Author: Paul

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Rip off Privatised Rail

UK commuters spend up to six times as much of their salary on rail fares as other European passengers

 

Commuters on the UK’s privatised railways returning to work today (Monday) will face new fare increases, while spending up to six times as much of their salaries on rail fares as European passengers on publicly-owned railways, new analysis has revealed.

 

Action for Rail, a campaign by rail unions and the TUC, has compared average earnings with monthly season tickets on similar commuter routes across Europe.

 

The analysis looked at a UK worker on an average salary who is now spending 13% of their monthly wages on a £357.90 monthly season ticket from Chelmsford to London.

 

By contrast, the average amount of salary going on a monthly season ticket for a similar journey is just 2% in Italy, 3% in Spain and 4% in Germany.

 

Even in France, which is the closest to the UK for cost, commuters still spend nearly a third (30%) less on season tickets than their counterparts in the UK:

 

Country

Monthly season ticket

% of monthly median earnings

 

UK

£358

13%

 

Germany

£95

4%

 

France

£234

10%

 

Italy

£37

2%

 

Spain

£56

3%

 

 

The comparably high costs of the UK’s privatised railways are reflected by public opinion. A separate new poll for Action for Rail of 1,719 British adults by YouGov found that:

 

61% say train services in the UK are bad value for money

62% think that fares would be cheaper if train companies weren’t trying to make a profit

62% support public ownership of train operating companies

 

 

The findings come as rail campaigners and workers plan to hold protests at over 60 stations around the country against fare rises and in support of public ownership.

 

The government point to regulated rail fare rises being capped at the rate of inflation. But Action for Rail says the public will pay for this cap through taxes amounting to £700m over the next five years.

 

Research shows that more than double this (£1.5bn) could be saved over the same period if the rail franchises up for renewal were returned to the public sector. Researchers at Transport for Quality of Life have estimated that this could fund a 10% reduction in season tickets and other regulated fares from 2017.

 

Rail campaigners, passengers and rail unions will be outside London Kings Cross mainline station (on the edge of Kings Cross Square) at 8am today (4 January) handing out mock tickets to passengers, which highlight the high costs of fares and privatisation and call for public ownership of the railways.

 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

 

“It’s hardly surprising that UK passengers think rail travel is bad value for money. They are shelling out far more of their income on rail fares than their counterparts in Europe.

 

“Years of failed privatisation have left us with exorbitant ticket prices, overcrowded trains and ageing infrastructure. It would be nice if ministers woke-up to this reality instead of allowing train companies to milk the system at taxpayers’ and commuters’ expense.”

 

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

 

“Today is national rail rip off day when, along with the looming Christmas credit card bills, the British public awake to another kick in the teeth from the greedy private train companies. We would urge everyone to join with the trade unions to end the money making racket on our rail tracks in 2016. “

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Tory London Mayoral Candidate is having a laugh

RMT hits back at Goldsmith claim that he will ban tube strikes

 

Tube union RMT today hit back at a leaflet being distributed by multi-millionaire Tory mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith claiming that he will ban tube strikes in the Capital.

 

The leaflet is being distributed as RMT and sister transport unions step up their campaign against cuts to jobs and safety and stand alongside passenger groups in the fight against relentless fare increases.

 

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

 

“Zac Goldsmiths pathetic stunt marks him down as little more than a second-rate Boris Johnson tribute act as the current Mayor made similar bogus promises when he first stood for election.

 

“If Zac Goldsmith thinks that the way to win in London is to attack working people and threaten to jail them for standing up for for jobs, services and safety then he should think again. Zac Goldsmith has never had to fight for a decent standard of living, he comes from a privledged background where everything’s been handed to him on a plate.

 

“RMT will take no lectures from multi-millionaires like Zac Goldsmith when it comes to our fight for economic and social justice ‎and jobs, safety and decent, affordable transport services.”

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Transport union RMT pledges full support for junior doctors’ industrial action

 

Transport union RMT pledges full support for junior doctors’ industrial action

 

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“RMT stands in full support of our junior doctors as they prepare to take industrial action in defence of the basic principle of decent working conditions for NHS staff who work round the clock saving lives.

