Category: Tube Lines

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Engineering Train Operator Dispute

Over the last few weeks, the RMT have been in dispute with Tube Lines over pay parity for Engineering Train Operatives and obtaining a 6.3% Pay Rise.

Talks have been very productive with management stating that they will pay the increase providing it does not add cost to the business. To quote them ‘ouwt for nowt’.

The RMT and have therefore been in talks regarding how to achieve this (along with our sister union, Aslef).

The main areas of discussion have been

  1. The role of Assistant Drivers and training to become Engineering Train Drivers (on a voluntary basis) to allow better use of these staff.
  2. The need for all trains to have Assists such as where the train doesn’t split and goes in one direction such as hoppers, 633, 634, Elks that do not split, GP’s. Also using them to fill vacancies on the Marshalling Yard
  3.  Varying Rosters to suit staff and company needs. With additional staff it would be possible to produce a roster similar to that currently used by Tamper crews.

The main thrust of these meetings have been cordial and are movign forward. They are underpinned by ALL proposals will be discussed with our members and nothing will be agreed without full details and their acceptance.

However, we have not yet achieved any definitive agreement therefore our members have requested and NEC agreed to call the following strike action:

  • For all shifts after 05:59 on Friday 9th until 05:59 on Sunday 11th September

 

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Tube Lines Pension Talks

Talks at Acas are to resume tomorrow, Wednesday 31st August regarding the implementation by April of the TfL Pension for all staff that work for Tube Lines (or TUPE’d to LUL/ TfL) for those that currently are not allowed to enter the fund.

It is expected that LUL will table its funding efficiencies tomorrow with a view to reaching agreement with RMT to self finance the proposal.

However, it is also important to realise that now that Amey are not having their contract renewed, that there is a lot of scope to fund the pensions from the massive savings privatisation will bring

More details will following after tomorrows meeting

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RMT CAMPAIGN BRINGS THE END OF TUBE LINES

RMT CAMPAIGN BRINGS MAJOR TUBE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT BACK IN-HOUSE

 

A long-running campaign by tube union RMT has scored a significant victory with the final confirmation from the London Mayor today that a major slice of tube maintenance work is to be brought back in house next year.

The TfL board has announced that it will now manage maintenance work on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines through its own in-house management team.

The contract dates back to the failed tube maintenance privatisation programme and for the past 13 years the private company Amey has been contracted to manage maintenance work across the three lines – a legacy of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract that previously existed between Tube Lines and London Underground.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“This is a massive victory for RMT in terms of the fight to end profiteering and privatisation on London Underground. This move helps to bring closer the end to the crazy experiment of tube maintenance privatisation and is a another nail in the coffin of the tube PPP disaster.

“It makes no sense at all having maintenance work hived off to private operators and RMT will continue the fight across the rail industry for these works, and all other supporting services, to come under the public sector, under direct public control with the staff jobs, pay and conditions protected.”

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RMT Circular 12th Aug

OFFICIAL CIRCULAR

 

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVES

ALL UNDERGROUND AND FORMER LT EMPLOYERS

 

12th August 2016                                                                Circular No: IR/237/16

Dear Colleagues,

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

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/212/16, 29th July 2016), the ballot has concluded with members voting as follows:-

 

Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?

 

Total Votes Cast                22

Number Voting ‘Yes’           21

Number Voting ‘No’            1

Spoilt Papers                     0

 

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

 

Total Votes Cast                22

Number Voting ‘Yes’           22

Number Voting ‘No’            0

Spoilt Papers                     0

 

The National Executive Committee is currently considering this result and I will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, DRIVERS, HAMMERSMITH & CITY LINE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/212/16, 29th July 2016), the ballot papers were posted out to affected members on Tuesday 9th August and the closing date for this ballot is Tuesday 23rd August 2016. I will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – FARRINGDON, BARBICAN, MOORGATE, LIVERPOOL STREET & ALDGATE STATIONS – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/2)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/196/16, 15th July 2016), members will recall the previous National Executive Committee to organise a meeting of Stations Reps to review the implementation of Fit for the Future – Stations to discuss our strategy, including possible industrial action.

The meeting took place on Wednesday 27th July, the NEC has noted the consensus from this meeting to use the broadsheet to build on the anger against the effects of the implementation of Fit for the Future Stations and to complete the preparation of the ballot matrix of all Stations and Revenue staff to ensure that we are in a position to ballot members by early September 2016.

