RMT Waterloo Branch News (1636)

2012-02-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

Circular No IR/61/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/15/1

2nd February 2012

Dear Colleagues

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE INFORMATION STRATEGY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I have received proposals from South West Trains to transfer the Customer Service Centre at Southampton into Stagecoach Services Ltd. The company are proposing that all future employees are to be employed on Stagecoach Services Ltd terms and conditions and are asking staff to sign individual acceptance letters. SWT are also unwilling to guarantee recognition for this union and our sister union TSSA at Southampton Customer Service Centre and the company does not recognise this transfer as falling under the TUPE Regulations.

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the report on file and the serious implications the company’s proposals could have on our members. The setting up of Stagecoach Service Ltd is clearly a manoeuvre by the company to create a two tier workforce, that has no other remit than to reduce terms and conditions.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to take this issue up with SWT immediately and for a full report to be placed back before us at the earliest opportunity. Further we instruct the General Secretary to obtain a legal opinion on the full proposals and for this opinion to be placed back before us within fourteen days. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2012-01-23T23:16:00.001-08:00

Our Ref: BR2/0001/SWT

 

23rd January 2012 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

 

Further to my letter of 17th January, members will be aware of the
decision taken to conduct a referendum of affected members regarding the
above.

 

Unfortunately, due to problems with the distribution of voting papers in
some areas, it is necessary to rerun this referendum. The new voting
papers will be sent out to members' home address tomorrow and the new
closing date is Tuesday 7th February 2012.

 

All other details will remain the same. Apologies for any inconvenience
caused.    

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Ballot for South West Trains 2011 Pay Offer

2012-01-22T11:08:00.001-08:00

To advise that the referendum Ballot Papers are being sent to all RMT Members within South West Trains, to vote on the pay offer of 4.75%

For those members who do not receive the ballot papers please call Freephone 0800-376-3706 or e-mail info@rmt.org.uk or contact your local Representative or Branch Secretary.

2012-01-20T06:57:00.001-08:00

Ref: O/5/1

Circular No. MF/7/12

20^th January 2012

To: All Branches and Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

RMT & TSSA Merger

With reference to the above, the following resolution was carried at the December 2011 Statutory Meeting of the Council of Executives following a meeting between RMT and TSSA which took place on December 2^nd 2011.

“That we note that a joint meeting of RMT and TSSA Executives has taken place.

The General Secretary is instructed that our negotiating team is to continue to engage in discussion with the TSSA on the possibility of a merger between our two organisations.

This Council of Executives is of the view that the time is now appropriate to discuss some fundamental items of principle.

Accordingly, our negotiating team and General Secretary in discussions with his counterpart are developed positions obtained on:

1. The annual conference/AGM as the supreme governing body of the new organisation – its defined powers and composition.

2. The role of the Executive body of the new organisation – whether it would be a management and supervisory body or whether it will be responsible for the governance of the Union between AGMs, have complete policy-making powers, control and settle trades disputes and agreements with companies and instruct and oversee the General Secretary;

3. Union officers – whether they will be elected from among the membership and subject to periodic re-election or whether they are to be appointed by the General Secretary;

4. The new organisation’s political framework.

A report from our negotiating team to be placed before the Council of Executives.

Regional Councils and Branches to be advised.”

With reference to the above, the following resolution was carried at the Council of Executives on Thursday 19^th January 2012.

“That we endorse the actions of our General Secretary on this issue. We note that informal discussions have taken place with the TSSA General Secretary and our own. We call upon the TSSA to have another Executive Committee meeting with us to discuss the aspects of the proposed merger. After this meeting we instruct the General Secretary to call a meeting of all Regional Council Presidents and Secretaries to consult on where we are at present with the merger discussions. The General Secretary to send out a circular, e-mail and text to all Branches and Regional Councils with this decision.”

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

2012-01-20T06:55:00.001-08:00

Circular No IR/38/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/7/6

26^th January 2012

Dear Colleagues

USE OF AGENCY STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 10^th November 2011 (IR/503/11), this matter has been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:

“That we note the correspondence on file relating to the outsourced cleaning contract currently held by Carlisle Cleaning & Support Services at South West Trains.

From April 2012 Churchill Cleaning Services will be replacing Carlisle and TUPE situation will exist.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to ensure full support is available to our members throughout this process.

Further we instruct the General Secretary to organise a recruitment programme as a precursor to demand a recognition agreement, in line with the agreement already achieved with Churchill on the Tyne & Wear Metro, involving Branches, Regional Council and the Organising Unit.

A full report to be placed back before the General Grades Committee. Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

2012-01-17T03:07:00.001-08:00

Tuesday 17^th January 2012

Circular No. National Policy 003/12/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to December 2011. The next release date will be the 14^th February 2012.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 4.8%, down from the 5.2% figure for the twelve months to November 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.2% for the twelve months to December 2011. This is down 0.6% from the figure for the twelve months to November 2011.

The fall in RPI is the largest fall in annual inflation since between May and June 2009. The largest downward pressures to the change in RPI annual inflation between November and December 2011 came from petrol, oil & other fuels, gas and clothing & footwear. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from car insurance and telephone charges.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

2012-01-12T05:54:00.001-08:00

To update members on the issue of the South West Trains (October 2011) pay talks, as previously advised the RMT Negotiating team had met with the Company on several occasions to discuss the offers that were proposed to us, and the final offer made by the Company was 4.75%.

The RMT have not accepted this offer, and the Full Company Council Representatives met with the Unions Executive/Assistant General Secretary and the Regional Organiser to discuss this offer and the next steps on this.

In a conclusion out of this meeting the Unions Executive will be having a meeting on Wednesday 11th January where the Executive (Unions Governing Body) will make recommendations on this.

More information will be displayed on this site on this issue with further updates.

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2011-12-23T09:48:00.001-08:00

Our Ref: BR2/0001/SWT

22 December 2011

WATERLOO BRANCH

Dear Rickey

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Thank you for your resolution with regards to the above matter, which will be brought to the attention of the General Grades Committee at an early date.

I can advise you that the full Company Council is meeting the GGC and officers at Unity House on Thursday 5^th January 2012 at which your views will be noted.

I will of course keep members fully advised of all developments which arise from that meeting.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

PENALTY FARE TARGETS, REVENUE INSPECTORS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2011-12-15T07:33:00.001-08:00

Circular No IR/617/11

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

15^th December 2011

Dear Colleagues

PENALTY FARE TARGETS, REVENUE INSPECTORS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I have received the following resolution from our Dorset Rail Branch:

“Dorset Rail Branch is very concerned about SWT setting targets according to depot averages for revenue inspectors, contrary to DfT and TOC agreements. This places pressure on Inspectors to achieve targets by reduced use of discretion and will place them in more conflict situations. We already have members on poor performance due to this illegal action by the company. We urge the General Grades Committee to challenge SWT as a matter of urgency.”

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the resolution from our Dorset Rail Branch and the sentiments expressed within. The constant pressure placed on our members by managers who see no further than the bottom line when it comes to penalty fares is unacceptable. Our members are being forced to be more aggressive with the travelling public to achieve ever increasing targets with the threat of disciplinary action as ‘The Big Stick’. This is just wrong. Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to challenge South West Trains on this issue at the earliest opportunity. Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Rates of Pay & Conditions Of Service 2011-South West Trains

2011-12-13T10:36:00.001-08:00

Circular No: IR/603/11

Our Ref: BR2/0001/SWT

13^th December 2011

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES

Dear Colleagues,

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

In line with Union policy, a claim was submitted to the Company for a substantial increase in rates of pay and improvements to conditions of service. An initial meeting between the RMT negotiating team and the Company was held, where an offer of a 3% increase was tabled and immediately rejected.

