FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE TUBE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april/may 2014 :: RMTnews 6 Following rock solid strike action and the threat of further planned action in May Transport for London finally dropped any pre-conditions for talks, protection of earnings has been agreed and a viable framework for a review of the ticket office cuts and closures programme. Transport for London sparked the dispute last year by announcing plans to close all ticket offices and cut 950 jobs. RMT acting gen secretary Mick Cash said that due to the solidarity and determination of LU members, RMT has been able to secure real movement and significant progress on the issues at the heart of this dispute over the bank holiday weekend. “As a result of that progress, secured directly through our members campaign of industrial action and the union's drive to get the facts across to the people of London, we were able to suspend the action and further talks around the fundamental issues of cuts to jobs, services and safety will now take place. Negotiators had previously believed that some progress had been made, but the company at the last minute decided to impose pre-conditions, including RMT calling off strike action and totally withdrawing from the current dispute, this would have meant a new ballot being required for any further industrial action. However the union continued discussions right up to the 11th hour, hard at work with ACAS producing the following deal:- 1. The station by station review will continue with all the trades unions invited to participate and contribute, additionally the proposed Fit for the Future - Stations implementation plan will also be reviewed. 2. The outcome of the exercise will be discussed at a meeting chaired by ACAS. 3. LU would enter into further detailed discussions to ensure that any employees identified as in scope of the Fit for the Future - Stations proposals on 21 November 2013, and who do not choose to leave the business under voluntary severance, would be offered a role that involves no reduction in their current substantive salary. This arrangement would be specific to the Fit for the Future - Stations programme. “I’m sure you will agree these are very important concession won by the union without capitulating to the totally unacceptable demand that RMT withdraw from the current dispute. “Had RMT agreed to this your negotiators would have had their hands tied behind their back when negotiating to protect members’ terms and conditions. “By standing strong, your resolve and unity has forced London Underground to back down,” he said. FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE TUBE Union suspends strike action after London Underground drop pre-conditions and agree to protect members’ earnings