LUL Trains

News, reports and information for London Underground train drivers

 

Bakerloo Line Elephant drivers tier 1 meeting. 6.3.2009

At the recent Tier 1 we had the opportunity to raise some issues with Bakerloo Line Managers. This is a brief outline of what discussions took place;

Route Proving.

Management seem to have got themselves into a bit of a 2 and 8 over this. They state Tier 2 reps have been consulted, and that validates their responsibilities to consult with us prior to new procedures being adopted. They then say Tier 1 reps were offered and declined consultation.

Excessive Wheel /Flange Squeal

We at the Bakerloo Line have been subjected to ear splitting excess wheel screech for the past 4 months. Originally drivers were told to wear their ear defenders. These would be the ones SQE told us we don't need. The ones that are no longer part of our PPE. We have asked for a local investigation into the root cause of the problems. Surprisingly our PM turned this down!! It is now time to up the ante.

WRONG SIDE DOORS - Another driver pays the price for company’s unsafe system

Carl Campbell is the latest Victoria Line driver to pay the ultimate price for the lack of investment by Victoria Line management in Correct Side Door Enable equipment (CSDE), enjoyed by drivers on all other London Underground lines. In fact, Carl paid the price despite the fact that the panel at his Company Disciplinary Interview accepted the video evidence that the pilot light could have only “flickered” off and on and that the doors could not have been open in any reasonable interpretation of the word.

Piccadilly Line Drivers Ballot for Action

From RMT head office circular No. IR/70/09, dated 5th March 2009

BREACH OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES – PICCADILLY LINE

In view of the ongoing concerns we have with regard to abuses of the disciplinary procedures on the Piccadilly Line, the ballot of Train Operators will go ahead as we are still in dispute.

For legal reasons two separate ballots will be held, one for Arnos Grove Ash House and the other for Acton Town Bollo House.

The ballot papers will be sent out to members on 10th March 2009 and the closing date will be 25th March 2009.

Value Our Time!

Who are they kidding? We have all been subjected to the forced rhetoric of our glorious, soon to be departing, MD. We are told at valuing time in a bunker near Holborn how wonderful we all our. How great our achievements have been over the past year. How we are in line for a £500 bonus because we deliver such brilliant and consistent customer satisfaction. Now all of a sudden, we are worth absolute nothing. A miserly ,insult of a pay offer. 5 years of no pay rises. For what? No improvement in conditions, pensions or anything.

STILL NO JUSTICE - Appeal sends Zak Khan to stations

The result of Zak Khan’s twice postponed appeal was finally given at a meeting on Thursday 12th February: the company decided to re-employ Zak as a CSA at Waterloo station with a 52-week suspended dismissal still hanging over his head and to take away his licence. With the company still around 120 drivers over establishment across the combine this is a heavy financial punishment with little chance of him returning as a driver after 52 weeks. Also the slightest mistake on the stations within the next 52 weeks could see Zak thrown to the wolves again.

Serious OPO Safety Concerns On The Bakerloo Line Update

As a result of RMT reps harassment of management, we have been able to secure a local investigation into the disturbing events that took place on Saturday February 7 at Piccadilly Circus,which resulted in the absolute loss of confidence in the OPO monitors. This will enable us to drill down exactly the failings that occurred. We shall also be questioning the flagrant disregard of the procedure following an employees refusal to work under the grounds of Health & Safety.

Serious OPO Safety Concerns On The Bakerloo Line

This weekend has raised serious questuions about the robustness of the fabled datum mark alignment system. A driver reported that although the datum marks looked as though all was well,he was unable to see a set of double doors at the front of the train. This raised a real concern as to the confidence we can place in this system,and as a result the driver asked for all Cat A staion platforms to have a member of staff to enable safe despatch. This reasonable request was surprisingly turned down.