Maintenance

They say: New technology means that London Underground needs fewer staff.

We say: New technology can improve London Underground if it is used alongside staff, not instead of us. But LUL is developing technology specifically for the purpose of getting rid of jobs - this is the rationale behind driverless trains or 'wave and pay'. LUL should develop different technology that works effectively with staff to improve the service.

Current plans for technology will worsen the service, increase unemployment and are a waste of public money.

We note the response to the joint statement from all four trade unions advocating that all Tube Lines employees be allowed to join the TfL Pension Scheme. While we are pursuing our demand for pensions equality through a dispute and negotiations with Tube Lines, we believe that it is valid for the Working Group to support our position based on the strength of the Scheme and affordability, and instruct the General Secretary to reply accordingly.

We note the correspondence on file, and believe that following the merger of the Services and Product Information functions, the Recognition and Procedure Agreement between RMT and Bombardier should cover all of the merged team.

We instruct the General Secretary to ensure that this is confirmed with the employer.

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

We note the report from our lead officer on file, that management are considering an alternative roster
submitted by our representative. We instruct the General Secretary to place management’s response in front of us when received, together with the views of our representatives.

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

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.

The RMTs new broadsheet 'We Can Stop Job Cuts' for the London Transport Region, is now available for distribution in workplaces. The RMT's London Region acting Regional Secretary said "Please could representatives make arrangements for collection accordingly for direct distribution into workplaces in accordance with the General Grades Committee’s decision. When you come, you will find a collection sheet and you are asked to put your name and workplace on it just so we know where the papers have gone.

We note the correspondence from Tube Lines, advising us that members who volunteered to work on Christmas Day and New Year's Day would be paid £333, more than originally intended.

Having consulted with the secretaries of the two branches involved, we note the position.

LT Regional Council, LU Engineering and LU Fleet branches to be advised.
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We note the report from our Regional Organiser and the support of our Company Council representatives, and accordingly endorse the increased level of representation.

We instruct the General Secretary to immediately advise the company of our acceptance, and to write to our Tube Lines members informing them of this improvement in RMT’s representation.

London Transport Regional Council and branches to be advised.

A new edition of the London Calling Newsletter is attached. You can download it below.

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

As you will be aware the dispute with Tube Lines management regarding pension and travel equality will be reaching a significant stage over the Christmas period as a result of possible further industrial action. It is therefore important that members are fully aware of the issues involved so that they can make an informed decision when supporting this action.