have been demanding.

 

“Thousands of jobs, and a whole raft of essential services and works, are hanging by a thread this weekend and the reports that administrators and a team from Price Waterhouse are now on stand by waiting to move in comes as no surprise to the trade union as we have been through these corporate failures plenty of times before.

 

“RMT has called on the Government to put in place a programme that trans‎fers the rail infra-structure works over to Network Rail and which takes the out-sourced facilities work for the train companies directly in house rather than relying on these speculative chancers.

 

“Serious questions are being asked yet again about the judgement of ‎Chris Grayling who has awarded huge contracts to a company that was already known to be in serious financial trouble. He now has a moral responsibility to give the staff in the transport sector caught up in the Carillion crisis guarantees that they will not be left to pay the price for the failures of others.

 

“RMT has heard plenty about the Government holding meetings. What we haven’t heard about is a concrete plan of Government action which protects jobs, pensions and services. ‎Rather than prevaricating they should be getting on with it.”

Posted on

ELECTION OF RELIEF REGIONAL ORGANISER – SOUTH Term of Office – 5 Years

ELECTION OF RELIEF REGIONAL ORGANISER – SOUTH

Term of Office – 5 Years

 

 

Nominations have been invited for the above position (Circular No. MF/137/17, 14th December 2017).

 

The deadline for nominations is WEDNESDAY 7th MARCH 2018.

 

If you wish to stand then please attend a branch meeting and stand for election for this nomination by your branch.

 

If your Branch wants Head Office to send other Branches details of your nominee’s qualifications, please send two copies of the circular to us by Saturday 13th January 2018. The circular must be signed by two Branch officials (ideally Secretary and Chair) and the nominee.

 

Election Addresses must reach Head Office by the close of nominations, i.e. by Wednesday 7th March 2018.

 

In the event of a ballot being necessary, ballot papers will be sent to individual members during the week commencing Monday 26th March 2018.

 

Posted on

New Membership forms from the 1st March 2018

NEW LAW – NEW MEMBERSHIP FORMS

 

I am writing in relation to the production of new membership forms that we must use from the 1st March 2018.

 

The main reason for the change is that from this date the Tory government’s attack against unions using political funds to campaign and support political initiatives comes into force.

 

Our new membership forms will now have to have a box that must be ticked by new members joining the union from March 2018 to allow us to use part of their union subscription to fund the Political Fund. As you will know the fund is essential for supporting campaigns to defend our members’ interests.

 

If this box is not ticked then we will not be able to make the Political Fund deduction.   Please note the political fund aspect of the subscription is only £3.12 per year – that’s just £6p a week as part of member’s main subscription.

 

There will also be new EU legislation that will be coming into force later in 2018 regarding data protection.  The union is currently receiving legal advice but to comply with this legislation it is likely there will also need to be a privacy statement on the form that new members will have to acknowledge they have read.

 

Once all the legal hurdles are cleared the new forms will be distributed to Regional Offices and Branches and also activists in the New Year.

 

The new membership forms for new members will be red to distinguish them from the existing green forms. It is therefore very important that our Branches and Regions put some thought towards ensuring that the new red forms are distributed around all workplaces and that the old green forms are recycled and not used after 1st March 2018.  Any of the old forms used after that date will mean the union will not be able to take the political fund deduction from that new member and the union will have to write separately seeking authorisation.

 

I will also be asking Regional Organisers to draw up plans in conjunction with our Regional Councils to assist in ensuring every location and every activist has the stocks of new membership forms.

 

I can also advise you that the online form through which many new members join the union will also be updated.

 

It is vital that when recruiting new members from 1st March 2018 we ensure that whether joining by form or online that they are reminded of the need to tick the box on the membership form to join the political fund. The new forms will contain supporting propaganda to encourage this. I will also be sending advice to activists as to the arguments to use around the political fund and this issue will also be covered on our courses at the Bob Crow education centre.

 

Note the legislation only applies to new members joining the union from 1st March 2018. It does not apply to existing members or members who join the union before 1st March 2018.

