London Taxi News Spring 2012 Edition

Submitted by Peter on 1 April, 2012 - 01:49

The latest edition of London Taxi News, an anti-pedicab special, is now availale to download.

In this edition:

  • RMT London taxi branch calls for unity to save trade
  • Unity meeting discusses common approach to review
  • We can't rely on Boris
  • RMT scores major victory over pedicabs
  • Demo at Stratford a great success
  • United we stand - Implementation of identifiers has been greeted by the trade with different levels of
    enthusiasm.

You can download the full newsletter using the link below, or click 'read more' to view the pdf if you have a modern browser.

Industrial Relations Matters – Telent / MJ Quinns LU Contract

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:23

We note that following the resolution from our LU Engineering branch, a meeting has taken place with GGC members and representatives of our Telent/MJ Quinns members. We affirm the views of our representatives that the situation facing workers on this contract is intolerable, with bullying, inadequate pay, and management refusing to allow employees to take leave during the Olympic period.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to:

Ban On Rickshaws During The Olympics

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:16

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch. We instruct the General Secretary to obtain from the branch full details of why it advocates this ban, which should include their concerns about public safety, and which should address the objection that such a ban would prevent people from earning a living, and to place this in front of us.

We rename this file 'Ban On Pedicabs During The Olympics.'

Taxi Issues – Legal Advice

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:13

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch, and its request that legal advice relating to taxi issues should be obtained from a legal firm that specialises in Hackney Carriage Law. We refer this to our Council of Executives for consideration at its meeting on the 2nd of April.

London Taxis And Changes To Road Signage During The Olympics

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:10

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch and fully support its sentiments. It is vital that Taxis are able to use the fastest and most direct routes, in the interests of both passengers and drivers and to avoid unnecessary congestion.

We therefore agree that road signage changes should not apply to Taxis, and instruct the General Secretary to request our Parliamentary Group to table an Early Day Motion calling for an exemption.

London Taxi branch to be advised.

London Taxis And VIP Olympic Lanes

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:06

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch and fully support its sentiments. Current plans for the exclusive VIP Olympic Lane will severely restrict the ability of Taxi drivers to earn a living, and will deny passengers the opportunity to use Taxis.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to request our Parliamentary group to submit an Early Day Motion calling for the legal right for London Taxis to be allowed to drive in the VIP Olympic Lane for the duration of the Olympics and/or London Taxis to be classified as official Olympic vehicles.

Justice For Asbestos Victims As Supreme Court Rules Against ‘Callous’ Insurers

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:03

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

I am writing to advise you of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court which will effect many of the 2,500 people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

The Supreme Court upheld an appeal brought by Unite the Union and rejected arguments by insurance companies which would have denied compensation to victims of the terminal disease mesothelioma.

Judges in the country’s highest court agreed that the insurers of an employer at the time of the exposure to asbestos should pay compensation.

Council of Executives Member's Report to Regional Council, March 2012

Submitted by Janine on 29 March, 2012 - 23:00

ENGINEERING ISSUES

  • Track contract workers charter - has been launched
  • Accord lift maintenance - dispute re recognition
  • Thales pay - offer 1% - recommend rejection and ballot - referred to national sub-committee
  • Telent/Quinns - ballot for strikes re pay/Olympics - national organising campaign
  • Tube Lines pensions and passes - strike ballot taking place

OLYMPICS

  • General - communication of developments to improve
  • RMT claims for bonuses: flat-rate cash sum for all grades
  • London Underground - back at ACAS 5/4/12