Olympics and Paralympics 2012

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:

We note the resolution from our London Taxi branch. We instruct the General Secretary to obtain from the branch full details of why it advocates this ban, which should include their concerns about public safety, and which should address the objection that such a ban would prevent people from earning a living, and to place this in front of us.

We rename this file 'Ban On Pedicabs During The Olympics.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RMT negotiators attended ACAS on Monday 26 March, and issued the following update at the end of the day's talks: “At ACAS today, RMT explained 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 been forthcoming from management, and until it is, all talks will be adjourned."

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

We note the report from our Regional Organiser, that RMT has submitted a pay claim to ISS, and met with the company on 20 March to demand:

• a substantial, above-RPI pay rise
• a substantial Olympic bonus
• a sick pay scheme
• free travel passes
• improvement to the pension scheme

Should ISS not agree to these demands, our representatives wish us to ballot members for strike action and action short of strikes.

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

We note that talks at ACAS aimed at resolving the dispute over Olympics recognition and reward for all London Underground staff broke down yesterday, with LUL attempting to use the pretext of the Olympics to attack working conditions and undermine public safety. The company’s ‘offer’ demands changes to Framework Agreements and does not apply to all grades.