 

Yours sincerely

Posted on

Train Ticket Price Hike

On 25th anniversary year of railway privatisation new study shows yesterday’s rail fare hikes will worsen the cost of living crisis

The 2nd of January marked the 25th anniversary of The Railway Act of 1993 – that led to the privatisation of the railways – and the day before rail season tickets are due to rise in price by 3.6% and fares on average by 3.4% a new RMT study has found that:‎

 

•        Today’s increase of 3.6% on season tickets is over 50% more than the increase in earnings over the last year alone

•        Rail fares have increased 5 times the rate of public sector pay awards and at twice the speed of average earnings since 2010

•        The average commuter pays over 10% their net income on fares, with some commuters paying as much as 20%

•        Commuter rail travel is now a pipe dream for those on low incomes. If you are on the National Living Wage you could spend on average 20% of your wages on fares

 

The figures were revealed as fare protests organised by the RMT were to take place at forty stations around the country when passengers returned to work on 2nd January. 

At many locations RMT members will be handed out chocolates to commuters to at least sweeten the bitter pill of the fare rises.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said,

“It’s another New Year and yet another hike in fares for passengers. These eye watering increases will make it even harder for workers to get by.

“Whilst workers are struggling the private train companies are raking it in. As we enter the 25th year anniversary of railway privatisation legislation the need for public ownership of rail has never been more popular or necessary”.

 

fares NLA

Posted on

RMT PWT Update

The RMT have been meeting with LUL to discuss many issues that affect our members carrying out protection duties for Morsons and Cleshars

 

Below is a report from the meeting

 

  1. LUL have agreed in principle to an incident process whereby the aim is to have the outcome within 48 hours.
  2. We discussed a dress code to get rid of PPE at the briefing meetings.  LUL had a concern regarding people turning up in shorts and flip flops. We agreed to write some form of dress code and aim to get this agreed for early new year.
  3. We discussed having your job moved at short notice or on the way to site.  We stated that we wanted to be paid twice which is what we believe happens to the contracting supplier. LUL said they will look into this and whether the supplier is indeed paid twice.
  4. LUL will tell Morsons to pay for PWT training.
  5. LUL were unaware of the Xmas payments specific issue and would review it with a view to discuss and potentially implement a payment within the Framework Contract.
  6. It was agreed work should be fairly distributed and would look at their processes. This included all areas including assessing.
  7. Regarding the bullying it was agreed this must stop.
  8. LUL wil continue to meeting with the local RMT Reps and the RMT to continue to ensure momentum is maintained
  9. The stores will be moved upstairs and they are looking at different options
  10. LUL want to move some PWT Staff to Beckton and that may suit some people better.
Posted on

December Transformation Report – Cherry Picking

Below is a report on the latest Transformation Negotiations from our reps.

 

“We have come across another obstacle today which is pan Transformation and something which we all felt needs a clear and constant approach.

 

As such we have insisted on a meeting with Colin Game on Jan 2nd before we go any further.

 

The basic issue is in some work streams  they are mixing pools ie ADs & SMs, SMs & MMs, MMs & Band 4s and trying to pick and choose where they will map someone upwards ie a MMJ seconded as a Band 4 proposal is to map that person directly into the Band 4 post, yet in another, a SM is seconded as a MM but they will not map that person into the MM role and have said they must go back to their substantive grades pool.

 

We feel this is open to abuse by management to appoint “cherry pick” who they want etc. Hence we need a consistent approach.

 

 

The lead from the meeting this morning Rick Taylor was really trying to get us to commit to something there and then today which has made me very suspicious of his motive, but obviously we insisted that we met with Game (ER) to consult relating to all Streams not just the one we were in today.”

Posted on

RMT PAY BULLETIN: Sept to Dec 2017

Dear Colleagues

 

RMT PAY BULLETIN: Sept to Dec 2017

 

RPI inflation (change in cost of living relative to same time one year earlier) remains high at 3.9%.

