We need unity across all grades to win

RMT has called further strike action in our campaign to protect thousands of jobs, secure a proper pay rise for our members and end management bullying and harrassment.

It is crucial for all grades on LUL that we win this dispute and make management stick to the agreements that they have signed. There have been suggestions by those who don’t want to strike that this dispute has nothing to do with station staff and that it makes no difference if a few white collar workers lose their jobs. However, the agreement that gives these employees protection from redundancy also protects us. Most of you will have seen a copy of the agreement that management are now reneging on. It clearly shows there is an agreed process and offers of alternative employment.

But management are digging in their heals on this because they consciously want to undermine and attack our existing agreements and our ability to defend them. Whether this is coming from Tory Mayor Boris Johnson or as a result of the economic climate, or both, LUL management are out to do the collective strength of the union, the workers, ie us, in.

On the crucial issue of pay, management have refused to reward station staff for our hard work over the last year.

As you can see from “On the Move” our directors are happy to jet set to collect the gongs for our efforts but are loathe to offer a proper pay settlement. Thanks to RMT action we has succeeded in gaining an extra 1% and a two year offer instead of a five year deal. It would be nice to think that all we need to convince management of our case is a well presented argument. In fact management will only negotiate with the workers if we threaten to withdraw our labour. We have a new management, appointed by Boris Johnson that are out to break the union and tear up agreements, not just on redundancies, but also on tickets offices and pensions.

Everything we have on stations has been achieved thanks to a fighting trade union, the RMT. Health & safety rules, decent pay, annual leave entitlements, pensions and workplace rights. Support the RMT, back the strike, respect picket lines and if you are not in the RMT, join now. Unity wins.