RMT to Co-ordinate Union Approach to Olympics

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the report from our lead officer concerning discussions with Serco Docklands about working arrangements for the Olympic Games.

We instruct the General Secretary to obtain reports from all lead officers on progress of discussions regarding the Olympics.

We refer this issue to the Olympics Sub-Committee for examination and report, and instruct that it meet as soon as practical in order to effectively co-ordinate our work on this issue.

Alstom: RMT Rejects Below-Inflation Pay Offer

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the latest pay offer from Alstom, of 2.75% for this year and CPI+0.5% for next year, subject to a minimum of 2% and a maximum of just 3%. We note the report from our Regional Organiser, and also note that this is not a final offer.

Accordingly, we reject this offer, as it is below inflation for this year, and is very poor for Year 2, which includes the Olympic Games. The offer is unacceptable to our members.

Why strike to demand LU reinstate Arwyn Thomas before the Employment Tribunal decision is published?

RMT's ballot mandate to hold strikes expires after 20 June, so the law forces us to take action before then. But we are also striking the following week, rather than waiting for the decision of Arwyn's Tribunal. Why?

Although the Tribunal hearings have concluded, we do not know how long we will have to wait for it to publish its decision. The earliest is 27 June; it could be as late as September. Neither Arwyn, nor his union workmates, should have to wait this long for justice.

Stations Framework Agreement Version 22A Re-Instated

As you are aware management attempted to impose Version 24 of the Stations Framework Agreement even though it had not been fully agreed or ratified by the RMT
 
At the Stations Functional Council meeting on Wednesday 8th June managenment agreed to withdraw version 24 and re-instate version 22A of the Framework Agreement.
 

RMT train grades committee produces new RMT up front

The RMT train grades committee has produced the latest edtion of RMT up front focussing on the union's campaign to reinstate Arwyn Thomas. Main stories follow:

UNITE FOR ARWYN THOMAS

Once again, London Underground management have proved that they do not deserve our faith or trust. Following a bold programme of industrial action which shook the establishment and kept the copywriters at the Evening Substandard busy for days and caused politicians and commentators to bay for Boris’ blood, an agreement was reached which allowed us to suspend previous action.

Letter from Regional Organiser to RMT members

Dear colleagues

I am writing to you as your Regional Organiser to appeal to you to get behind the union's decision to strike for the reinstatement of train driver Arwyn Thomas

Arwyn Thomas is a driver at Morden depot who has been victimised for being a very effective trade union representative. Arwyn is a 30-year member of the RMT and during this time has played a key role in organising the union and representing members at all levels including as local representative, branch secretary and executive member of the RMT London Transport Regional Council. Arwyn has had an exemplary record with his employer LUL and has never had any previous disciplinary in his 30 years of service. There is not so much as a local disciplinary for attendance or lateness on his record.