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

Friday, 2nd October
RAIL union RMT called for a levy on rolling stock companies today (October 2) as new figures exposed record dividend payments and seven figure salaries.
Tuesday, 29th September
RAIL union RMT announced strike action today (September 29) on Chiltern Railways after members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action against driver-only operation (DOO) planned for East West Rail services.
Monday, 28th September
Rail union RMT demanded today (September 28) that Avanti West Coast outsourced staff be bought into direct employment after the government announced the train company will be brought under public ownership by next March.
Monday, 28th September
RMT today welcomed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s announcement that Great British Railways will be allowed to buy and own its trains ‘where it can provide value for money’.
Friday, 25th September
RAIL union RMT will hold protests outside Labour Party conference meeting in Liverpool on Monday September 28 with striking outsourced rail workers to highlight low pay and calling for them to be taken in-house.