 

However, inflation has likely peaked. For the final three months of 2018, annual RPI (according to the latest forecasts) is expected to fall to 3.2%

 

The Office for Budget Responsibility projects the decline will be sharper than previously estimated:

 

 

 

 

Official inflation data records how prices are changing for workers on low, middle and higher incomes on an aggregate basis (ie not adequately distinguishing between those bands). The amount that people on average or below average incomes spend on everyday living expenses (as a proportion of salary) is obviously greater than for wealthier households.

 

The difference in the rate of inflation as experienced by workers on the lowest incomes (1st quintile) and those in one of the higher income brackets (in the chart below, the 4th quintile) is significant, especially when compounded over time:

 

 

Meaning that those on the lowest rates of pay, who are not being offered a path by their employer to better paid work, need the highest pay award. Failing which those on the lowest rates of pay, will see the relative value of their income (ie purchasing power) decline at the steepest rate.

 

 

 

Forecasts in detail: RPI inflation

For Q4 2018 – ie average rate during months of Oct, Nov and Dec 2018

the average new forecast is 3.2%

 

This figure is significantly below the current rate of inflation – you are advised not to volunteer to your employer, information on the size of the projected decline in inflation.

 

High RPI Q4 2018 forecasts to quote to employers in pay negotiations are:

Capital Economics (3.8% – forecast made in December 2017)

HSBC (3.7% – forecast made in December 2017),

Citigroup (3.6% – forecast made in December 2017)

Economic Perspectives (3.6% – forecast made in December 2017)

 

 

Forecasts in detail: Average earnings growth

For 2018 – ie average over whole of 2018

the average new forecast is 2.7%

 

This figure is significantly below the current rate of inflation – you are advised not to volunteer to your employer, information on the projected low increase in average earnings.

 

High average earnings growth forecasts for 2018 to quote to employers in pay negotiations are:

Goldman Sachs (3.5% – forecast made in December 2017)

Economic Perspectives (3.2% – forecast made in December 2017)

Scotiabank (3% – forecast made in December 2017)

 

 

 

Recent RMT Settlements

Company

Award

Effective From

Rail
East Midlands Trains (Customer Experience)
  • 3.2% on base pay and on all allowances
 1 Apr 2017
Merseyrail
  • 3.2%
 2 Apr 2017
Train infrastructure
Volkerrail
  • 2% increase to basic hourly rates and taxable allowances
  • 2% increase to basic hourly rates and taxable allowances
  • 2% increase to basic hourly rates and taxable allowances
 1 Apr 2017

 

1 Apr 2018

 

1 Apr 2019

 

London Transport and other Metro
Serco London Cycle Hire Scheme
  • 2.5% increase
 1 Apr 2017
Doppelmayr Emirates Air Line Cable Car
  • 2.64% average increase to salaries
 Nov 2017
Thales GTS
  • 1.8% increase
  • 2% increase
  • 2.5% increase
 2017

2018

2019

Security
STM (Arriva Rail London)
  • 3% increase

 

 July 2017

Cleaning and catering
Axis Cleaning Services (Arriva Trains Wales Contract)
  • 6% increase
 1 Oct 2017

Road Transport and Buses
Hants & Dorset Trim
  • Increase of 29p per hour – this equates to 2.55%
  • Increase of 35p per hour – this equates to 3%
 1 July 2017

 

1 July 2018
Stagecoach South West (Exeter, Torquay & Barnstaple) ·         1.4% (Driver Rate to £10.14)

·         1.1% (Driver Rate to £10.25)

 30 Apr 2017

30 Oct 2017
Bournemouth Transport
  • A basic rate increase to £10.15 per hour, consolidating the 20 pence per hour attendance allowance which equates to an approximate percentage increase of 3.5%. This was in return for receiving no pay for the first three days of any sickness absence.
 27 Aug 2017
Stagecoach East Midlands (Mansfield & Worksop) – Driver and Engineering Grades
  • 1.25% increase
  • 1.25% increase

 

 30 Apr 2017

26 Nov 2017
UPS
  • 3% increase to all basic rates of pay and allowances
  • Increase of RPI plus 0.2% for all staff. (Lower limit of 2% and upper limit of 3.5%)
 2017

 

