IN TWO separate disputes over the victimisation of RMT London Underground activists the union announced today ballots for action in support of train operators Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas.

Eamon Lynch, RMT Bakerloo Line drivers’ health and safety rep, has been sacked by LU and although he remains on full pay following the union’s victory on Eamon’s behalf at an “interim relief” Employment Tribunal hearing the company refuses to reinstate him. Interim relief is only ever granted by the Employment Tribunal where there is the clearest possible evidence that an employee has been dismissed on the grounds of their trade union activities.

Eamon has an unblemished 15 year service record on the Underground and has been very clearly victimized for his role as an RMT activist despite management’s bogus claims that they sacked him following an “operational incident.”

Drivers, instructors and station staff at both Elephant and Castle and Queens Park will be balloted for strike action and action short of a strike in defence of Eamon Lynch. The ballot closes on 7th December.

Arwyn Thomas, a long-standing RMT activist and driver at Morden is facing trumped-up disciplinary charges following unproven allegations made against him be strike breakers. Arwyn has been an RMT/NUR member for over 29 years and has held various positions in the union. RMT is in no doubt at all that he is being victimised for his trade union activities.

Drivers and instructors at Golders Green, East Finchley, High Barnet and Morden will be balloted for strike action and action short of a strike in defence of Arwyn Thomas. The ballot closes on 7th December.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“There is not a shred of doubt that the two separate disputes over the company action against both Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas are clear cut cases of victimisation on the grounds of trade union activity. We are calling on our members to deliver resounding yes votes for action in both ballots as we send out a signal that LU will not be allowed to get away with picking off our activists.

“Instead of harassing our members and activists on trumped up charges the London Underground management should be directing their energies into reaching a settlement to the on-going disputes over tube safety and safe staffing levels.”