Serious Safety Risk Warning Over Plans to Cut Tube Line Inspections

Submitted by Peter on 20 November, 2009 - 14:31
Photo by James Cridlan

TUBE UNION RMT today warned of serious risks to public safety as it emerged that track safety patrols are to be cut.

RMT are pointing to the move to halve safety inspections as clear evidence that claims by Mayor Boris Johnson that the £5 billion black hole facing TfL will not result in front line cuts are nonsense.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said: “We have warned all along that the multi-billion pound black hole facing TfL, and the financial chaos at Tube Lines, would result in real service cuts and would impact on safety and reliability.

Safety Information for Underground Drivers: Wrong Direction Moves

Submitted by Admin on 20 November, 2009 - 14:26

Read the text below; click on '1 attachment' / file name to download a printable notice.

As part of Connect radio ‘Phase 2’ implementation a number of changes were made to safety critical procedures. The most notable of these was authority to pass a semi-automatic signals using secure radio communications. There were many publications, notices and briefings pertaining to the new procedure.

In a way, there was a poor relation, a new procedure that was somewhat overshadowed: wrong direction moves!

Bakerloo News archive 2009 / 2008

Submitted by Joffe on 20 November, 2009 - 05:36

For those interested in trade union history and how the Bakerloo Branch has reported on the issues facing workers on the line, I have attached the 2009 newsletters not included on the website and Bakerloo News issues from 2008.

To see the best newsletters that the RMT produces: from the sublime to the ridiculous, from our gains to our disappointments, from the bosses outrages to our analysis on the issues, click on the attachments below.

RMT Begins Ballot In Four Separate TfL Disputes

Submitted by Peter on 19 November, 2009 - 22:18

Today RMT began balloting four separate groups of members for industrial action in four separate localised trade disputes:

  • EDF Energy Powerlink
  • LU Hammersmith and City Depot Drivers
  • Straford Market Depot - Alstom Metro Trains
  • LUL Willesden Green Group

RMT has also today served notice on London Underground for a ballot of staff over pay and conditions with the ballot closing on Monday 21st December.

Mobilise: Stop the BNP

Anti-fascismAssemble at Upney station.

The fascist BNP - who would ban trade unions if they ever came to power - plan to hold a rally at Upney station TODAY (Thursday 19th) at 7pm.

RMT's London Transport Regional Council has called a counter demonstration for 6pm at Upney station to prevent this racist and fascist group sowing divisions amongst the local community and workforce to further their own political ends.

Update on pay “talks”

Submitted by Admin on 19 November, 2009 - 10:31

Regional Organiser Steve Hedley writes ...

After a mammoth ten hour session at ACAS on Tuesday night, management left the building without as much as putting an offer on the table concerning pay or even medical redeployment. So non train drivers are to be discriminated against if LUL get their way; even Aslef members who are not drivers will suffer.

Of course we want everyone including drivers to have better medical redeployment, but LUL walked away promising only to hold a further meeting next Tuesday.