Childcare Arrangements Fallen Through? Your Right To Time Off

Submitted by Admin on 21 November, 2008 - 09:50

The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives employees the right to time off if something “unexpected” happens to their arrangements for caring for a dependant. But your employer may suggest that the word "unexpected" means that if you had more than a couple of days' notice, then you do not have the right to the time off. But a recent legal case has established that “unexpected” can include a situation in which the employee had two weeks’ notice of a change to their childcare arrangements.

Standard Agenda for Regional Council Meetings

Submitted by Admin on 19 November, 2008 - 09:30
  1. Apologies for Absence (16:30)
  2. Minutes of Previous Meeting (16:35)
  3. Matters Arising (16:40)
  4. Organisation and Recruitment (16:45)
  5. Council of Executives Report (17:00)
  6. Regional Organiser’s Report (17:25)
  7. Resolutions from Branches (17:50)
  8. Correspondence (18:10)
  9. Other Reports (18:15)
  10. Reports on Progress of Resolutions (18:20)
  11. Any Other Business - if notified to President in advance (18:25)

Power workers’ strike on London Tube 100% solid, says RMT

Submitted by Admin on 17 November, 2008 - 17:27

RMT press release, issued today

THE FIRST of two 36-hour strikes by RMT shift ‘tester’ technicians responsible for finding and fixing faults on the London Tube’s power supply is 100 per cent solid, the network’s biggest union said today.

And it warned that if employer EDF Energy Powerlink is to avoid a second strike in two weeks’ time the company should negotiate seriously over their claim for pay parity with non-shift colleagues.

Government Puts Flexible Working Rights Extension On Hold

Submitted by Admin on 14 November, 2008 - 21:30

This resolution was unanimously agreed by RMT's National Women's Advisory Committee on 11 November, having been submitted by Bakerloo and Central Line West branches. It will now go to the union's Executive for their consideration.

This union is appalled at the announcement by Peter Mandelson that the government's plans to extend flexible working rights to parents of all children under 16 have been put on hold due to the economic crisis.

More Victimised Reps

Submitted by steve hedley on 14 November, 2008 - 14:36

It looks like the successful campaign to defend Andy Littlechild has taught some managers nothing.

Brendan Judge, an RMT rep in CBS Outdoor, has now been suspended on trumped-up charges.

In a similar vein, ICS cleaning company is demanding to see our rep Fred Dappah's National Insurance number.

Our response must be exactly the same for these reps as it was for Andy.

I will keep you updated.

Regional Council Nominations 2009

Submitted by steve hedley on 14 November, 2008 - 14:11

NOMINATIONS FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2009

The AGM of the Regional Council is on 26th February 2008 and it is therefore time to remind Branches to consider nominations for Regional Council Officers and Executive Committee.

The deadline for nominations is first post Tuesday 10th February 2009. Nominations received by this date will be circulated with the Regional Council mailing.

'No Sweat' campaign - November news

Submitted by Admin on 14 November, 2008 - 09:31

News from No Sweat.

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  1. No Sweat Gathering - Sun Dec 7
  2. King Blues Frontman Itch Fox @ No Sweat Night
  3. Support GAP Drivers in the US
  4. Appeal to Support Thai Electronics Workers
  5. Support Needed for Philippine Labour Rights Lawyer

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Regional Events

Submitted by steve hedley on 13 November, 2008 - 01:48

Monday November 17th, 5pm: cleaners meeting to discuss which branch they wish to be in. Meeting at the Exmouth Arms, Starcross Street, Euston. (Sorry about late notice - everywhere is booked up for Christmas dos later than this but before the 'spheres of influence' meeting.)

Friday December 12th, 6.30pm til late: Regional Council Christmas party at the Exmouth Arms. Free buffet and limited bar.