Category: RMT

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14th June RMT Circular

14th June 2017                                                                         Circular No: IR/247/17

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

FIXED TERM CONTRACTS, WORKSHOP STAFF, PICCADILLY LINE – TUBE LINES (LUL/13/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/215/17, 24th May 2017), members will recall the dispute situation over Tube Lines’ intention to recruit 35 new staff to work in workshops on the Piccadilly Line on a 2 year fixed term contract. The Union is opposed to this introduction of a two-tier workforce as it will impact upon job security and represents a casualisation of current members’ work. The Union’s position is that all new staff within the Company should be directly employed permanent staff.

The ballot papers will be posted to affected Tube Lines members at Northfields Depot and Cockfosters Depot today and the closing date for the ballot is Tuesday 4th July 2017. If any member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the Freephone helpline on 0800 376 3706, the switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk to request a replacement.

DISCIPLINARY, L. CORNELL, S. SOUISSI & D. SHARP – LONDON BRIDGE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/4/4)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/204/17, 17th May 2017), the ballot has concluded and the results are as follows:-

The result for strike action is as follows:-

 Number of members balloted…             3,743

Total Votes Cast…                                 1,290 (34.4% turnout)

Number Voting ‘Yes’…                          1,039 (80% but only 28% of members balloted)

Number Voting ‘No’…                           249

Spoilt Papers                                        2

 The 40% and 50% thresholds were both not met.

 The result for action short of strike is as follows:-

 Number of members balloted…             3,743

Total Votes Cast…                                 1,290 (34.4% turnout)

Number Voting ‘Yes’…                          1,112 (86.7% but only 30% of members balloted)

Number Voting ‘No’…                           171

Spoilt Papers                                        7

The 40% and 50% thresholds were both not met.

As you will see from the above, the ballot returned a definite ‘yes’ vote in favour of taking industrial action but the result does not meet the new legal thresholds for turnouts where 50% of members balloted must cast their vote and 40% of members balloted must vote ‘yes’. This means that regrettably, we do not have a mandate to call members to take any industrial action.

It is now more important than ever that EVERY MEMBER RETURNS THEIR VOTING PAPER to make sure that we are not prevented from acting on members’ wishes by the draconian anti-trade union laws.

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee and I am currently acting in accordance with its decision to seek release and arrange a meeting of all LU Stations IR and H&S Reps. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

PROPOSED TRANSFER OF ENGINEERING, MAJOR PROJECTS, PMO AND CHANGE DELIVERY ACTIVITY FROM LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED (LUL) TO TRANSPORT FOR LONDON (TFL) (TFL/15/10)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/156/17, 5th April 2017), further discussions have taken place with the Company and this matter was referred to ACAS last month but the National Executive Committee has noted reports that there are issues which are still not rectified. As a result, the NEC has taken the decision to prepare a ballot matrix of all affected London Underground members in both APD & CPD, advise the Company that we are now in dispute over the issues and proceed to a ballot for industrial action if no resolution to this unsatisfactory situation is agreed.

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

Yours sincerely

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SPEAKERS & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED – RMT / Cuba Solidarity Campaign 15th Garden Party

SPEAKERS & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED – RMT / Cuba Solidarity Campaign 15th Garden Party

In association with the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, the 15th RMT Annual Garden Party for Cuba will take place on Wednesday 21st June 2017 at Maritime House, Clapham, London, commencing 7.00pm.

Tickets are now available and are £15 each. This includes a free bar, buffet and music. As usual we will be joined by a number of distinguished guest speakers including:

  • A representative of the Cuban embassy.
  • John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor
  • Ian Lavery, Shadow Minister for Trade Unions and Civil Society
  • Dave Ward, General Secretary Communication Workers Union
  • Kevin Courtney, joint General Secretary National Education Union

We will also be joined by comedian Mark Thomas who will be doing a brief set, along with the Omar Puente salsa band and the Alabama 3.

