Central Line West branch

We note the resolution from our Central Line East branch, which we understand is also supported by our trains representatives in Central Line West branch. We share our branches’ alarm at the deterioration of industrial relations on the Line, including abuses of procedures, safety concerns, and an authoritarian disciplinary regime.

In line with our branches’ request, we instruct the General Secretary to contact London Underground Ltd as a matter of urgency demanding a line meeting, to include all our Central line trains representatives (health & safety and industrial relations).

Bakerloo and Central line drivers to take action over “detrainment” carriage checking

Following a substantial ballot in favour of taking industrial action over London Underground’s removal of detrainment staff, leaving Bakerloo and Central Line drivers to take trains into depots and sidings without staff on hand physically checking that all passengers are off the train, tube union RMT has agreed to call the following industrial action short of a strike:-

TUBE UNION RMT this morning demanded an immediate investigation into the real impact of cuts to fleet maintenance schedules, and specifically brake inspections and renewals, as it began to emerge that the likely cause of the Central Line shutdown during this morning’s Olympics morning peak was defective brakes seizing up.

Although RMT is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the incident it is reported that the driver saw smoke billowing from the tunnel at Leyton and noticed a strong smell of burning.

The following resolution submitted by Central line West was carried unanimously at the November 24th Regional Council meeting.

This regional council notes the young member’s conference is to be held in London in Feb 2012.

This region further notes the conference is very well attended and is growing. It is the lifeblood of the union.

This region further notes that many members the London region have played an active role in the conference over the years.

This region agrees

1/ To offer assistance with arrangement of the conference

2/To offer speakers for the conference

Election of Functional Reps - submitted by Central line West Branch and amended by Finsbury Park Branch is tabled for the Regional Council meeting on the 25th August.

The amendment by Finsbury Park was not accepted by Central line West Branch.
This resolution fell as there was no seconder.

This branch reaffirms its support for the policy of functional and tier two reps returning to the workplace after a three year term in office.
This branch also supports the ability of functional reps to stand down from the level 1 position if they so choose.

From Bob Crow, General Secretary

I write to update Branches that a resolution was received from our Central Line West Branch alleging unfair and discriminatory practices against members at Shepherds Bush. I am pleased to advise branches that the matter is now been resolved and the General Grades Committee has decided to close the file.

From Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary

DISMISSAL – K.MORTELL –TRAIN OPERATOR – WHITE CITY, LUL (LUL/4/1)

I write to update Branches that following the unjust economic dismissal of Bro Kevin Mortell and the subsequent industrial action, the General Grades Committee have made the following decision:-

“That we continue to press LUL for a Directors Review and support Brother Mortell in pursuing his Employment Tribunal application”

I will keep all Branches advised of any further developments.

DISMISSAL - RAVI SOORIAH – TRAIN OPERATOR – WEST RUISLIP

From Bob Crow, General Secretary:

I write to advise branches that brother Ravi Sooriah has been dismissed by LUL following an incident of wrong side opening. It is our firm belief that he is being victimised and has been very harshly treated by management. Following a resolution from his branch the General Secretary has decided to ballot all train grade members at West Ruislip for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. Preparations for the ballot are currently taking place and I shall keep branches advised of any further developments.

DISMISSAL- K.MORTELL, TRAIN OPERATOR, WHITE CITY, (LUL/4/1)

Dear Colleague

I regret to advise you that the ballot to reinstate Brother Mortell must be rerun due to an administrative error With the Anti Trade Union laws being so incredibly restrictive we cannot risk the company challenging the previous ballot and declaring any industrial action called from it illegal. Therefore the safest course of action is to re run the ballot and I offer my sincere apologies to for this error.