“RMT members are urged to join the picket lines at their local hospital tomorrow to show solidarity with the junior doctors at this crucial point in their fight for justice.

“The NHS is the cornerstone of the post-war welfare state and it falls to the entire trade union movement to line up alongside those prepared to take action to defend it.”

 

 

 

 

 

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RMT Events 2016

Monday 11th January 2016

 

Circular No. National Policy NP/07/16/BO

 

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

CLAIM THE DATE FOR ALL THESE FANTASTIC EVENTS

 

RMT members, as well as friends and family, are invited to attend and join a number of social and commemorative events this Summer. The 14th Annual RMT Cuba Garden Party, the Durham Miners’ Gala, the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and the Burston Strike School Rally are all chances to celebrate RMT and other unions’ history and recommit to preserving and extending our legacy:

The legendary RMT Cuba Garden Party on Wednesday 15th June – Celebrate the achievements of the Cuban Revolution with music, special guest speakers, food and drink. Tickets to go on sale soon. From 19.00 pm at Maritime House, Clapham, London.

 

Durham Miners’ Gala – from 8:30am on Saturday 9th  July
Marching from the Market Place to the Racecourse, with the Big Meeting taking place at the Racecourse from 12:15 – including addresses from a number of key speakers.
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival – in Dorset over the weekend of Friday 15th to Sunday 17th  July. Includes commemorative events, music (including marching bands), kids’ activities and speakers – with the main march and rally taking place on the Sunday. Nearest train stations are Dorchester and Dorchester South (both to the West of Bournemouth)
Burston Strike School Rally – in Norfolk on Sunday 4th September
Help celebrate the longest running strike in history – there will be music (including a marching band) and speakers.
Nearest train station is Diss (to the South of Norwich)

Further information will be sent out nearer the time but please let people know of these dates now.
Yours sincerely,

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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Blacklist Support Group update – 11th January 2016

  1. High Court

The High Court litigation has reached a crucial point with the companies offering money in an attempt to buy themselves out of any justice. Many blacklisted workers have point blankly rejected the insulting offers and are determined to carry on to full trial. Blacklist Support Group is holding collective consultation meetings for claimants in the High Court today at 5:30pm (Monday 11th Jan). The UNITE National Construction Committee is also meeting to discuss the latest developments today.

Next High Court hearing dates:

21-22 January 2016

 

  1. Scotland

Scottish SNP government proposed new regulations have the potential to ban from public contracts, companies in breach of blacklisting regulations or who admit blacklisting. This is a significant step forward and a tribute to the long hard campaign fought by all the blacklisted workers, unions and comrades in different political parties in Scotland. Obviously, we wait to see if the proposals are fully implemented but blacklisted workers would like to see other public authorities implementing similar measures. At the BSG parliamentary meeting before Xmas, shadow chancellor John McDonnell MP told blacklisted workers that Labour is in the process of drawing up new guidelines for Labour Councils on public procurement which would also exclude blacklisting firms.

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Tackling-blacklisting-20a2.aspx

http://www.thenational.scot/business/construction-firms-who-blacklist-workers-to-be-banned-from-public-contracts.11392

https://scottishrankandfile.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/snp-and-blacklisting-smoke-and-mirrors/

 

  1. Anfield protest against Carillion

Blacklist Support Group are linking up with the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and the Merseyside Construction Committee to protest against the use of the notorious blacklisting firm Carillion to build the new stand at the televised Liverpool v Man Utd match this coming Sunday. Football is a working class game. Undercover police have conspired to infiltrate both trade unions and the grieving Hillsborough families and their campaigns. Two struggles, One fight for justice. (Banner image attached). Great work by Roy Bentham.