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

To order tickets if you are paying by card please call 0800 376 3706 or use the form attached.

I hope to be able to see you at the Garden Party on 21st June.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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24th May RMT Circular

FIXED TERM CONTRACTS, WORKSHOP STAFF, PICCADILLY LINE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/13/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/193/17, 9th May 2017), the following resolution has been received from LU Fleet Branch:-

 

“This Branch resolved to call on the Union’s NEC to inform the Company that we are now in dispute regarding the intended implementation of a two tier workforce within Piccadilly Line Fleet, after talks with Tube Lines management aimed at resolving a dispute, it has become clear, management, directed by LUL are now willing to chop up our members long term job security by the imposition of 35 fixed term staff allocated to the Piccadilly Line.

 

After canvassing our members’ views, they have made clear that the casualisation of work carried out by our staff will not be tolerated. The Reps in conduit of its members therefore also resolve that the ballot matrix for fleet staff at Northfields and Cockfosters Depots is now prepared in effect to execute our members’ wishes that this issue is fought with the utmost determination, to include industrial action and industrial action short of a strike”.

 

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which commends the view of the Branch to halt the attempted introduction of a two tier workforce and seek proper permanent employment for all future members joining the company. In line with the decision, I have informed the Company that a dispute now exists over this issue and I am making the necessary preparations to conduct a ballot of affected members. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

BREACH OF CORE WORK AGREEMENT, CONTRACTING OUT AND USE OF SECONDARY SUBCONTRACTORS – FLEET GRADES – LUL (LUL/13/1)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/134/17, 27th March 2017), the National Executive Committee has consulted with the Lead Officer and LU Fleet Branch Reps concerning the latest correspondence from the Company and welcomes the offer from London Underground to pursue the matter with Bombardier and liaise with our Representatives.

 

In line with the NEC decision, I have informed the Company that this dispute is resolved subject to the commitments given. RMT will of course continue to monitor this situation and I will keep Branches advised of any further developments.

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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RMT Circular 3rd March

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – LONDON UNDERGROUND (FLEET GRADES) (LUL/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/88/17, 24th February 2017), the National Executive Committee has taken the decision to call on all Fleet Grades members to undertake the following industrial action from 00:01 hours on Tuesday 7th March 2017 until further notice:-

  • Not to work any overtime or attend training courses outside of normal working hours
  • Not to carry out any higher grade duty work
  • Not to change any shifts or work locations to assist with maintenance
  • No trainers are to carry out training for anyone on a job that is not their substantive role
  • No coaches to coach anyone on a job that is not their substantive role
  • Not to work if there is not a valid and in date WRA, COSHH, and Manual Handling Assessment
  • Not to work if there is no first aider on site

Despite discussions with the Company, including at dispute resolution level, the issues at the heart of this dispute remain unresolved and I urge all members to stand firm together during the industrial action listed above to demand that management properly adhere to our agreed machineries and stop trying to impose fundamental changes to working conditions without any agreement from this Union. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

DISCIPLINARY, L. CORNELL, S. SOUISSI & D. SHARP – LONDON BRIDGE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/4/4)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/88/17, 24th February 2017), the following resolution was received from the London Transport Regional Council:-

“This Branch notes that the 3 CSAs sent to disciplinary hearings face summary dismissal. This Branch has requested a ballot locally.

 This motion requests that in the event that Bro. Lee Cornell is not reinstated and the sanctions against Souissi and Sharp are not withdrawn, the RMT escalate this dispute across the region”.

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has referred it to the Southern Sub-Committee for further examination and report. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

NON-PAYMENT OF NEGOTIATED PAY INCREASE, EX-UKPN STAFF – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/9/18)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/1/17, 3rd January 2017), the National Executive Committee has taken the decision to proceed with legal claims over the unlawful deduction of wages affecting ex-UKPN staff who were not paid the first year of the LUL (2015-2018) pay increase. Affected individual members will be sent L2 forms and I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 

Yours sincerely

Posted on

Retired Members Branch Meeting 7th March

NEXT BRANCH MEETING

I hope you can come along to the next meeting of the RMT London Transport Retired Members Branch.   It’s on Tuesday 7th March 2017 at 14.00 in Unity House, 39 Chalton Street London NW1 1JD.

