Britain's Biggest Union Pledges Full Support for RMT Tube Dispute

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST trade union, Unite, which is also one of the four unions on London Underground, has pledged its full support and solidarity with the RMT in its current dispute over jobs, pay and bullying on the Tube.

Unite have also joined a growing call for Mayor Boris Johnson to enter into direct talks with RMT which has been supported today by London Labour MPs, GLA members and former London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Peter Kavanagh, Unite regional industrial organiser, said:

“We have expressed our solidarity with RMT in their fight for a decent pay settlement and assurances over no compulsory redundancies. We urge management and London mayor, Boris Johnson to intervene constructively so that there will be a settlement.”

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said:

“We welcome the support and solidarity from our fellow tube union Unite which has been echoed by support from across the trade union movement proving that traditional union principles still remain strong.

“Despite exaggeration from TfL and, some sections of the media, only a skeleton service is being provided today and RMT members remain solid in their support. We are still pushing for the direct, top level talks that are needed to end this dispute.”

> RMT National News

Monday, 12th October
An RMT member employed as a London Underground Revenue Control Inspector faces possible dismissal after intervening during an assault on staff and a passenger at Bond Street station.
Friday, 9th October
RMT members working as Train Managers for Chiltern Railways will be taking 24-hour strike action tomorrow (Saturday 10th October and also Saturday 17th October) after the company refused to provide guarantees over the safety critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.
Monday, 5th October
RMT members working for Wood Group will begin strike action tomorrow (October 6) at 00:01 hours in defence of their existing terms and conditions.
Friday, 2nd October
TUBE union RMT announced strike action this weekend by members on the Mitie cleaning Transport for London contract from Sunday October 4 to Wednesday October 7 over the imposition of spycams.
Friday, 2nd October
RAIL UNION RMT has suspended strike action by conductors planned for Sunday October 4 on Transpennine Express.