Sunday 17th January 2016

11-12:30

Main Stand Anfield

Liverpool Football Club

Speakers: Sheila Coleman, Ricky Tomlinson, Dave Smith (BSG), Joe Rollins of the Orgreave Justice Campaign and Ian Prowse with the latter singing the iconic ‘My name is Dessie Warren’ song.

https://www.facebook.com/events/174465909578325/

 

  1. Undercover police spying on activists

Scotland – after a meeting in Holyrood and numerous revelations in the Scottish media, there was a debate in the Scottish parliament with MSPs calling for a full public inquiry in Scotland similar to Pitchford. The Scottish government has now written to Lord Justice Pitchford. Well done Neil Findlay MSP

Full verbatim report of the debate:  http://www.theyworkforyou.com/sp/?id=2016-01-06.20.0

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/scotland/article4646174.ece

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14178774.New_chief_constable_linked_to_undercover_police__sex_spy__unit/?ref=fbshr

http://m.heraldscotland.com/news/14193981.MSPs_demand_answers_from_Chief_Constable_on__sex_spy__unit/

 

Bob Lambert MBE, head of the Special Demonstration Squad has resigned from his academic posts after campaigns by activists

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/23/bob-lambert-ex-undercover-officer-quits-st-andrews-london-metropolitan?CMP=share_btn_tw

http://www.thesaint-online.com/2015/12/bob-lambert-resigns-as-university-lecturer-over-spying-controversy/

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/st-andrews-university-lecturer-quits-over-police-spying-controversy-1.916991

 

Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance (COPS) public meeting (flyer attached)

Thursday 21st January 2016 – 6:30pm

UNITE the Union

Holborn

https://www.facebook.com/events/1151590728184461/

 

Pitchford Inquiry pre-hearings continue at Royal Courts of Justice::

27th January – discussing burden of proof

2nd March – discussing immunity

 

Women activists get recognised in Guardian’s alternative New Years Honours List – richly deserved.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/29/guardian-new-year-honours?CMP=share_btn_tw

Various Press:

https://undercoverinfo.wordpress.com/2016/01/01/the-spycops-experiment-from-blacklisting-agents-to-social-pariahs-and-next/

http://www.thecanary.co/2015/12/21/exclusive-undercover-police-revealed-scandal-spreads/

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/08/officer-claims-met-police-improperly-destroyed-files-on-green-party-peer

 

  1. National Construction Rank & File meeting

Sat 6th February

Jury’s Inn

Glasgow

https://www.facebook.com/events/771485802957693/

 

  1. Asbestos companies spied on safety activists

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/how-the-worlds-biggest-asbestos-factory-tried-to-stop-campaigners-exposing-the-killer-dusts-dangers-a6798236.html

 

 

 

Blacklist Support Group

book: http://newint.org/books/politics/blacklisted-secret-war/

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlCa8yQmZ70

blog: www.hazards.org/blacklistblog

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/blacklistSG/

 

 

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RMT Response to LUL Section 15 Possessions

The RMT response to Section 15 Possessions has been straightforward and forthright. We DO NOT intend to let a cost cutting agenda affect our safety at work. LUL and Tubelines have been notified of our concerns and urgent talks are being arranged for Thursday to address our concerns.

What is a Section 15 Possession?

LUL have always used to possessions to do work on the Railway. They are clearly defined and have rules regarding how they are used and access. In an attempt to cut costs, Section 15 of the Rule Book was changed to dumb down possessions instead of booking track access with the TAC. This is compounded by allowing all work to be undertaken with little training and a lack of control. It is clear that possessions are currently potentially unsafe and there is company wide confusion by the introduction of Section 15 Possessions.

So what is it that RMT members are so worried about?

There was a recent incident on the Piccadilly Line and LUL have investigated this and concluded this was NOT a section 15 issue? Below are the LUL bulletin and report.

Why are we NOT happy?

HSE Bulletin 1 in 2016 – attachment

HSE Bulletin 1 in 2016 – Update on possession related incident on Piccadilly line on 10 December 2015 PDF

The truth is simple

WOULD THIS HAVE OCCURRED IF THE MEMBERS OF STAFF HAD BOOKED OUT WITH A TRACK ACCESS CONTROLLER (TAC)? THE ANSWER IS NO. At most, the PWT-EH would have been barred.

In a rush to cut, cut and cut, LUL are risking our lives with a flawed process to replace booking out with the TAC. The risks are to us; to my life and to yours. We are balloting because we are truly worried that someone may well die.