We will be discussing ongoing RMT issues, and branch activities including the 2017 Retired Members Conference.  Please find attached minutes of the last meeting.

We have a guest speaker, Tessa Van Gelderen, former RMT tutor (remember Frant Place?) and Branch Secretary.  As requested by the last Branch Tessa will be talking about women’s rights and abortion, 50 years after it was legalised in the face of right wing and religious opposition.  Our meeting is also the day before International Womens Day!

Please take this opportunity to tell retired members that you have contact details for.  We are slowly building up mainly through e-mails and word of mouth.

SAVE OUR NHS

Following a resolution from this Branch to the Region, the RMT nationally is encouraging all members to support the national demonstration on Saturday March 4th.  It assembles at 12.00 noon in Tavistock Square (nearest tube Russell Square but easily walkable from Euston).  The website is here http://www.healthcampaignstogether.com/  and they have produced good videos, like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC2UR6Gurvs&feature=youtu.be

I’ve put dates below of a few other events you may be interested in,

Hope to see you on the 7th March,

Cheers,

Oliver New

Secretary 07931 198501

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Friends of Durham Miners Association Appeal

Friends of Durham Miners Association Appeal

The Durham Miners’ Gala is an important and historic date in our movement’s calendar and one at which the RMT has always been represented.

Last year, it was estimated that 150,000 attended what was the largest gathering for several decades and they are expecting even more to experience the unique atmosphere of music, politics and community spirit on 8th July this year.

To add to the enjoyment of the event the Miners are organising a music festival on the Friday and Saturday night on the Houghall Campus of East Durham Community College, close to the Gala field, where camping will be available for those who wish to stop over for the weekend.

All this has been made possible by the support they have received from well-wishers. To help secure the future of this legendary occasion I am asking all branches to join the growing band of marras* by donating to this year’s appeal.

All details can be found at http://www.durhamminers.org/gala

For those who don’t know ‘marra’ is the Durham miners’ word for a close friend and comrade, something we should all be proud to be known as, and I hope you will be able to give them some support.

Thanking you in anticipation

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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Southern make a mockery of dispute talk

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“RMT entered today’s talks in good faith but it soon became clear that the only thing Southern were interested in was bulldozing through driver only operation further and faster with safety and access to services not even on their agenda. That pig-headed attitude has today wrecked the talks process.

“Not only have Southern refused point blank to give a guarantee on a second safety critical member of staff but the company have also made it clear that the deal set up by the TUC in the drivers’ dispute is even worse than we first expected and gives Southern a free run to kick the legs from under our members who have fought for nearly a year on the principles of safety and access.

“RMT’s negotiating team is furious at the way this union and its members have been treated. This is dire news not just for staff but for passengers who rightly demand a safe, reliable and accessible service.  I will now take a full report back to the unions exectutive. “

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ROLE OF THE GUARD & EXTENSION OF DOO – SOUTHERN (GTR)

ROLE OF THE GUARD & EXTENSION OF DOO – SOUTHERN (GTR)

I write further to my Circular (IR/26/17) dated 20th January 2017 and to my Circular dated 4th February 2017, in which I informed you of the shocking and historical betrayal of our conductor members at the hands of the TUC, ASLE&F and Southern management.

Firstly, I would like to thank and congratulate our members for their continued determination in opposing DOO and defending the safety critical role of the guard. Additionally, I would like to express thanks to all those who took industrial action on the 23rd January 2017 and to all those who voiced their opinions and attended the meeting of representatives and members held at three bridges on Sunday 29th January 2017.

