Health & safety

Campaigning for higher health and safety standards at work, and opposing the employers' shortcuts

Railways Inspector's Recommendations Following Review Into James Masango Case

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RMT General Secretary Bob Crow, wrote to the ORR following an incident in 2011 which resulted in the sacking, and subsequent reinstatement of James, due to the strong union response.The RMT complaint regarded firstly James’ alleged responsibility for the SPAD; and secondly, that James had been compelled to drive when unfit to do so. The letter below is the response.

You can read more about the case here.

The Letter

Dear Mr Crow

JAMES MASANGO

WEA Health & Safety Event & Book Launch

24/06/2013 18:30
24/06/2013 20:30
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WEA in partnership with London Hazards Centre presents "Ramazzini versus the attack on health & safety" by PCS rep Dave Putson.

There will be a talk and book launch at this evening event.

Speakers (in addition to Dave Putson)
Tony O’Brien - Construction Safety Campaign
Simon Hester - Prospect Rep and HSE Inspector
Frank Morris - Blacklist Support Group
Ian Leahair - FBU - Executive Council (London Region member)

This is a meeting and networking event for safety representatives and campaigners at the WEA, Clifton Street, EC2A 4TP.

Tube Review Recommended Into Designation Of 'Signal Passed At Danger' incidents

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We note that London Underground Ltd dismissed Train Operator James Masango in 2011, before a strong response from this union achieved his reinstatement. We note that RMT complained to the Office of Rail Regulation: firstly, about James’ alleged responsibility for the SPAD; and secondly, that James had been compelled to drive when unfit to do so.

We note the report from HM Principal Inspector of Railways Keith Atkinson in response to our complaint, which found that:

  • “the case of James Masango’s alleged SPAD does not appear to have been handled in the systematic manner I would have expected from LU”
  • “there is undoubtedly room for more structured arrangement between managers and their staff for ensuring clear understanding of an individual’s fitness or otherwise to operate trains”

CIRAS Report May / June 2013

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Attached is the May / June 2013 edition of CIRAS. Issues related to London Underground can be found on pages 11 to 13, and cover the following issues:

  • Pit lamps at Bank station and
  • Extended periods between rail vehicle examination checks

'Stand Back' delivering a powerful message another way

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We are constantly looking for new ways to communicate our message to other workers, members and the public.

A branch of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) who represent transport workers in New York City have created a unique rap video urging passengers to stand back.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FkBhYMzyucQ

LUL Smoking Policy - Electronic Cigarette Use

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This EC decision regards 'electronic cigarettes'

We note the reply from London Underground Ltd extending the deadline for our comments to Monday 3 June. We also note the feedback received from branches and representatives.

MATS Newsletter May 2013

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Admin CDI Note Taking
On Tuesday May 14th the Reps attended a MATS Functional Council meeting. The RMT was the union that put this on the agenda. At the meeting we were able to highlight the pressing issues around CDI note taking. The Reps pointed out how Admin were being told they had to take part in the pilot scheme and we insisted that this was voluntary and was not part of your role or job description.

Industrial Action Called Across London Underground

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Strike action ballots return strong yes votes from ISS cleaners, drivers on the Piccadilly and sub surface depots, and maintenance workers on TfL contract with Mitie

RMT today confirmed a ballot for strike action of Train Operators and Instructor Operators on the Piccadilly Line, in response to London Underground riding roughshod over agreements and abusing a range of agreed policies and procedures, has shown a massive nine to one vote in favour.

RMT London Taxi Driver Branch Sets Out Demands On Law Commission Review

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We note the interim statement from the Law Commission on its consideration of taxi and private hire
legislation.

We welcome the indication that the Commission will recommend retaining the distinction between taxis and
private hire vehicles (PHVs). We are concerned, however, that the replacement of the concept of ‘plying for hire’ with the concept of ‘pre-booking’ may dilute this distinction and allow private hire vehicles to encroach on taxi drivers’ work. (paragraph 5)

Thermal Comfort Survey - The Results

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Last month RMT Health & Safety representative Julie Miller surveyed station staff, asking about the effects of working in cold weather and the mitigation offered.

Nearly 700 people responded - around half station assistants (CSA's), a third station supervisor's and the remainder Revenue Control Inspectors and ticket office workers (SAMFs).

Latest headlines from rmt.org.uk

30, Jun
TUBE UNION RMT today slammed plans set out by London Tories to allow commercial sponsorship of tube stations as 'a blueprint to destroy London's transport heritage in the name of private profit.'
31, May
TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that electricians and engineers working for contractors Mitie on the TFL contract are to take strike action and action short of a strike in a dispute over redundancies and unilateral changes to working conditions.
31, May
TUBE UNION RMT warned today London Assembly members risk unleashing the biggest wave of industrial action on London Underground in 30 years after City Hall politicians lined up this morning to attack basic tube workers' rights including pensions and passes.
31, May
TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that driver members at a range of depots serving the Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle Lines will be taking industrial action in a dispute arising from the introduction of the new S Stock fleet.
31, May
In separate ballots conducted over the past two weeks, tube drivers, cleaners and TFL electricians and engineers have voted overwhelmingly for action in a series of disputes over attacks on agreements and working conditions, pay and threatened redundancies.
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