Following further long discussions with the Company, a ‘full and final’ offer of a 4¹/₄% increase was tabled, dependent upon the Union giving an undertaking of ‘business as usual’ during the 2012 Olympic Games. The Company Council viewed this offer as totally unacceptable and recommended that a ballot for industrial action be conducted.

The General Grades Committee considered the matter and made the decision to prepare a ballot of affected members at South West Trains and also to arrange a meeting at Unity House to discuss Guards’ hours and pay.

The Company then advised that, having further considered its position, it is prepared to improve upon previous offers and the following offer was tabled:-

A 4.75% increase to basic rates of pay (excluding allowances), effective 3^rd October 2011. This offer applies to all grade groups covered by SWT Procedure Agreement 1 but excludes Driver and Depot Drivers grades which are covered under a separate pay review.

A Joint Working Group to be set up to discuss Guards’ terms and conditions.

The offer is on the proviso that the Union gives an undertaking that it will be ‘business as usual’ during the course of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and taken the following decision:-

“That we note the report from our Lead Officer and the correspondence from South West Trains on file.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to arrange a meeting at Unity House to discuss this matter further.

In attendance should be the Assistant General Secretary, the Regional Organiser, members of the General Grades Committee and the full SWT Company Council.

Relevant Branches and Regional Council to be informed.”

I am currently acting in accordance with the above decision and will keep you informed of all developments.

Yours Sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

2011-12-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

Tuesday 13^th December 2011

Circular No. National Policy 236/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to October 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.2%, down from the 5.4% figure for the twelve months to October 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.8% for the twelve months to November 2011. This is down 0.2% from the figure for the twelve months to October 2011.

The largest downward pressures came from food, petrol, furniture and clothing. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from wines & spirits off sales and fuel & light.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Branch Meeting 09th December 2011

2011-12-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

To advise the Waterloo Xmas Branch will be starting at 14-30pm on the 09th December 2011, and after the Meeting there will be some Food and Drinks for all Branch Members.

On behalf of the Waterloo Branch Officials we would like to wish all members and their Families a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year....
Hope to see you there!!!!!!!!!

Slater News Renovation

2011-12-04T14:27:00.001-08:00

Circular No MF/86/11

Our Ref: FIN/C001

24^thNovember 2011

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Slater Mews Renovation

You will be aware that the two flats known as Slater Mews in the rear of Maritime House (one of which was used by former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott) were redeveloped, turning the two flats into five separate flats where members on Union business can use or rent for £24.00 per night.

The renovation cost was approximately £1,000,000.00 and the flats, when converted, were valued at approximately £2,500,000.00.

We took a loan over 25 years to pay for the renovation in March 2005 and I am pleased to say that we have now paid this loan off completely, which is 19 years early.

I would be obliged if you will bring this to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Special Meeting for all Rail Workers (McNulty Report)

2011-11-19T09:54:00.001-08:00

To advise all that a Special Meeting for all Rail Workers has been arranged in light of the McNulty Report, and this meeting will take place on the 01st December 2011 and will start at 17-00pm.

The Special Guests who will be addressing this meeting are:

Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary)

Alex Gordon (RMT National President)

Kate Hoey (Labour Member of Parliament for Vauxhall)

Manuel Courtes (TSSA A ssistant General Secretary)

This important Meeting will take place in the Function room of the Slug and Lettuce Restaurant at Waterloo (London), the venue from Waterloo Main Line Station is from Exit 6 and head for the London Eye and the Venue is on the approach road to this.

If you require further Information please contact 1 of the Branch Secretaries below:

Rickey Goodman( Waterloo Branch Secretary)

Mobile: 07824 410 568

e-mail: waterloo@rmt.org.uk

Jeff Slee (Deptford Branch Secretary)

Mobile: 07984 043 543

e-mail: jfslee@btopenworld.com

You can also click on the Links below for more information:

http://www.facebook.com/RMTunion

http://twitter.com/#!/RMTunion

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=151889&int1stParentNodeID=89731&int2ndParentNodeID=89763

http://www.facebook.com/events/#!/events/256340177746879/

Hope to see you there.

New Inflation Rates

2011-11-16T07:37:00.001-08:00

Tuesday 15^th November 2011

Circular No. National Policy 194/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to October 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.4%, down from the 5.6% figure for the twelve months to September 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 5.0% for the twelve months to October 2011. This is down 0.2% from the figure for the twelve months to September 2011.

The largest downward pressures came from falls in the cost of food and petrol. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from clothing, furniture, electricity and gas.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

2011-11-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

To advise the RMT General Secretary Bob Crow is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 24th November 2011, Bob will be addressing the Branch on National issues that are being dealt with by the RMT

If you can please come along and listen to your General Secretary address the Branch Meeting, and for you to ask questions about your issues as a member.

Hope to see you there!!

DEDUCTION OF WAGES – SELECT SERVICE PARTNERS

2011-11-04T10:15:00.001-07:00

Circular No IR/492/11

TO ALL RAILWAY BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES, REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: HC/9/17

4^th November 2011

Dear Colleague

DEDUCTION OF WAGES – SELECT SERVICE PARTNERS

I have been informed that Select Service Partners are making reductions to our members’ rate of pay as a result of failing a so called Team Leader Assessment. Furthermore, the company are terminating our members’ current contracts of employment and telling them to sign new terms and conditions prior to any negotiations taking place with this union. I herewith enclose a copy of the letter the company are issuing to SSP employees, which is as follows:

“Dear XXXX

I refer to our discussion on XXXX where we discussed the issue of changing your role and rate of pay following the Colleague Structure Review Assessments. I write to confirm that your current contract will terminate on four weeks time and you will thereafter be employed as a Team Member. All other current terms and conditions of employment, save as to your rate of pay which will be £6.08p remain unchanged. For the avoidance of doubt the changes below will be effective from 17.11.2011.

The Job Description for the Team Member role you will be expected to perform is enclosed.

Your New Role and Job Title: Team Member

Your New Hourly Rate of Pay: £6.08p

Please keep this letter with your current contract of employment and sign, date and return to XXXX the enclosed copy of this letter.

I XXXX agree to the above terms.

Signed: ...........................................................................................................................

Dated: ...........................................................................................................................”

In this regard, I would ask that any SSP member who may find themselves in such a position, to complete and return to their manager, a copy of the enclosed ‘under protest’ slip. Additionally, all affected members should submit a grievance to their manager without delay.

In accordance with the above, I would be most grateful if you could bring this very important matter to the attention of all your SSP members and ask that they contact their Branch Secretary or Regional Office to request an application for legal assistance, Employment Tribunal Claim Form (L2) and submit a claim for ‘the unlawful deduction of wages’ with immediate effect.

I shall, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Yours sincerely

BOB CROW

GENERAL SECRETARY

2011-11-04T09:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, I can confirm that the following statement was issued by Gerry Doherty and Bob Crow today:

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 7

“TSSA and RMT held discussions on 4, 11 and 18 October 2011 concerning the possible merger and creation of a new union. These discussions have been wide-ranging and constructive as reported in our previous statements.

A number of differences between our two organisations have emerged as a result of these discussions and as previously reported in our last JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – NO.6 (dated Wednesday 19 October 2011) further discussions are required.

In order to facilitate future discussions it is likely that an informal joint meeting of our respective Executive Committees will take place within the next month prior to the next round of joint talks. We will of course keep you updated on developments as they occur.”

SIGNED:

Gerry Docherty (TSSA)

Bob Crow (RMT)”

RMT Pay Bulletin October 2011

2011-11-03T04:35:00.001-07:00

Circular No. NP/200/11/MC

31^st October 2011

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

October 2011

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.6%, up from the 5.2% figure for the twelve months to August 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 5.2% for the twelve months to September 2011. This is up 4.5% from the figure for the twelve months to August 2011.

The largest upward pressure to annual inflation came from:

Housing & household services where the upward effect was driven by gas and electricity

where average bills rose this year by 13.0 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively between

August and September but were unchanged a year ago.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
Sainbury’s	· 2.7% increase to basic pay	4 Sept 2011
Sellafield	· 2% increase in basic pay (in each of 2 years)	1 Apr 2011
Moto	· 2.5 increase to basic pay	1 Oct 2011

Recent RMT Settlements
Company	Award	Effective From
*Shipping & Offshore*
Offshore Diving Personnel	· 7.1% increase to basic pay	1 Nov 2011
Maersk Supply Vessels	A 4.5% increase to basic pay, effective 1^st July 2011. A 4.5% increase to increment scales from £334 to £349 per year per increment on the 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, 7^th and 9^th years of anniversary in the rank	1 Jul 2011
Gulf Offshore	A 3% increase, plus 1% seniority for those members who are entitled to receive it, backdated to 1^st July 2011.	1 Jul 2011
Caldedonian MacBrayne	An increase of 2%, effective from 1^st October 2011. An increase of 4.25% in 2012. An increase of 4.25% in 2013 with an opportunity to increase this to 4.75% dependant on the achievement of agreed savings being made by year three. It is agreed that if RPI is above 5% in years 2 or 3, the Union reserves the right to reconvene with the employer. A reduction in the method of payment for training days from 2 for 1, to 1.5 for 1 with the understanding that 0.5 must be taken as payment and may not be banked. This would be implemented from 1^st January 2012. The Company has set aside £800,000 in year 1 and £100,000 in years 2 and 3. This is to start to resolve existing anomalies in pay and conditions and to work towards a shared objective of consistent, fair and affordable terms and conditions within CalMac.	1 Oct 2011
Clyde Marine (LD Lines)	A 2.7% increase to personnel employed by Clyde Marine Guernsey Ltd employed on the LD Lines vessel Norman Arrow, backdated to 1^st August 2011. A £400 bonus for those employed on an ongoing basis for work completed over the winter and during the summer season. A £200 bonus for those employed on a seasonal basis who successfully complete the entire summer season.	1 Aug 2011
DFDS Seaways Short Sea Ratings	A 2% increase, backdated to 1^st January 2011.	1 Jan 2011
RFA	A one year award from 1^st July 2011 to 30^th June 2012. Staff earning £21,000 or below, (including permanent allowances) as at 1^st July 2011 will receive a £250 consolidated pay rise. Staff earning £21,000 or above (including permanent allowances) will receive no award in accordance with the Government pay freeze. Staff on incremental pay scales (below the maximum) will receive their incremental pay progression during this pay year. Performance Awards To qualify for a performance award an individual:- Must be in post on 1^st July 2011. Must have completed 6 months service with the RFA (contract start date prior to 1^st January 2011). Must be performing satisfactorily (an individual on restoring efficiency for performance will not qualify for an award). Performance awards will be paid in relation to substantive grade and staff on sick leave will be paid in accordance with their pay status as at 1^st July 2011:- Full Pay – Full Award Half Pay – Half Award Nil Pay – No Award Performance Awards will be paid at the following rates:- CPO (incl. Med Tech Q) £1,000 PO (incl. Med Tech) £900 L/H Rating £800 Trainee £400	1 July 2011
*London Transport & Other Metro*
London Underground	· Year 1 (2011/12) 5% (with effect from 1^st April 2011) · Years 2 to 4 (2012/13 to 2014/15) – February RPI plus 0.5% or 2% whichever is the greater. · The general increase is effective from 1^st April for each year of the pay deal (except for staff on Performance Related Pay, where it will be effective 1^st July every year).	1 Apr 2011
*Train Operating Companies & Freight Operating Companies*
Cross Country	· An increase of 4.5%, effective from 28^th May 2011. This will cover the grades of Train Manager, Senior Conductor, Revenue Protection and Station Staff. · An increase of 4.5% for all Service Centre Staff, effective from 1^st July 2011.	1 May 2011
*Workshop & Train Maintenance*
Unipart Doncaster	· 2.5% increase to basic pay · Reduction in HGD payments from 10% to 5% Members will not be affected by the reduction in HGD payments contained within the offer as they do not work any Higher Grade Duty.	1 Apr 2011
*Road Transport & Bus*
Wincanton Enfield Warehouse	· The offer is subject to the acceptance of a new contract on site for new starters, effective immediately. Year One · A 3.4% increase over 7 months, effective from the 1^st pay week in September 2011. Year Two · A 2.5% increase, effective from the 1^st pay week in April 2012.	September 2011

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Update on 2011 Paytalks

2011-10-30T14:16:00.001-07:00

To advise that the RMT Negotiators will be meeting with the Company for the 2nd Meeting on the 01st November to discuss the 2011 Anniversary for Pay for all Grades within South West Trains.

At the first Meeting the Company did not offer a % payrise, the RMT Negotiators have asked the Company to consider a range of items as part of the 2011 Pay award which also include payments for staff through the period of the 2012 Olympics.

We will of course keep you updated on these and future talks on this issue.

Bob Crow's speech at the NO to McNulty rally, October 25, 2011

2011-10-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

For those of you who were unable to be there, watch Bob’s speech at the standing-room-only Save Our Railways rally:

please click on the link below:

http://www.rmtv.org.uk/video/video121/index.html

Thanks

Revenue Protection Item

2011-10-23T04:15:00.001-07:00

It has been raised to us by several members that the Company are Merging the Revenue Protection with Rail Community Officers, we would wish to advise all that this was not raised with us at the last Company Council Meeting that we had with the Company back in September of this year.
We are meeting with the Company for a Company Council Meeting to discuss Job Descriptions on the 25th October 2011, and we will be raising this issue with them then, we will keep you posted on this after the meeting and will send e-mail update out to you.

Thanks

Regards
Rickey Goodman
RMT Company Council Secretary
Mobile: 07824 410 568
e-mail: rgoodman@rmtmail.org.uk

Michael Campbell
RMT Company Council Rep
Mobile: 07714 667 729
e-mail: mcampbell@rmtmail.org.uk

John Donoghue
RMT Company Council Rep
Mobile:07810 636 425
e-mail: jdgaffer2000@yahoo.co.uk

New Inflation Rates

2011-10-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 18^th October 2011

Circular No. National Policy 194/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.6%, up from the 5.2% figure for the twelve months to August 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 5.2% for the twelve months to September 2011. This is up 4.5% from the figure for the twelve months to August 2011.

The largest upward pressure to annual inflation came from:

Housing & household services where the upward effect was driven by gas and electricity

where average bills rose this year by 13.0 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively between

August and September but were unchanged a year ago.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Joint Union Statement on RMT/TSSA Talks-No 6

2011-10-19T10:14:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, I can confirm that the following statement was issued by Gerry Doherty and Bob Crow today:

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 6

“TSSA and RMT met again as planned on Tuesday 18 October 2011 for further friendly and constructive talks concerning the political strategies for a potential new union.

“There was consensus that a political fund is an essential part of a potential future new union. The role of our current political funds was discussed which include affiliation to the Labour Party, political education of trade union members and support for organisations and campaigns in line with union policies and rule books. It was accepted that in a potential new union it would be important to have clear prohibitions against political funds being used to support fascist or racist organisations, parties and individual candidates.

“It was understood that it was important to have parliamentary representation in national and regional parliaments and assemblies.

“However, further discussions are required on a number of unresolved related issues.”

The next meeting will be held on 1 November 2011 to allow both negotiating teams to attend the lobby and rally of Parliament against the proposals in the McNulty Report. We strongly encourage all members of both unions to attend this very important event on Tuesday 25^th October 2011 at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster at 12 noon.

SIGNED:

Gerry Doherty (TSSA)

Bob Crow (RMT)

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 5

2011-10-12T12:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, I can confirm that the following statement was issued by Gerry Doherty and Bob Crow today:

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 5

“TSSA and RMT met again as planned on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 for further friendly and constructive talks concerning the democratic structures of our respective unions. Our talks focussed on the workings of Annual Conferences, Executive Committees, Regional/Divisional and Branch structures.

“It is clear that there are a number of similarities in the structures of both organisations for democratic accountability and also a number of areas were identified, which require further more detailed discussion. These areas include the shape, size and composition of the geographical structures to which branches will be attached; the respective roles of both the Annual Conference and the Executive Committee; and integrating both grades and equalities/diversity representation into democratic structures of a potential new merged union.

“We recognise that wider consultation will be required once these issues have been further explored.

“We intend to continue to meet and explore further the organisational and democratic questions raised by a potential merger between our unions, in line with the express decisions of our respective Executive Committees and Conferences. All developments will be reported to our respective union executives. In addition we will continue to agree joint statements to members, branches and activists.”

SIGNED:

Gerry Doherty (TSSA)

Bob Crow (RMT)

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 4

2011-10-05T11:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, I can confirm that the following statement was issued by Gerry Doherty and Bob Crow today:

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 4

“TSSA and RMT met again as planned on Tuesday, 4 October 2011 for friendly and constructive talks to discuss sectoral and geographical organisation of our respective union memberships and possible future opportunities for trade union organisation in the event of a potential merger in the transport, travel and offshore energy sectors currently represented by the two unions. It is clear that there are very substantial overlaps between our two unions in terms of industrial and sectoral organisation and in our existing structures as well as significant potential areas for growth and new organisational opportunities for a merged trade union in the sectors we organise.

"We discussed a broad range of principles, including that any new union organisation resulting from a merger between us will be based on lay member-led Branches and that every individual union member will be attached to a union Branch. The primary functions of the Branch will be to campaign and to promote the organisation of workers in our sectors into the trade union, the representation of members and to be the foundation of a sound democratic structure in order to ensure accountability of the union to its members.

"Branches will be allocated their own financial resources based on an agreed formula. The spheres of influence and numbers of Branches in a merged union will be a matter for discussion under an agreed process that will fully involve all relevant parts of the merged union organisation at local, regional, divisional and national level.

"We recognise that different members in different sectors may have different aspirations and organisational needs, which will need to be fully considered in the process of branch organisation as part of any merger. Particular groups of members will need to continue to be grouped together in order to maintain a collective identity within a merged union organisation, i.e. shipping and offshore grades, bus workers, management grades, travel trade, etc. Consultation with these groups of union members through their respective union structures to ensure that their identity and their democratic rights are protected is an essential part of the process we have outlined above."

We intend to continue to meet and explore further the organisational and democratic questions raised by a merger between our unions. All developments will be reported to our respective union executives. In addition we will continue to agree joint statements to members, branches and activists.”

SIGNED:

Gerry Doherty (general secretary TSSA)

Bob Crow (general secretary RMT)

RMT PAY BULLETIN September 2011

2011-09-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

Circular No. NP/183/11/MC

30^th September 2011

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

September 2011

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to August 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.2%, up from the 5% figure for the twelve months to July 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.5% for the twelve months to August 2011. This is up 0.1% from the figure for the twelve months to July 2011.

The main upward pressures to annual inflation came from clothing, fuels & lubricants, furniture & household goods and domestic heating

The main downward pressure to annual inflation came from transport services, particularly passenger transport by air, sea and rail. There was also a downward pressure from recreation & culture, particularly from games, toys & hobbies and, to a lesser extent, recording media and data processing equipment.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

National Minimum Wage

The rates of the National Minimum Wage have changed. There are three levels of minimum wage, and the rates from 1 October 2011 are:

	Current rate	Oct 2011	% increase
Adults	£5.93	£6.08	2.5
18-2O year olds	£4.92	£4.98	1.2
16 and 17 year olds	£3.64	£3.68	1
Apprentice rate (under the age of 19 plus older apprentices in the first year of their course)	£2.50	£2.6O	4

In submissions to the Low Pay Commission, the RMT will continue to argue that the National Minimum Wage must be set at a significantly higher level to ensure that all workers are kept out of poverty; that the regulations must be extended to all seafarers serving in UK territorial waters to help safeguard minimum standards and that the age-related NMW rates should be abolished and the full adult rate be paid from 16 (until the school leaving age is raised to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015). The Union will also continue to campaign for the NMW to be set at half male median earnings as soon as possible, building towards the eventual goal of two-thirds of male median earnings.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
Vauxhall	· 5% increase to basic pay	1 Sept 2011
Philips Lighting	· 3% increase to basic pay	1 Apr 2011
Jacobs E&C	· 2% increase to basic pay	1 Jul 2011

Recent RMT Settlements
Company	Award	Effective From
*Shipping*
Isle of Man Steam Packet	· A 3.5% increase to basic rates of pay	1 Jan 2011
*Catering*
At Seat Catering	Year One · A pay offer of 5% effective. An increase in the commission threshold from £560 to £565 per week. Year Two · A pay offer of either RPI (based on February 2012 figure) or 3% whichever is the greater, effective from pay anniversary of 1^st April 2012. Year Three · A pay offer of either RPI (based on February 2013 figure) or 3% whichever is the greater, effective from pay anniversary of 1^st April 2013.	1 Apr 2011
*Train Operating Companies & Freight Operating Companies*
Merseyrail Guards	Year One · An increase of 5.5% Year Two · February RPI 2012 or £25,550 (Equates to 4.1%), whichever is greater. The following additional items were also proposed by the Company as part of the offer:- · Compensatory leave where the rest day falls on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day has been confirmed as a permanent change to guards’ terms and conditions. · An agreement to discuss the feasibility of all committed time being payable post April 2012. · This offer is subject to supporting the implementation of the Integrated Resource Management System. · Guards opted into Smart Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme with a 28-day opt-out clause. · An agreement with the company to enhance the on-train customer service.	1 Apr 2011
Merseyrail Drivers	Year One · A 5.5% increase to basic pay effective 1^st January 2011. Year Two · An increase of November RPI or a ceiling of £39,000, whichever is the greater. The following additional items were also proposed by the Company as part of the offer:- · Where a rest day falls on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day, a compensatory day’s leave will be granted to be taken before the 31^st March of the following year. · All committed time will be payable and Merseyrail will engage with Northern Rail to explore the feasibility of an all-line PT&R. · This offer is subject to supporting the implementation of the Integrated Resource Management System.	1 Jan 2011
DB Schenker Groundstaff	· A pay award of a 2.50% increase on basic salaries	1 Apr 2011
DB Schenker Ex-Colas MPV	· A pay award of a 2.50% increase on basic salaries	1 Apr 2011
Chiltern Railways	Year One · a 5% increase on basic pay and allowances. Year Two · With effect from 1^st April 2012, an increase of 3.65% or February 2012 RPI (whichever is greater), on basic pay and allowances. Year Three · With effect from 1^st April 2013, an increase of 3% or February 2013 RPI + 0.25% (whichever is greater), on basic pay and allowances Additionally, the company are offering the following elements:- 1. Special Bank Holidays: Any future bank holidays that are granted over and above the normal statutory entitlement will be paid as follows:- Any member of staff who is required to work (rostered or rest day) will receive payment at time and one quarter (t1/4) plus a compensatory day. Staff with a rest day off or annual leave will receive a compensatory day. 2. Olympics: The Company are offering a commitment to convene a meeting with all unions party to the Chiltern Railways Collective Bargaining Agreement to address the service requirements for all operations during the Olympics and Para Olympics scheduled to take place in 2012, with a view to concluding these discussions by 24^th December 2011. 3. Travel: The Company are offering a commitment to continue to talk to our colleagues in London Overground, Arriva Trains Wales and Cross Country with a view to agreeing a non-contractual entitlement for reciprocal travel for our staff. 4. Leave: The Company are offering a commitment to enter into meaningful discussions with the unions to review any inconsistencies in the leave arrangements for customer service staff with a view to concluding these discussions prior to commencement of the 2012 annual leave year.	1 Apr 2011

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Pay Talks with South West Trains

2011-09-24T08:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleague

To advise you all that the first meeting has been arranged for your RMT Negotiating to meet with South West Trains to discuss the October 2011 pay review, this meeting has been arranged to take place on the 20th October 2011.

We will keep you posted on developments on this meeting as soon as we have concluded this first meeting

As you can see the date of the meeting is well past the Anniversary date of the 2011 pay award

Your Negotiators for the RMT are as below:

Peter Skelly (Regional Organiser)

Rickey Goodman (Company Council)

Michael Campbell (Company Council)

David Butler (Company Council)

Thanks

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS - No. 3

2011-09-24T08:15:00.001-07:00

Dear colleague,

Proposed RMT/TSSA merger - statement no 3

The following statement has been issued today

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS - No. 3

"TSSA and RMT met on Saturday/Sunday 17/18 September 2011 to discuss the structures, operations and cultures of both unions. We each delivered presentations on our membership, democratic structures, political affiliations, staff structures, officials and offices and took the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications. Talks were positive and will now move onto a series of regular meetings to explore further the possibility of developing a new union.

Regular meetings will begin on 4th October 2011 and developments will be reported to the respective union executives as they occur. In addition we will continue to agree joint statements to members, branches and activists."

SIGNED: Gerry Doherty (general secretary TSSA)

Bob Crow (general secretary RMT)

2011-09-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, I can confirm that the following statement was issued by Gerry Doherty and Bob Crow today:

"Colleagues,

Further to our previous joint trade union message (dated Friday, 12 August, 2011) regarding merger talks between RMT and TSSA, our negotiating teams will meet over two days following the TUC Congress next week.

The aim of this meeting is to allow both negotiating teams to better understand each other's unions in terms of our respective structures, operation and culture.

We will of course continue to keep you abreast of developments as they occur."

Gerry Doherty

Bob Crow

Branch Nomination-Bob Crow

2011-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

To advise that following the Branch Meeting on the 25th August 2011, the Branch have agreed to give Bob Crow the supporting Nomination for the General Secretaries Position.

Also to advise that following the Branch Meeting on the 28th July, the Branch agreed to give the Supporting nomination to Peter Skelly for the Relief Regional Organiser position (South)

2011-08-27T02:02:00.001-07:00

Circular No IR/380/11

TO ALL RAILWAY BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: HC/7/2 26^th August 2011

Dear Colleague

BANK HOLIDAY PAYMENT & LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS, QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE, CATERING COMPANIES – SSP & RAIL GOURMET

I write to inform you that I have received written confirmation from Select Service Partner with regards to the bank holiday payment and leave arrangements for next year’s diamond jubilee. The arrangements for our members at SSP and Rail Gourmet are as follows:

Select Service Partners

SSP holiday entitlement is inclusive of bank holidays and will therefore be granting an additional days annual leave (pro rata) in light of the extra bank holiday. Standard bank holiday arrangements will apply.

Rail Gourmet

Rail Gourmet contracts of employment specify the individual entitlement plus ‘statutory bank holidays’ therefore the bank holiday day will be treated as a normal bank holiday day within RG.

The matter has been placed before the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:

“That we note the correspondence on file regarding this matter and instruct the General Secretary to inform Select Service Partners and Rail Gourmet of our acceptance of their Queens Diamond Jubilee arrangements which stipulate that our full time members employed at Rail Gourmet and Select Service Partners will receive an additional days leave and all part time members will receive extra leave on a pro-rata basis. The General Secretary is further instructed to inform all our Select Service Partner and Rail Gourmet members of our decision by personal letter, enclosing a membership form to assist in recruitment. Regional Councils and Branches to be informed.”

In accordance with the above, I have notified the company of our acceptance of the proposals and I have informed all our affected members of the GGC decision.

Best wishes.

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary is in attendance at the Branch Meeting

2011-08-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary) is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 25th August 2011, Pat will be addressing the Branch on National Issues being dealt with.

Also updating the Branch on the recent campaign to Organise and Recruit Catering Workers.

Pat will also be available to take questions from the Branch Members

2011-08-22T10:19:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 16^th August 2011

Circular No. National Policy 153/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to July 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5%, unchanged from the figure for the twelve months to June 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.4% for the twelve months to July 2011. This is up 0.2% from the figure for the twelve months to June 2011.

Upward pressures on the CPI came from a number of different ‘areas’, the largest being:

miscellaneous goods & services where the upward pressure came from a wide variety of goods and services but by far the largest contribution came from financial services where, overall, fees rose this year but fell a year ago, particularly for arranging mortgages

clothing & footwear where prices, overall, as usual fell between June and July due to the summer sales season. Prices this year fell by less (-3.5 per cent), though, than a year ago (-4.9 per cent). The upward effects came from men’s and children’s outerwear

furniture, household equipment & maintenance where prices also usually fall between June and July due to the sales season. Again, though, prices fell by less this year (-1.1 per cent) than a year ago (-1.9 per cent). The most notable upward effects came from most types of furniture & furnishings and household textiles

housing & household services where the largest effect was due to increases in housing rent, particularly for social housing provided by registered social landlords

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Additionally, rail fares have increased by July RPI + 3%. This means that train operating company regulated fares will increase by 8%.

Please see attached a table which shows the increase in rail fares in the constituencies of DfT Ministers.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

TSSA & RMT Talks - Statement from Gerry Doherty & Bob Crow

2011-08-12T09:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues

Please see today’s statement below:

STATEMENT 1 FROM GERRY DOHERTY & BOB CROW

TSSA and RMT historically met today, 12 August 2011, to discuss the possibilities of a merged union.

A series of meetings will be held to discuss key issues and objectives recognising that both unions have separate Rule Books and traditions.

Both unions will use their own democratic structures to consult and agree with members and wish to conclude these discussions as soon as possible as industrial attacks are taking place more intensely on transport and travel workers.

The respective union negotiating teams are:

RMT

Alex Gordon, Mick Cash, Malcolm Dunning, Owen Herbert and reserve Mick Thompson

TSSA

Harriet Yeo, Mitch Tovey, Manuel Cortes and Frank Ward

RMT & TSSA MERGER

2011-08-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

Ref: O/5/ I

Circular No. MF/40/11

l0th August 201 I

To: All Branches and Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

RMT & TSSA MERGER

With reference to the above, the following was placed before the Council of Executives for
consideration on Friday 5'h August.

"Discussions have taken place between myself and the General Secretary of TSSA over
proposals for both Unions to come together and merge. We are recommending to
both Executive Committees that there are two teams, RMT and TSSA respectively, and
each team should consist of four members. Obviously TSSA will pick their own team
but I recommend that the RMT team consist of the President, Senior Assistant General
Secretary and two Council of Executive members (one Shipping & Offshore, one
General Grades). lf any disagreements arise from joint discussions both myself and the
General Secretary from TSSA will become part of the committee.

I propose the following. Firstly discussions to commence on l2th August and though not
an exhaustive list of agreement the items will be as follows

Local Branch Structure
Local Representative Structure
Regional Structure
Executive Committee
Full Time Officials
Political Affiliation
Timetable towards full merger."

My recommendation was adopted by the Council of Executives and discussions will take
place accordingly. I will keep Branches and Regional Councils advised of all developments.