Our union will do anything for its members and our members will not stand by and risk being sent home in a body bag

 

Below is what our reps felt was wrong with the incident at Hounslow and with Section 15 Possessions in General:

  • There’s an inadequate number of protection staff
  • They’re  run by protection staff who do not know their job or are not aware of possession (section 15) procedures.
  • Evidence that possession staff who do not follow the rule book and regularly carrying out tasks that are not permitted
  • Possession Planners write plans that contradict the rule book
  • Management are not reviewing possessions as the failings highlighted have been occurring for some time.
  • Staff wanting access are not aware of section 15 procedures
  • The is no training, limited briefs and limited access to information.
  • Work sites are not defined as per rule book or possession plans/work guides, staff probably don’t know they’re actually accessing anything other than a routine possession.

Our H&S Rep’s Recommendations 

Training and planning

  • The company’s accept that staff are not adequately trained in Section 15 processes, they therefore should be halted immediately and all possessions should revert to pre-Section 15.
  • LUL should return to the table and start meaningful discussions with all concerned.
  • The TAC’s are tried and tested and need to be retained in its current format
  • All staff to be fully trained in ALL Possession Procedures and are added to all PWT training and not just limited to POM courses.
  • Selected Managers/ Reps from departments involved  (those who will be briefing staff, not as a cascade format) will be invited and required to attend a briefing held by “safety training team” on Section 15 Processes. These briefings are not to be instead of formal training.
  • Stop blanket booking areas as a “section 15” to skirt around the rule book.
  • Keep it as a normal Possession for single large works or book out with the TAC.
  • All briefings on section 15 nightly access in be a face to face format, (not via phone or email publication)
  • Review of all current possessions and planning processes, including TBTC, rule book, specified areas, EVs etc.
  • Service control cannot be responsible for all staff track access. All protection should be carried out via TAC as stated previously.
  • Inadequate risk assessments and case for safety.
  • Those authorising must sign (not electronically) the associated paperwork and not just because signature box ‘A is complete. This makes us concerned on who many purely are relying on others, of those who sign and do not actually read the plans.
  • Possession staff to have certificates confirming what sections they are authorised to protect.
  • Review of how less experienced staff are exposed to new areas.

Section 15, Possessions and work sites

  • No blanket booking areas as a “section 15” to skirt around the rule book.
  • As per rule book, only published works (or emergency works) can take place. Therefore NO opportunistic works. Only published works .
  • All emergency work must be briefed to those planned work groups to avoid conflicts and there must be no opportunistic work
  • SACs should be located within its worksite, not within another work site.
  • Review of PICAD wording and usage to include “do not access site until you have had an Work Site Site Person in Charge (SPC) briefing” and signature box alongside associated work group SPC signature.
  • 22:00 safety briefings at Pelham St are to be monitored and enforced. All protection staff and staff associated to site safety are to attend.
  • All staff associated to works within possessions to be given 24 hrs notice and access to Work Group and plans (Not just email link).
  • POM safety briefing to adopt PWT style safety briefs.
  • All work departments accessing possession to attend. (Time or even day to be discussed)
  • Too often POM staff turn up at 01:30 disregarding safety and staff requesting information.
  • POM to be on site at all times and in a location described in the plan. (Not just an auto number). Clearly defined at possession access point.
  • All site paper work to be official with those monitoring to sign and submit.
  • Possession SAP emergency stickers to be re-introduced or coloured hard hat stickers etc Clearly identifies those who attended briefings.
  • Each worksite to be assigned a protection master who remains at SAC. Point of contact for POM. SPC and SAC liaise directly to PM.
  • Each worksite to be clearly defined, with clear access to Work Guides, possession plans and map of work sites.
  • Post possessions, all paper work to reviewed for safety and ensuring procedures are followed. Results to be distributed to all LUL departments and TUs.
  • 1/4 audits of all possession plans and processes to ensure they are still fit for purpose.

Printable Newsletter

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RMT TO BALLOT TUBE LINES STAFF FOR STRIKE ACTION OVER PAY AND NIGHT TUBE

RMT TO BALLOT TUBE LINES STAFF FOR STRIKE ACTION OVER PAY AND NIGHT TUBE

 

Tube union RMT confirmed today that it making the final preparations for a ballot of Tube Lines staff for both strike action and action short of a strike after a meeting of reps overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay and Night Tube offer which mirrors the rejected proposals from London Underground to its workforce.

