Notes from Regional Council Executive meeting 14 April 2009

Submitted by Janine on 16 April, 2009 - 13:07

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

Yes, We Are Available For Talks

Submitted by Admin on 16 April, 2009 - 08:19

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

LUL's Letter Challenging Ballot Legality

Submitted by Admin on 16 April, 2009 - 08:12

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

Victoria Line Dispute - Big Vote for Strike

Submitted by plectrum on 14 April, 2009 - 13:05

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

RMT Affiliates to the Labour Party, But Can Support Other Candidates Too

Submitted by Janine on 11 April, 2009 - 15:40

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:

Letter from Bob Crow: RMT to Re-Ballot

Submitted by Janine on 11 April, 2009 - 14:56

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.

The Disability Discrimination Act - a vital piece of legislation

Submitted by Brian Munro on 11 April, 2009 - 13:43

Disabled workersLike most reps and activists in the union I have not had to deal with the Disability and Discrimination Act (DDA) in any great detail. I am aware of the headline issues: the DDA exists; it is a bad thing if an employer discriminates against someone who is disabled; and an employer must carry out a thing called "reasonable adjustments" for existing staff and potential recruits. But that was the extent of my knowledge.

Resolution: Death at G20 Protests

Submitted by Janine on 11 April, 2009 - 13:40

Stratford no.1 branch has passed this resolution and submitted it for discussion at the April meeting of the Regional Council.

This branch / Regional Council regrets the violent circumstances surrounding the death of newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson at the G20 demonstrations. This unfortunate individual, guilty of nothing more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time, was known to many of our members at Bank/Monument station. We send our condolences to his friends and family and call for legal action against those individuals responsible for his death.