 

DRIVERLESS TESTING, JUBILEE LINE – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/10)

 

The following resolution was recently received from the London Transport Regional Council:-

“Jubilee South Branch has been made aware that testing has taken place on the Jubilee Line whereby trains were moved without the need of the operator to ‘activate’ the cab before using ATO buttons.

 We believe this is a deskilling of the train operators role, and suggests that technology is being developed and tested on the line to enable – in theory – the operation of trains without an operator in the cab.

 The RMT has consistently warned of the obvious risks to safety of driverless trains and made clear that we will take action should London Underground have any plans to operate trains without a train operator in the cab in full control of the train.

 We ask that the National Executive take action to ensure that this matter is investigated and that a plan be devised to respond to this or any other attempts at deskilling the train operator role, or operating trains without a train operator”.

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has taken the decision to consult with our Train Driver Reps on the Jubilee Line over this concerning issue. I will keep you informed of all further developments.

 

TERMINATION OF AMEY MAINTENANCE CONTRACT – TUBE LINES AP JNP (LUL/15/10)

The Company recently issued a communication to Tube Lines AP JNP members advising of its intention not to extend the current contract with Amey for the management of maintenance activities across the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines from the end of 2017.

There are no current plans to make any changes to members’ jobs, terms and conditions or pensions although RMT will of course monitor this situation closely. I have written to the Company advising that we expect a full consultation over this matter and requesting a timescale for discussions to take place as well as the early assurance that all LUL maintenance will not be brought back ‘in-house’. I will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

TRANSITIONING OF CROSSRAIL STAFF INTO TFL (TFL/15/10)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/029/16, 5th February 2016), the Crossrail Audit Team TUPE transferred into TfL on 1st March 2016.

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2016 – EXTERION MEDIA (LUL/0001/EM)

In line with union policy, a claim for an increase in pay and improved terms and conditions was submitted to the Company. After negotiations between management and the RMT, the following two-year offer has been tabled:-

  • YEAR ONE: An increase of 2% effective from 1st April 2016.
  • YEAR TWO: An increase of 1.5% effective from 1st April 2017.

In addition, management are offering a £300 one-off payment in recognition for hard work on the previous contract and there will be no changes made to terms and conditions.

The offer is the subject of a referendum which closes on Tuesday 23rd August 2016 and I will keep you advised of all further developments.

 Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary

 

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Tube Lines Pensions

Tube Lines Pensions

The RMT met with Tube Lines and Senior LUL management on Thursday at Acas and following this meeting they have written to Unity House outlining their proposals on the issue of Pensions.

Steve Griffith has affirmed his intention to provide access to the TfL Pension Scheme for Tube Lines and ex-TubeLines staff providing it is self funding. The aim is for this to be done for the new financial year on 1st April.

The Tube Lines reps were released to fully discuss this matter on Friday 8th July and the following was agreed:

  • Our reps believed this was a positive approach but that our members are willing to take action if necessary
  • Unity House would therefore need to protect the strike ballot result by any necessary means to comply with the Anti-Trade Union Laws
  • The RMT would enter into further and detailed talks on the efficiencies necessary to make this proposal self financing. These efficiencies would be through the introduction of technology that would remove the need for current staffing arrangements. This would be financed by efficiencies in LUL and Tube Lines.
  • This would be in a very defined time period and that this matter would not be allowed to be dragged out.
  • Both LUL and Tube Lines representatives would now review the cost savings as a matter of urgency with a view to reaching agreement.

The RMT welcome this move and believe that we can deliver our members aspirations for equality of Pension Rights and ending a two tier workforce. We also believe that some of these cost savings can be achieved by not renewing the Amey Contract however that would not be possible until the end of 2017.

It should be stressed that we have been meeting with LUL alone at Acas. However, it is right and proper that this now shared with our sister unions as per existing agreements and we have agreed to that.

Further talks on the details of the efficiencies will now take place mainly under the LUL and Tube Lines Functional Councils for Fleet, Track and Signals, with a report back to Acas on our progress.

It is our belief that talks will achieve TfL Pensions for our members by April next year and if it doesn’t then Industrial Action will be necessary.