 

Tube Lines is a wholly owned subsidiary of London Underground and was taken in-house in the wake of the tube privatisation fiasco, RMT has nearly 1300 members looking after maintenance and upgrade works on the Piccadilly, Northern and Jubilee Lines.

 

The details of the pay offer, identical to the LU offer which is already in dispute, are:

 

 

Pay – 4 year settlement from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2019

 

  • A 2% average increase for staff covered by collective bargaining, effective 1st April 2015. This is made up of 1% (equivalent to RPI) pay increase on base pay for 2015, plus a consolidated flat rate increase of £500 to recognise the transformation to a 24 hour passenger service operation – Night Tube
  • An increase of RPI or 1% (whichever is greater), effective from 1st April 2016
  • An increase of RPI or 1% (whichever is greater), effective from 1st April 2017
  • An increase of RPI + 0.25%, effective from 1st April 2018

 

Night Tube

 

  • A £500 non-consolidated launch payment to all working on Night Tube. This will be applied to all AP JNP staff covered by collective bargaining.
  • It should be noted that Night Tube Operation will impact on all of our lines and therefore some of our staff will be required to work alternative rosters to enable the business to maintain the infrastructure.

 

 

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“Our Tube Lines members have been offered the same deal on pay and Night Tube as their London Underground colleagues and our reps have clearly rejected it as wholly unsatisfactory and now we move to a ballot of our members for both strike action and action short of a strike. Preparations for that ballot are now underway.

“RMT has made it clear that with growing numbers of tube users, and planned expansions of the service, the staff in all grades who are expected to keep the railway running must be respected and their efforts properly rewarded. The union remains available for talks.”

 

 

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Women's Advisory Committee

The LUEngineering Branch passed the below resolution last night to raise all our members consciousness of the work of our advisory committee:

Resolution: Women’s Advisory Committee

This branch asks the Regional Council to support the following resolution

This Region believes that some Women in the RMT are not aware that there is a Women’s Advisory Committee. In order to maximise our reputation (as with the badge that we sent out to all Women) we ask the NEC to support RMT women activism by
1. To send out a copy of the Women’s Charter
2.  Send out a short explanatory letter making Women aware that their views can be shared through their Branch and also through the Women’s Advisory.
3. Encourage Women to send articles about their experiences to the RMT Equality Officer, Jess Webb, that can be edited to appear in the RMT News and/ or Equality Newsletters

 

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Latest LUL Circular

 

OFFICIAL CIRCULAR

 

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVES

ALL UNDERGROUND AND FORMER LT EMPLOYERS

 

 

23rd December 2015                                                                Circular No IR/321/15

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

EVERY JOB MATTERS – DEFENDING JOBS ON LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/5)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/299/15, 4th December 2015) there remains a number of areas of concern over London Underground’s Fit for the Future Stations (FFFS) proposals and the Lead Officer has written to LUL seeking assurances that there will be no imposition of a new framework agreement, that staff will not be forced to sign new contracts and that rosters will not be imposed. At the time of writing we have not yet received a response from LUL.

 

The General Grades Committee has noted the correspondence on file and as a result, has taken the decision to call on all RMT Station Grades to take part in the industrial action detailed below.

 

  • NOT TO WORK ANY OVERTIME from 05:30 hours on Sunday 3rd January 2016 until further notice.

 

Also, members are instructed to refuse to sign any contract or letter regarding working hours or agreements (with the exception of members on Fixed Term Contracts who should sign permanent contracts).

 

I urge all members to make sure this overtime ban is solidly supported to apply pressure to the Company and to demonstrate loud and clear that there is so much more to resolve on stations specifically. I will of course keep you advised of all further developments.

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – KEOLIS AMEY DOCKLANDS (DLR/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/299/15, 4th December 2015) the negotiating team has held further discussions and negotiations with the Company and these have resulted in some movement from the Company on a number of key issues. These include a commitment to review a number of specific cases; the risk assessment for the use of Managers to cover the CRT has finally been provided and is being reviewed; a review of staffing in the Stores department has been completed and an additional new post has been created.

