OFFICIAL CIRCULAR
TO ALL BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVES
ALL UNDERGROUND AND FORMER LT EMPLOYERS
28th November 2017 Circular No: IR/540/17
Dear Colleagues,
BOXING DAY WORKING – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ASSET OPERATIONS) (LUL/7/2)
A resolution was recently received from LU Engineering Branch regarding the appalling way LUL has treated its staff in Asset Operations when it comes to recognising the severe impact that Christmas working has on family life. Also that payments are available for all or part of this period in other areas such as Major Projects, Tube Lines and for Train Drivers and therefore we should demand and least parity and recognition for working these days.
The National Executive Committee considered this matter and took the decision to advise the Company that a dispute situation exists and to ballot members for strike action. The Company has been informed accordingly and the ballot papers will be posted to members on Thursday 30th November 2017. The closing date for this ballot is Tuesday 12th December 2017 and I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.
If any member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.
RATE OF PAY, WORK TRAIN CONTROLLERS – VGC (CROSSRAIL PROJECT) (LUL/10/2)
Further to my previous Circular (IR/522/17, 16th November 2017), the Company was informed of the dispute situation regarding the Work Train Controllers’ rate of pay. I can now advise that ballot papers will be posted to members on Tuesday 28th November 2017 and the closing date for this ballot is Tuesday 12th December 2017. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.
If any member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.
BREACH OF MACHINERY – ISS (KAD CONTRACT) (LUL/14/2)
Further to my previous Circular (IR/455/17, 5th October 2017), the Company was informed of the dispute situation regarding two issues; the failure to hold meaningful pay talks or provide a proper response to our pay claim and; the failure to resolve long-outstanding roster issues affecting the RPOs contracted hours and undermining everyone by offering shifts to grades outside of their normal responsibilities.
I can now advise that ballot papers will be posted to members on Thursday 30th November 2017 and the closing date for this ballot is Thursday 14th December 2017. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.
If any member does not receive their ballot paper, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.
PAY PARITY, TRANSPLANT MAINTENANCE & STORES STAFF – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ex-AP JNP) (LUL/10/2)
Further to my previous Circular (IR/522/17, 16th November 2017), all Maintenance and Stores members at Ruislip Transplant Depot should now have received their ballot paper regarding the above.
Please ensure that members complete their ballot paper and return it to reach the Scrutineer by the closing date of Wednesday 6th December 2017. If any member has not received it, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.
TRAIN PREPARATION PAYMENTS, TRANSPLANT MAINTENANCE STAFF – LONDON UNDERGROUND (ex-AP JNP) (LUL/1/8)
Further to my previous Circular (IR/522/17, 16th November 2017), all Advanced Train Maintainer (Train Maintenance), Team Leader (Train Maintenance) and Duty Maintenance Manager members at Ruislip Transplant Depot should now have received their ballot paper regarding the above.
Please ensure that members complete their ballot paper and return it to reach the Scrutineer by the closing date of Wednesday 6th December 2017. If any member has not received it, please ask them to call the RMT Freephone Helpline on 0800 376 3706 or the RMT Switchboard on 0207 387 4771 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk; to request a replacement.
CESSATION OF SSL/VLU CONTRACT – BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION (LUL/15/10)
A report was recently received from the Lead Officer, along with correspondence from the Company regarding the end of the current SSL/VLU contract. The Company is currently undertaking work to place affected employees on alternative projects and any ‘at risk’ position would be announced in January 2018. The National Executive Committee has noted the reports and I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.
RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2017 – THALES GTS (LUL/0001/TGTS)
In line with Union policy, a pay claim for an increase in pay and improved terms and conditions was submitted to the company. Following discussions with the Company, the three year offer which has been received is as follows:-
| Year | Base % | EBIT Related % | Total | Additional Offer |
| 2017 | 1.5% | 0.3%* | 1.8% | Increased base offer by 0.3%, 0.3% Ebit related paid in Jan 18 onto base salary * |
| 2018 | 2% | N/A | 2% | Inflation Protection **
Base % increased to reflect Guaranteed Ebit component |
| 2019 | 2% | 0.5%*** | 2.5% | Inflation Protection **
Base component increased to 2% |
*0.3% increase to base salary – based on delivery of 2017 EBIT targets (confirmed). To be paid in January 2018 and backdated to 1st January 2017. EBIT related payments are in addition to any gain share payment.
** Inflation Protection – Base % will be reviewed subject to significant movement in RPI index (December 2017 for 2018 and December 2018 for 2019).
*** 0.5% increase to base salary – following delivery of 2019 EBIT targets. To be paid in January 2020 and backdated to 1st January 2019. EBIT related payments are in addition to any gain share payment.
EBIT Target Numbers
2017 – Confirmed
2018 – No Longer Relevant
2019 – Still being confirmed but likely to be £17.4m – this number is still being settled and may not be ready until December (but will be transparent when settled)
Inflation Protection
- The fixed Base % rises indicated in the table above for 2018 & 2019 will remain as stated should RPI for the relevant year (measured at the preceding December) not exceed 4.0% (RPI data July 2017 3.6%).
- Should the RPI index on the relevant year (measured at the preceding December) be higher than 4.0% then the Base % increase will be reviewed and adjusted to reflect this, however the total base % rise will not exceed 3% in 2018 and 3.45% in 2019.
- If RPI rises above 5.2% the EBIT will be reduced so that the total does not exceed 3.7% but if RPI goes above 5.4% the base will remain at 3.45% and any EBIT paid will be 0.25%.
The National Executive Committee has noted the above offer including the built-in inflation protection elements and congratulated the Lead Officer, Reps and members for successfully moving the Company to make significant progress in light of the original multi-year offer comprising 0%.
The NEC has taken the decision to advise the Company that we are in acceptance of the offer and I have asked that the increase, along with backdated monies, is paid to members at the earliest opportunity.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary