DEFEND TUBE WORKERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2020 :: RMTnews 4 On the day that face masks became compulsory on public transport London Underground union last month RMT launched a Covid-19 charter for tube workers. The charter maps a way forward for London Underground by workers who have demonstrated their commitment to keeping the tube and other Transport of London (TfL) services running throughout the Covid 19 crisis. It explains how union members want to provide the best possible service to workers in London but reject people being forced on to the tube without the necessary safety planning and before conditions are right. The document calls for workers and their trade unions in every sector of the economy to be involved in risk assessing all types of work in each workplace before they are required to return to work. It says that workplaces should only be re-opened when the workforce agrees it is safe to do so. RMT’s charter says that London Underground and TfL must be able to assure the union that different phases of lifting lockdown can be achieved without forcing usage above 13 per cent of capacity, which is the maximum that can be carried while maintaining social distancing. The level of services provided and number of passengers using the tube must be kept under constant review in light of any moves in the levels of Covid 19 infections and the R number. The ability of passengers as well as staff to socially distance must be part of this process, which must include trade union safety reps as well as management. In addition to the principles outlined above RMT calls on TFL/LUL to agree the following: • All individual tasks must be risk assessed involving RMT safety reps. • Risks to BAME members must be assessed for their specific role and location and acted on. • All staff at additional risk should continue to be accommodated away from the workplace. No-one in this category should be forced to work. • Two metre social distancing must be maintained. Face coverings are no mitigation for social distancing. • Two metre social distancing must apply when travelling to/from work. No-one should be forced to use a crowded bus or train. • Exemption from Congestion/emissions charges for TFL staff and contractors • PE must to a standard agreed by safety reps. In public areas a clear visor and FFP2/N95 mask should be made available to any member of staff who wants them. • Workers using LUL/TfL road vehicles must be able to socially distance. • Social distancing rosters and reduced staffing levels should be implemented as widely as possible and be regularly reviewed by reps. Any changes to staffing levels should be by agreement. Where reps agree it is safe and necessary to do so, temporary staffing levels should be increased where the service level demands it. DEFEND TUBE WORKERS Union launches Covid-19 charter for tube workers