Defending jobs

LUL have announced plans to introduce a new grade within service control, this role will replace the old Line Information Assistant and the multi functional SCL2 role on the central, jubilee and Bakerloo Lines.

It is proposed that Line Information Specialists will disseminate information to staff, contractors and the public however SCL2's will be expected to cover this duty as and when required.

LUL have intimated if the unions do not agree this change will be imposed, 30 plus Service Controller two positions ar at risk.

by an RMT rep

Our Department Director has informed us of sweeping job cuts. It seems that management are bulldozing these cuts through. Rumours from worried senior managers are claiming that around 2,500 jobs are to be axed on TfL.

After giving us a slide show about ‘proposed’ changes, they then handed every member of staff a letter telling them whether their position had been ceased or not, and whether you would have to reapply for your own job.

by Jared Wood, RMT rep, Rickmansworth group

We remain in dispute over the enforced transfer of five CSAs from Rickmansworth group.

RMT’s strike action was extremely well supported. 70% of turns did not book on; 25 members picketed. Several TSSA members and even non-union staff observed the strike.

LUL is picking local disputes with station staff in an attempt to demoralise us by facing these down. At some point they will attempt a major cut in station staff numbers. This must not be allowed to happen.

RMT & TSSA are having a joint victory party to celebrate our win in stopping ticket office closures: Thursday 28 August from 19:00hrs at Swinton’s, 61 Swinton Street (near Kings Cross), with free drinks and buffet.

All members from both unions are welcome.

Details: Brenda Sutton 07828-290025 or Brian Haughian 07834-117509.

From 'RMT On The Trains' newsletter, August 2008

Recent threats of strike action combined with public campaigning by the RMT caused management to re-think their plans to cut station staff. We pointed out that a safe railway must be properly staffed. Videos will never substitute for staff.

LUL have now dropped their plans to close dozens of ticket offices. Furthermore they dropped plans to do away with station supervisors during traffic hours – not everything we want but even that could not have been achieved without determined action from your union.