Olympics and Paralympics 2012

Updated on 26th July - please ensure you are using the latest version

Click '1 attachment' / file name to download the new issue of our 'RMT London Calling' newsletter, our second Olympics special, reporting on: Olympics agreements won by RMT so far; strikes by cleaners, bike hire and TfL staff; action short of strikes on London Underground; the Olympics security crisis; and more.

We note the report on the problems experienced in holding a demonstration on 27 July as instructed by the GGC on 19 July. We are appalled that the right to protest is being curtailed under the pretext of a sporting event, and that the Olympic area is designated ‘private property’ when the Olympics is a major public event funded by public money.

We note the ongoing efforts to identify alternative venues for a demonstration and instruct the General Secretary to place a report in front of us once an alternative is identified.

Posters have been created for the upcoming cleaners strike.

Please place them in union noticeboards and distribute them as appropriate. You can download them both via the attachments below.

Read More about the cleaners struggle for a London Living Wage here.

From RMT London Transport Regional Organiser Steve Hedley

Dear colleagues,

Cleaners and security guards some on as little as £6.09 per hour are fighting for a living wage and Olympic recognition payments.

There will be two days of strike action beginning on 0530 am on Friday 27th July. Three companies are in dispute Carlisle (cleaners and security) on the DLR, ISS and Initial cleaners on London Underground.

PLANNED INDUSTRIAL action at signalling technology contractor Thales has been halted as a result of a massive breakthrough on pay, harmonisation and Olympics payments secured by RMT negotiators on the back of a 95% vote for action amongst the members.

Following the overwhelming mandate for strike action RMT has now secured agreements covering harmonisation, pay, shift allowances and Olympics payments of up to £680.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

I write further to my letter dated 19th July 2012 in which I informed you of the result of the ballot regarding the above matter.

You and your colleagues are all congratulated for returning a very strong YES vote for industrial action and proving your determination to fight for better pay and conditions. Management must also be clear on the fact that they cannot just ignore the impact the Olympics games will have on your working life.

From General Secretary Bob Crow

Rates Of Pay & Conditions Of Service 2011 – Initial (LUL Contract) & Rates Of Pay & Conditions Of Service 2012 – ISS (LUL Contract)

As you may be aware, RMT members working for both Initial and ISS on London Underground have recently been balloted for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. This dispute is over the fact that these members who provide a vital service on London Underground are constantly exploited by these Companies

"RMT members are instructed not to co-operate in any way with the counting of Incident Customer Service Assistants (ICSAs) towards the minimum number of staff on duty" - Bob Crow

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

I write to advise members that following the closing of both ballots for industrial action short of a strike the General Grades Committee has considered the situation and decided to call the following industrial action.

Olympic Recognition and Reward Dispute

Despite reaching agreement over the Olympic payment arrangements we continue to have problems with the implementation of the agreement. Therefore all LUL members are instructed to take the following industrial action short of a strike.

The Cycle Hire Scheme action is suspended following an offer - more details here.

The dates for the TfL action have been changed - more details here.

TRANSPORT UNION RMT today confirmed industrial action on South West Trains, Serco "Boris Bikes" and TFL in continuing disputes over Olympics recognition and reward.