London Taxis And Changes To Road Signage During The Olympics

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:10

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch and fully support its sentiments. It is vital that Taxis are able to use the fastest and most direct routes, in the interests of both passengers and drivers and to avoid unnecessary congestion.

We therefore agree that road signage changes should not apply to Taxis, and instruct the General Secretary to request our Parliamentary Group to table an Early Day Motion calling for an exemption.

London Taxi branch to be advised.

London Taxis And VIP Olympic Lanes

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:06

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch and fully support its sentiments. Current plans for the exclusive VIP Olympic Lane will severely restrict the ability of Taxi drivers to earn a living, and will deny passengers the opportunity to use Taxis.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to request our Parliamentary group to submit an Early Day Motion calling for the legal right for London Taxis to be allowed to drive in the VIP Olympic Lane for the duration of the Olympics and/or London Taxis to be classified as official Olympic vehicles.

Justice For Asbestos Victims As Supreme Court Rules Against ‘Callous’ Insurers

Submitted by Peter on 30 March, 2012 - 01:03

From RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

I am writing to advise you of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court which will effect many of the 2,500 people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

The Supreme Court upheld an appeal brought by Unite the Union and rejected arguments by insurance companies which would have denied compensation to victims of the terminal disease mesothelioma.

Judges in the country’s highest court agreed that the insurers of an employer at the time of the exposure to asbestos should pay compensation.

Council of Executives Member's Report to Regional Council, March 2012

Submitted by Janine on 29 March, 2012 - 23:00

ENGINEERING ISSUES

  • Track contract workers charter - has been launched
  • Accord lift maintenance - dispute re recognition
  • Thales pay - offer 1% - recommend rejection and ballot - referred to national sub-committee
  • Telent/Quinns - ballot for strikes re pay/Olympics - national organising campaign
  • Tube Lines pensions and passes - strike ballot taking place

OLYMPICS

  • General - communication of developments to improve
  • RMT claims for bonuses: flat-rate cash sum for all grades
  • London Underground - back at ACAS 5/4/12

RMT Demands Assurances on Existing Agreements to Allow Further Talks on Tube Olympics Reward

Submitted by Admin on 29 March, 2012 - 18:00

Tube union RMT today called on London Underground to give firm assurances that existing framework agreements will be adhered to in order to allow for further discussions on Olympics recognition and reward.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“We have written to London Underground asking for cast iron guarantees that existing workplace framework agreements for staff will be complied with. Once we have those assurances there is no reason why talks cannot recommence but the ball is now firmly in LUL’s court and we await their response.

RMT Fights for Pay and Justice on Telent/Quinns Contract

Submitted by Janine on 29 March, 2012 - 16:00

We note that following the resolution from our LU Engineering branch, a meeting has taken place with GGC members and representatives of our Telent/MJ Quinns members. We affirm the views of our representatives that the situation facing workers on this contract is intolerable, with bullying, inadequate pay, and management refusing to allow employees to take leave during the Olympic period.

We therefore instruct the General Secretary to:

UN Secretary General Says 'Time Has Come' To End Violence And Discrimination Against LGBT People

Submitted by Peter on 28 March, 2012 - 14:08

Earlier this month UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon told delegates of a Human Rights Council meeting that the time has come to end violence and discrimination against LGBT people around the world.

All Out, who campaign around the world for LGBT freedoms have made a remix video of the speech.

Moon said "We see a pattern of violence and discrimination directed at people just because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. People have been imprisoned, tortured, even killed."

RMT Pushes For Above Inflation Pay Rise, Olympic Bonus, Improved Pensions and Better Benefits For Initial Cleaners

Submitted by Janine on 28 March, 2012 - 02:37

We note the report from our Regional Organiser, and welcome his actions in tabling a claim for an above-inflation pay rise, free travel passes, a full sick pay scheme, improved pensions and an Olympics bonus. We agree to his recommendation that should Initial not respond positively to the Olympics claim within 7 days and the other claims within 14 days, we intend to declare this union in dispute with this company in line with the wishes of our representatives.

Olympic Recognition And Reward – Transport For London

Submitted by Janine on 28 March, 2012 - 02:28

We note the report from our Regional Organiser. At ACAS yesterday (26 March), RMT made clear that in
order to proceed with talks we need a statement from management that no RMT members will be forced to break Framework Agreements. This has not yet been forthcoming from management, and until it is, all talks are adjourned.