 

Unity is Strength

 

Tube Lines Pensions Update 10 7 16

 

Letter from LUL

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Acas Update: Tube Lines Night Tube, Pension and Pay

The RMT met with Tube Lines and LUL management today at Acas. During this meeting we reached the following position:

Night Tube:

A poll of existing staff was conducted to find out how many would wish to transfer to LUL to retain Monday to Friday Working. This showed a variation between areas in terms of numbers but went from approximately 10-30%.

LUL agreed anyone that came over would go onto LUL Terms and Conditions (including Pension). They believed continuation of service would also apply but would confirm that in writing.

Finally, in terms of process there needs to be more work done to finalise this matter but we would probably utilise existing agreements for transfers between equal grades or individual needs.

Pay:

LUL & Tube Lines stated that for Full Performance Related Pay staff (such as Q Grades etc), the bottom of the bands would be increased by the negotiated base line for the duration of the four year deal. The additional night tube payment of £500 had not been implemented and was awaiting finalisation of our talks on Night Tube. The RMT stated that the increase to the PRP pot should be equivalent to the negotiated general pay rise

In terms of non-PRP staff the pay would mirror the levels set in the LUL pay deal.

Pensions

LUL & Tube Lines stated that they was still working on figures and these would be available by Thursday.

The RMT made it clear that these figures needed to before us and discussed prior to the Tube Lines Reps meeting on the 8th July. We stated that this data needed to clearly show:

  • Any numbers of potential redundancies
  • The total cost of providing the TfL Pension to those in the Tube Lines Pension Scheme
  • Location and Grades affected by any proposals
  • Any proposals can only be related to the introduction of new technology
  • A timescale for these cost savings
  • An implementation date for staff to be entered into the TFL Pension Scheme

Another meeting has been agreed for Thursday 7th July with an expectation that a final position will be placed before the representatives on Friday

 

Tube Lines Night Tube, Pay and Pensions Update 4 7 16

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Tube Lines Pensions Discussions

Further discussions under the auspice of Acas are due to take place on Monday 4th July when we expect full details of the company proposal on how the entry to the TfL Pension Fund will be self funded (for ALL members of the Tube Lines Pension including those that TUPE’d to LUL).

Following this meeting, the RMT will be reviewing the document and the RMT have requested all reps from Tube Lines are released to decide the next steps on the 8th July

 

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Tube Lines Night Tube, Pay and Pensions

The RMT met with LUL and Tube Lines today at Acas to discuss Night Tube, Pay and Pensions

Night Tube: Tube Lines have stated that they will identify how many people wish to remain on Monday to Friday rather than go to Sunday to Thursday (Night Staff affected by Night Tube). One potential solution will be to see if level transfers to London Underground are possible to mitigate this issue. However, this is dependent on Numbers and further talks.

Additionally, Night Tube has also been defined as only Friday and Saturday NIGHTs for affected staff. This mitigates any further ‘all night running’ issues in the future and they will require full talks again in the event of any new ‘Night Tube’ aspirations.

Performance Related Pay. A Lengthy discussion took place around this with the RMT stressing the importance of this issue to our members and that this group of people should not be disadvantaged compared to the main negotiations. Tube Lines and LUL have committed to further discussion on how the pot is divided up etc. They have stated this will be as per other years. We stand by our position.

Pensions: LUL and Tube Lines are examining a cost neutral solution to make entry into the Pension Scheme viable for all staff currently on a Tube Lines Contract (both LUL staff and Tube Lines). This will involve costs of approximately £15 million a year and their desire is to achieve this through increased productivity measures. Tube Lines and LUL are in the process of producing detailed figures that will be ready next by week.

The RMT and Management are meeting again on the 4th July to fully review any proposals and we will then report back to our members in the usual manner

 

Tube Lines Night Tube, Pay and Pensions Update 23 6 16

 

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Latest RMT Circular

Dear Colleagues,

 

DISCIPLINARY/SPAD PROCEDURE, SHUNTERS – TUBE LINES AP JNP (LUL/4/4)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/133/16, 5th May 2016), members will recall the resolution from LU Fleet Branch concerning unjustified disciplinary action taken against members at Northfields Depot after a shunting incident where a signal was passed at danger. The Lead Officer raised our concerns with the Company and a meeting took place between our Reps and local management at Northfields Depot where management admitted that the investigations seem not to have got all the evident that was available.

