DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOLLOWING SPADS - LONDON UNDERGROUND

19/12/2017

 The following resolution was recently received from the London Transport Regional Council:-

“This branch is appalled by the recently validated changes to the TOPRA/TOSCA agreements. These agreements whilst not perfect did allow our more recent members to train driving a degree of safety work wise. The change from 4 SPADs in 2 years with a minimum of two years train driving leading to a transfer to an automatic line, has changed to 5 years of train driving, this is appalling; add to that the case conference situation and the changes become direct discrimination against those train operators with 5 years or less in the grade.

Whilst this branch recognises the numerical rep difference between the RMT at trains functional council level v our so called sister union, which has caused this situation, we cannot allow this discrimination against our newer grade members, who whilst learning and gaining experience of train driving and the pressure that brings, now additionally have the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads too!

 This branch calls on the region to instruct the General Secretary to run a campaign of information on this issue, additionally to call a meeting of all train representatives with the outcome of preparing a strike ballot.

The ballot will force LU into creating a workplace in all train depots in which all our members are treated equally, not just those with 5 or more years' service in the grade”.

 This matter has been considered by the National Executive Committee, which notes the above and the recent changes to the TOPRA/TOSCA agreements; which clearly amount to an attack on our more recently employed Driver members and the introduction of a discriminatory two tier approach for addressing SPADs. The NEC has taken the decision to run a campaign of information on this issue, additionally to call a meeting of all train representatives consulting them on all approaches up to and including the potential of a ballot for industrial actions. 

I am currently making arrangements for the Reps meeting to take place and I will keep you advised of all further developments.

Yours sincerely,

Mick Cash
General Secretary