DLR VICTORY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2018 :: RMTnews 7 A second round of strike action by members working for Keolis Amey Docklands (KAD) was suspended at Docklands Light Railway last month after 13 days of talks at ACAS. The RMT negotiating team secured significant progress on the key issues including the threat to jobs and conditions from outsourcing and a whole range of grievances around workplace justice. Meetings were held between members and the negotiators including regional organiser John Leach at Beckton and Poplar at which the details of the offer were explained. Members voted by a majority to accepted the offer and suspend the strike action. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was only through the rock solid industrial action and the determination to take further action that got the situation to this point. “I would like to congratulate the members involved for a great show of union strength during this time and for supporting the union’s position throughout. “The union will remain vigilant that the progress made on these issues is carried out and that a climate of good industrial relations is reached at this company,” he said. Progress made in the talks on each of the issues at the heart of the dispute includes the fact that KAD will honour the two- year PSA roster pattern. Staff that had worked in excess of 1820 hours in 2017 will be credited time off in lieu or the equivalent hours will be removed from their 2018 requirement, as agreed by the individual staff member. KAD agree that rosters for other grades are negotiable and completed using the agreed Collective Bargaining Machinery. The company also commits to train, retrain and maintain licences for employees to undertake the role that they are currently employed to do and any changes to be consulted. KAD will also adhere to existing capability policy which includes wording that identifies that termination for reasons of medical capability will only be instigated following advice by GP or medical specialist. KAD will also ensure that future gritting work will be undertaken by competent people. Agreement on use of contractors applied to all grades covered by collective bargaining. KAD also committed to only utilising agency staff when all reasonable steps have been taken to exhaust internal resources for needs and requirements. Air Quality Assessment results, Depot Assessments for hazardous substances and Risk Assessments will all be resolved via the Health and Safety Forum. DLR VICTORY