News, reports and information for London Underground train drivers
Introducing the new newsletter for train drivers on London Underground.
Click on the attachment to download "RMT up front".
Circular No. IR/222/09
RMT is to ballot all Bakerloo Line Drivers for both strike action and industrial action short of a strike in support of a dismissed colleague, Kevin Dobinson. Ballot papers will dispatched direct to members’ homes on 30th July 2009 with the closing date for returns being Wednesday 12th August 2009.
It seem that our Train Operator members on the Bakerloo are furious at Kevin’s dismissal and over 160 of them have signed a petition telling management exactly that. Kevin was sacked for a SPAD that he owned up to. It was an aggravated SPAD largely caused by Kevin being preoccupied with personal problems. Furthermore it was the sort of incident that had occurred before on the Underground yet other people hadn’t been sacked.
A regular monthly meeting for RMT reps and activists in London Underground train grades to discuss workplace issues and union organisation.
Venue: Unity House (RMT head office), 39 Chalton Street, London NW1
LOCAL REPS STAND FIRM AGAINST MANAGEMENT TRICKS
As you might be aware, management are continuing to bully and harass staff by making up new rules as they go along and by ignoring long-standing agreements with your union. This, of course, has helped to bring about the dispute we are now in with the company across the whole combine. At Arnos Grove depot, management have been trying out a few tricks of their own (see below); fortunately, our local reps have stood firm and refused to allow local management to brush aside agreements and staff rights.
Drivers on the Bakerloo Line are shocked and angry at management's sacking of Kevin Dobinson. Kevin was summarily dismissed last Thursday.
Click '1 attachment' / file name to download this letter. Read the text below.
Dear Aslef Member
Circular No. IR/170/09, 29th May 2009
NOTICE OF FURTHER STRIKE ACTION
I can confirm that the General Grades Committee has brought forward and extended the next period of strike action in support of the above dispute. The one day stoppage previously called for over 17th and 18th June is now called off and full details of the revised stoppage are given below.
From Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary
Dear Colleague,
Some of you may have seen the editorial comment in the later editions of the Evening Standard on Thursday 21st May attacking RMT members over the industrial action on the Victoria Line that day.
RMT have asked the Evening Standard for the right to reply. As yet, we have had no response. A copy of my letter to the Standard is attached and reprinted below. Please ensure that it is widely distributed.
Click '1 attachment' / file name to download this leaflet. Read the text below.
Train operators are in for a real treat in the next 2 weeks as centurion managers are released from “normal” duties (whatever they may be) to spend time in train crew mess rooms chatting to you about the strike ballot.
A couple of messages of support from passengers for the Vic line strike ...
"Strike is the only way to get your voice heard! Stand up for your rights, and beyond that, for people and workers' rights in the UK. "Wake up UK!" A victoria line commuter
"I would like to support your action re the Correct Side Door Enabler." Shoaban Nair Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Officer