 

So far, one appeal has taken place but no decision has yet been given and members are not confident that the issue will be resolved through this channel. The National Executive Committee has considered the correspondence on file and taken the decision to proceed with a ballot for industrial action. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

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

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/144/16, 19th May 2016), the following resolution has been received from Bakerloo Branch:-

 

“This Branch notes:

 

  • The hugely detrimental effect of the “Fit for the Future” programme on our members’ working lives, including through a severe impact on work/life balance.
  • LU’s plans for similar restructuring projects in other areas and functions, including trains.
  • That four Branches – Central Line West, Central Line East, Hammersmith & City Line and Piccadilly and District West – have submitted resolutions to the NEC calling for new disputes and industrial action ballots on stations.

 

This Branch further notes and welcomes the NEC member’s announcement that the Union will relaunch an all-grades campaign against cuts, including by circulating a broadsheet briefing to all members.

 

This Branch resolves to add our voice to the call for new ballots, which we hope will follow swiftly on from the launch of the new campaign. To send this motion to the NEC.”

 

The National Executive Committee has noted the resolution and taken the decision to prepare a ballot matrix for stations and revenue members and also to organise a Reps meeting of these grades to discuss industrial action. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND NIGHT RUNNING – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/0001)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/051, 3rd March 2016), the following resolution has been received from Central Line East Branch:-

 

“This Branch intends to defend our Train Operators in our area who are threatened with being unjustly displaced to other depots around the combine in breach of the Pay and Night Tube dispute settlement.

 

We believe that members’ work-life balance must be maintained at the very least and should be improved wherever possible. The detriment to our members is unacceptable, adding over ten hours to their weekly travelling time to and from work.

 

We call on the Union to take urgent and all necessary action (strikes and action short of strike) if these threats are not removed completely”.

 

The National Executive Committee has noted the resolution and taken the decision to organise a meeting of our Train Grades Reps to discuss the matters raised in the resolution and to action a response. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep you advised of all further developments.

 

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Tube Lines Pay/ Night Tube & Pension Update

Tube Lines Pay/ Night Tube & Pension Update

RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash, met with senior LUL Managers at Acas last week and had an open and honest discussion on how this dispute affected our members.

A full report was given to our Tube Lines Reps on Friday and it was decided to agree short term talks to resolve the issue of the Tube Lines pay deal not being the same as that offered to LUL staff and allowing all TLL staff entry to the TFL Pension.

It was agreed with LUL to extend the date required to name strike dates by four weeks (the maximum allowable under the Law) to allow for more talks to be concluded.

The reps were clear that they was looking for progress and that this matter needed resolving. Their patience was at an end

 

Pay and Night Tube and Pensions 10062016

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Latest LUL Circular 26th May 2016

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, NIGHT RUNNING AND PENSIONS – TUBE LINES AP JNP (LUL/0001/TL)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/133/16, 5th May 2016), the ballot has concluded with members voting as follows:-

 

Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?

 

Total Votes Cast…              610

Number Voting ‘Yes’…         524

Number Voting ‘No’…          86

Spoilt Papers…                   0

 

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

 

Total Votes Cast…              610

Number Voting ‘Yes’…         584

Number Voting ‘No’…          26

Spoilt Papers…                   0

 

This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee and a meeting has been arranged between the Lead Officer, Reps and NEC Member within the next 7 days to discuss the result and to decide on industrial action. I will keep Branches informed of all further developments.

 

DISCIPLINARY, GLEN HART – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/4/4)

 

Further to my previous Circular (IR/043/16, 25th February 2016), I am pleased to report that following a further meeting with London Underground and discussions with the Lead Officer and Reps, Brother Glen Hart has accepted a proposal from LUL for his return to work. This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has noted the correspondence on file and that Glen Hart will be returning to his grade and his workplace after 20 months of being suspended for trade union related activity.

 

This successful outcome has been achieved due to the resolve of Glen himself and the actions of all LUL grades who were balloted and took industrial action to defend Bro. Glen Hart. All those who supported Glen, including our Branches nationally and the wider Labour movement should be applauded and I wish to take this opportunity to thank our Lead Officer, Reps and all members for returning Bro. Glen Hart to work.

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