Click '1 attachment' / file name to download a joint RMT/TSSA leaflet on swine flu from your London Underground Stations & Revenue Health & Safety Council reps. Read the text below.

Influenza A (H1N1) – Swine Flu Update.

“...once a fully fit pandemic virus emerges, its further international spread is unstoppable”. Dr Margaret Chan, WHO

"National incidence of influenza-like illness increased for all regions and is now evident in all age groups." Royal College of GPs

“Providing that he doesn't have symptoms (sore throat, runny nose and temperature) he should come into work whether or not his wife tests positive for swine flu”. Dr Olivia Carlton, LUOH (relating to a track worker case)

“...there is absolutely no need for a meeting nor any need to take any special measures... There is no change” Mike Strzelecki, Director of Safety, LUL (response to safety representatives calling for consultation on Swine Flu).

Most people will now be aware that Swine Flu (H1N1) is spreading rapidly among the population. While the common symptoms are mild for most, they can be fatal for various vulnerable groups (pregnant women, those with other medical underlying conditions, particularly, though not only, any condition that may compromise your immune system etc).

We have witnessed so far 29 deaths attributable to swine flu in the UK. While it is true that Flu kills between 5,000 and 7,000 people in a typical winter - mainly the elderly - although the number can rise to more than 10,000 in bad years – it is also clear that Swine Flu could add considerably to that number.

As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that the viral strain H1N1 has further mutated (see ABC of Influenza below and previous circulars).

There are two polar dangers in responding to the current situation. One is to be alarmist and running the risk of panic and overwhelming the health services in particular. The other is complacency, overly reassuring people into a false sense of security, where a rapid emergency response to a genuine case could be the difference between life and death.

Lul/TfL clearly fall into the second category. Safety representatives have written continuously to management calling for a network wide, all companies meeting to consult on the changing situation and staff genuine concerns.

Sadly, we’ve hit a brick wall. The response is the same each time as the quote from Mike Strzelecki above illustrates. Essentially, they’ve stuck their heads in the sand hoping it will all go away. However, we know it will not go away and we need urgent concerns addressing now.

Previously, it has been agreed that if a Pandemic is declared that surgical gels and hand wipes will be distributed. LUL have failed to carry out this agreement. Previously, it has been agreed that cleaners, in particular, would be looked at closely regarding their equipment and materials, PPE and facilities. We have had no response from LUL/Tubelines.

Previously, it has been agreed that any additional effective PPE will be considered after advice and further evaluation. Even the Royal College of GPs is suggesting a re-visit on advice on PPE, particularly for health workers since the death of a GP attributable to swine flu.

While most people who contract the virus suffer mild symptoms it is clear that those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk. If you are pregnant, HIV positive, have a cardiac related illness etc you will be at greater risk. Indeed, even if you do not have any serious underlying condition, members of your family may. LUL does not exist in a vacuum. The advice from LUOH does not appear particularly robust. Indeed, it appears that LUOH, with no great surprise, is more interested in ensuring staff remain at work and LUL achieve attendance targets.

Essentially, staff are presently asked to diagnose themselves - a form of self-assurance - and then do the right thing. What if you mis-diagnose your symptoms? The tragic case of Chloe, who died aged 6, was mis-diagnosed as having tonsillitis.

Further, there seems to be no consistency in dealing with cases coming up on the job. Some staff are asked to remain at home for seven days; some are asked to come in; some are asked to take annual leave whilst others are told that they follow the usual sickness procedures.

While we continue to insist for an all companies, all grades, network wide consultative meeting on this urgent issue we also draw attention to your legal rights to refuse to work on the grounds of safety.

We have, and continue to pursue a collaborative approach with management to address staff concerns. However, we cannot stand still as the situation develops and continue to allow management frustrate any meaningful consultation with recognised and elected safety representatives to address your fears.

RMT Representatives Unjum Mirza (staff-side secretary): 07753 979 637; Tony Gandolfi: 07715 323 744; Pat O’Brien: 07715 324 107; Vikram Parmar: 07789 652 511

TSSA Representatives Bernard Gentry (staff-side Chair): 07753 878 942 Clive Steadman: 07764 390 792 David Morgan: 07753 898 077 Yogi Pankhania: 07733 344 491