BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, SERVICE CONTROL, OSBORNE HOUSE - LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/2)

I previously advised you of the magnificent and unanimous 15-0 vote of our Service Controller members at Osborne House to take strike action (Ref: IR/023/20, 15th January 2020) over a breakdown in industrial relations at the location.

Shortly after the vote was announced, your union and London Underground held talks under the auspices of conciliation service Acas. However, progress was initially slow and our negotiators therefore recommended two days of strike action in order to focus management's minds. Your National Executive Committee endorsed this recommendation and instructed our members not to work on Friday 20th March and Friday 27th March 2020.

This proved crucial as further talks have resulted in London Underground setting out a number of proposals, including carrying out an independent investigation in the industrial relations situation at Osborne House which led to this dispute.

It proposed that an Acas conciliator would undertake this work and meet staff to gain an understanding of the problems. Additionally, management have said that they are committed to resolving the issues within this dispute and to improving relations with staff.

Having consulted with our representative, the NEC noted the proposals and the progress made and suspended the scheduled strike action to allow this investigation to take place. Once again, the threat of industrial action from a committed group of RMT members forced LU management to change its course and get these matters addressed. The dispute continues pending the outcome of the investigation, however.

I will keep you advised of any further developments.