Bob Crow
General Secretary

2011-08-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

Event Date: August 16 2011

Stop the fare hikes: demo for fair fares

Date: 16th August 2011
Time: 8.30 – 9.30 AM
Place: across from Waterloo station (corner of York Way and Sutton Walk). See the meeting point marked on a map

As part of their austerity cuts, the government is planning to raise fares by 28% by 2015. We want to stop them.

Such massive fare rises will be a disaster for people already struggling with rising costs and frozen wages. People won’t be able to afford to get to work, or will be forced to drive – creating more traffic jams and more carbon emissions. Trains should be an essential public service, not a luxury for the rich.

Join us on the day we’ll find out exactly how high fares will be next January to send a clear message to the government: Affordable public transport is vital – cancel the fare hikes and don’t price us off the train!

We’ll be outside Waterloo station in London with placards, banners and plenty of outrage. Come by for half an hour on your way to work (any time between 8.30 and 9.30 AM) to pop giant balloons to show that it’s time to burst the bubble on inflation-busting fare hikes. Or make it the start of a summer day out in London. Either way, help us show the government that we won’t take their unfair fare hikes lying down!

Invite your friends via the Facebook event

Brought to you by Campaign for Better Transport, with support from Bring Back British Rail, Climate Rush, RMT and TSSA

ELECTION FOR NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – CASUAL VACANCY REGION 12/WESSEX

2011-08-03T09:32:00.001-07:00

Head Office Circular: NP/146/11

Our Ref: HSS 5/8

02^nd August 2011

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES
WESSEX REGION

Dear Colleague

ELECTION FOR NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – CASUAL VACANCY REGION 12/WESSEX

Further to Head Office circular NP/114/11 and at the close of elections, I am pleased to announce that Rickey Goodman of Waterloo Branch has been elected into the casual vacancy for district 12/Wessex Region of the National Health & Safety Advisory Committee.

The results are as follows:

Rickey Goodman: 1,444 votes and Jim Udale: 751 votes.

Rickey will take up his position immediately.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all colleagues.

Yours sincerely

General Secretary

RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED/REPRESENTATION AT FACT FINDING INVESTIGATORY MEETINGS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS (BR2/4/4)

2011-07-26T11:11:00.001-07:00

Circular No IR/314/11

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

28^th July 2011

Dear Colleagues

RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED/REPRESENTATION AT FACT FINDING INVESTIGATORY MEETINGS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS (BR2/4/4)

It has come to my attention that South West Trains managers have been initiating disciplinary action at Fact Finding meetings which therefore become the first stage of the disciplinary procedure. Under the employment legislation employees have the right to be accompanied at disciplinary meetings, however informal/investigatory meetings are not covered by this legislation and management can refuse a “request to be accompanied”.

The General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the correspondence from Thompsons Solicitors outlining their legal opinion regarding the issue. Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to write to South West Trains informing them that any fact finding or other meeting that is convened without the ‘request to be accompanied’ being granted must not result in the following:

· The administration of a formal warning to a worker

· The taking of some other action in respect of a worker

· The confirmation of a warning issued or some other action taken

Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I will now be acting on the instructions of this decision and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

2011-07-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

FROM RAIL UNIONS RMT AND TSSA

PRESS RELEASE

22 July 2011

Immediate

BRITAIN’S TWO LARGEST RAIL UNIONS AGREE TO MERGER TALKS

The TSSA and RMT unions today agreed to commit to formal talks which could ultimately lead to a merger of the two unions. Initial discussions will focus on closer working between both unions initially through a federation structure with a view to moving towards a merger.

Both unions also agreed that the door will remain open for other smaller specialist unions in transport who may be thinking along similar lines to join the discussions at a future date.

Commenting on the decision, TSSA General Secretary Gerry Doherty said :

“Today’s decision will hopefully be the start of a process designed to serve the interests of future generations of transport and travel trade workers. We owe an obligation to our children and our children’s children to leave better organisations that protect workers in the very uncertain future that

they currently face”

Speaking on behalf of the RMT, General Secretary Bob Crow said :

“This is a historical day for the trade union movement. These talks will bring together two unions each with over a hundred years of specialising in the transport industry in the interests of workers.”

RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEMES – 2010 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

2011-07-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

My Ref: MRP: 1/8 15th July 2011

Circular No. NP/132 /11

To: The Secretary All Branches & Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEMES – 2010 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

As I am sure you are aware the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) tri-annual actuarial valuation is presently being carried out by the scheme Actuary and as part of this consultation process the RMT, along with other trade unions, has been having discussions with railway management about these results.

The draft valuation results reveal that the majority of RPS sections are in deficit although some are showing a surplus. The Actuary has indicated that like other UK pension schemes which are in deficit this can be contributed to a number of factors, including poor investment returns and improvements in mortality.

As with past valuation, talks between management and the trade unions have centered on the affordability and sustainability of the RPS. The Actuary has outlined a number of options which could be used to reduce each sections deficit, which include further increases in employer and employee pension contributions and benefits changes.

The valuation results for each section are still to be finalised and whilst there has been discussions about reducing future pension liabilities, the RMT’s policy will be to protect existing and future pension benefits.

I would therefore like to remind all RMT representatives that no agreement should be reached on amending contributions or benefits, either through Pensions Committees or in direct discussions with the employer, without prior consent from Head Office. Details of any employer proposals should be forwarded immediately to Head Office.

The RPS 2010 Actuarial Valuation must be completed by 31^st March 2012. If, however, there are any proposed changes to RPS pension arrangements a member consultation period will begin at least 60 days before the 31^st March 2012.

I shall, of course, keep you advised of developments.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Organising Catering Grades

2011-07-17T05:01:00.001-07:00

ORGANISING CATERING GRADES

To advise that a Special Branch Meeting has been arranged Jointly with Deptford and Waterloo Branches on the 09th August 2011 at the Hole in the Wall Public House starting at 16-00 pm, your National Officers Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary) and Brian Whitehead (Relief Regional Organiser) will be in attendance to address the meeting on this National Campaign this meeting is for all Catering Grades which include Select Service Partners Staff.

Following this Meeting on the 10th August a Recruitment and Retention Campaign activity will take place at Waterloo/Clapham Junction/London Bridge and Charing Cross Stations, where the assperations is to recruite and Organise all Catering Grades workers.

The purpose of this is following the sucessfull recognition agreements made by the RMT with Rail Gourmet and Select Service Partners Companies.

2011-07-17T04:44:00.001-07:00

Circular No IR/288/11

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: HC/20/2

14^thJuly 2011

Dear Colleagues

ORGANISING CATERING GRADES

I am pleased to report that our National Catering Campaign has started off on a very positive note. We are only three days into the campaign yet over fifty new members have joined at Edinburgh Waverley, Newcastle and York. This proves once again that a well prepared campaign that involves our branches and grades conference are successful.

AGS, Pat Sikorski and Lead Officer, Brian Whitehead, along with the Org Unit and local reps are touring twenty six locations over a four week period. The essential part of our strategy is that our branches plan for monthly follow up visits to the catering outlets and workplaces. Similarly, we also need to encourage members to fill vacancies for reps as it’s our local reps who are best placed to recruit and retain.

Companies targeted were Select Service Partners, Rail Gourmet and ISS.

SSP RESTRUCTURING

SSP is currently restructuring its workforce, however, it must be stressed that the RMT have consistently argued against the changes and the methods being used. Unfortunately, SSP management are imposing the changes in order to reduce their current one hundred and twenty seven different rates of pay down to four. Managers are assessing staff in their current roles. This has meant members effectively being downgraded with some losing several thousand pounds in pay per annum.

This is unacceptable to the RMT and we are encouraging any of our members who have fallen foul of an assessment, to lodge an individual grievance and contact Lead Officer, Brian Whitehead immediately. We are also looking at challenging this restructuring legally as we believe the majority of staff will suffer 'unlawful deduction of wages.'