I can confirm that we have been in contact with Southern and once the deal with ASLE&F had been announced we requested a copy of the proposals from the company, who unacceptably did not reply or provide a copy of the document until Monday 6th February, three days later. Over the weekend it was proposed by Southern that talks should take place under the auspices of Acas and the union should meet with the company on Tuesday or Wednesday this week. However, I was deeply surprised and concerned to be told by Acas officials that Southern are not available for any talks until Next Monday (13th February). I was then informed yesterday, that they are unavailable for talks until Tuesday 14th February 2017.  Nevertheless, I have informed them that as always we are prepared to meet and will be doing so on Tuesday 14th February at Acas.

I am appalled at the company’s evasive behaviour and blatant attempts at stalling meaningful talks, particularly, at such an important and sensitive time. It is without doubt that Southern are more concerned with pushing through and ensuring a deal with the drivers is concluded before our union gets the opportunity to get round the table and focus on a deal for our members who have been at the centre of this dispute.

It has been publicly declared by certain parties to the deal which was tabled and agreed at the TUC talks that it secures a second safety critical member of staff on “every train” and “…guarantees a second person on Southern Trains”. Therefore, I have challenged the company to confirm that this is their full interpretation of the same agreement. Additionally, we have requested that our Reps be released to meet with the National Executive Committee and National Officers to discuss the dispute.

I would be most grateful if you could bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

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February 3rd RMT Circular

STATION STAFFING & SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS, POST-IMPLEMENTATION OF FIT FOR THE FUTURE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/5)

 ALL ACTION IS SUSPENDED – MEMBERS TO WORK AS NORMAL

Further to my previous Circular (IR/39/17, 31st January 2017), our RMT negotiating team has been in intensive talks with LUL at ACAS to try to reach an agreement in respect of Station Staffing since Fit for the Future was implemented last year. A proposal has now been received from the Company and the details can be found on our website.

This has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has congratulated our negotiating team for the outstanding progress made and taken the decision to inform the Company that ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTION IS SUSPENDED, subject to the satisfactory implementation of the commitments contained in the letter. All RMT Stations & Revenue members should therefore report for work and undertake all duties as normal.

It has only been possible to reach this position as a result of the 100% support we have received from Stations & Revenue members throughout this dispute. The overtime and rest day working ban had a massive impact and clearly demonstrated the need for more staff across the network and the strike action on the 9th and 10th January showed tremendous solidarity from all members.

RMT will of course remain vigilant and our Reps will be closely monitoring the implementation of the agreement. I will keep Branches advised of any further developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

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GENERAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT TO THE PRESS ON THE BETRAYAL OF OUR CONDUCTOR MEMBERS

GENERAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT TO THE PRESS ON THE BETRAYAL OF OUR CONDUCTOR MEMBERS IN THE TUC LED AGREEMENT

ROLE OF THE GUARD & EXTENSION OF DOO – SOUTHERN (GTR)

 I have today put out a Press statement condemning the agreement reached in the TUC led discussions by the TUC itself, ASLE&F and Southern management, an agreement that will allow the company to run trains under DOO mode. The statement is as follows:-

“This so-called agreement is a shocking and historical betrayal presided over by the TUC of not only the conductor grade and drivers, but also passengers, including disabled passengers, who have lost the guarantee of a second member of staff on their trains.

This abysmal document lists a whole host of areas where a train can leave without a second member of staff that will leave both the driver and passengers exposed and vulnerable and which also represents a thin end of the wedge that will lead to the de-staffing of trains.

Loyal and dedicated conductors, who have fought for safety for over a year have had the legs kicked from under them by those who are supposed to be on their side. Passengers and staff alike have been sold out by a stitch up cooked up in Congress House by the TUC and the bosses whilst Southern, one of the most anti-union and hated companies of recent times, is laughing all the way to the bank and have been given a free run to rip up the safety rule book in the name of profits.

