RMT has sent the following letter to London Underground's Director of Employee Relations:
JOB CUTS – LONDON UNDERGROUND
I am writing to propose a way forward with regard the dispute between LUL and the trade unions RMT and TSSA in particular in relation to outstanding safety issues which you withdrew from the table because we would not suspend our industrial action.
Click '1 attachment' / file name to download a poster supporting both our campaign against job cuts and students' campaign against fees and cuts. The poster highlights Nick Clegg's pre-election pledge to vote against fee rises and Boris Johnson's pre-election pledge to oppose ticket office cuts and closures, and lists several ways in which people can support the campaigns.
Please add your name to the TSSA's online petition against London Underground job cuts. Click here.
We the undersigned representatives of student campaigners and London Underground workers wish to publicly state our support for each others' current struggles against funding cuts, tuition fees and Tube staffing cuts.
We are fighting to defend two essential public services - education and transport - which we believe should be publicly-provided, fully funded and accessible to all. Both services face intense attack under a government hellbent on vicious public sector cuts.
From Bob Crow, General Secretary
I write to all reps on London Underground concerning the case of Arwyn Thomas Train Operator at Morden and a long standing RMT activist who is being disciplined and we believe victimised by LUL.
From Bob Crow, General Secretary:
I write to advise branches that brother Ravi Sooriah has been dismissed by LUL following an incident of wrong side opening. It is our firm belief that he is being victimised and has been very harshly treated by management. Following a resolution from his branch the General Secretary has decided to ballot all train grade members at West Ruislip for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. Preparations for the ballot are currently taking place and I shall keep branches advised of any further developments.
Following a meeting of the General Grades Committee regarding the above, the following decision has been taken: -
“That having consulted our representatives, and the report from our lead officer in respect of talks with the company. Despite minor concessions, management continue to press ahead with unacceptable proposals on a series of issues. Furthermore there has been a serious failure to consult with this union before impositions of terms and conditions.
Firstly I would like to congratulate all London Underground members for the solid strike action that recently took place on 29th and 30th November. Management are under no illusion of the strength of feeling over these dangerous and unnecessary cuts.
Over the course of the last week, the General Grades Committee has met twice to discuss the current dispute with London Underground over their dangerous plans for job cuts and the following decision was taken: -
From Bob Crow, General Secretary
The ConDem Government will next week vote on the proposed three-fold increases in student fees, a move that is grossly unfair and potentially affects every family in the country, including those of RMT members.
On Wednesday December 8, joint University and College Union and National Union of Students rallies and demonstrations will be taking place around the country in opposition to the increase.
For details about rallies in your area please contact Justine Stephens at jstephens@ucu.org.uk
Although much of the tube network is still inaccessible for many disabled people for those of us able to use it we rely very much on staff being available to help us do so. If your staffing levels are reduced further then disabled people will find it more difficult to go out and will once again become isolated in their homes.
We would therefore like to send our support to all the strikers. You are fighting for us as well.
In Solidarity,
Linda Burnip
Disabled People Against Cuts