LU Fleet branch

This is the second part of a two part article taken from our newsletter on fighting job cuts. You can download it from here or request copies here

Fleet
LUL is deliberately moving to a system of less frequent maintenance of the train fleet. They want us to make checks on equipment such as tripcocks far less often. Examinations have already been moved from every 14 days to 28 days, and management plan to change daily checks to once every 60 days, and have us check the new stock just every 60 days. They also plan to reduce Hammersmith depot to little more than a stabling yard, cutting jobs and displacing staff, and to use the introduction of new trains as a pretext to do away with long-established rosters and working practices.

These cuts will inevitably lead to more failures and risk to passengers and staff, but management only care about saving money. They plan to do that by cutting our jobs and reducing their wage bill.

We note the resolution from our LU Fleet branch.

During the forthcoming review, we will insist on maintaining or improving the total amount of release afforded to our representatives, and will seek a more even and appropriate distribution of release across the representatives in various functions. Every member in every grade should have access to reps with release that makes them available when required.

This matter is to be placed in front of us when further responses are received from branches and representatives.

London Transport Regional Council and branches to be advised.

We note the report from our Regional Organiser and the responses of our LU Fleet and LU Engineering branches.

Accordingly, while noting that the payment has not increased since last year, we instruct the General Secretary to advise the company that this union accepts the arrangements.

London Transport Regional Council, branches and Tube Lines representatives to be advised.

Tube Lines Company Council meets tomorrow (Wednesday 28 November). The main issue to be discussed is the future of Tube Lines. Check back here for a report after the meeting!

RMT Council of Executives decision: We instruct the General Secretary to invite GMB, TSSA and Unite to a meeting to discuss how this campaign can be taken forward.

We note the resolution from our LU Fleet branch, and reiterate this union's complete opposition to driverless trains. Every train must have a driver, to ensure the safe and effective running of the Underground. Plans to scrap drivers or reduce their driving duties are risking safety, services and jobs, motivated by saving money and undermining trade unionism.

We instruct the General Secretary to:

• Tube Lines RMT members to begin overtime ban from 00:01 on Wednesday 9 May until 00:01 on Wednesday 23 May
• RMT applauds Tube Lines Staff who went on strike and LU staff who refused to work duties due to safety concerns.

RMT general grades have made the following decision:

We note the report from our lead officer and applaud our Tube Lines members for their solid, strong and effective strike action from 24-27 April. We also applaud those members on London Underground who

We welcome the report from our lead officer, confirmed by our branch secretary, that the industrial relations difficulties in this department are currently being resolved to our satisfaction. However, we remain vigilant for management causing any further problems, and instruct the General Secretary to place this matter back in front of us should any concern arise.

London Transport Regional Council and LU Fleet branch to be advised.

We note the resolution from our LU Fleet branch, and are alarmed at reports that management are apparently acting as though ASLEF has representation in this department, where RMT has sole recognition rights.

We note that our Regional Organiser has already contacted the employer and received assurances that this situation will be dealt with and RMT’s sole recognition will be upheld. We instruct the General Secretary to confirm that this is taking place in practice, and to bring to our attention any breaches.

• Action commences at 16.00 hrs today (24TH April) when Tube Lines staff, including the Emergency Response Unit, will walk off the job.
• It is important to point out that the impact of the action will extend beyond 72 hours as the strike decision says that … “members are instructed to return to work for shifts starting after 16:00hrs on Friday 27 April 2012.” Due to the shift patterns this means that the action and its impact on services will last throughout Friday evening.