Press release from Unite union
Tube workers at Unite, London's biggest transport union, have voted in favour of industrial action in a ballot which closed today (Monday). On a return of over 40%, Unite members voted to carry out action short of a strike.
RMT members on London Overground have become part of the union's London Transport region, enabling workers across Transport for London's various companies to unite to improve our working lives.
Reps have already met with the Regional Council Secretary and Regional Organiser, and are planning activities including a newsletter, webpage and recruitment day. London Overground workers are concerned about many issues, including pensions, pay and facilities at stations.
If you've seen the recent blockbuster film 2012 you'll know that it's shaping up to be one hell of a year. Los Angeles slides into the Pacific, a tidal wave swamps India and the Queen is forced to flee the country (ok it's not all bad news). The film's plot is clearly a fantasy, even if the Tories get in next year it probably won't be that bad. However, recently I came across another 2012 fantasy much closer to home.
After some excellent work by Bakerloo RMT reps we have now got a concession from management regarding the taxi service required during the Xmas/New Year shut down on the Bakerloo Line between QPK & SPK.
A DMT will be tasked with driving T/Ops to and from SPK in a hired people carrier as and when required.
An absolute minimum requiremnt I know, but it took some persuading by your RMT reps before management were prepared to concede.
A small victory.......but a victory nonetheless.
Trust the RMT.
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| Photo by James Cridlan |
TUBE UNION RMT today warned of serious risks to public safety as it emerged that track safety patrols are to be cut.
RMT are pointing to the move to halve safety inspections as clear evidence that claims by Mayor Boris Johnson that the £5 billion black hole facing TfL will not result in front line cuts are nonsense.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said: “We have warned all along that the multi-billion pound black hole facing TfL, and the financial chaos at Tube Lines, would result in real service cuts and would impact on safety and reliability.
Read the text below; click on '1 attachment' / file name to download a printable notice.
As part of Connect radio ‘Phase 2’ implementation a number of changes were made to safety critical procedures. The most notable of these was authority to pass a semi-automatic signals using secure radio communications. There were many publications, notices and briefings pertaining to the new procedure.
In a way, there was a poor relation, a new procedure that was somewhat overshadowed: wrong direction moves!
For those interested in trade union history and how the Bakerloo Branch has reported on the issues facing workers on the line, I have attached the 2009 newsletters not included on the website and Bakerloo News issues from 2008.
To see the best newsletters that the RMT produces: from the sublime to the ridiculous, from our gains to our disappointments, from the bosses outrages to our analysis on the issues, click on the attachments below.
I received an email today from 'Tube Worker' with a flyer attached urging ASLEF members to reject the pay deal as it stands.
The Tube Worker Leaflet is available to view or download here.
Today RMT began balloting four separate groups of members for industrial action in four separate localised trade disputes:
RMT has also today served notice on London Underground for a ballot of staff over pay and conditions with the ballot closing on Monday 21st December.
Assemble at Upney station.
The fascist BNP - who would ban trade unions if they ever came to power - plan to hold a rally at Upney station TODAY (Thursday 19th) at 7pm.
RMT's London Transport Regional Council has called a counter demonstration for 6pm at Upney station to prevent this racist and fascist group sowing divisions amongst the local community and workforce to further their own political ends.