Report: TUC Disabled Workers' Committee meeting, 27 November 2014

Submitted by Janine on 4 December, 2014 - 12:21

UPDATE ON PREVIOUS ISSUES

  • Shadow Report to the United Nations: still being prepared, as there is a lot of material to fit into a limited space.
  • Challenging myths and prejudice around disability and benefit claimants: Our proposal (from our last meeting) to have a leaflet for workplaces and a model article for union journals is being addressed through the new TUC campaign, ‘Save Our Safety Net’. This campaign includes a magazine for distribution in workplaces which is pretty cheap to buy (£2 for 50 copies; £3 for 100)

Waterloo Interserve Cleaners Strike To Get Paid On Time

Submitted by rmtlondon on 3 December, 2014 - 16:31

Staff at Waterloo Station to strike for a third time on Friday over victimisation and bullying
Following two earlier phases of rock solid action last month, cleaners employed by Interserve, looking after the busy and internationally famous Waterloo Station in London, are to strike again from friday over a comprehensive breakdown in industrial relations relating to a whole range of fundamental issues including;

  • the unwarranted victimisation and dismissal of RMT members
  • ignorance of basic employment rights and failure to follow agreed procedures
  • underpayment of wages

Monday's Tube Strike On As LU Management Wreck Acas Talks

Submitted by rmtlondon on 30 November, 2014 - 19:16

Strike action on the Northern Line over the victimisation and sacking of a driver will go ahead from early Monday as planned after ACAS talks broke down last night due to a complete failure of the management side to engage in any serious discussions which could have led to a negotiated settlement.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

"The ACAS talks, which RMT had been calling for with the objective of reaching a fair and just settlement in this case, have broken down due to a total refusal of the management side to engage in any kind ‎of meaningful discussions.

In The Press: Northern Line Tube Strike

Submitted by rmtlondon on 30 November, 2014 - 19:03

Northern Line tube drivers are to take industrial action on Monday morning (December 1st) to demand the reinstatement of Alex Mcguigan who was sacked as a result of a flawed alcohol test. Alex is a type two diabetic, a condition which can quite often result in a false positive test result for alcohol. This is well documented medically and there is also legal precedent supporting his case. Because of this his test ought to have been followed by a confirmation urine test to ascertain whether his illness had in fact influenced the test, resulting in a false positive.

Train Driver's New PTOA 'Short Term Arrangements'

Submitted by rmtlondon on 29 November, 2014 - 15:08

This document is an update to the '90 day agreement' for London Underground train drivers.

Download it in full by clicking 'read more'.

This publication specifies the procedures and agreements that apply to T/Ops wishing to meet short-term and domestic requirements, personal difficulties and emergencies. The aim is to assist T/Ops in resolving short-term difficulties whilst avoiding unnecessary time away from work and possible hardship caused by loss of salary.

Entry to the post of LU T/Op is to a full-time job that requires the ability to work varying shifts

Rail workers to join lobby of Parliament over casualisation and pay abuses

Submitted by rmtlondon on 25 November, 2014 - 18:21

Rail Worker's from across the country will join a lobby of Parliament on 26th November 2014 to oppose the exploitation of workers through the use of umbrella companies, and also to highlight the safety concerns of those working alongside an increasingly casualised contractor workforce.

The day will include a demonstration in Old Palace Yard opposite Parliament starting at 10.45 – 12.00 noonafter which workers will go into the Houses of Parliament for a lobby and rally at 12.45pm – 2.00pm in Committee Room 14

Speakers at the rally include:

Mick Cash - RMT General Secretary

Test Train Drivers Balloted For Strike

Submitted by rmtlondon on 25 November, 2014 - 16:34

EXTENDED LEAF FALL SEASON & BOXING DAY – LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/7/2)

Further to previous Circular No. IR/303/14, 17th November 2014, members will recall the GGC decision to ballot our Test Train Operator members, in unison with ASLEF, over a failure to agree in relation to reward and recognition for Boxing Day working and Sandite overtime. I can now advise that the ballot papers will be posted out to affected members on Tuesday 25th November and the closing date for this ballot is Tuesday 9th December 2014.

I will keep you advised of all developments.

Tube Drivers Vote By Over 75% For Strike To Defend Bro McGuigan

Submitted by rmtlondon on 25 November, 2014 - 15:58

DISMISSAL – A. MCGUIGAN – TRAIN OPERATOR – MORDEN, LONDON UNDERGROUND (LUL/4/1)

Further to previous Circular No. IR/282/14, 23rd October 2014, the ballot has concluded and the result is as follows:-

Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?

Total Votes Cast… 58
Number Voting ‘Yes’… 45
Number Voting ‘No’… 13
Spoilt Papers… 0