LUL Asset Performance Directorate

TUBE UNION RMT warned of more tube chaos for passengers as it emerged that as part of the TfL cuts programme the frequency of safety-critical inspections is being slashed from twice a week to once a week.

In a safety licensing concession requested by LU the twice weekly inspection of track and infrastructure in sidings and depots will be cutback to just once a week. These inspections are in the areas of highest traffic anywhere on the network with fleet constantly being shunted in and out.

From Bob Crow, General Secretary:

Our LU Fleet branch submitted a resolution regarding the unfair treatment of our CMO Fleet members as a result of new imposed London Underground machinery, which has in effect resulted in them not getting the representation they deserve.

This matter has now been considered by the General Grades Committee and the following decision has been taken:-

Click '1 attachment' to download this as a PDF.

Following various meeting the Trade Unions have held with London Underground, we feel it would be beneficial to update you on the current situation in respect of Assessment & Selection and also awareness of the implications of applying for the Non Permanent Roles listed by LU.

Assessment & Selection

Official circular from RMT head office

RMT said today that after this union agreed to take part in talks on the basis proposed by ACAS and LUL Management having welcomed this, LUL then announced that they wished to revise the ACAS terms of reference. Talks are therefore adjourned while we await LUL Management putting their new position in writing.

All this followed LUL’s announcement of further job cuts prior to talks at ACAS.

TUBE UNION RMT confirmed this morning that following a massive vote for action London Underground fleet maintenance staff members have been instructed to work only to process instructions (vehicle maintenance instructions), not to carry out higher grade working and not to cooperate with staff movements away from home locations. This action will commence from 00.01 hours on Tuesday 26th October 2010 and will have a major impact.

These photo is of brake blocks on the District Line that had worn away before train maintainers found them on a scheduled inspection after 14 days. London Underground wants to extend the period between maintenance checks to 28 days so that they can get rid of fleet staff. Trains with brake blocks worn like this could remain in service for a further 14 days, which will almost certainly lead to a serious accident.

RMT has released this picture to the press.

TRANSPORT UNION RMT has confirmed that industrial action by Alstom-Metro tube maintenance staff over pay and conditions has been suspended following receipt of a significantly improved offer from the company.

RMT will now consult members on the new offer through a referendum ballot with a recommendation to accept.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said;

“It is a testament to the solidarity and determination of our members that their action has enabled our negotiators to secure this new offer which includes a significant uplift for our lowest paid grades.

RMT's overtime ban is affecting the District Line fleet. No shunter on days at Ealing Common depot means no trains available for changeovers and problems with some service trains and football trains tomorrow.

TUBE UNION RMT confirmed today that it is preparing a ballot for action of all tube fleet maintenance staff following an announcement by London Underground that they plan to double the length of time between safety-critical train inspections from 14 days to 28 days.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said: “Hardly a day goes by now without TfL and LU getting caught out playing fast and loose with staff and passenger safety. These fortnightly inspections identify worn brake blocks, cracks in securing brackets and other distressed components. Moving these inspections to monthly is literally dicing with death in the interests of saving money.

Official circular - MAINTENANCE OPTIMISATION - LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/15/4/)

Dear Colleagues,

A resolution was received from LU Fleet about an alarming policy change by management over the maintenance regime on trains. This was placed before the General Grade Committee who have made the following decision:-