Electronic Communications - London Underground

Submitted by Janine on 1 March, 2011 - 16:00

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the correspondence from London Underground notifying us of changes to the ‘Guidelines for the use of LUL electronic facilities’.

We object to the fact that LU has made changes to these guidelines without consultation with this union, and instruct the General Secretary to write to the company accordingly.

We refer this matter to our Southern Sub-Committee for examination and report.

RMT warns of travel chaos as soaring copper prices drive cable thefts to record levels

Submitted by Peter on 28 February, 2011 - 15:35

TRANSPORT UNION RMT warned today that the ConDem-led demand for spending cuts is compromising security on the transport system at a time when soaring copper prices have driven cable thefts to record levels - leaving passengers facing huge potential for service disruption and travel chaos.

The British Transport Police have said that they have logged record levels of thefts in the early weeks of this year as copper prices have risen by over 40%. The estimated cost to the taxpayer of thefts from UK infrastructure is £700 million with transport in the front line.

Nominations open: Regional Council posts

Submitted by Admin on 28 February, 2011 - 12:26

Nominations are now open for the following new Regional Council posts:

- Website Officer
- Publicity Officer
- Training Officer
- Social Events Organiser

Nominations also remain open for the following vacant positions:

- Trustees (2)
- Executive members (3)

Nominations must be agreed at a branch meeting. Please email your nominations to me before the next Regional Council meeting on 24 March.

Thanks
John Kelly
Secretary

Regional Council Officers and Executive 2011/12

Submitted by Admin on 28 February, 2011 - 12:05

SECRETARY – John Kelly, Finsbury Park branch

PRESIDENT – Vaughan Thomas, Central Line West branch

ASSISTANT SECRETARY – John Reid, Camden 3 branch

VICE PRESIDENT – Olly New, Piccadilly & District West branch

FINANCIAL SECRETARY – Ross Marshall, Central Line West branch

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – Dave Rayfield, Finsbury Park branch

POLITICAL OFFICER – Unjum Mirza, East Ham branch

WOMEN’S OFFICER – Clare Reilly, East Ham branch

Video: Demonstrate Against Government Cuts - 26 March

Submitted by Peter on 27 February, 2011 - 13:52

The RMT have produced a video explaining how the ConDem governments planned cuts will affect all of us and the alternative that the RMT wants to see. The 'Demonstration Against The Cuts' is "likely to be one of the biggest ever seen" so everyone is encouraged to attend on the 24th of March to join this important start in the fight back against the cuts.

RMT videos can be viewed at RMTv.org.uk here.

Extended Rights for Working Parents

Submitted by Admin on 27 February, 2011 - 10:21

In April, working parents' rights will be extended in the areas of:

  • additional paternity leave and pay
  • right to request flexible working

Details are below. Employers should update their policies to reflect these changes.

Additional Paternity Leave and Pay

Paternity leave rights have been extended for parents of children born or placed for adoption from 3 April 2011 onwards (or who enter the UK from this date in the case of overseas adoptions).

Council of Executives Report to Regional Council, February 2011

Submitted by Janine on 23 February, 2011 - 22:05
  • Taxis - 15-year age limit (see decision)
  • LU job cuts - confidential reporting line luljobcuts@rmt.org.uk; need to update membership information following 6 February moves; appeals against displacements; Enhanced AFM Functionality; reviews ongoing; action short of strikes; recommend members' meeting w/c 14 March
  • LU pay - claim submitted
  • 29 April public holiday - correspondence with LU
  • 26 March demonstration - please mobilise
  • DLR injunction appeal - hearing has been held, decision expected around 8 March

LT Region Delegates to RMT AGM 2011

Submitted by Janine on 23 February, 2011 - 21:25

Our Region's delegates to this year's RMT AGM are:

  • Adrian Rowe, Neasden branch
  • Jim McDaid, Bakerloo branch
  • Becky Crocker, Camden 3 branch
  • Glen Brown, Stratford no.1 branch
  • Neil Hodgson, Piccadilly & District West branch
  • Michael Keown, LU Fleet branch
  • Mac McKenna, Hammersmith & City branch
  • Vaughan Thomas, Central Line West branch
  • Tony Rowntree, East Ham branch
  • Dean O'Hanlon, Finsbury Park branch
  • Jackie Darby, LU Engineering branch

Executive decision: Fares Increases

Submitted by Janine on 22 February, 2011 - 18:10

We note the resolution from our London Transport Regional Council, and agree with its sentiments.

Transport providers - in London Transport and elsewhere - charge exorbitant fares while often providing substandard services, which can lead to abuse and assault against our members. While claiming that they "can't afford" cheaper fares or better pay and conditions for our members, the companies continue to pay fat-cat salaries and bonuses to their top bosses and allow private companies to cream off obscene profits. Fares should be substantially lowered, funded through public subsidy raised by taxing the rich and big business, and ending fat-cat payouts and private profiteering.

Police refuse to rule out phone hacking of RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

Submitted by Peter on 22 February, 2011 - 02:14

In a letter to RMT lawyers, Sue Akers, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has refused to rule out suspicions that the telephone of RMT General Secretary Bob Crow may been hacked.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed today that the issue is being investigated as part of Operating Weeting - the new police probe into phone hacking.