STANDING UP FOR RMT MEMBERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april/may 2014 :: RMTnews 21 LEGAL Since Thompsons foundation in 1921 it has been committed to the trade union and labour movement and its central role is protecting the interests of trade union members. Through RMT, Thompsons provide specialist advice and representation for members across the country via a national network of offices in personal injury, trade union law, employment rights and criminal law, as well as will writing and conveyancing. Thompsons remains heavily involved in securing settlements for RMT members made redundant following the administration of Jarvis and Fastline in March 2010. The decision to place Jarvis/Fastline into administration had a devastating effect on about 400 RMT members employed to maintain and upgrade the nation’s railways. Jarvis/Fastline failed to consult with RMT about the redundancies and were found by a Leeds Employment Tribunal to have breached the redundancy consultation obligations, unfairly dismissed individuals, making unlawful deductions from their wages and breaching the terms of the employment contracts of a dedicated workforce, many of whom had been continuously employed in the rail industry since starting work at 16. Nothing was done to allow a more orderly transfer of RMT members to other contractors in the rail industry. Over 400 workers and their families were quite simply abandoned by their employers and by the government. That was, as the late general secretary Bob Crow so aptly put it, “a disgrace”. Since 2010, Thompsons have been working with RMT and the ex-Jarvis employees in Employment Tribunal claims and have so far been able to secure over £1.4 million for the members affected. Whilst Thompsons would be the first to recognise that many of the affected RMT members have lost more than the compensation obtainable from the Tribunals, working together we have achieved what we could within the limits of the law. The outcome of the Jarvis/Fastline cases is just one recent example of how Thompsons works with RMT to stand up for union members. One of the most common services we provide is legal representation in personal injury claims. Thompsons never have, and never will, work for insurers or employers and, unlike other firms, only stand up for members of the public. We have specialist teams who are experts in various different personal injury fields such as accidents at work and road accidents, industrial illnesses, including asbestos-related diseases, and in related areas such as clinical negligence. You can be confident that your personal injury claim will be dealt with by a leading expert, and rest assured that your solicitor will always strive to secure the maximum amount of compensation in the minimum amount of time and with as little disruption to you and your family as possible. High-street law firms and TV “no win no fee” claims companies can now take up to 25 per cent of any compensation you are awarded, but with the RMT’s legal service you get 100 per cent of your award. If you think you may have a claim for personal injury simply call 0800 587 7516 and quote your RMT Membership number to the adviser. If you need legal assistance regarding an employment law matter contact your RMT representative in the first instance who will be able to provide you with confidential advice and guidance.If lawyers are needed RMT may refer your case to Thompsons who will investigate your claim on the union’s behalf. In addition to employment law and personal injury advice your RMT legal package also includes free legal advice on any non-work related legal matter. Our advisers offer confidential advice on consumer law, property and land law, wills and trusts, nuisance and trespass and a host of other legal issues. Again call the free phone number to access these additional services. As the most experienced trade union law firm in the UK, Thompsons is committed to supporting RMT members in legal matters STANDING UP FOR RMT MEMBERS CASE STUDY Senior Infrastructure Technician Simon Pointon suffered a back injury trying to lift a 15-foot section of rail which he had already told his supervisor was too much for him to manually handle but the team was instructed to continue. Simon ended up off work for three weeks and on light duties for a further six months because of the pain. Although the employer admitted fault they claimed that it was a minor injury and offered only £1,000 in compensation. Court proceedings were issued and the claim eventually settled for £18,500.