Health and safety

TUBE UNION RMT this morning demanded an immediate investigation into the real impact of cuts to fleet maintenance schedules, and specifically brake inspections and renewals, as it began to emerge that the likely cause of the Central Line shutdown during this morning’s Olympics morning peak was defective brakes seizing up.

Although RMT is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the incident it is reported that the driver saw smoke billowing from the tunnel at Leyton and noticed a strong smell of burning.

The deal secured by your union guarantees the existing protection of the framework agreement. The RMT alone argued that we were already being asked to work hard enough without selling any hard won protection for a few quid. If you feel that you have been asked to work outside of this agreement or been treated unfavourably then advise your local RMT rep who will take it up immediately . Remember that the framework agreement is there for a reason, it protects our safety, welfare and future at work.You have a right and a responsibility to refuse any duty which breaks that agreement. Only a fool breaks the twelve hour rule.

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"RMT members are instructed not to co-operate in any way with the counting of Incident Customer Service Assistants (ICSAs) towards the minimum number of staff on duty" - Bob Crow

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

I write to advise members that following the closing of both ballots for industrial action short of a strike the General Grades Committee has considered the situation and decided to call the following industrial action.

Olympic Recognition and Reward Dispute

Despite reaching agreement over the Olympic payment arrangements we continue to have problems with the implementation of the agreement. Therefore all LUL members are instructed to take the following industrial action short of a strike.

From General Secretary Bob Crow

LONDON UNDERGROUND’S BREACHES OF CASUALISATION SETTLEMENT

I write to advise you that the ballot of my members has now concluded and the result is as follows: -

We note the resolution from Stratford no.1 branch and share our branch’s concern as to the shambolic security and safety arrangements for the Olympics.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to:

• immediately contact transport authorities and employers in London asking for these concerns to be addressed as a matter of urgency
• circulate to all members in the affected area advice on their legal right to refuse to work on the grounds of health and safety concerns
  

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

Following the recent news that G4S has grossly underemployed the number of security guards required for Olympic events, I have written to employers with members working in the London area. I have asked them to inform me of their mitigations for ensuring the safety and security of RMT members during the Olympic Games.

I am writing to you to remind you that you have the right to withdraw yourself from imminent and serious danger should you have genuine concern for your safety.

From RMT London Transport Regional organiser

Here is a signed off copy of London Underground's plans for driverless trains, and unstaffed stations it includes the signatures of several senior engineers and indeed that of Howard Collins himself.

The General secretary has asked me to share the document with you our reps and branches so that you can inform our members accordingly.

Here are a few key points for your attention

TRANSPORT UNION RMT warned today of a repeat of the G4S Olympics security scandal on the tube if London Underground continue with their plans to staff services with inadequately trained volunteers.

RMT is in formal dispute as Incident Customer Service Assistants (ICSA’s) are still being used to make up minimum numbers at stations, which is in breach of agreement made in 2008. Additionally. the union has advised management of serious concerns over their plans to introduce mobile station supervision as well as the continuing use of agency and security staff on the ex-Silverlink stations.

TRANSPORT UNION RMT today demanded a full investigation by the safety authorities and assurances on staff and passenger safety as the union received reports over the weekend that police has arrested a gang on Friday thought to be responsible for the dumping of thousands of tons of asbestos and other hazardous waste adjacent to Beckton DLR station where the main DLR depot is also sited.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

“In response to LUL’s statement given on Thursday 5 July at 16:00 at ACAS, RMT is not arguing about the use of ICSAs working on stations alongside established staff. We are, however, totally opposed to ICSAs being counted towards minimum numbers for keeping a station open or for evacuation purposes.

On 2 April 2008, Gerry Duffy, LUL’s Director of Employee Relations, signed an agreement with RMT and TSSA which clearly states that the minimum staffing level for each station is: