IN TWO separate disputes over the victimisation of RMT London Underground activists the union today announced action in support of train operators Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas.

Eamon Lynch, RMT Bakerloo Line drivers’ health and safety rep, has been sacked by LU and although he remains on full pay following the union’s victory on Eamon’s behalf at an “interim relief” Employment Tribunal hearing the company has shown total contempt for the Tribunal process and have upheld his sacking. Interim relief is only ever granted by the Employment Tribunal where there is the clearest possible evidence that an employee has been dismissed on the grounds of their trade union activities.

Eamon has an unblemished 15 year service record on the Underground and has been very clearly victimized for his role as an RMT activist despite management’s bogus claims that they sacked him following an “operational incident.”

All members at both Elephant and Castle and Queens Park Traincrew depots are instructed not to book on for any duty that commences between 21.00 hours on Friday 17 December and 20.59 hours on Saturday 18 December 2010.

Arwyn Thomas, a long-standing RMT activist and driver at Morden is facing trumped-up disciplinary charges following unproven allegations made against him by strike breakers. Arwyn has been an RMT/NUR member for over 29 years and has held various positions in the union. RMT is in no doubt at all that he is being victimised for his trade union activities.

All members at Morden Traincrew Depot are instructed not to book on for any duty that commences between 21.00 hours on Friday 17 December and 20.59 hours on Saturday 18 December 2010.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“There is not a shred of doubt that the two separate disputes over the company action against both Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas are clear cut cases of victimisation on the grounds of trade union activity. By announcing these two dates for action we are sending out a signal that LU will not be allowed to get away with picking off our activists.

“Instead of harassing our members and activists on trumped up charges the London Underground management should be directing their energies into reaching a settlement to the on-going disputes over tube safety and safe staffing levels.”