Students and London Underground Workers: Statement of Mutual Solidarity

Submitted by Janine on 4 December, 2010 - 17:27

We the undersigned representatives of student campaigners and London Underground workers wish to publicly state our support for each others' current struggles against funding cuts, tuition fees and Tube staffing cuts.

We are fighting to defend two essential public services - education and transport - which we believe should be publicly-provided, fully funded and accessible to all. Both services face intense attack under a government hellbent on vicious public sector cuts.

DISMISSAL – RAVI SOORIAH – TRAIN OPERATOR – WEST RUISLIP – LUL

Submitted by Admin on 3 December, 2010 - 17:12

From Bob Crow, General Secretary:

I write to advise branches that brother Ravi Sooriah has been dismissed by LUL following an incident of wrong side opening. It is our firm belief that he is being victimised and has been very harshly treated by management. Following a resolution from his branch the General Secretary has decided to ballot all train grade members at West Ruislip for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. Preparations for the ballot are currently taking place and I shall keep branches advised of any further developments.

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – SERCO DOCKLANDS (DLR/14/2)

Submitted by Admin on 3 December, 2010 - 17:12

Following a meeting of the General Grades Committee regarding the above, the following decision has been taken: -

“That having consulted our representatives, and the report from our lead officer in respect of talks with the company. Despite minor concessions, management continue to press ahead with unacceptable proposals on a series of issues. Furthermore there has been a serious failure to consult with this union before impositions of terms and conditions.

JOB CUTS LUL (LUL 14/5)

Submitted by Admin on 3 December, 2010 - 17:12

Firstly I would like to congratulate all London Underground members for the solid strike action that recently took place on 29th and 30th November. Management are under no illusion of the strength of feeling over these dangerous and unnecessary cuts.

Over the course of the last week, the General Grades Committee has met twice to discuss the current dispute with London Underground over their dangerous plans for job cuts and the following decision was taken: -

Support protests against tripling of student fees

Submitted by Admin on 3 December, 2010 - 15:00

From Bob Crow, General Secretary

The ConDem Government will next week vote on the proposed three-fold increases in student fees, a move that is grossly unfair and potentially affects every family in the country, including those of RMT members.

On Wednesday December 8, joint University and College Union and National Union of Students rallies and demonstrations will be taking place around the country in opposition to the increase.
For details about rallies in your area please contact Justine Stephens at jstephens@ucu.org.uk

More support for our strikes

Submitted by Admin on 3 December, 2010 - 10:14

Although much of the tube network is still inaccessible for many disabled people for those of us able to use it we rely very much on staff being available to help us do so. If your staffing levels are reduced further then disabled people will find it more difficult to go out and will once again become isolated in their homes.
We would therefore like to send our support to all the strikers. You are fighting for us as well.
In Solidarity,
Linda Burnip
Disabled People Against Cuts

London Underground Rejects RMT Offer of Binding Arbitration on Ticket Office Opening Criteria

Submitted by Admin on 2 December, 2010 - 16:00

London Underground has refused RMT's offer of binding arbitration on the issue of how the company decides whether a ticket office should be open. Currently, LU has a ticket office open at times when it sells more than 15 tickets per hour. This is already higher than the rail industry standard, and the London TravelWatch recommended figure, of 12 ticekts per hour - LU plans to double the criterion to 30 tickets per hour. Astonishingly, LU seems to believe that a ticket office selling 29 tickets in an hour - as well as resolving ticket problems, giving information and helping customers in other ways - is not busy enough to warrant staying open.

LU Job Cuts Dispute - latest official circular

Submitted by Admin on 2 December, 2010 - 14:44

From Bob Crow, General Secretary

Firstly I would like to congratulate all London Underground members for the solid strike action that recently took place on 29th and 30th November. Management are under no illusion of the strength of feeling over these dangerous and unnecessary cuts.

Over the course of the last week, the General Grades Committee has met twice to discuss the current dispute with London Underground over their dangerous plans for job cuts and the following decision was taken: -

Strike Four!

Submitted by Admin on 1 December, 2010 - 21:24

RMT and TSSA have dealt another blow to London Underground’s plan to decimate staffing levels with a fourth one-day strike on 28/29 November. The action was as effective as previous walkouts, perhaps even more so, as RMT and TSSA members remained solid, and many ASLEF members respected our picket lines. Despite the bitter cold, reps and members picketed up to 100 workplaces.