General Secretary's Report - London Overground

This is the section of the General Secretary's report to the 2009 AGM concerning London Overground ...

Members Workplace Conditions, Welfare & Pay - London Overground Rail Operations Ltd

As a result of LOROL's persistent refusal to negotiate restructuring proposals with the Lead Officer and Company Council Representatives, their failure to improve facilities and progress on welfare issues and a complete breakdown in industrial relations, we balloted all LOROL members for industrial action.

LOROL had constantly ignored complaints raised by our members and despite their promises of new facilities, proper toilets, mess rooms and good communications, management continue to delay and obstruct at every opportunity. They also continue to change restructuring plans without any consultation with the representatives.

Another important issue is over the past three months we have been unable to get assurances, previously given verbally, that all the new rolling stock to be delivered between now and 2010 would continue to be staffed by Guards with their full operational safety role and continuation of the operation of the power operated doors.

The ballot returned a massive yes vote for industrial action. As a result we received an enhanced offer from the Company. The offer addressed all our members concerns and was subsequently accepted by a referendum of members.