CABLE CAR VICTORY

R MT has secured a major pay victory for members working on the Emirates Air Line Cable Car which crosses the River Thames in London that will see wages rise by between 14.35 per cent and 22.35 per cent. Operator Grade 1 workers – who were on the lowest pay scale – will receive a 22.35 per cent increase in pay. Operator Grade 2 workers will see an increase of 15.80 per cent and Technicians a rise of 14.35 per cent. Part of the deal meant that all bonus payments were consolidated into the wage scales. RMT Docklands Light Railway branch secretary Ray Shackleton, hot-foot from winning another disciplinary hearing for a member, explained that along with local rep Phillip Hong they had fought hard to consolidate any bonuses as a part of a process in winning parity with other DLR workers. Phillip Hong also explained that winning the deal had stemmed the 50% turnover in staff. "We were dealing with seasoned staff leaving the company whilst negotiating the new pay claim being mentors for new members to get a fair deal and assisting in training. "This has been a great knock on effect in creating a much more stable environment and keeping good relations with management,” he said. Ray also praised the work of Dave Marshall of the union’s organising unit in winning recognition for operational staff but explained that they were still looking for recognition for staff employed on a different contract working for Mace Macro. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the pay breakthrough proved that when workers are organised into an industrial trade union they can secure significant pay victories. “RMT has achieved a real win for our members who are working in a city with exceptionally high living costs”. “I would also congratulate DLR branch for reaching out to workers in other areas within their sphere of influence and securing such a magnificent result. “They have really shown what trade union membership and being organised in the workplace can achieve,” he said. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2019 :: RMTnews 5 VICTORY: Emirates Air Line Cable Car rep Phillip Hong explains the deal in the sky CABLE CAR PAY VICTORY DEAL: Level two technical operators Marian Cinca and Raimonda Gaulilcilene, local rep Phillip Hong, Mick Cash, level two technical operator Kamila Paulowska and incoming DLR branch secretary Aaran Gordon. HAND OVER: Outgoing Docklands Light Railway branch secretary Ray Shackleton is to hand the job over to Aaran Gordon next month.