TUBE FLEET MAINTENANCE ACTION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2017 :: RMTnews 8 R MT London Underground Fleet members launched a campaign of industrial action this month following numerous unresolved breaches of agreed machineries and agreements by LUL management. Members voted overwhelmingly for action including an overtime ban following numerous unresolved breaches of agreed machineries and agreements by management. RMT reps have listed these breaches as including:- • Not consulting or negotiating with this union over reduced staffing levels within Fleet • Breaching our agreement on Night Tube and failing to recruit adequate additional staff to cover this work • Actively attacking RMT reps for carrying out their trade union duties • Not following the correct process when seeking to change rosters • Removing a long and established practice of ‘phone in days’ throughout Fleet without agreement RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that this list was not exhaustive. “The current level of flagrant abuse and ignorance of long- standing policies and procedures by London Underground is appalling and the anger among RMT Fleet grades members was clearly demonstrated in the ballot results. “The continued failures by the management side have left us with no option but to begin a campaign of industrial action. “RMT’s position could not be clearer and it is down to London Underground to start taking this list of grievances seriously, to stop trying to impose fundamental changes to agreed policies and working conditions and to halt the bullying and harassment of our reps. RMT remains available for serious talks,” he said. T ube Central Line train operators took further strike action last month against the forced displacement staff and the failure of ACAS talks to resolve the dispute, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the continuing action was due to the pointless and aggressive approach by London Underground that was always going to spark an angry backlash. “If LU are allowed to get away with this move on the Central Line they will start shunting drivers around the combine at the drop of a hat regardless of the consequences. “Staff across London Underground are angry and prepared to stand up and be counted the company would be wise to recognise that,” he said. N ight Tube drivers have voted overwhelmingly for both strike action and action short of a strike over a block on career progression which has been imposed by London Underground. Members voted by over 96 per cent for strike action and by over 98 per cent for action short of a strike. As a result of a blatantly discriminatory policy night train operators have been prevented from moving into vacant full-time positions for a period of at least 18 months. All other staff, including part- time night staff are eligible to apply. In addition, LUL has advised that night train operators do not attract the overtime rate of pay until they exceed 35 hours in a week. As night train operators are currently contracted to only 16 hours, they are prevented from being compensated for any late finish due to, for example, service disruption. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was outrageous that London Underground had decided to discriminate against their Night Tube drivers. “This is a senseless and damaging policy that picks out one group of staff for negative treatment and of course the drivers are angry. “RMT calls on LU to see sense, stop these stupid attacks on career progression and fair reward for overtime working and confirm that this discrimination has been lifted,” he said. TUBE FLEET MAINTENANCE ACTION TUBE DRIVERS’ STRIKE Further action taken on Central, Waterloo and City depots NIGHT TUBE DRIVERS BACK STRIKE ACTION