Disabled people and members

EVERY JOB MATTERS – DEFENDING JOBS ON LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/14/5)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/224/15, 23^rd September 2015), the following resolution was recently received from our Hammersmith & City Branch:-

“This Branch is concerned how some station staff are being treated under the ‘Fit for the Future programme’. The members concerned are those who have medical restrictions due to a disability and who seem to be being singled out and moved without taking into account these restrictions.

Responding to the report today from disabled charity Whizz-Kidz that young people are being denied opportunities because of poor access to transport services, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:
 
“This is an important report that shames the transport industry in Britain and which should force the issue of disabled access to services right up the agenda.
 

This is the latest edition of Jubilee South News.

In this edtion:

• Jubilee South Branch ready to defend unfairly treated disabled member
• 4 day 36 hour week trial – the ayes have it!
• RMT preparing ground for ballot to defend brother Hart
• AGM branch meeting details

• LUL Fit for the Future Stations Equality Impact Assessment
• Disability discrimination cases in LUL
• Employers' disability policies
• Proposed employment policy on Autism
• RMT training
• Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)
• UK Disability History Month
• UN to investigate UK government
• Access to Work survey
• WOW petition

RMT London Transport Region's Jubilee South branch has unanimously passed a motion in support of branch member Francis Darcy.  Francis is a long term RMT member and London Underground worker; who is employed as a SAMF.  Francis developed Repetitive Strain Injury whilst doing her job, and despite the difficulties this condition has causes her, has maintained her condition, and was doing her job just days ago.  However at a recent 'case conference' the decision was taken to redeploy her to an unknown role, without warning.

1. Protesting against attacks on disabled people. The Tories are intensifying their assault on disabled people's rights, particularly access to benefits. I will be circulating information about protests and other events in and around London. Please look out for these and encourage members to take part.

2. Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC). Our union affiliates to DPAC, an excellent organisation that actively does what its names suggests! I propose that the Regional Council invites DPAC to speak at its September meeting.

In this Newsletter:

• Fit for the Future = More Inequality
• Inequality of pay and power
• Location / Displacements
• Part - time staff
• Workforce density
• Destaffing and lone working
• Rosters and worklife balance
• Abolition of seated roles
• What can we do about it?
• What about equality issues for passengers?