I shall, of course, keep you fully updated on any further developments.

BOB CROW

GENERAL SECRETARY

New Inflation Rates

2011-07-12T08:25:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 12^th July 2011

Circular No. National Policy 127/11/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to June 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5%, down 0.2% from the previous figure of 5.2% for the twelve months to May 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.2% for the twelve months to June 2011. This is down 0.3% from the figure for the twelve months to May 2011.

By far the largest downward pressure to the change in CPI inflation came from recreation and culture where prices, overall, fell by 0.9 per cent between May and June this year compared with a rise of 0.5 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The fall this year was a record for a May to June period. The main downward effects came from games, toys and hobbies, particularly computer games, and from audio-visual equipment and related products, where price discounting this year of items such as digital cameras, DVDs and televisions contributed to the downward movement.
There were also large downward pressures from:

miscellaneous goods and services where prices, overall, were little changed between May and June this year compared with an increase of 0.6 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The downward effect came from a wide variety of goods and services with the largest contribution coming from insurance where premiums rose by less than a year ago
communication, driven by telephone equipment and services, particularly mobile phone charges
second-hand cars which fell in price this year but rose a year ago

By far the largest offsetting upward pressure to the change in CPI inflation came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices, overall, rose by 0.9 per cent between May and June this year but fell by 0.1 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The upward effects came from a wide range of product groups, most notably from bread and cereals, meat, and milk, cheese and eggs. In each case, prices rose this year across a range of products compared with falls a year ago.
There was also a large upward pressure from fuels and lubricants where prices fell this year by less than a year ago. Petrol pump prices fell by 0.7 pence per litre between May and June this year to stand at 135.6 pence per litre. This movement compares with a fall of 2.6 pence per litre between the same two months a year ago.

The next publication date will be 16^th August 2011.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Sean Hoyle (RMT Executive Member is in attendance at the Branch on the 28th July 2011)

2011-06-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

To advise that Sean Hoyle (RMT Wessex Region Executive Member) is in attendance at the Branch meeting on the 28th July 2011...Sean will be updating the Branch on issues that are being dealt with at this level.

Also will be available to take questions from Branch Members

Telephone Lines Unity House

2011-06-25T03:58:00.001-07:00

Dear all

Please be advised that BT have now repaired the fault and the telephones at Unity House are now working.

Thank you for your patience.

Unity House: Temporary Phone lines

2011-06-20T03:25:00.001-07:00

Unity House: Temporary Phonelines

Due to continuing problems with RMT telephone lines, BT have provided a number of mobile phones which have been allocated to each department at Unity House.

While the main switchboard number (020 7387 4771) is diverted to an additional mobile, the switchboard will be unable to transfer calls and will provide the caller with the number for the relevant department.

The numbers are:

Industrial Relations...07918 778498
Membership...07918 778164
Finance...07918 674146
Personnel & Constitution...07918 693444
Press/Communications...07918 674157
National Policy...07918 767901
South East Regional Office...07918 77867
Private Secretary...07918 778456

RMT PAY BULLETIN June 2011

2011-06-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

Circular No. NP/107/11/MC

15^th June 2011

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

June 2011

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to May 2011.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) for this twelve monthly period is 5.2%, unchanged from the previous figure of 5.2% for the twelve months to April 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 4.5% for the twelve months to May 2011. This is unchanged from the figure for the twelve months to April 2011.

The largest upward pressures on the level of CPI inflation came from:

alcohol and tobacco with the effect coming from wine and beer partially offset by spirits. Prices, overall, of wine and beer rose this year but fell a year ago, particularly for new world wine and lager. Whisky and vodka prices were the main causes of the downward contribution from spirits

miscellaneous goods and services where prices, overall, rose by 0.6 per cent between April and May this year compared with an increase of 0.2 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The upward effect principally came from appliances and products for personal care

The next publication date will be 12^th July 2011.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
SKF Bearings	· 4% increase to basic pay	1 Jan 2011
Colt Telecom	· 2% increase to basic pay	1 Jan 2011
Housing 21	· 1% increase to basic pay	1 Apr 2011

Recent RMT Settlements
Company	Award	Effective From
*Infrastructure*
Volkerail	An increase in annual leave entitlement to 25 days per annum with immediate effect in 2011. A one-year increase in the loyalty bonus of £150 to £425.78. This will apply between 1^st April 2011 and 31^st March 2012 only.	1 Apr 2011
Babcock	· A basic rate increase of 3% for all employees covered by Procedure Agreement 1 (General Collective Bargaining). This is subject to the following conditions:- Working Away From Home In the first instance, the Company will seek volunteers where working away from home is required. It is expected the existing level of flexibility should resolve most problems. However, in the event there are insufficient volunteers, this will be resolved via discussion with recognised trade unions. Pay Interval All remaining staff that are on full-time employment contracts and currently paid weekly to be paid on a 4-weekly basis as per normal arrangements. The Company will offer the appropriate financial support to allow this small number of employees affected to make the adjustment to 4-weekly pay. Terms and Conditions The Company and Trade Unions will agree an appropriate method for transferring former staff of Jarvis and Carillion and current staff in Plant and Workshop Supervisor grades to standard Babcock Rail terms and conditions of employment. It is recognised that while this transfer will be subject to a positive ballot within each work group, it is a mutual benefit to the Company and the Trade Unions that such a transfer should take place and that every effort will be made to achieve this outcome.	1 Apr 2011
Colas Rail	Two Year Pay Deal · 1^st April 2010: 1.5% increase on all base wages · 1^st January 2011: 0.5% increase on all base wages · 1^st April 2011: 2.0% increase on all base wages ·	1 Apr 2010
*Network Rail*
Network Rail Operations and Customer Services, Project and Engineering Support Staff and National Functions.	Year One A 5.2% increase (November 2010 RPI + 0.5%) Year Two An increase of November 2011 RPI + 0.5%, with effect from 1^st January 2012. General Summary An improvement in travel subsidy facilities to 75%, with a maximum subsidy value of £2250 on all applications from the 1^st July 2011 onwards. Olympics Arrangements Summary (Copy attached) · An Olympic premium payment of £3.50 per hour for staff whose duties are affected beyond the normal requirements of their job during the Olympics period. · In certain locations where meal availability is restricted, appropriate meal provision will be made, or Network Rail shall provide a meal allowance of £5 paid net of tax. · Furthermore the union has agreed dispute management procedures for the period of the Olympics and Paralympics. · RMT will participate in an Olympics working group which will discuss the Olympics arrangements in terms of staffing levels, health and safety and explain and discuss the company’s overall plans. More detail can be found in the attached document.	1 Jan 2011
*Train Operating Companies & Freight Operating Companies*
National Express Baron House Contact Centre Staff	· A one-off payment of £100 (net of tax) to all full time staff with pro rata for part-time staff.	-
First Capital Connect	Year One · Salaries together with dynamic allowances will be increased by 5.5% Year Two · Salaries together with dynamic allowances to be increased by 3% or February 2012 RPI whichever is greater from Sunday 1^st April 2012. · Revenue Protection Staff on the GN line of route will be eligible to receive the attendance allowance on the same terms as the allowance is applied to Station Staff on the GN line of route. This allowance will replace the existing revenue protection bonus scheme. The allowance will be dynamic and will be increased in line with the salary review uplift this year. The full year increase available to each member of the Revenue Team will be up to £137.56 taking cognisance of this year’s pay uplift rate. It will be paid pro rata until 31^st December and then will be paid on a calendar year basis. · Revenue Control Officers at Luton Airport Parkway who are rostered permanent night shift will receive an allowance of £6.75 per shift and this amount will be back dated to 1^st November 2010. · The current attendance allowance paid to Revenue Protection Team (excluding RCOs) on the TL line of route will become dynamic with effect from this year. · An undertaking was given to the Pay Review Committee to consider whether there was any scope for bringing together the terms and conditions of Revenue Protection Staff working on the TL and GN lines of route. · In addition to these matters it was agreed that the use of agency staff will be a standing item on the quarterly Customer Services and Revenue Protection Consultation Committees. · First Capital Connect will undertake to pursue with a medical provider, voluntary health checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol level and weight checks.	3 Apr 2011
*Workshop & Train Maintenance*
VAE	· An increase of 4% to basic pay, no strings attached.	1 Apr 2011
Bombardier Derby	Year One A 2% increase on the basic rate of pay for Manufacturing Staff, Manufacturing Staff Team Leaders and Manufacturing Staff Trainers. This award to be backdated to 1^st January 2011. Year Two A 2% increase on the basic rate of pay for Manufacturing Staff, Manufacturing Staff Team Leaders and Manufacturing Staff Trainers. This award to be effective from 1^st January 2012. Plus a further 1% should a contract be signed to supply Thameslink, also awarded from 1^st January 2012.	1 Jan 2011
*Bus & Road Transport*
Stagecoach Eastmidlands, Mansfield & Worksop Drivers	Year One 2^nd May 2011 All duties scheduled to take a bus out of depot will be paid 10 minutes to clearly show the first use check. All duties will attract an additional 5 minutes paid allowance at the end of the duty for paying in. 20^th November 2011 Grade 1 rate will increase by 15p per hour to £8.85. It should be noted that the paid allowances are in addition to the present arrangements where the time for the task was consolidated into the current rates of pay. Year Two 7^th May 2012 Grade 1 rate increased by a further 10p per hour to £8.95. 19^th November 2012 Grade 1 rate increased by a further 10p per hour to £9.05. The next pay review would then be due in May 2013.	2 May 2011
Bournemouth Transport	Year One · An increase of 2.7% in all applicable rates Year Two · A further increase of 2.3% in all applicable rates from 1^st May 2012.	1 May 2011
*Shipping*
Hovertravel	A 2.5% increase on basic rates of pay. An additional quarterly bonus payment at 100% which equates to approximately £125 per person.	1 Apr 2011

