• TfL Commissioner of Transport Peter Hendy apologises for “inadvertent error during an interview on LBC Radio” where he stated “this is a member of staff who was dismissed for drinking on duty”.
• Urgent meeting called to discuss possible escalation of industrial action

Further to my previous Circular No IR/313/14, 24th November 2014, members at Morden Traincrew Depot stood together in solid and effective strike action on Monday 1st December, seeing rail replacement buses introduced for the first time to attempt to break the strike at Morden. We also wrote to and received an apology from TfL Commissioner of Transport Peter Hendy for his “inadvertent error during an interview on LBC Radio” where he stated “this is a member of staff who was dismissed for drinking on duty”.

The General Grades Committee considered this matter and took the decision to arrange an urgent meeting at Unity House with the Lead Officer, Senior Assistant General Secretary, London Transport Regional Council Executive Officers, Morden & Oval Representatives, Tier 2 Reps and GGC members. The London Transport Regional Council and Finsbury Park Branch also submitted resolutions in support of the reinstatement of Brother McGuigan and a possible escalation of industrial action.

The meeting at Unity House took place on Tuesday 16th December 2014 and after a vigorous discussion, there was a consensus that as a first stage towards escalation, a ballot of our Train Operators would be the more suitable option. A further meeting for all Level 2 Representatives has been arranged by the Lead Officer for January 5th 2015 to discuss this matter further.

The General Grades Committee has also asked that this matter is discussed at all London Underground Branches. I will keep you advised of all further developments.