Defending and improving conditions

Transport union RMT today slammed leaked reports that venture capitalist, Tory-funder and Cameron oppo Adrian Beecroft is preparing to publish a study recommending a full-frontal attack on workplace rights.

Beecroft, who has funded the Tories to the tune of a half a million pounds, has been set up by Cameron to be his out-rider for attacking worker’s rights in the same way that McNulty was tasked with doing a similar number on the railways.

We note the report from our Regional Organiser that at a meeting yesterday, Tube Lines offered the following:

• Tube Lines would start immediately to issue staff Oyster cards to all staff and also
  issue staff nominee passes in line with those issued to LUL staff.
• A joint working party would be set up to look at the rates of pay, terms and conditions,
  pensions and 75% reduction on mainline railways between Tube Lines and APD.

Pro forma is attached below

By now most of you will have received a copy of an expression of interest form circulated by LUL asking Drivers to give their preferences for working additional shifts over the Olympic period, in breach of our framework agreements. This form claims its distribution has been agreed with the Trade Unions whereas only ASLEF has agreed. RMT continues to be in discussions with LUL over our claims for Olympic recognition and reward.

That we note the correspondence from our Stratford no.1 branch, and the branch’s view that this union should maintain its stance that London Underground should provide uniform cleaning vouchers.

We note that LU management is refusing to discuss restoring the vouchers at the Uniform Consultative Committee, declaring that it considers the matter closed. We disagree.

PENSION AND PASSES – TUBE LINES

The strike action taken since Tuesday in this dispute has been rock solid and members are to be congratulated for your solid support and determination in our ongoing campaign for pension and passes justice.

Talks have recently been held between the RMT and Sodexo. The company have committed to agree a voluntary recognition deal with the RMT if over 50% of Sodexo workers join the union. The RMT is the only union campaigning for Sodexo canteen workers.

TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that it is to begin balloting tube cleaners working for ISS and Initial for both strike action and action short of a strike in disputes over pay, pensions and benefits.

RMT is demanding that the cleaners, who do some of the dirtiest jobs often in appalling conditions to keep the tube running, should receive in return:

• A substantial, above inflation Pay Increase
• A substantial Olympic Bonus, in line with the payments offered to LOROL staff
• A Sick Pay Scheme
• Free Travel Passes for All
• Improvements to the Pension Scheme

From General Secretary Bob Crow

The following changes to Employment Tribunal procedure came into effect on the 6th April 2012.

• From 1st April increases in Statutory Maternity,Paternity,Additional Paternity, Adoption Pay and Maternity Allowance from £128.73 to £135.45 per week.
• Increase in the qualifying period required to bring a claim for Unfair Dismissal or Request a written statement of reasons from 1 to 2 years.

RMT is organising to recruit more members who work as Cleaners and Canteen staff. We have a ballot coming up for ISS cleaners who's pay and benefits are woefully low for the hard work they do. At Sodexo the RMT is working hard to get recognition for the RMT,

This all depends on getting as many people signed up as possible. Remember cleaners and canteen staff can currently join the RMT for £1 a week.