Abolition of Night Tube grade unacceptable to RMT

13th May 2021

TO ALL LONDON UNDERGROUND TRAIN OPERATORS AND OPERATOR INSTRUCTORS

Dear Colleagues,

ABOLITION OF NIGHT TUBE TRAIN OPERATOR GRADE - LONDON UNDERGROUND

I am writing in relation to the above matter and the serious concerns that have been raised by your Train Operating Representatives.

London Underground are seeking to abolish TO23, the Night Tube Train Operators' Grade. The effect of this means the incorporation of Night Tube Train Operator duties into other Tube Operators' rosters and is in direct breach of a comprehensive dispute settlement we had made with LUL in 2015. RMT cannot stand by and allow this hard-won agreement to be dismantled and the deprecation of our member's terms and conditions.

London Underground's proposed abolition of the TO23 grade is not only a breach of our agreement but will affect our Train Operator members in the following ways:

  • The imposition of compulsory night tube duties on all Train Operators
  • The imposition of additional weekend duties for all LUL Train Operators
  • Increased fatigue arising from the addition of night tube duties on full-time rosters and the likely requirement for work rosters to includes nights/non-night shifts/rest days in the same week
  • The loss of a clean salary for Train Operators and the introduction of shift enhancements
  • The negative impact on Train Operator staffing levels from the abolition of TO23

This is an  proposal from London Underground, and following consideration of the matter by your National Executive Committee, I have informed the Company that we are now in dispute with them.

Preparation is underway to prepare a ballot of all our Train Operators, Instructor Operators, and Night Tube Train Operators.

I would be grateful if members could ensure that the RMT has the correct contact details (i.e. email, postal address, mobile number) and employment details (i.e. workplace and grade) for you by logging onto the members area of the website or alternatively you can e-mail us at info@rmt.org.uk or call the Freephone helpline on 0800 376 3706. Furthermore, as I have explained above, this is a difficult time for our train operating members so if you are aware of any non-union members within your workplace, please feel free to encourage them to join the RMT so they can receive union protection.

I trust this keeps you fully advised, and I will update you on all further developments.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Lynch
General Secretary