"We hope the virus fizzles out, because if it doesn't we are heading for a big outbreak...I'm not predicting the pandemic will blow up, but if I miss it and we don't prepare, I fail. I'd rather over-prepare than not prepare". WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan

Since our last circular regarding Influenza A (H1N1) or Swine Flu we have met up with Directors of Safety from LUL (and Metronet) and Tubelines to discuss the matter (06/05/09).

As an aside: We were a bit amused by LUL’s Director of Safety who informed us that a meeting had not been called earlier because the secretary of the Stations and Revenue Safety Council was “impolite” in his request for one. As secretary of the Stations and Revenue Safety Council I think such a statement to be quite astonishing not only because discussions between management and reps should be full and frank but given the potential gravity of the situation the Director of Safety should learn to put his own personal feelings or hurt aside. It is infantile. This is the kind of attitude I expect from a cry-baby, not a full grown man.

Back to serious business. Though the meeting can only be described as farcical we did get a few things out of management as bullet pointed below. In general, we were told that cost will determine the safety measures implemented by management in the event of a full blown pandemic. Although the issue has disappeared somewhat from the headlines, the Safety Council will continue to monitor the situation in the same vein as the Director-General of the WHO.

Emergency Plans: Safety Representatives have, finally, been forwarded updated contingency/emergency plans for a Flu pandemic. Although consultation with your safety reps has been non-existent we will be assessing them in detail and will report back to management and staff. It is worth stating that LUL defended the TfL statement that services will continue in the event of an outbreak. We will further comment on this at a later point.

PPE: A discussion took place concerning PPP and in particular face masks. There doesn’t appear to be any consensus regarding their effectiveness. Further, discussions and assessments will have to take place. Currently, management insist that face masks will not be issued and are not to be worn.

Surgical Gel/anti-septic Wipes: Whilst management have finally got them on order, they will not be issued unless a full pandemic is declared. We did point out that general hygiene and cleanliness should be the order of the day and not when problems arise. Unfortunately, that was lost on them.

Cleaners: It was generally accepted that a lot more should be done for the cleaners and both LUL and/Tube Lines directors took away various actions regarding the number of Cleaners, Materials and PPE.

Attendance and Sickness Policy (Draft): This will not be suspended. Anyone who has returned from Mexico will be told to remain at home (7 days) on full pay. Anyone who has dependents with suspected Influenza A H1N1 will be offered special leave unpaid. The unions are further looking at this draft from Gerry Duffy, Director of Employee Relations, and will be submitting comments.

Further circulars and advice will be issued as things develop. Meanwhile, if you have any specific concerns or issues you would like addressed please feel free to contact one of your safety representatives listed below.

Unjum Mirza (Secretary): 07753 979 637; Tony Gandolfi: 07715 323 744; Pat O’Brien: 07715 324 107; Vikram Parmar: 07789 652 511