2018
APC Delivered ·         2.5% increase Aug 2017
Damory Coaches
  • 2% increase to all rates of pay
  • The company has offered a guaranteed minimum starting point of a 2.5% increase for when negotiations begin for 2018 pay rise.
 Oct 2017
Leathams
  • 2% increase to basic rates
  • A further 1.1% placed into a performance related customer service bonus, instead of increasing the attendance allowance, operating from 1 August 2017
 1 May 2017
Maritime and Offshore
Offshore Contractors
  • Lump sum payment of £450 for members who were employed in the period specified. The lump sum to be calculated on the basis of £37.50 per week employed.
  • 2% increase on the base hourly rate element D1 and all connected elements in the table of rates on page 27 of the current OCPA. This equates to an increase in base rate hourly for a Category B Craftsperson of £19.31 to £19.70.
 7 Jan 2017

 

 

 

1 Apr 2017
Caledonian MacBrayne
  • Increase of Aug 2017 RPI (3.9%)
  • Increase of Aug 2018 RPI
  • Increase of Aug 2019 RPI
 Oct 2017

Oct 2018

Oct 2019
Serco Northlink Ferries
  • 3.9% for all Ratings
 1 Oct 2017
Isle of Man Steam Packet
  • 4% increase
 1 Jan 2018
Heysham Port (Peel Ports) ·         2.5% increase 1 June 2017

 

 

 

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company (Sector)

Award

Effective From
Moy Park (agri-food) 3.4% Aug 2017
Old Bushmills Distillery (drinks production) 3.7% Aug 2017
Rio Cinema (culture) 5% Oct 2017
Ford – hourly paid workers (manufacturing) 4.5% Nov 2017
Tesco (retail) 5.25% Nov 2017

 

 

 

We use RPI and not other measures of inflation such as CPI or CPIH

 

What is RPI? It measures inflation as experienced by working households

In 1914 an indicator of inflation called the “Cost of Living Index” was established. It was designed to chart the increase in the costs of workers’ basic subsistence items.

 

The CLI was subsequently expanded to measure changes in prices facing whole households, and in 1947 it was renamed the Retail Prices Index. The RPI – which excludes data on the spending habits of the parasitic class (ie the richest 4% of households) – was from its inception therefore, designed for use by us.[1]

 

 

What is CPI? It is a tool for measuring the overall performance of the economy

By contrast, CPI – which was formulated by the European Union’s statistics agency, Eurostat -measures overall national economic performance. Specifically, CPI was introduced to help assess the eligibility of countries to transition to use of the ruinous Euro currency.

 

The Royal Statistical Society – the association for statisticians – explains that CPI was not designed to measure “inflation as perceived and experienced by households.”[2]

 

CPI includes elements irrelevant to ordinary workers, such as stockbrokers’ fees and foreign students’ university tuition fees – and it also excludes most taxes.[3] Unsurprisingly, CPI is “broadly representative of the price experience of households around two-thirds of the way up the expenditure distribution”.[4] In other words, CPI is the measure for wealthier households with spending habits significantly looser than the average.

 

The Royal Statistical Society confirms that: “[The calculation method used in CPI gives] a higher weight to the higher-spending households. We [ie the RSS] do not believe this is correct for a household-based index, which should aim to measure inflation as it affects typical households.”[5]

 

 

Why has RPI recently been criticised?

At least since George Osborne was Chancellor, the Office for National Statistics has been required to selectively sideline RPI and push CPI (and now a new version of CPI called CPIH). Further, some influential news outlets such as the Daily Mail and The Times have been waging a sustained campaign against the use of RPI.

 

The stated reason is that RPI is underpinned by a mathematical formula which is currently out of fashion. In fact, at its January 2016 meeting, the National Statistician’s “Advisory Panels [Technical and Stakeholder] on Consumer Prices” found that the formula used in RPI is no better or worse than alternatives: “Panel members agreed that the relative merits of the mathematical properties of elementary aggregate formulae were finely balanced.”[6]

 

The real reason that RPI is being slated by the bosses and their mouthpieces is that RPI generally records higher rates of inflation than other measures – leading to higher wage settlements, than those based on alternative measures such as CPI.

