They Say - We Say

Submitted by Admin on 3 February, 2013 - 15:58

They say: New technology means that London Underground needs fewer staff.

We say: New technology can improve London Underground if it is used alongside staff, not instead of us. But LUL is developing technology specifically for the purpose of getting rid of jobs - this is the rationale behind driverless trains or 'wave and pay'. LUL should develop different technology that works effectively with staff to improve the service.

Current plans for technology will worsen the service, increase unemployment and are a waste of public money.

Thermal Comfort & Cold Stress Survey For London Underground Station Staff

Submitted by Admin on 3 February, 2013 - 02:56

RMT Health & Safety rep Julie Miller is investigating the affect cold weather has on us at work and whether thermal wear will improve our working conditions

Click 'Read More' to complete the survey

Thermal Comfort is defined in British Standard BS EN ISO 7730 as: ‘that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.’

So the term ‘Thermal Comfort’ describes a person’s psychological state of mind and is usually referred to in terms of whether someone is feeling too hot or too cold.

This survey will only look at the impact the cold weather has on staff. With your help, I will provide evidence that the cold and windy environment you have to work in has a detrimental affect on your physical and psychological well being.

Companies and grades: 
LUL Stations
London Underground Ltd

LabourtStart Act Now Campaign:Support Sacked Agency Workers

Submitted by Admin on 2 February, 2013 - 15:40

Thirty-three agency staff working on London Underground, some for as long as five years, were told just before Christmas that the contract with their agency, Trainpeople, had been ended, and that they would lose their jobs in January.

The workers had joined RMT and campaigned successfully for equal pay with permanent staff, but the contract was then terminated without warning and London Underground told them that applications for direct employment would not be considered, making a mockery of Agency Worker Regulations that are supposed to protect their rights.

RMT up front issue 26

Submitted by Joffe on 2 February, 2013 - 08:32

Attached is the latest edition of RMT Up front. This edition focuses on the Ballot for action short of strike action on the Jubillee Line. There are also reports on the Bakerloo detrainment dispute and issues for drivers on the new S Stock.

Main stories follow:

Jubilee Line drivers to be balloted over the removal of tunnel telephone wires

Last year Management informed safety reps on the Jubilee Line that there were problems in the tunnel between Baker St and Bond Street Stations on the south bound road caused by water ingress which would entail a job major of work.

Joint Union Statement Calls For Tube Lines Pensions Parity

Submitted by Admin on 2 February, 2013 - 00:56

We note the response to the joint statement from all four trade unions advocating that all Tube Lines employees be allowed to join the TfL Pension Scheme. While we are pursuing our demand for pensions equality through a dispute and negotiations with Tube Lines, we believe that it is valid for the Working Group to support our position based on the strength of the Scheme and affordability, and instruct the General Secretary to reply accordingly.

RMT To Confirm Recognition With Bombardier

Submitted by Admin on 2 February, 2013 - 00:52

We note the correspondence on file, and believe that following the merger of the Services and Product Information functions, the Recognition and Procedure Agreement between RMT and Bombardier should cover all of the merged team.

We instruct the General Secretary to ensure that this is confirmed with the employer.

London Transport Regional Council and LU Fleet branch to be advised.

Tube Staff Denied Customer Satisfaction Bonus After Olympic Year

Submitted by Admin on 2 February, 2013 - 00:34

We note the responses on file from our admin grade members, who are dissatisfied with LUL’s implementation of its Olympic reward policy. We further note that there is no copy on file of the letter to LUL instructed by our decision of 12 December 2012, and instruct the General Secretary to place in front of us this letter and any reply received.

Jubilee Line Drivers To Be Balloted For Industrial Action

Submitted by Admin on 1 February, 2013 - 22:50

Further to our previous decision on this issue, we note that discussions with management have taken place and that although there has been some movement, there is still no satisfactory outcome. We remain in dispute and instruct the General Secretary to ballot our members in line with our previous decision. We welcome the co-operation established with ASLEF on this issue and aim to ballot to the same timetable. Reports and developments are to be placed in front of us.