Health and safety

Campaigning for higher health and safety standards at work, and opposing the employers' shortcuts

RMT Drivers Vote For Action Over Tube Train Safety

TUBE UNION RMT confirmed this morning that tube driver members have voted overwhelmingly by a margin of four to one for action short of a strike in a dispute over safety.

The ballot was over four particular aspects of London Undergrounds Operational Effectiveness Programme which RMT says are unacceptable and potentially dangerous.

RMT Tells London Underground: No Cuts to Tripcock Test Frequency

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note our success in achieving press coverage of London Underground’s appalling plans to reduce the frequency of tripcock testing. We further note that London Underground has now agreed to meet with us to discuss this issue, on 4 November.

At this meeting, we will press for London Underground to fully withdraw these plans. Any other outcome will lead to this union campaigning vigorously to defend our safety standards, and considering any appropriate and effective form of action.

London Underground Operational Effectiveness Programme Ballot Results

From General Secretary Bob Crow

I write to advise you that the ballot for industrial action short of a strike has now closed and the result is as follows: -

Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?

  • Total Votes Cast - 463
  • Number Voting Yes - 369
  • Number Voting No - 93
  • Spoilt - 1

This result is being considered by the General Grades Committee and I shall be in touch with you again shortly.

Media Coverage: LU Plans to Cut Tripcock Testing Frequency

After RMT "blew the whistle" on London Underground's plan to cut the frequency of tripcock testing, there has been significant media coverage of the issue, including:

Victoria Line Drivers to Boycott Training due to Safety Dispute

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

We note the report from our Regional Organiser and representatives, that London Underground management is commencing training for Victoria Line drivers on automatic door opening. This is despite ongoing problems with door technology on the line, serious concerns about passenger safety, and our continuing, unresolved dispute about safety and training issues related to the Victoria Line upgrade.

Health & Safety Reps: the 'Brown Book'

Click '1 attachment' / file name to download the 'Brown Book', which sets out the rights of health and safety representatives.

On a personal note, the reason that I have posted this today is that the 1977 regulations, which gave these rights to safety reps, were brought in by Labour Secretary of State for Employment Albert Booth, my uncle, who sadly died this morning.

Tripcock Testing to be Cut?!

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the resolution from our LU Fleet branch, and share the shock and alarm expressed by the branch that London Underground could even consider reducing the frequency of tripcock testing. The tripcock is an essential safety mechanism which stops a train in the event of it passing a signal at danger, therefore preventing crashes and protecting life.

Progress on Central Line Asbestos

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note the correspondence from our LU Engineering branch, reporting that major progress has been made in negotiating a safer system of work for track workers in this area, although there are outstanding concerns regarding non-track project staff and the potential of complacency creeping in.