FOLLOWING CONSULTATION with local reps, tube union RMT confirmed today that it will be putting the latest tube pay offer to a referendum ballot of members with a recommendation to accept.

The offer is 5% this year backdated to April with RPI plus 0.5% for the following three years with a guarantee of no less than 2% if inflation were to drop significantly.

This offer has improved several times since the initial offer in April. The original offer was a five-year offer, of a 4% pay rise this year and a rise of RPI+0.25% in the four following years. RMT has been campaigning since April to get this improved.

From General Secretary Bob Crow.

"I write to advise members that the company’s latest proposals have today been considered by your executive and it has been decided to hold a referendum on the offer with a recommendation to accept.

The full General Grades Committee decision is as follows:

“That we note the well-attended meeting of our representatives on London Underground on Tuesday 4 October, at which a clear majority indicated that they wish the union to put LU’s offer to a referendum of members recommending acceptance.

Accordingly, we instruct the General Secretary to put in place a referendum ballot of all our members covered by this offer, with a recommendation to accept."

We further note the report from our Regional Organiser, and instruct the General Secretary to arrange for the referendum to be accompanied by a letter setting out the issue as outlined in the Regional Organiser’s report.

London Transport Regional Council and branches to be advised.”

Voting papers are due to go out over the next few days with a closing date of 27th October 2011.