LUL Trains

Bosses on the Victoria Line have been forced into a u-turn over their recent attempts to impose 5-rounder turns on the line. A standing agreement that there would be no 5-rounder turns on the line because of its hot and noisy environment was ripped up by local management who had hoped to be able to squeeze more work out of their drivers. These plans are now in shreds as a result of drivers’ threat to strike on for 24 hours on 5/6th October and to work to rule in the week leading up to the strike.

This is a statement from General Secretary Bob Crow regarding the automatic opening of train doors when arriving at platforms:

This matter was initially raised by the LT Regional Council some time ago and the General Grades Committee has recently issued the following decision.

Statement from General Secretary Bob Crow:

I am pleased to report that the above dispute was resolved and the intended industrial action has since all been suspended.

LUL have confirmed that the cover required for the “fifth rounder” – the fifth return journey on the Victoria Line – will be treated equally with other cover. In the event that the management are unable to cover the fifth rounder, details will be supplied to RMT representatives. Further meetings on new rosters will take place in January and June next year with the threat of imposition lifted.

TUBE UNION RMT announced today that staff on London Underground’s Victoria Line will stage a 24 hour strike from 21.30 hours on Monday 5th October to 21.29 hours on Tuesday 6th October in a dispute over the imposition of new rosters that significantly increase the workload on staff.

By a majority of 3 to 1 on a high turnout, RMT drivers on the Victoria line have voted for strike action and action short of a strike against local management’s attempt to impose 5-rounder duties on the line. The unions had an agreement with the company that there would be no more than four rounders in any duty because of the hot and noisy conditions on the line and the detrimental effect on morale that these turns

Madness??? Whoever thought this up …..? When trains arrive on Stonebridge Park reception roads, drivers on the Bakerloo line are being instructed to cut the high tone whistle out. Then we have to cut it in. Then out. Then in Then shake it all about! All because depot staff are accidentally operating the high tone whistle in confined spaces. Not train operators doing it in error have you noticed.

Madness???
Whoever thought this up …..?
When trains arrive on Stonebridge Park reception roads, drivers on the Bakerloo line are being instructed to cut the high tone whistle out.
Then we have to cut it in.
Then out.
Then in
Then shake it all about!
All because depot staff are accidentally operating the high tone whistle in confined spaces.
Not train operators doing it in error have you noticed.

John Knight - a lifelong union rep, activist and officer of Finsbury Park Branch - has died following being diagnosed with throat cancer only 6 weeks ago.

John spent most of his working life as a guard and driver both at Oakwood and Arnos Grove and was known for his integrity and unshakeable principles that characterise all that is good about our union. He was kind and compassionate and was well respected by all who knew him and even in his retirement years that were tragically cut short he still gave his time without reward to help youngsters in his local RAF cadet company.

Circular No. IR/253/09: ROSTERING ISSUES – VICTORIA LINE TRAINCREW, LUL

A dispute situation has arisen on the Victoria Line in respect of our Train Operator members and I am in the process of balloting members for both strike action and industrial action short of a strike. The ballot is due to close on Tuesday 8th September 2009.