Busworkers Mourn the Loss of a Dear Friend

Submitted by Superman on 9 December, 2009 - 18:43

On saturday 5th december 2009, Carolyn Siddall, who worked for the organising unit, died after suffering from ill health. On that day, we lost a dear and valued friend.

She was an inspirational figure to all those who knew her. She offered busworkers help, advice and friendship when we most needed it. Carolyn will be missed by all her friends on the buses. We offer our condolences to her family and friends.

144 Ticket Offices and 1200 Jobs Under Threat as Boris Johnson Rips Up Manifesto Pledge On Tube Cuts

Submitted by Peter on 9 December, 2009 - 18:10

TUBE AND TfL union RMT today released new information which exposes the full extent of the first wave of cuts under Boris Johnson’s £5 billion tube savings programme with 144 station ticket offices and 1200 jobs under threat of the axe.

Sister Carolyn Siddall R.I.P

Submitted by Adrian on 9 December, 2009 - 02:12

UPDATE: it has been confirmed that Carolyn's Funeral will be a celebration of her life as a great socialist, activist and wonderful person. RMT Banners and Flowers are welcome, if you wish to attend, meet at Manor Park Station at 09:15 on Friday 11th December 2009

Below is an Email that Bob Crow sent on the 5th December 2009 Dear Colleagues,

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that Carolyn Siddall, who has been ill for some time, sadly passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

MASS WALKOUT.

Submitted by Eamonn Lynch on 7 December, 2009 - 12:17

Well 2 of us actually........but it’s the principle innit?
Today’s ad hoc at Bakerloo E&C depot descended into a sketch not seen since Monty Pythons’ heyday.
We were told today’s meeting to discuss the upcoming Xmas shutdown was on an “information” basis only.
Aren’t all meetings?
But it would not be formal, so in the event of a disagreement, failure to agree etc there would be nowhere to progress it to.
Imagine it.
That`ll be the end of Tier 1`s.
No Tier 2 Safety council.
No level 1`s
No Trains functional Council.

Fines Pool for 2010

Submitted by Superman on 5 December, 2009 - 13:55

It's time to join the RMT Fines Pool. The Fines Pool, which is operated on a yearly basis, starts on 1st January and ends on 31st December every year. The cost of membership of the Fines Pool is one payment of £5.00 per year.

There are a number of ways to join. You can join by filling in a joining form and pay by cheque or cash to the Fines Pool collector, who is usually your branch secretary or hand it in or send it with a cheque made payable to the RMT Fines Pool to Unity House.

Tubelines cuts Hit Escalator Safety Inspections and Signal Maintenance

Submitted by Peter on 3 December, 2009 - 23:00
Photo by James Cridlan

TUBE UNION RMT today accused TfL and Tube Lines of slashing safety standards to dangerous levels as it emerged that twice weekly inspection of escalators will be cut to just once a week and the 12 week frequency of signal maintenance on the Jubilee Line will be cut to a 16 week cycle.

The latest safety and maintenance cuts on the Tube Lines section of the Underground have come just two weeks after RMT exposed moves to hack back the frequency of track inspections on the Jubilee Line extension.

RMT reps will be raising the issues at a meeting of the Health and Safety forum today – Thursday 3rd December – with a demand that the cuts be reversed as a matter of urgency.