Further to my previous Circular No. IR/247/14, 22nd September 2014, a mass meeting of Reps took place on Thursday 2nd October to discuss the progress made during recent negotiations including commitments that displaced staff will not have to travel more than 30 minutes to a new location; any member deployed to a grade with a lower rate of pay will have their salary guaranteed; no member will have to reapply for their current job – all staff will be given all relevant coaching/training to settle into their new role.

However, management had also advised that the consultation was concluded and they would move forward to implementation of the proposals. This position was unacceptable as there had been no movement on the main issues concerning job cuts, the closure of ticket offices or the key issue of staff who are on medically restricted duties or on flexible working arrangements. As a result, the General Grades Committee took the decision to instruct all members to take strike action and not book on for shifts commencing on Tuesday 14th October until Thursday 16th October 2014.

As always, RMT remained available for further talks and LUL returned to ACAS on Wednesday 8th October to discuss matters further. These talks resulted in substantial progress made towards our demands.

A letter received from the Company, confirms that:-

• Consultation and discussions regarding Fit for the Future – Stations will continue and any further matters of concern during implementation can be raised by either party.
• LUL has accepted and anticipates that the number of post reductions can be further reduced from the current figure of 897 (reduced from the original 953).
• The salary and location guarantee applies to all station staff, including those who have a medical restriction confirmed by LUOH at the point of mapping into a new role.

The above meets the crucial principal that all members, including those who are currently medically restricted, will be equally protected and also the opportunity for further discussions to continue to reduce the number of jobs at risk. The assurances received will allow your negotiating team to move forward on the basis that we still do not agree to the new operating model but are able to remain vigilant on the impact of the proposals and act on developments.

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and having noted the views of your RMT Reps has taken the decision to SUSPEND ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTION. For clarification, this includes the instruction not to book on for shifts between Tuesday 14th October until Thursday 16th October and the OVERTIME BAN IS ALSO SUSPENDED.

All RMT members are to be commended and congratulated for their steadfast support and solidarity throughout these long and difficult discussions. RMT retains its opposition to the Mayor’s Ticket Office closure plans and will continue to campaign against all of the austerity cuts being imposed on LUL and across the wider transport industry.