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

Thursday, 30th July
Rail union RMT said that outsourced cleaners and catering workers at TransPennine Express (TPE) will take 48-hour strike action against low pay from tomorrow (Friday, July 31).
Wednesday, 29th July
Rail union RMT said that 24-hour strike action on East Midlands Railways will go ahead on Saturday August 1 after the company refused to withdraw faulty trains and talks collapsed.
Wednesday, 29th July
Rail union RMT has announced further strike action by Avanti West Coast members at Manchester Piccadilly station on Saturday August 1 over the unfair dismissal of a colleague.
Tuesday, 21st July
RMT members working at East Midlands Railway (EMR) plan to take strike action on Saturday, August 1, and the following two Saturdays over growing safety concerns that the company has failed to address.
Friday, 17th July
RMT has suspended three days of strike action on Merseyrail planned for July 18 to 20 after the company made an improved offer.