Two positions are due for re-election for the TFL Pension Consultative Council – Section 3 and we would strongly urge you to vote to support the two existing members seeking re-election: Paul O’Brien and Paul Murphy
VOTE FOR THE TWO PAUL’S
Category: Pension
Tube Lines Pensions
Circular Num: NP/105/15
To: The All Branches & Representatives
All Underground and Former LT Employers
Dear Colleagues,
PENSIONS AND PASSES – TUBE LINES
I refer to my previous Circular NP/002/14, 9th January 2014, as you will recall the RMT has been having a long running dispute with LUL in respect of former employees of Tube Lines being refused the same pension and travel rights as other LUL workers.
This dispute began in late 2011 when Tube Lines became a wholly owned subsidiary of TfL. While management argued at the time that the future ownership of Tube Lines was unknown, the RMT demanded that now Tube Lines came under the umbrella of TfL employees should be allowed to join the TfL Pension Fund and receive the same travel facilities as other LUL workers.
Management refused these demands and as a result former Tube Lines RMT members took industrial action in support of their claim.
As a result of this action management committed to looking at ways in which pension and travel parity could be achieved. However, management stated such equality would need to be funded by efficiencies and possible job cuts.
RMT representatives made it clear to management that they would not agree to any compulsory job cuts, however, so that meaningful discussions could take place to resolve this issue it was agreed to meet with management.
After many months of meetings with management the following progress has been made:
- Travel Facilities – From 18th May 2015 former Tube Lines staff were able to claim a 75% refund for season tickets. This will be for all Tube Lines staff , including those TUPE transferred to LUL & TfL since 1st January 2013
These employees will also be able claim back this refund on existing annual season tickets, even if they are 11 months old
- *Pensions – Former Tube Lines staff (non-operational) to be allowed membership of the TfL Pension Fund from August 2015. Operation staff to be allowed access of the TfL Pension Fund from 2nd September 2015
*While excellent progress has been made on pensions, our representatives have raised concerns in relation to the contents of the final agreement and some of the efficiencies which have been proposed by management. It has therefore been agreed by management to re-word the agreement and reconvene further meetings.
In consideration of a report from the RMT Regional Organiser of 18th May 2015, your General Grades Committee adopted the following report on 28th May 2015:
“We instruct the General Secretary to congratulate our Lead Officer and negotiators for achieving a 75% refund on season tickets for our members on Tube Lines.”
I will keep you informed of developments.
Yours sincerely,
Mick Cash
General Secretary
Tube Lines Travel, TUPE and Pensions Meeting
A formal meeting took place today, 15th May 2015 regarding the Network Rail travel and Tupe of tube lines staff into LUL and the entry of Tube Lines staff into the TfL Pension Scheme (for those not already in it)
Travel
We was given a draft email that is going to go to the staff imminently regarding how to claim the 75% discount on Netrowrk Rail yearly season tickets. It was confirmed this will go out very soon and the expectation is that it will only take a short time (few weeks) to administer all the claims. It was also confirmed that the discount will apply to staff that currently have a yearly season ticket even if 11 months old
TUPE
It was agreed that talks on the TUPE transfer of all Tube Lines staff into LUL will begin as soon as agreement on pensions is reached.
TfL Pension Scheme
Talks took place regarding the wording around the agreement to give entry of Tube Lines staff into the TfL Pension scheme and how it would be funded by technology driven changes such as the new signalling systems. The talks are very difficult and complex, however, we are getting closer and LUL have committed to sending a final draft of words for the agreement within the next two weeks. This will then be reviewed by all the reps from affected areas and placed before the union head office to agree or not.
Tube Lines Passes and Pensions
Dear ALL
Talks have been taking place over the last few months regarding the TUPE of all remaining Tube Lines employees back into LUL and giving them identical travel and pension rights to existing LUL staff. Talks have been difficult and extensive, however, we are awaiting a final draft agreement from management that we can place before our members. The timescales for implementation following agreement, will be as near as possible, the end of this year.
We have reason to feel confident, however, there is no agreement until we have everything in writing, so I will update everyone further when more details are available
Unity is Strength
LUL Dispute: Acas
Dear Colleagues,
Following the threat of overwhelming and unified strike action on the tube, LUL have agreed to attend ACAS with the RMT. With the real threat of action against the company, we hope that LUL make real concessions that will protect our membership and set a template for future cuts.
Do not be fooled by what this is about, this is a Government led austerity drive, taking money from your pockets ultimately to pay for their own mistakes and the mistakes of their mates the bankers. $4 billion of cuts is the backdrop to this and a mayor that wants to become the next Tory leader. The only thing that we can rely on is our own strength and it is that strength that will see us prevail in this dispute. Whatever happens, there will be more attempts at cuts, whether that’s a fit for signals or attack on our pensions, these battles never stop. However, our ability to rise to these attacks and remain strong can also not be doubted
Remember, Unity is our strength and if LUL are expecting weakness now or in the future they will be sadly mistaken.
Railway Pension
For our members that are still in the BR Pension Scheme
RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEME TRIENNAL ACTUARIAL VALUATION RESULTS – 31ST DECEMBER 2013
Further to my circular No. NP/079/14, of 1st April 2014, as you will be aware many of our representatives are having or have concluded discussions with employers in regards to the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) 2013 Actuarial Valuation results.
In line with previous RMT policy the General Grades Committee adopted and noted the following report on 2nd October 2014:
“In accordance with RMT policy our members on Pension Committees and representatives in discussions with employers in respect of 2013 valuation are reminded of the following RMT objectives:
- Cap employee contributions at 10.56%;
- Keep benefits at least at their current level;
- Streamline the scheme into three active sections (Train Operating Section, Engineering & Infrastructure Section and an Omnibus Section); and
- Keep the scheme open to all employees.
Branches and Regional Councils to be informed”.
If representatives require any clarifications in regards to this policy please do not hesitate to contact me.
Further I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my previous instruction that no agreement should be reached on amending contributions or benefits, either through Pensions Committees or in direct discussions with the employer, without prior consent from Head Office. Details of any employer proposals should be forwarded immediately to Head Office.
I shall keep you advised of developments.
Yours sincerely,
Mick Cash
General Secretary
LUL PCC Election (Pension)
My Ref: MRP 2/5
26th September 2014
Circular Num: NP/190 /14
To: All LT Branches and Members
Dear Colleagues,
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
TfL PENSIONS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (PCC) ELECTIONS
TfL Pension Fund members will soon receive a Ballot Paper asking them to vote for candidates in the Section Three (LUL & Tube Lines employees) PCC election. Two vacancies have occurred as a result of retirement by rotation.
RMT members Gillian Leonard-Ross, who is standing for re-election and Joan McAllister, have been nominated by the London Transport Regional Council as their preferred candidates.
It is essential that the RMT maintain a strong presence on this important committee so that members past and future pension rights are protected. I therefore urge members to vote for Gillian and Joan to maintain the RMT’s voice on this committee.
G LEONARD-ROSS
X
J MCALLISTER
X
.Yours sincerely,
_
Mick Cash
General Secretary