 

 

What do other countries do? No other country uses CPI for domestic purposes

The Royal Statistical Society explains that “nearly all EU countries…use their own national indices [ie their equivalents of RPI] as their main uprating index. Accordingly the RSS finds that: “The UK would therefore be out of line with most international practice if it adopted the CPI, or a close derivative such as CPIH, as its main uprating index.”[7]

 

The Royal Statistical Society adds that: “Neither the CPI, nor any index closely derived from it or established on similar principles [such as CPIH], will do.”[8]

 

 

RPI could be updated

The Royal Statistical Society has proposed that RPI or its derivative RPIJ be updated. Further, the RSS has called for work on a new similar measure of inflation called “Index of Household Prices”, the status and purpose of which will – not least through its name – be clear to users.

 

Sadly, the ONS has been directed to freeze all work on RPI’s methodological framework[9]. Further, its director has been publicly critical of RPI.

 

The ONS is instead promoting the discredited and inappropriate measure CPIH as an alternative to RPI. More positively, the ONS has begun work on a new experimental household weighted index (ie RPI type rate) which would be known as the “Household Costs Indices”[10].

 

 

RPI is vastly superior to CPI

The Royal Statistical Society finds that “Clearly it [CPI] cannot as it stands be considered a suitable measure of the median or modal household…[while RPI] is noticeably closer in practice to a household weighted index than the CPI.[11]”

 

Any attempt by an employer to link a pay award to CPI or a new variation CPIH must be refused and should be logged with the union’s National Policy Department.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

[1] Page 11, para 2 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/publications/Astin-Leyland-HII-paper-Apr-2015.pdf

 

[2] Page 7, para 3 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2016/RSS-response-ONS-paper-developing-index-household-payments-Sept2016.pdf

 

[3] Page 3, para 1 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2015/rss-response-to-consumer-prices-index-consultation-Sept-2015.pdf

 

[4] Tanya Flower and Philip Wales of the ONS in “Variations in the Inflation Experience of UK Households: 2003-2014” published in Dec 2014. Quote at page 85, para 1 of doc linked to at: https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C2BLWB_enGB591GB591&q=%22Tanya+Flower%22+%22Philip+Wales%22+%22Variation+in+the+inflation+experience+of+UK+households%22&oq=%22Tanya+Flower%22+%22Philip+Wales%22+%22Variation+in+the+inflation+experience+of+UK+households%22&gs_l=psy-ab.3…6144.10919.0.11015.12.12.0.0.0.0.230.946.0j3j2.5.0….0…1.1.64.psy-ab..8.0.0.bEbOdZlIqk8

 

[5] Page 2, para 3 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/publications/Astin-Leyland-HII-paper-Apr-2015.pdf

 

[6] Page 6, third para from bottom of page http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2016/RSS-response-ONS-paper-developing-index-household-payments-Sept2016.pdf

 

[7] Page 3, para 3 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2015/rss-response-to-consumer-prices-index-consultation-Sept-2015.pdf

 

[8] Page 4, para 6 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2015/rss-response-to-consumer-prices-index-consultation-Sept-2015.pdf

 

[9] Page 3, second para of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2016/RSS-response-ONS-paper-developing-index-household-payments-Sept2016.pdf

 

[10] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/householdcostsindices/preliminaryestimates2005to2017

 

[11] Page 3, para 4 of http://www.rss.org.uk/Images/PDF/influencing-change/2015/rss-response-to-consumer-prices-index-consultation-Sept-2015.pdf

Posted on

RMT Newsletter 7th December 2017

Dear Colleagues,

 

PAY PARITY, TRANSPLANT MAINTENANCE & STORES STAFF – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ex-AP JNP) (LUL/10/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/540/17, 28th November 2017), the ballot has concluded and the result was as follows:-

 

Are you prepared to take strike action?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:        52

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                               46 (88.5%)

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  41 (89.1%)

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                   5

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:       0

 

Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:        52

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                               46 (88.5%)

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  42 (91.3%)

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                   4

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:       0

 

