Central Line West branch

The Regional Council Secretary wrote to all branches, asking for their assessment of their branch’s work during 2009, and suggesting that they might address the following points:
- whether your membership grew or shrunk during 2009, and why you think this is
- any problems you have had filling reps’ positions within the branch’s area
- how effective your branch was during any industrial action in your area last year
- what recruitment activities you have organised

Raouf Mraidi, 29, a bus driver from Croydon is wanted for causing death by dangerous driving.

At approximately 0950 hrs on Sunday 7th September 2008, a tram was in collision with a route 468 double decker bus driven by Mraidi. He had run a red light and slammed into a tram travelling along George Street, Croydon. The collision sent the bus careering down George Street, smashing into shop fronts before it finally came to a halt when it crashed into a parked BMW car.

This resolution was passed by the February Regional Council meeting.

This Regional Council instructs the Regional Organiser and the Trains Functional Council representatives to enter into negotiations with LUL to revise the numbers of local trains representatives. This revision to be in line with the documentation provided by TFC member Vaughan Thomas and discussed at the Train Grades meeting held on January 6th.

Supporting information:

First faces a fine after being convicted of a health and safety "shambles" over the death of one of it's drivers.

Robert Cherry, 59, was crushed to death when he was trapped between two buses at a depot in Uxbridge belonging to Centrewest London, a subsidiary of First UK group. Robert had been collecting a can of water to top up his vehicle's engine when the gear stick of the bus in front slipped and the vehicle reversed into him. He was pinned between the first bus and the one behind, which was in turn thrown back into a third vehicle. He died at the scene of the accident.

On Saturday 29th November 2008 Metroline employee Patrick Docherty started work at a quarter to four in the afternoon. By 5.15pm he was involved in a tragic accident on Westbourne Terrace in Paddington.

Foreign student Karin Duphey, a 22-year-old dutch national was crossing a zebra crossing when she was hit by Patrick's single decker route 46 bus. She had barely been in the country three months and was studying Fashion Marketing at Westminster University.

On saturday 5th december 2009, Carolyn Siddall, who worked for the organising unit, died after suffering from ill health. On that day, we lost a dear and valued friend.

She was an inspirational figure to all those who knew her. She offered busworkers help, advice and friendship when we most needed it. Carolyn will be missed by all her friends on the buses. We offer our condolences to her family and friends.

It's time to join the RMT Fines Pool. The Fines Pool, which is operated on a yearly basis, starts on 1st January and ends on 31st December every year. The cost of membership of the Fines Pool is one payment of £5.00 per year.

There are a number of ways to join. You can join by filling in a joining form and pay by cheque or cash to the Fines Pool collector, who is usually your branch secretary or hand it in or send it with a cheque made payable to the RMT Fines Pool to Unity House.