 

As a result of the above and the commitments already given by KAD on the use of agency staff and the on-going positive discussions regarding a new attendance procedure and machinery of negotiation, the negotiating team recommended that the first two rounds of strike action called are suspended to recognise that progress has been made but also to make sure that these productive discussions continue until all matters are fully resolved.

 

This matter was discussed at a DLR Branch meeting on Friday 18th December and having considered the correspondence on file, the General Grades Committee has taken the decision to suspend the strike action due to commence on Monday 11th January and Wednesday 13th January 2016 – ALL MEMBERS SHOULD THEREFORE BOOK ON AS NORMAL ON THESE DATES.

 

The other strike action dates, now starting from Monday 8th February 2016, still remain in place and I will keep you informed of all further developments.

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2015 – INTERSERVE FACILITIES (KEOLIS AMEY DOCKLANDS CONTRACT) (DLR/0001/I(KAD))

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/243/15, 13th October 2015) the RMT negotiating team met the Company on Tuesday 22nd December and a revised and improved offer was received which includes a payment to address the pay differentials, certain tasks to be performed by Security staff and a commitment from the Company to continue talks with RMT into 2016 to discuss any other matters of concern.

 

Make no mistake that this movement from the Company is in response to the resolve, determination and unity shown by members throughout this dispute which has made the Company see sense and take steps towards resolving this issue. As a result, the General Grades Committee has taken the decision to SUSPEND ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTION and all members are therefore instructed to work as normal. The Company has also been informed that all industrial action is suspended.

 

The offer will be discussed at the next DLR Branch meeting and the GGC has noted that following this meeting it may be possible to resolve this dispute. I will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all Interserve (KAD) members, our DLR Branch leadership and the Lead Officer for all their hard work and dedication to reach this position.

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2015 – TUBE LINES AP JNP (LUL/0001/TL)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/276/15, 12th November 2015), members will recall the previous GGC Decision to obtain a report on how negotiations are proceeding and also to update the GGC and membership on what stage we are at with our dispute with Tube Lines. A number of TLL Company Council meetings have since taken place discuss Pay including PRP, Pensions and Night Tube  and the Company again presented the same offer as the one made by LUL, which is as follows:-

 

Pay – 4 year settlement from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2019

 

  • A 2% average increase for staff covered by collective bargaining, effective 1st April 2015. This is made up of 1% (equivalent to RPI) pay increase on base pay for 2015, plus a consolidated flat rate increase of £500 to recognise the transformation to a 24 hour passenger service operation – Night Tube
  • An increase of RPI or 1% (whichever is greater), effective from 1st April 2016
  • An increase of RPI or 1% (whichever is greater), effective from 1st April 2017
  • An increase of RPI + 0.25%, effective from 1st April 2018

 

Night Tube

 

  • A £500 non-consolidated launch payment to all working on Night Tube. This will be applied to all AP JNP staff covered by collective bargaining.
  • It should be noted that Night Tube Operation will impact on all of our lines and therefore some of our staff will be required to work alternative rosters to enable the business to maintain the infrastructure.

 

At a mass meeting of Tube Lines Reps held last week at Unity house, this offer was unanimously rejected and the General Grades Committee has taken the decision to ballot our Tube Lines members for strike action and action short of strike action.

 

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

 

HEAVY OVERHAUL PROGRAMME LIFT (HOPL), CENTRAL LINE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/15/4)

 

A proposal was recently received from LUL which has been produced following a series of discussions and negotiations at Fleet Functional Council. It covers those members currently employed on fixed term contracts in Train Maintainer (TM) and Advanced Train Maintainer (ATM) grades on the Central Line Heavy Overhaul Programme Lift (HOPL) Project.

 

The proposals will give the opportunity to transfer 47 fixed term contracts into permanent contracts, all current LU terms and conditions will be applied and the staff will move into the TfL final salary pension scheme.

 

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and taken the decision to inform the Company of our acceptance of the proposals. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision.

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2015 – ALSTOM METRO TRAINS (LUL/0001/AMT)

 

In line with Union policy, a claim was submitted for a substantial increase in rates of pay and improvements to conditions of service. Following discussions with the Company, the final offer which was received is as follows:-

 

  • A 2% pay increase, backdated to 1st April 2015.
  • A £50 increase to travel costs.

