Arwyn Thomas to Return to Work on Driver's Pay

Submitted by Janine on 23 June, 2011 - 17:40

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

We welcome London Underground’s agreement to return Arwyn Thomas to work.

We thank and congratulate Arwyn, his workmates, our representatives, officers, branches and Regional Council for their resolve and commitment to achieving the return of our unfairly-sacked activist to work.

We also thank those members of other trade unions, and of the wider public, who have supported our campaign for a just settlement to this dispute.

This outcome shows that RMT is a trade union that is prepared to, and able to, defend its representatives.

Tribunal Verdict: LU Dismissed Arwyn Thomas Unfairly

Submitted by Janine on 22 June, 2011 - 17:29

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note that the Employment Tribunal has ruled that London Underground dismissed Arwyn Thomas unfairly. This proves beyond any doubt what this union has asserted all along – that Arwyn’s sacking was a great injustice.

We further note the Tribunal's finding that “no reasonable employer would have taken this action in these circumstances...”

This injustice can only be put right by Arwyn's return to work for London Underground, not by a pay-off. Our reps are not for sale.

Another Victimisation: Demand Justice for Jayesh!

Submitted by Janine on 22 June, 2011 - 16:20

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

We note the correspondence from our Bakerloo branch. We are appalled at London Underground’s decision to downgrade our member Jayesh Patel from Train Operator to Customer Service Assistant, causing him a considerable loss of income. This is clearly a very harsh punishment considering the circumstances. This incident shows once again that London Underground treats its staff very differently from its managers, that the company is systematically persecuting RMT reps and activists, and that London Underground managers, emboldened by senior management’s anti-union stance, are out of control.

RMT Response to Arwyn Thomas' Employment Tribunal Victory

Submitted by Admin on 22 June, 2011 - 15:30

RMT on tribunal finding that Arwyn Thomas was unfairly dismissed

“London Underground have asked us to wait for the outcome of Arwyn Thomas’s Employment Tribunal and that body has now found that he was unfairly dismissed.

“Throughout this process LU have said that they would abide by the Tribunal ruling so all that we are now asking them to do is stick to their word and get Arwyn back to work. I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Managing Director to make the necessary arrangements.”

Bob Crow – RMT General Secretary

Your Right to 'Necessary Leave' If Your Kids' School Closes Due to NUT Strike on 30 June

Submitted by Admin on 22 June, 2011 - 12:30

Dear Colleagues,

NECESSARY LEAVE TO LOOK AFTER DEPENDENTS

In view of the strikes next Thursday 30 June 2011, I felt a reminder on the legal position regarding necessary leave to look after children or other dependents may be of assistance.

Under S.57A Employment Rights Act 1996 (“ERA 1996”), employees have the right to take unpaid time off work, in certain circumstances, to care for or make arrangements in respect of a ‘dependant’. In order for the right to apply, the employee must:
(a) tell the employer the reason for his or her absence as soon as reasonably practicable; and

Strike for workplace justice!

Submitted by Joffe on 21 June, 2011 - 13:17

The RMT train grades committee has produced a new RMT up front. Click on the link to download it. Articles follow:

Strike for workplace justice!

The RMT has called all drivers out on strike action next week for the reinstatement of Northern Line driver Arwyn Thomas (see overleaf for details).
Arwyn was sacked because he has for 30 years represented RMT members and has loyally argued the union’s corner in the workplace.
He was sacked because LU have been found out as an aggressive anti trade union employer and are targeting reps and activists to undermine union organisation on the tube.

RMT Young Members' Advisory Committee to Expand

Submitted by Janine on 20 June, 2011 - 16:00

RMT Council of Executives decision:

We note the report [from the Organisation, Training and Education Sub-Committee]. However, we believe that our young members should not be treated differently from our other groups which have Advisory Committees, and therefore agree that the Young Members' Advisory Committee should consist of five seats per region.

We encourage all groups which have Advisory Committees to set up regional committee, to improve organisation, encourage member participation, and delegate their Representatives to the national Advisory Committees.

Public notice

Submitted by Admin on 20 June, 2011 - 10:13

It has been drawn to our attention that a text message may have been circulated amongst employees of London Underground stipulating that RMT is willing to offer a financial incentive to any employee who is prepared to participate in industrial action in the dispute with London Underground over its refusal to reinstate Arwyn Thomas.

RMT wishes to be clear that no financial incentive will be offered to any individual who is not a member of RMT, pursuant to the current trade dispute with London Underground, over its refusal to reinstate Arwyn Thomas.