RMT to ballot all drivers, if necessary, to defend Brother Vigo

DISMISSAL, L. VIGO, TRAIN OPERATOR, BAKERLOO LINE - LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/4/1)

Further to my previous Circular (IR/209/18, 24th April 2018), the meeting of the Trains Functional Council Reps, Bakerloo Line Trains IR Reps and Senior Assistant General Secretary reached a clear consensus in relation to the appalling treatment of Brother Vigo who was sacked for obtaining a drink of water whilst on duty. It was noted that the company taking this draconian action has set a clear precedent which will put all Train Operators in the firing line for dismissal. The company's action against Brother Vigo also flies in the face of natural justice, which is evidenced by him winning his recent Employment Tribunal case hands down.

The National Executive Committee has considered this matter and taken the decision to immediately ballot all Train Operator and Instructor Operator members on the Bakerloo Line and to follow this with a ballot of all London Underground Train Operator and Instructor Operator members if the company fail to reinstate Brother Vigo as a Train Operator following his ET remedy meeting next week.

I am currently making the necessary preparations in respect of this decision and would be grateful if all Branches could ensure all Train Operator and Instructor Operator details are kept up to date. I will keep Branches advised of all further developments.

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
General Secretary