Minutes: Regional Council meeting, 30 September 2010

Submitted by Admin on 18 October, 2010 - 14:36

ATTENDANCE

  • Bakerloo branch – Malcolm Taylor, Jim McDaid
  • Camden No.3 branch – Geoff Palmer, Pat O'Brien
  • Central Line West branch – Vaughan Thomas (meeting chair)
  • DLR –
  • East Ham – Gary Lazell, Clare Reilly, Chris Baillie, Unjum Mirza
  • Finsbury Park branch – Peter Hartshorn, Dave Rayfield, Dean O'Hanlon, John Noonan, Frank Curtis, Chris Matthews
  • Hammersmith & City branch – Dave O'Hare
  • Jubilee South & East London Line branch –
  • London Taxis branch – Dave Vigeon

Young report ‘a hatchet job’ on health and safety, says RMT

Submitted by Peter on 15 October, 2010 - 19:17

LORD YOUNG’S report on health and safety is a hatchet-job based on prejudice that will do nothing to reduce workplace injuries, deaths and industrial disease, transport union RMT says today.

Under cover of simplifying the regime, freeing businesses from ‘unnecessary bureaucratic burdens’ and ending a ‘compensation culture’ that does not exist, the real aim of the report is to pave the way for a slashing of health and safety budgets, the union says.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

Worn Brake Blocks Show Folly of Maintenance Cuts

Submitted by Janine on 15 October, 2010 - 17:31

These photo is of brake blocks on the District Line that had worn away before train maintainers found them on a scheduled inspection after 14 days. London Underground wants to extend the period between maintenance checks to 28 days so that they can get rid of fleet staff. Trains with brake blocks worn like this could remain in service for a further 14 days, which will almost certainly lead to a serious accident.

RMT has released this picture to the press.

Massive Vote For Action By London Underground Fleet Maintenance Staff Over Safety-Critical Cuts

Submitted by Peter on 14 October, 2010 - 13:39

TUBE UNION RMT confirmed this morning that London Underground fleet maintenance staff have voted by 88% in favour of industrial action short of a strike over safety-critical cuts that have ripped up tube maintenance schedules leaving brakes and other equipment in a lethal state of disrepair.

RMT Rep - Eamonn Lynch - sacked!

Submitted by Joffe on 14 October, 2010 - 08:07

RMT health and safety rep, Eamonn Lynch was sacked by London Underground yesterday 13th of October.

Eamonn was sacked for making an error while driving a train on Network Rail. But Eamonn's error was to follow instructions from the Network Rail signaller and the Bakerloo Line Control room. Indeed, the sacking panel said he should have refused those instruction. So Eamonn was sacked for not refusing to work on the grounds of health and safety! Despite his representative, Regional Organiser Brian Whitehead ripping the charges to shreds, Eamonn was summarily dismissed.

International Conference Against Disappearances

Submitted by Admin on 13 October, 2010 - 13:41

This resolution, submitted by the Regional Executive, was carried unanimously by the October meeting of the Regional Council:

That this Regional Council sponsors the International Conference Against Disappearances that is taking place in London from December 9 – 12 2010 and agrees to send delegates.

That we promote the Conference through internal mailings and amongst branches.

That we request the Council of Executives to sponsor the Conference and seek support from branches nationally.

'RMT London Calling', October 2010 - Cuts Will Hurt Us All

Submitted by Admin on 12 October, 2010 - 17:02

Click '1 attachment' / file name to download the new issue of our 'RMT London Calling' newsletter. It urges members to join the fight against the ConDem government's cuts; condemns London Underground's latest job cuts announcement; and reports on RMT's campaigns on Docklands Light Railway, Initial (cleaners) and Alstom.

Resolution: London Underground Attendance Policy

Submitted by Janine on 12 October, 2010 - 07:55

This resolution, submitted by Morden & Oval branch and amended by Finsbury Park branch, was passed unanimously by October's Regional Council meeting.

This Regional Council notes that management are pressurising members to sign agreements regarding their attendance performance. This has led to our members who have failed to meet this attendance target level being dismissed.

The Regional Council reaffirms its opposition to management's attendance policy.

Mass union lobby of Parliament: Support John McDonnell’s Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Amendments) Bill

Assemble 12.30 hours, opposite the House of Commons

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, writes ...

RMT Parliamentary Convenor John McDonnell MP has introduced a Bill to prevent employers blocking the democratic wishes of trade union members who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. The union movement has called a mass lobby of Parliament in support of John’s Bill on Wednesday 13th October; we want to ensure that the RMT has a massive presence on the day. Please put this date in your diary now and make every effort to attend.