LOBBYING FOR NORTHERN RAIL

www.rmt.org.uk :: march 2006 :: RMTnews 7 M embers from RMT’s parliamentary group met ministers to argue for the protection of Northern Rail services last month. Organised by RMT group member Jim Cousins, Labour MP for Newcastle Upon Tyne Central, the meeting was part of the wider RMT campaign launched after a review was announced on the future of Northern Rail. The review raised fear that there would be widespread cuts in services and jobs. Northern Rail senior reps, Craig Johnson and Mick Thompson, came to London to assist in the briefing of MPs. In a constructive meeting, Transport Minister Derek Twigg assured MPs that the government valued the role of Northern Rail services and the outcome of the review would be published shortly. He also agreed to consider holding a seminar on the future of Northern Rail services. The union will continue to campaign to protect Northern Rail services and urges members to ask their MP to sign Early Day Motion 351 below: EDM 351 NORTHERN RAIL SERVICES That this House notes that under the terms of the Railways Act 2005 the Government will assume responsibility for the Strategic Rail Authority's review of service and fare levels on the Northern Rail franchise; is concerned at previous press reports that the review could lead to higher fares, replacing off-peak rail services with buses, line closures and job losses; and therefore urges the Government to use its powers under the Railways Bill to oppose any line or station closures, job cuts and substitution of rail services with buses on Northern Rail services. RMT membership has increased to an impressive 73,347 members, a further 2.5 percent increase. This means that union membership has grown by over 20 per cent in the last three years. RMT membership department manager Pete Waters said that it was a remarkable achievement given the losses suffered due to redundancies at P&O and the closure of Eastleigh works. This increase in membership has meant that the union has been able to employ additional staff to cope with the increased workload. “We are working closely with the organising unit and a number of projects are being rolled out this year to bring even more positive results to our union,” he said. This includes the union’s own call centre ‘London Calling’, which has surpassed all expectations with over 600 lapsed members re-joining in just over five months. Previously, these members would have been mailed, with no further follow-up, meaning they would have been written off as non-members. Organising unit co- ordinator Alan Pottage said that the union’s strategy had been extremely successful. “We are hitting workplaces on a constant basis and organising teams and RMT reps are helping to build sustainable union structures. “The union has ensured that real support is available to build our strength and win victories for working people,” he said. R MT called off 24-hour strike action planned for March 1 after Tube managers agreed to adhere to current attendance and disciplinary procedures. New proposals published on the LUL internal intranet, would have been unacceptable as they would have allowed any manager to discipline staff on a whim. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that management had confirmed in writing that they will engage in negotiation and consultation, including referral to ACAS, before any steps are taken to introduce new procedures. LUL confirmed that current procedures will continue and that any local interpretations, which have caused such difficulties, will now be withdrawn. “The support from all LUL members has been crucial in bringing management back around the table to reach a resolution to this dispute,” Bob said. RMT members across the Tube network voted to take industrial action if management had attempted to impose the new policies, following a six to one by RMT drivers to take action. Progress was also been made on local disciplinary procedures and harassment policy and policies on SPADS will also be adhered to. RMT London Transport executive committee member John Leach said that “our determination to stick together is the best protection for every RMT member for the future”. RMT MEMBERSHIP ON THE UP Lobbying for Northern Rail TUBE STRIKE CALLED OFF AFTER LUL BACK DOWN