This is not a deal it is a disgrace and the RMT dispute remains on and we will fight this shocking betrayal with every tool at our disposal.

We remain available for talks”

I will keep you advised of developments as they happen.

Mick Cash

General Secretary.

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RMT on "‎rail fares overhaul"

RMT on “‎rail fares overhaul”

General Secretary Mick Cash said;

“This is an open admission by Britain’s private train companies and the Government that they have been ripping off the travelling public for over two decades.

“If we want a fair deal on fares then that means keeping ticket offices open, keeping staff on the stations and platforms and nationalising our railways into one publicly owned body with one pricing structure.

“The proposals from the train companies today are just pure window dressing from the same old racketeers who have been plundering our railways since privatisation.”

Posted on

Jan 31st RMT Circular

 

 

STATION STAFFING & SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS, POST-IMPLEMENTATION OF FIT FOR THE FUTURE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/5)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/22/17, 18th January 2017), our RMT Station Reps recently attended a meeting with the National Executive Committee, Lead Officer and negotiating team at RMT Head Office to discuss this dispute and report feedback received from members. Having considered the views from this meeting, the National Executive Committee has taken the decision to call further strike action and instruct ALL LUL STATION & REVENUE members NOT TO BOOK ON for any shifts that commence between:-

  • 18:00 hours on Sunday 5th February 2017 and 09:59 hours on Monday 6th February 2017 
  • 10:00 hours on Tuesday 7th February 2017 and 00:59 hours on Wednesday 8th February 2017

NB: To comply with legal advice the industrial action short of a strike consisting of the overtime and rest day working ban, non-familiarisation and non-rostering  of overtime, is suspended for the duration of the strikes but will commence again immediately after each strike ends and continuously from 01:00 hours on Wednesday 8th February 2017.

Further strike dates to be taken in March will be announced once they are determined and agreed. I will of course keep Branches advised of all further developments.

PAY PARITY, TRANSPLANT ENGINEER TRAIN DRIVERS – TUBE LINES AP JNP (LUL/10/2)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/317/16, 26th October 2016), working party discussions over a draft proposed ETO Re-Grading Initiative continued up until last week when talks unfortunately collapsed at the final hurdle. Despite the best efforts of our negotiating team, management seem intent on multi-skilling the ETO Grade rather than accepting any alternative solutions proposed by RMT which would still meet needs of the business without undermining any other grades.

The National Executive Committee has considered a report from the Lead Officer and taken the decision to call on members to take strike action by NOT BOOKING ON FOR ANY SHIFTS that commence between:- 

  • 05:59 hours on Friday 3rd February until 05:59 hours on Sunday 5th February 2017
  • 05:59 hours on Friday 10th March until 05:59 hours on Sunday 12th March 2017

 Members are also instructed to take ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE between:-

  • 06:00 hours on Sunday 5th February and 05:50 hours on Friday 10th March 2017
  • 06:00 hours on Sunday 12th March 2017 until further notice.

This action consists of:-

  • Taking meal breaks as per existing agreements and law
  • Not exceeding maximum driving times
  • Not volunteering for additional B2F Trains
  • Not working overtime through extending shifts
  • Not training non-driving or Assist Grades to drive
  • Not driving trains, except on lines, depots and sidings unless you have a full working knowledge of the area concerned, understand the meaning of all signals and are competent and appropriately licensed

I am also making the necessary preparations to ballot our Operational Managers with an ETO License as management has failed to give the guarantee that these members will also be included in the pay parity agreement. I will keep Branches advised of al further developments.

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – LONDON UNDERGROUND (FLEET GRADES) (LUL/14/2)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/22/17, 18th January 2017), London Underground has been advised of the dispute situation due to breaches of agreements by Fleet management. I can now advise that the ballot papers will be posted to members on Tuesday 7th February and the closing date for this ballot is Tuesday 21st February 2017. If any Fleet Grades member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the Freephone helpline number on 0800 376 3706.

I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

 Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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