Discrimination against disabled workers continues, and RMT is organising to oppose it
RMT London Transport Region's Jubilee South branch has unanimously passed a motion in support of branch member Francis Darcy. Francis is a long term RMT member and London Underground worker; who is employed as a SAMF. Francis developed Repetitive Strain Injury whilst doing her job, and despite the difficulties this condition has causes her, has maintained her condition, and was doing her job just days ago. However at a recent 'case conference' the decision was taken to redeploy her to an unknown role, without warning.
Following Karen Guyotts' dismissal because she had a disability - questions were asked in Parliament - MPs from all sides of the house were appalled that in 2015 London's biggest employer could sack one of its employees solely because she had a disability.
LUL cited that the reasonable adjustments in place for Karen were "unsustainable" and sacked her.
Karen was unable to "sustain" an industrial response due to her condition.
1. Protesting against attacks on disabled people. The Tories are intensifying their assault on disabled people's rights, particularly access to benefits. I will be circulating information about protests and other events in and around London. Please look out for these and encourage members to take part.
2. Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC). Our union affiliates to DPAC, an excellent organisation that actively does what its names suggests! I propose that the Regional Council invites DPAC to speak at its September meeting.
In this Newsletter:
London Underground are the stellar employer of London. They set the moral and ethical tone for all the others to follow.
On Monday February 23 LUL were in the media, on TV, on the Radio highlighting the virtues of making the stigma of workers with disabilities a thing of the past.
A good thing you must agree.
On Tuesday February 24 LUL dismissed a young girl because she had a disability.
An absolute disgrace.
After 5 years of reasonable adjustments in place to allow her to continue in her role, they decide it is no longer "sustainable"
Autism in the Workplace is a really exciting event being run at the Workers’ Educational Association - WEA - on 25 March 2015, 9.30am–4.30pm. It is sponsored by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) and includes participation from Simpson Millar solicitors.
Please read on for details of the course and to register for a place.
UPDATE ON PREVIOUS ISSUES
Autism in the Workplace is a really exciting regular course being run at the Workers’ Educational Association.
The next course will be on 27th January 2015.
To find out more about the course and to register please go to course tutor Janine Booth's website here.
The TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee elected two co-Chairs for 2014/15: Sean McGovern and Janine Booth.
Disabled Workers’ Conference 2014 - Resolutions
We looked at all the resolutions passed by Disabled Workers’ Conference in May. A document containing these resolutions will (eventually) be posted on the TUC website – until then, email me j.booth@rmt.org.uk if you would like me to send it to you.
Here’s a summary of what we are doing on each:
1. Zero hours contracts and disabled workers