DEFENDING SAFETY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2019 :: RMTnews 8 industrial organising conference of engineering grades meeting in Rugby backed planned industrial action by London Underground fleet members against plans to extend long- standing safety checks on all fleets. Tony Carter-Leay, LU Fleet said that pre-service safety checks presently occur every 24 hours, a proven safe system of work that prevents potential defective trains from entering service avoiding lengthy delay, overcrowding or worse. He said that LU’s proposal was to extend testing to 96 hours on some stock and over 70 days (1,680 hours) on S Stock which run on four different lines. “Despite a number of attempts to gain access to vital safety documents which LUL claim to support the move, we have yet to see any evidence that this is the case. “If these changes are allowed to come into effect on LUL then this down-sized model of extending pre-service checks will be rolled out for all other fleet operating companies and all other aspects of routine maintenance,” he warned. Cash backed the call and warned against the London Labour mayor from carrying out Tory cuts. “We have to take LUL on and say that there can be no compromises on safety and RMT is prepared to take whatever action is necessary to keep it that way,” he said. Delegates noted the introduction of MacRail technology by Network Rail in some areas without prior notification which monitors the location of workers at all times and called for the practice to be withdrawn immediately. Lee Gardiner, Wakefield and Healey Mills warned that the company was introducing the system under the banner of health and safety by claiming it was about managing fatigue but it was really about monitoring workers and gathering information. “The use of this non- consulted system breached the pahse 2b/c agreements and collective bargaining agreements and could be rolled out nationally,” he said. Dai Hobbs, Newport Rail warned of the dangers of such monitoring systems. safety but it actively encourages workers to lie about the length of travel to work as it takes that time into account. How is this any way safe,” he said. Delegates also raised concerned regarding Network Rail use of train CCTV footage in near miss incidents that are still under investigation. Mark Eastwood, Doncaster explained that Network Rail policy was to show footage from the train after a near miss incident to all maintenance staff just a few days after it had occurred and while the investigation is on-going. “This is having a devastating effect on members who don’t know if they will be losing their jobs and enduring finger pointing and whispering campaigns based on CCTV footage. “Showing this evidence whilst the investigation are still on-going is unfair on the individual who would expect to have a fair and unbiased hearing which is impossible after everyone has seen a crucial part of this evidence and cast their own opinion,” he said. Shaune Woods, Peterborough said that it was morally wrong an already distressing time. “How do you get a fair hearing under these circumstances? “We should have a full investigation first to establish exactly what happened and then show footage so we can learn from the incident,” he said. Delegates also called on the union to negotiate a national register with companies for everyone that carries out welding activities and set out minimum standards. Alex Hogg, Edinburgh and Portobello warned that there was mounting evidence of damage done by exposure to welding fumes over many decades. “We are getting advice that welding should be carried out up wind which really is not good enough. “We must challenge employers and this should be the start of a major campaign,” he said. BREAKOUT SESSIONS There were two sessions which involved brainstorming issues of most concern in fleet and on track maintenance. The lively maintenance DEFENDING SAFETY RMT engineering conference backs action on London Underground against reductions in safety Delegates to the union’s RMT general secretary Mick “Not only is this not about to show everybody footage at