Flexible Working & Parental Leave Legislation

Submitted by Admin on 9 November, 2010 - 10:02

The following resolution, submitted by LU Engineering branch and seconded by Stratford no.1 branch, was passed unanimously by the November meeting of the Regional Council.

That this Branch deplores the weakness of Flexible Working and Parental Leave legislation. The legislation only requires the Employer to "consider" a request by parents and carers for arrangements which allow them to work and take care of their families.

Defend Arwyn Thomas

Submitted by Admin on 8 November, 2010 - 18:17

ArwynClick '1 attachment' / file name to download this as single-side A4 leaflet (PDF).

There was standing room only in the large function room at Ganleys in Morden. A packed branch / strike meeting kicked off the campaign to defend long standing RMT activist Arwyn Thomas from disciplinary charges following allegations made against him by strike breakers. Morden train operator Arwyn Thomas has been a NUR/RMT member for over 29 years.

The Sun Apologises to RMT General Secretary Bob Crow

Submitted by Peter on 8 November, 2010 - 01:47

On September 15 the Sun ran an anti-union article in which it made false and damaging allegations about RMT General Secretary Bob Crow, suggesting that he had a union-subsidised home and a luxury car.

Neither is true, and the Sun carried an apology, which can be read online here.

The newspaper will also pay £5,000 to the RMT widows and Orphans Fund and will pay the union’s legal costs.

Employment tribunal judge says Eamonn Lynch was victimised!

Submitted by Joffe on 6 November, 2010 - 06:04

On the 5th of November 2010 a historic tribunal victory was won by Eamonn Lynch and RMT.

RMT health & safety rep, Eamonn Lynch was sacked by London Underground following an operational error on Network Rail in early August. Eamonn has an unblemished 15 year record and yet was summarily dismissed for making one mistake. It was the RMT’s contention that the real reason Eamonn was sacked was because he is an effective trade unionist and safety representative.

Boris Johnson On The Safety Of Londoners During LFB Union Strike

Submitted by Peter on 5 November, 2010 - 23:04

In an interview on LBC Radio, Boris Johnson is asked "For the record, the mayor of London believes London will be adequately protected from fire by twenty-seven appliances crewed by part time staff, trained for on average two weeks." Boris didn't confirm the safety of the plans, dodging the question by answering 'The preparations were perfectly good.'

ACAS Talks Update

Submitted by Admin on 5 November, 2010 - 19:14

RMT reps have been back at ACAS over the last couple of days, following on from Wednesday's solid strike. ACAS continues to host a review of London Underground's job-cutting plans.

Now, health and safety reps are working on specific scenarios comparing how safety standards would be maintained comparing current staffing levels with the proposed, lower levels. Meanwhile, stations reps have compiled a report that shows that LU figures used to justify ticket office cuts are inaccurate and that therefore the numbers should be revised.

The review will continue on Tuesday.