• Get the latest stations news on your Ipad here
Red tabards 'a pathetic and detrimental approach by the company' to enhance visibility

RED TABARDS, STATION STAFF - LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/3/1)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/31/19, 23rd January 2019), this matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which has noted members' concerns regarding the imposition of red tabards across London Underground stations and the ill-conceived manner of this decision which is solely driven by the intentional lack of staff on our stations due to cost cutting exercises. This attempt at tackling the shortage of station staff by 'enhancing' their visibility is a pathetic and detrimental approach by the company that is creating new potential operational safety problems on station platforms, discomfort and overheating of staff due to the construction of the red tabards and renders them a target for anti-social behaviour.

The NEC has taken the decision to ballot all stations grades members for industrial action short of a strike to not wear the red tabards and to publicise this unacceptable treatment of our members in a press release and union bulletin. I am currently acting in accordance with this decision and will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

In preparation for the ballot, if any LU Stations members have recently changed their job title, work location or home address, please ask them to call the Freephone helpline number on 0800 376 3706 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk to update their details.

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
General Secretary