LONDON BRIDGE THREE STRIKE ACTION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2017 :: RMTnews 6 R MT members at London Bridge took 24- hour strike action earlier this month in support of the three members that have been subjected to the most appalling miscarriage of justice after a violent incident involving a fare-dodger last autumn. RMT general secretary Mick Cash congratulated members on their solid action which also involves not to servicing ticket machines and not challenging customers who refuse to produce a valid ticket or permit for travel. "The union is well aware that LU have mobilised an expensive and sophisticated scabbing operation that raises serious issues about the safety of the travelling public. "Instead of wasting time and money on bank-rolling a scab army LU should be recognising their duty of care to front-line staff confronted with violent thugs on their stations and supporting out members who have been sacked and victimised as a result of this shocking incident,” he said. In the incident, which occurred last November, a fare-dodger assaulted two members of staff, including pushing a pregnant colleague in the stomach. One staff member had his glasses stolen and was punched twice. That member of staff has now been sacked in what the union describes as an “appalling miscarriage of justice”. RMT has slammed LU for bogus and disgraceful claims that the female member of staff wasn’t assaulted – despite the fact that they admitted that crucial fact in the disciplinary hearings. The staff member who initially challenged the fare-dodger to produce a ticket or oyster card was disciplined on the ludicrous, trumped-up charge of “inciting or provoking an incident”. A third member of staff, who defused the situation after being repeatedly threatened with violence, has also been disciplined by London Underground when they should have been commended for their bravery. As a result one member of staff has been sacked with the other two members receiving 52-week final warnings. “London Underground should do the decent thing – reinstate our member, lift the disciplinary action and send out the message that fare-dodging and violence will not be tolerated and that staff in the front line will get the support and assistance that they need,” added Mick Cash. LONDON BRIDGE THREE STRIKE ACTION