 

Having consulted with affected members, the Lead Officer recommended acceptance of the offer and the General Grades Committee has now taken the decision to inform the Company of our acceptance of the offer. I am currently acting in accordance with the above decision and have asked that the increase, along with backdated monies, is paid to members at the earliest opportunity.

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

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What a representative should be doing

What a representative should be doing

 

ALL Representatives will:

  1. EQUALITY IS ALL REPS FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY
  2. All reps should be trained and use that training to support their role and their members
  3. All reps are expected to take part in Branch recruitment and retention programs.
  4. Use the Labour Research Books if made available to you
  5. Remain accountable to your members
  6. Have regular Branch Correspondence/ Communication with the Branch.
  7. Local Reps MUST forward their work details (such as staff lists, depot and office locations) to the Membership Secretary for recruitment and retention reasons on a minimum of quarterly or in the event of major changes basis. This is vital to overview our recruitment.
  8. Help produce local newsletter/ update for their members and branch

 

Level 2 Reps will:

  1. Give a report to the Branch on a three monthly basis on their activities.
  2. It is stressed that the Branch Report back is an essential part of Level 2
  3. Feedback Minutes and information for the local level reps
  4. Support and assist Local Level Reps
  5. Engage with their employer to make sure a fair recruitment process takes place and actively supports recruitment of under-represented groups in the workplace.

 

Branch Attendance

 

  1. All reps are expected to attend the Branch at least once a quarter and apologies given to the Branch Secretary if they unable to be present at a meeting. Apologies will only be included in the minutes by the branch if acceptable reasons are given.
  2. Reps without the minimum attendance levels will not be allowed to stand for re-election at the AGM and will have to report to the branch.
  3. Any rep not present at the Branch for six months will be contacted to explore reasons for non-attendance. The Branch will offer to assist in any way practicable so that reps have every opportunity to attend.
  4. Failure to further attend future meetings will result in the Branch deciding whether to remove the individual as a representative
  5. There is a difference between being unable to attend and ‘cannot be bothered’.
  6. The branch is prepared to look at all means, including technological to assist

 What reps should do

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What the Branch Executive and Officers are expected to do?

What the Branch Executive and Officers are expected to do

 

Branch Officials

 

All Branch Officials will carry out duties as defined within the Union Rule Book.

The Branch Secretary, Branch Chair and Treasurer may not hold two positions within the Branch.

 

Each officer is a member of the branch executive and will have authorisation rights for the branch website.

 

The following are summaries of the roles and responsibilities:

 

Branch Secretary will:

  1. Forward the branch agenda
  2. Circulate minutes to those that attended that specific Branch and also forward an amended version for general circulation as soon as the Branch agrees them as being true.
  3. The Branch Secretary will maintain and distribute contact details for all reps and officials within the Branch.
  4. Complete Members claims paperwork
  5. Maintain the branch book
  6. Organise and oversee the running of the branch
  7. Ensure that branch decisions are enacted
  8. Arrange training for the Rep
  9. Ensure branch expenses are paid
  10. Oversee the Branch Website and Communications
  11. Notify Unity House of changes to representation

 

Assistant Branch Secretary will:

  1. Assist the Branch Secretary
  2. Organise the Branch Executive dates and minutes/ agenda
  3. Attend branch meetings in the absence of the Secretary.
  4. will keep a log of all resolutions and outstanding branch issues
  5. Will audit Branch Attendance
  6. Will reports and updates where necessary.

 

Branch Chair will:

  1. Will conduct Branch meetings in an orderly manner and to the Rule Book
  2. Sign the branch minutes if true
  3. Sign associated paperwork for Unity House

 

Assistant Branch Chair will:

  1. They will stand in as Chair in their absence

.

Membership Secretary will:

  1. Will give an update to each and every branch meeting on the state of recruitment.
  2. They will maintain the branch membership and list of representative details.
  3. They will be assisted by the local reps and if that assistance is not forthcoming will report it to the branch.
  4. They will distribute and report on leavers and joiners on a bi-monthly basis and highlight any areas of membership concern.
  5. They will draw up a quarterly report on the equality breakdown of the branch which they will compile from the staff list and information that MUST be provided by each representative throughout the year.

