RMT fury at findings of LU Covid-19 risk assessment for BAME workers
  • Union fury as London Underground bosses say BAME staff at no greater risk from Covid-19 at work, than if they stayed at home.

RMT has revealed that in a London Underground document entitled “Covid-19 Risk Assessment for BAME and clinically vulnerable employees Guidance for all line managers” dated 5th June tube bosses have said;

“You can reassure them that we have assessed the risks and put controls in place; and assure them that the risk is no greater at work than not being at work (unless they stay in their home and go nowhere). It’s important also to remind people that being at work is good for individuals and their health. There can be long term health implications for individuals who are not in work for prolonged periods.”

The union is also furious that senior London Underground management have not consulted with union health and safety reps prior to producing the document.

Last month RMT called on industry bosses and safety regulators in the transport sector to take steps to protect BAME workers. On 1 June 2020, the London Mayor made a statement to say that tube bosses should carry out a risk assessment which considers the physical and mental health needs of all vulnerable staff, including BAME, older and those with pre-existing conditions.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said;

“It is simply beyond belief that after the Mayor’s announcement and all his campaigns to highlight the impact of Covid-19 on BAME people that his own managers can produce such an insensitive and patently inaccurate document.

“To say that BAME and vulnerable staff who may have to work in the confined and crowded spaces of London Underground are at no greater risk than if they stayed at home is dangerous garbage.

“I have no doubt that we are in this position because management ignored our offer to involve our experienced health and safety reps at an earlier stage and I am now calling on the Mayor to intervene to protect our members and properly involve the trade unions.”

> RMT National News

Monday, 7th July
On the 20th anniversary today of 7/7 London Bombings on July 7, 2005 Tube union RMT remembers those who were killed and injured in the attack.
Friday, 4th July
SEAFARERS Union RMT called on the government to stop P&O Ferries profiteering from public funds following the release of the company’s 2023 accounts today nearly a year later than required by law.
Wednesday, 25th June
Rail unions, RMT, Aslef and TSSA have written a joint letter to Liverpool City Region transport committee and Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham, urging public ownership of MerseyRail.
Wednesday, 25th June
Seafarers’ union RMT today demanded urgent action from the Government to ensure unions can take pre-emptive legal action against law-breaking employers before they carry out mass sackings like those seen at P&O Ferries.
Monday, 23rd June
More than three-quarters of frontline public transport workers say they are ready to take industrial action if employers continue to fail in protecting them from the escalating violence and abuse, RMT has revealed today.