Following this superb result, the National Executive Committee took the decision to instruct all Train Maintainer (Train Maintenance), Technical Manager, Storeman, Storeman Team Leader, Materials Manager and Maintenance Performance Manager members to take industrial action as detailed below:

 

With effect from 00:01 hours on Wednesday 20th December 2017, until further notice, members are instructed:-

 

  • Not to work any overtime or rest days
  • Not to carry out roles beyond their substantive positions and locations
  • Not to deviate from current valid approved work and safety instruction documents
  • Not to deviate from current valid approved risk assessments
  • Not to deviate from latest issue of Tube Lines supplement to the rule book
  • Not to work onsite unless a first aider is on duty
  • Not to perform coaching and/or buddy duties
  • To take rest breaks within legal/agreed parameters
  • Not to use personal mobile devices for work related use

 

Further talks with the Company are due to take place and I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

TRAIN PREPARATION PAYMENTS, TRANSPLANT MAINTENANCE STAFF – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ex-AP JNP) (LUL/1/8)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/540/17, 28th November 2017), the ballot has concluded and the result was as follows:-

 

Are you prepared to take strike action?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:        32

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                               32 (100%)

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  29 (90.6%)

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                   3

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:       0

 

Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?

 

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot:        32

Number of votes cast in the ballot:                                               32 (100%)

Number of individuals answering “Yes” to the question:                  29 (90.6%)

Number of individuals answering “No” to the question:                   3

Number of spoiled or otherwise invalid voting papers returned:       0

 

Following this superb result, the National Executive Committee took the decision to instruct all Advanced Train Maintainer, Duty Maintenance Manager and Team Leader (Train Maintenance) members to take industrial action as detailed below:

 

With effect from 00:01 hours on Wednesday 20th December 2017, until further notice, members are instructed:-

 

  • Not to work any overtime or rest days
  • Not to carry out roles beyond their substantive positions and locations
  • Not to deviate from current valid approved work and safety instruction documents
  • Not to deviate from current valid approved risk assessments
  • Not to deviate from latest issue of Tube Lines supplement to the rule book
  • Not to work onsite unless a first aider is on duty
  • Not to perform coaching and/or buddy duties
  • To take rest breaks within legal/agreed parameters
  • Not to use personal mobile devices for work related use

 

I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

BOXING DAY WORKING – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ASSET OPERATIONS) (LUL/7/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/540/17, 28th November 2017), all affected members should now have received their ballot paper regarding the above.

 

Please ensure that members complete their ballot paper and return it to reach the Scrutineer by the closing date of Tuesday 12th December 2017. If any member has not received it, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.

 

RATE OF PAY, WORK TRAIN CONTROLLERS – VGC (CROSSRAIL PROJECT) (LUL/10/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/540/17, 28th November 2017), all Work Train Controller members should now have received their ballot paper regarding the above.

 

Please ensure that members complete their ballot paper and return it to reach the Scrutineer by the closing date of Tuesday 12th December 2017. If any member has not received it, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.

 

BREACH OF MACHINERY – ISS (KAD CONTRACT) (LUL/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/540/17, 28th November 2017), all ISS (KAD Contrat) members should now have received their ballot paper regarding the above.

 

Please ensure that members complete their ballot paper and return it to reach the Scrutineer by the closing date of Thursday 14th December 2017. If any member has not received it, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.

 

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2017 – DOPPELMAYR EMIRATES AIR LINE CABLE CAR (TFL/0001/CC)

 

In line with Union policy, a pay claim for an increase in pay and improved terms and conditions was submitted to the Company. The Regional Organiser met with the Company and the following no-strings offer was received:-

 

  • An average increase to salaries of 2.64% from November 2017, including bonuses for shifts worked over that period.

 

  • Two months back pay.

 

The National Executive Committee has considered a report from the Regional Organiser and noted a consultation of affected members by the RMT Rep resulted in an opinion to accept the offer.  In line with the NEC decision, the Company has been advised of our acceptance of the offer and I have asked that the increase, along with backdated monies, is paid to members at the earliest opportunity.

RELATED NEWS

Archives