Circular No. IR/04/10, dated 12th of January 2010 from General Secretary Bob Crow

IMPOSITION OF ROSTERS, BREACHES OF SIGNALS FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT AND OUTSOURCING – LUL – BALLOT FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION

RMT is currently in the process of balloting all LUL (Metronet) members covered by the Signals Framework Agreement for both strike action and action short. Formal notice of ballot was served on the company immediately prior to the Christmas break and the ballot is due to close on Tuesday 19th January 2010.

It seems LUL Management are of the view that they can make people work what hours they like when they like. They have already started to introduce an any five from seven shift arrangement which looks to be spread across all lines. They also intend to introduce more weekend and unsociable shift arrangements by way of initiatives such as Six-Person Rosters.

Yet at the same time job security itself is continually put at risk with work being given to outside contractors instead of internal staff. This is a very real threat for employees. Yet when we try to raise our concerns LUL refuse to discuss the matter point blank.

And if all this isn’t bad enough, LUL seem hell bent on tearing up the Signals Framework Agreement. They are already ignoring huge and important sections of it such as Signal Grade Progression and overtime coverage. They have even imposed changes without agreement that suit them to the detriment of the workforce.

I anticipate a big YES vote by our signals members when the ballot closes next week. I will of course keep you posted in this regard.

REVIEW OF MOBILE PHONE BILLS – LUL

I recently received a letter from LUL advising me that with effect from 16th December 2009, they are imposing a £25 monthly limit on voice calls as part of a review of their management of mobile phone bills. There will also be a bar on international calls.

How sound a judgement this will be in respect of their operational needs remains to be seen, and I am not entirely convinced whether there will be that much of a saving. But what does concern me is the fact that they will apply this £25 cap to Trade Union representatives who are issued with mobile phones.

RMT is now in the process of seeking assurances that its representatives will not be hampered in carrying out their duties which, it is suspected, could be the true motive behind all this. We cannot tolerate a situation where RMT Reps dealing with crucial issues on behalf of the people they represent get their means of communication cut off because they have exceeded the imposed £25 limit.

I have at the behest of the General Grades Committee asked the Regional Organiser to deal with this matter accordingly.