 

Treasurer will:

  1. Oversee the finances of the Branch and also collect and maintain receipts.(along with the Branch Secretary)
  2. They will oversee audits of the Branch funds twice yearly in conjunction with the auditors.
  3. They will give a report on the finances of the Branch after each audit.
  4. They will hold the branch cheque book/ electronic payments and assist the secretary to oversee the branch finances
  5. They will authorise payments if correct and legitimate

 

Equality Officer will:

  1. Update the Branch on any changes to Equality Law and promote the role of equal opportunities within the Branch.
  2. They will report on the membership breakdown of the branch on a six monthly basis and come up with a plan to address any areas of under representation.
  3. They will organise one main event once per year and quarterly updates for the Branch website/ newsletter.

 

Health and Safety Officer will:

  1. Update the Branch on any changes to health and safety law and promote the role of health and safety within the Branch.
  2. They will report on all health and safety issues relevant to the branch come up with a plan to address any areas of concern.
  3. They will organise one main event once per year and quarterly updates for the Branch website/ newsletter.

 

Political Officer will:

  1. update the Branch on any political changes and promote the political nature of trade unionism within the Branch.
  2. They will organise one main event once per year and quarterly updates for the Branch website/ newsletter.

 

Young Person’s Officer will:

  1. Promote the role young people within the Branch and strive to get more young people active in trade union activities.
  2. They will organise one main event once per year and quarterly updates for the Branch website/ newsletter.

 

Vulnerable Workers Officer will:

  1. Promote the issues regarding vulnerable workers within the Branch and strive to get more people active in trade union activities.
  2. They will report on all vulnerable worker issues relevant to the branch come up with a plan to address any areas of concern.
  3. They will also look after Track Worker Contractors.
  4. They will organise one main event once per year and quarterly updates for the Branch website/ newsletter.

 

Auditors will assist the Treasurer to audit the branch finances on a half yearly basis.

 

Branch Executive

 

An executive of the Branch will meet an hour before the second Branch Meeting of each month.

 

It will consist of all officers of the Branch.

 

Two lay members will be elected by the Branch to also sit on the executive.

 

Such meetings to be arranged by the Assistant Secretary and an agenda produced based on the below

 

Branch Lay Members:

 

The branch will elect two persons to act as lay members of the branch executive with full voting rights.

 

Where possible the branch will elect further lay representatives in the following proportions specifically with the mandate to push and promote equality in the branch: 2 Women Members, 2 Vulnerable Worker Members, 2 BEM members, 2 Disabled Members, 2 Young Members and 2 LGBT Members.

 

 

The Branch Executive will:

  1. Review the branch on a monthly basis to address any failings and learn from any successes.
  2. Produce detailed plans/ propaganda will be formulated to attack priority areas of retention and recruitment
  3. Quarterly reports on membership will be given to the Regional Organiser
  4. The branch Vulnerable Workers, Young Members and Equality Officers will be responsible for ensuring that this remains the branch top priority to develop participation and representation for these members
  5. Training Courses on “Recruitment of all Grades” will be designed by the executive and ensure attendance by all reps within the next 12 months.
  6. Arrange for surveys to be carried out of targeted branch members such as Females to see what they want from their union and how we can encourage greater participation and recruitment
  7. Attend a regional council or regional council executive at least four times a year.
  8. Produce a Newsletter for the Branch
  9. Its role will be to oversee the day to day running of the Branch.
  10. This will include making sure that Branch decisions, recruitment plans, and resolutions and business have been undertaken correctly.
  11. It is there, in effect, to make sure that the branch and its officers are functioning properly and effectively.
  12. The executive will report back to the Branch.
  13. It will also oversee the AGM and produce the agenda and electoral lists for that meeting.
  14. Each January the Branch Executive will meet to set the targets and roles and responsibilities for the coming year for each Branch Officer. This will incorporate any targets set in the Branch recruitment plan
  15. Ensure existing reps are joined to the LRD for a year to update books. All young/ vulnerable workers/ female/ BEM reps to receive booklets
  16. Ensure Phone/ Email lists were produced for distribution and organizational purposes that are regularly updated
  17. Target areas with rep vacancies with mail shots to the members asking for volunteers


 What Branch Officials should do

 

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