The General Secretary of TSSA, Gerry Doherty, has written to inform the RMT of impending strike action by TSSA members in the BTP First Contact Centre and Force Control Rooms scheduled for 18th and 19th April 2009. Needless to say RMT members will do all that we can, within the law, to support our brothers and sisters at TSSA.
The Regional Council Executive submitted the following resolution to the April meeting of the Regional Council, where it was passed with one abstention.
This Regional Council expects Branch Secretaries to attend head office at least bi-monthly with an up-to-date membership list for their branch.
Present: Janine Booth, Vaughan Thomas, Micky Hyde, Les Sime, Paul Rutland, Carol Foster, Becky Crocker, Peter Heyes, Josie Toussaint-Pinnock, Dean O'Hanlon, Dave Rayfield, Glenroy Watson, Pat O'Brien, John Reid In attendance: Steve Hedley (Regional Organiser), Jackson Jones Apologies: Brian Haughian, Chris Tugwell, Malcolm Taylor, Andy Izard, Peter Sheridan, Joanne Parry, Gwyn Pugh, Yvonne Duncan, Mick Crossey, Unjum Mirza
1. Recruitment and organisation
RMT's Regional Organiser has sent the following letter to London Underground ...
I am writing to you to let you know that I am available at any time to discuss the Willesden Green group and Victoria line disputes and in the interest of good industrial relations would seek to meet with you at your earliest possible convenience. I must also point out despite rumours to the contrary that the RMT have not walked out on pay talks and will be attending all such talks to seek to resolve the situation and other items of dispute to our members satisfaction.
Yours sincerely Steve Hedley
Below - and attached - is the letter from London Underground setting out their objections to RMT's ballot notification. You will notice that nothing in this letter challenges the legitimacy of the ballot itself, only some minor details about the addresses of premises.
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Dear Bob
NOTICE OF BALLOT UNDER SECTION 226A OF THE TRADE UNION AND LABOUR RELATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ACT 1992
I am writing to you as I am advised that there are serious problems with the ballot, and felt it appropriate to
Venue: New Scotland Yard, 8-10 Braodway, London SW1H OBG (nearest station: St.James' Park)
This protest follows the death of Ian Tomlinson at the G20 protests in the City.
Following the 13:1 ballot result and LUL's legal threat, the new issue of 'RMT London Calling' explains why members should now vote Yes again, and provides updates on the issues of the dispute, plus other news from the region.
Click '1 attachment' / file name to download it.
Members at the depot can be rightly proud of the massive YES VOTE that has been returned in order to redress some serious injustices and points of issue that management have been ignoring which affect your day to day job. This is despite a massive effort to spread false information and attempt to undermine the democratic process. Let’s remind ourselves of the issues that we are asking you to take strike action over because there is a good chance that management will put a big effort in to persuade you the issues don’t exist!
1. REINSTATE CARL CAMPBELL
This is the rule change, passed in 2003, that reaffirmed RMT's affiliation to the Labour but also allowed the union to back other candidates who support the union's policy objectives. The Labour Party expelled RMT as a consequence of the passing of this rule change and RMT's subsequent support for the Scottish Socialist Party.
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CHANGE OF RULE - FUTURE OF THE RMT POLITICAL FUND
New Clause 26:
Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2009, Redundancies and Breach of Agreements – LUL
From Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary
I regret to have to inform you that despite returning a magnificent “yes” vote for both Strike Action and Action Short of a Strike we are unable to use your mandate at this present time.
For your information you voted as follows; for strike action it was 3,165 for and only 619 against and for action short of a strike it was 3,495 for and only 266 against.