LU CLAIM NO GREATER BAME RISK

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2020 :: RMTnews 5 RMT has revealed that in a London Underground document entitled “Covid-19 Risk Assessment for BAME and clinically vulnerable employees Guidance for all line managers” dated June 5 tube bosses claimed that risk was no greater at work. “You can reassure them that we have assessed the risks and put controls in place; and assure them that the risk is no greater at work than not being at work (unless they stay in their home and go nowhere). It’s important also to remind people that being at work is good for individuals and their health. There can be long term health implications for individuals who are not in work for prolonged periods.” The union is also furious that senior London Underground management have not consulted with union health and safety reps prior to producing the document. Last month RMT called on industry bosses and safety regulators in the transport sector to take steps to protect BAME workers. On June 1 2020, the London Mayor made a statement to say that tube bosses should carry out a risk assessment which considers the physical and mental health needs of all vulnerable staff, including BAME, older and those with pre-existing conditions. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was simply beyond belief that after the Mayor’s announcement and all his campaigns to highlight the impact of Covid-19 on BAME people that his own managers can produce such an insensitive and patently inaccurate document. “To say that BAME and vulnerable staff who may have to work in the confined and crowded spaces of London Underground are at no greater risk than if they stayed at home is dangerous garbage. “I have no doubt that we are in this position because management ignored our offer to involve our experienced health and safety reps at an earlier stage and I am now calling on the Mayor to intervene to protect our members and properly involve the trade unions,” he said. • Plans to increase engineering work and train preparation should be driven by what can be achieved safely and while maintaining social distancing and not by demands to run a full service from government. • Station staff must be able to maintain social distancing in all stations including in public areas. • Station staff should remain behind glass as far as possible. • Train operator duties must be re-designed with input from RMT safety reps to ensure social distancing, minimise risk and address the various concerns of train operators. • Pay must be restored to all who refused to work because of fears for safety. The proper refusal to work process must be followed. • All workers on TFL/LUL must continue to receive their full pay throughout this crisis. Whether employed by a contractor like cleaners and many engineers or self- employed like many protection staff – All workers who work directly or indirectly for TFL must be treated fairly. TFL should underwrite the pay of all when furloughed, laid-off, sick or isolating. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that the Covid-19 Charter for London Underground Staff maps a way forward for London Underground by workers who have demonstrated their commitment to keeping the tube and other TfL services running throughout the Covid 19 crisis “The key message of the charter is that no worker should be forced on to the tube without the necessary safety planning and before conditions are right. The situation must also be kept constantly under review. “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,” he said. LU CLAIM NO GREATER BAME RISK London Underground bosses claim BAME staff at no greater risk from Covid-19 at work