Bob Crow's branch (LU Engineering branch)

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the correspondence from London Underground.

It is disingenuous of LU to complain that this union has not used the ‘agreed machinery’ when during the period referred to there was no agreed machinery due to LUL’s withdrawal from it. Despite this, our reps have tried to maintain good industrial relations.

Furthermore, despite LUL’s claims, there are no agreed minutes available yet and our representatives have been requesting a director level meeting to discuss this matter.

The following Emergency Resolution submitted by LU Engineering was carried at the Regional Council meeting on 26th May.

This region is appalled on the betrayal of the deal regarding Arwyn and their refusal to dis- cuss reinstatement. We call on the GGC to ballot all members in this region for strike ac- tion and action short of strike. Also, any action to be maintained until Arwyn is reinstated

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the resolution from our LU Engineering branch requesting an industrial action ballot on this issue and the supportive report from our Regional Organiser.

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note that discussions with London Underground regarding Power Control Room grade progression are continuing. We note that while the company has agreed to most of our demands, it intends to implement its offer over a three-year period. We see no reason why our members should wait three years for an improved grade progression deal.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to request an agreement from London Underground to extend the 28-day deadline for the calling of industrial action.

General Grades Committee decision:

That following our members’ rejection of London Underground’s offer on grade progression, and following consultation with our representative and with Unite, we instruct the General Secretary to ballot our members in the Power Control Room for strike action and action short of strike. The ballot is to start as soon as possible and to close on Tuesday 5 April.

The Southern Sub-Committee will submit a further report regarding Track Access Control after further consultation.

Val Barzey of RMT's LU Engineering branch reports on the RMT Health & Safety Advisory Conference held on 16 February:

Greg Hewitt – Chair

Greg commented that the HSE is more an Advisory body than Regulators. The aim of the government is to lift the burden of Employment laws. They intend to reduce the no. of regulations, attacking workers rights. H & S inspections have been cut across the board, inadequately enforcing the law and there has been a reduction in enforcement notices. There were 69% reduction in full inspections and 48% reduction in prosecutions.

There were 2 reviews carried out last year, Vince Cable reducing regulations and the Lord Young Review of the operation of H & S laws and the growth of the compensation culture – Common Sense Common Safety.

This resolution, submitted by LU Engineering branch, was remitted following discussion at the Regional Council AGM. It will be reconsidered and discussed further at a future meeting.

This resolution, submitted by LU Engineering branch and amended by Stratford no.1 branch and LU Engineering branch, was passed unanimously by the February meeting to the Regional Council:

Region notes:

Egyptians have taken to the streets, braving bullets and tanks to fight for change, freedom and social justice.

Region believes:

That there can be no real change until the rule of dictator Hosni Mubarak is swept away and all his cronies go with him.

RMT's General Grades Committee took the following decision:

That we welcome the Senior AGS’s report that Thales has agreed to hold the election for the vacant reps’ position within 2-3 weeks. Should there be any indication that this timetable may slip, this matter to be placed back in front of us.

We refer this matter to our Southern Sub-Committee for further examination and report.

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we welcome the Senior AGS's report that Thales has agreed to hold the election for the vacant reps' position within 2-3 weeks. Should there be any indication that this timetable may slip, this matter to be placed back in front of us.

We refer this matter to our Southern Sub-Committee for further examination and report.