STRIKE ACTION AT RAIL FOR LONDON

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january/february 2025 :: RMTnews 5 RMT has achieved a deal on London Underground after issuing strike dates and pursuing strong negotiations with tube management. The union accepted London Underground’s latest pay offer, delivering notable improvements for members terms and conditions, including: Pay increases: Lower-paid members will receive raises between 5 per cent and 6.6 per cent, with an average increase of 4.6 per cent. Protection of pay structures: Management’s attempts to freeze pay bands and introduce detrimental ‘job family’ structures have been scrapped. Enhanced benefits: Improvements such as harmonised paternity leave extended to three weeks, three years’ protection of earnings for medically displaced staff, and expanded eligibility for retired travel benefits have all been secured. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the agreement was a landmark victory for members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions. “By standing together and using the power of collective bargaining, we have not only secured a strong deal but also protected key safeguards that underpin our members’ work- life balance and dignity in the workplace. “This success highlights the importance of RMT’s resolute industrial approach, and we will continue to build on this momentum to deliver further improvements in 2025. “The union remains committed to advocating for our members and defending their rights in the face of any challenges ahead,” he said. S trike action by RMT members working for Rail for London Infrastructure (RFLI) went ahead recently after the company failed to meet with the union to resolve a raft of serious issues. The 24-hour walkout affected critical infrastructure repairs and maintenance across the network. RFLI is a Transport for London subsidiary that does infrastructure repairs and maintenance on the Crossrail Central Operating Section (CCOS). This makes up most of the route used by Elizabeth line services that is not part of the Network rail network. The dispute has come about due to RFLI’s refusal to address unsafe and exploitative working practices, including: • Dangerous rostering practices that create instability and health and safety risks, including single rest days and short- notice changes. • Delays in skill-based pay progression, leaving members unfairly out of pocket despite developing their competencies. • Deduction of paid meal breaks from annual leave entitlements, effectively cutting members’ leave. • Promotion policies that favour external recruitment over the career progression of existing staff. • Safety failings, with members raising concerns about inadequate planning and the compromising of safe systems of work. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that members were taking action because the company had refused to address legitimate concerns and had point blank refused to meet with the union.  “The company’s arrogance and disregard for its workers’ safety, pay progression, and working conditions is completely unacceptable. “We remain ready to negotiate, but the ball is firmly in the employer’s court. Until they engage meaningfully with the union, our members will continue to fight for their rights and for a safe, fair workplace,” he said. STRIKE ACTION AT RAIL FOR LONDON LONDON UNDERGROUND PAY DEAL Union agrees pay lift, protection of pay structures and enhanced benefits