Bakerloo line drivers were subject to what can only be described as keystone cops style of management during the first day of last weekend’s shutdown. Seemingly making it up on the hoof, management instructed drivers to keep trains in service even when failing the trip cock tester. Apparently the requirement for a second person in the cab was sufficient to run a safe railway. This goes against all the basic principles we are taught when joining LUL! Week 1 Day 1 we are told safety is paramount.

Madness??? Whoever thought this up …..? When trains arrive on Stonebridge Park reception roads, drivers on the Bakerloo line are being instructed to cut the high tone whistle out. Then we have to cut it in. Then out. Then in Then shake it all about! All because depot staff are accidentally operating the high tone whistle in confined spaces. Not train operators doing it in error have you noticed.

Following last years dispute and supposed resolution over the treatment and working conditions of our colleagues on the Wembley Central group we are still no closer to getting what was agreed.

Pay report from Steve Hedley, RMT Regional Organiser

I attended the LUL company council meeting on the 08/9/09 and discussed the pay offer. There was no improvement whatsoever on the last offer. It remains 1.5% this year and RPI plus 0.5% next year. As discussed with Pat Sikorski earlier LUL are prepared to release our reps for a meeting and I am requesting the Tuesday 6th October 2009 (one day after the ASLEF reps are released) to take a sounding on where we go.