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

RMT DEMANDS END TO JOB CUTS AT SW TRAINS AFTER BREAKDOWN CHAOS

2011-06-13T03:15:00.001-07:00

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

13th June 2011

Immediate

RMT DEMANDS END TO JOB CUTS AT SW TRAINS AFTER BREAKDOWN CHAOS

Rail union RMT this morning demanded an end to job cuts at South West Trains after the union revealed that another 48 customer service staff are being axed - just days after staff shortages compounded the chaos of the breakdown of services into Waterloo last Thursday evening.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said;

"Just days after staff shortages compounded the chaos of the service breakdowns into Waterloo we can reveal that another 48 customer service staff are due to be axed by South West Trains. We are demanding that those cuts be stopped with immediate effect.

"This is simply about profit taking and company greed - the most recent half year results showed profits of more than £100 million but even that doesn't seem to be enough for the newly be-knighted Sir Brian Souter, whose Stagecoach outfit hold the South West Thames route. Passengers caught in the chaos last week will be rightly outraged.

"We are also demanding an end to the McNulty Review threat to axe guards on all trains. Every report from last Thursday praised the role of the SW Trains guard and the idea that those staff should be next for the chop in the dash to fatten up profits is simply outrageous.

"We want this assault on safety-critical staff posts on South West Trains to brought to a halt right now."

Ends

Further information: Geoff Martin 0207 255 9146 or 07831 465 103

McNulty Review into the Railways

2011-05-22T03:59:00.001-07:00

Circular number: NP230//11/JC

Reference: NP/P11

To: - HO Officers, Executive, Regional Organisers, Regional Councils & All Branches

19^th May 2011

Dear Colleague,

McNulty Review into the Railways

As you will be aware the Government has today published the McNulty report into the railways.

The union has made numerous representations into the McNulty review. Predictably however the report is underpinned by the same ideology that led to the disastrous privatisation of the railways and seems designed to appease the vested interests of the privatised train operating companies.

Essentially passengers and rail workers are being asked to pay the price of the privatization of the railways.

If the Government implements the McNulty report the railway could be set back for decades. There would be a massive cull in railway staff and attacks on terms and conditions and an increased structural safety risks.

The railway will become even more fragmented and complex and will see a significant shift of power to the privatised train operators. The cost of running the railways would increase with the tax and fare payer having to pick up the bill. Further fragmentation of the industry and attacks on rail workers jobs and conditions could lead to significant and protracted industrial relations problems.

Key points and RMT initial analysis are as follows,

The report says our railways are 30% less efficient than European Comparators. It says that this inefficiency is cause by lack of government leadership and fragmentation and that closing this efficiency gap will result in savings of between £740million and £1050 million a year by2018/19.

The report proposed to do this by breaking up Network Rail, longer franchises and attacking staff conditions and paving the way for an attack on regional railways. The report says 35 % of the total savings should come from staff including cuts in maintenance, DOO being the default position for all trains, a review of station staffing and scrapping regulations that protect ticket offices. (See attached document).

The report says Network Rail should just a holding company with route level concessions being operated by subsidies or other organizations and there should be early pilots for joint ventures and concessions of rail infrastructure. The report lines up an attack on regional railways by saying they are about six times more expensive to run per mile than long distance and commuter franchises.

The report has not considered the benefits of re-integrating the railways under public ownership. It has chosen to ignore the fact that billions of pounds is drained from the industry in profits and the evidence that railways in Europe are cheaper for the taxpayer and fare payer because on the whole they are in public ownership and less fragmented. Our research gives a conservative estimate that the cost of privatisation (high borrowing cost, numerous interfaces and dividend payments) mean privatisation is costing the tax payer a billion a year.

Instead, while the report rightly identifies fragmentation of the industry as the main cause of high costs, it then inexplicably recommends further fragmentation and privatisation of the railway by arguing for the breakup of Network Rail and the sale or leasing of its assets to the private train operating companies.

These proposals will increase costs and reduce efficiency leading to poorer services and higher fares. Further fragmentation will also have a significant and adverse impact on the ability of the railways to contribute to strategic objectives such as contributing to economic growth, moving freight to rail and reducing carbon emissions.

Re-introducing the profit motive coupled with fragmenting signal and track maintenance and signalling operations will create a Railtrack Mark 2 and is inexplicable given the woeful safety record of Railtrack. Following the establishment of Network Rail, maintenance and signalling operations were rightly reintegrated and passed to a not-for-dividend company. McNulty would reverse this.

· As stated previously the report proposes significant cuts in train, ticket office and maintenance workers – a false economy which could result in falling passenger numbers. Research by Passenger Focus and others shows that station and train staff are important to passengers for ticket sales, journey advice and general reassurance.

· The call for an assault on jobs and conditions also ignores the fact that rail workers productivity has increased at a greater rate than labour costs. Unlike the very close correlation between the profits of the privatised railway companies and public subsidy, which the report chooses to ignore, there is no correlation between public subsidy and increasing labour costs. Average earnings in the industry are not in excess of those in the wider economy

The report proposes greater commercial freedom for the privatised train operating companies, loosening of fare caps and fares tied to market demand. This will see passengers have to pay even higher fares on top of the eye watering increases already announced by the Government. Our research shows that in the last ten years the real cost of motoring has declined by 8%, the cost of flights has declined by 34% but rail fares have increased by 15% in real terms.

I will be providing a more detailed analysis shortly but in the meantime please be assured that the union will be mobilising a major campaign against these proposals.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Peter Skelly (Relief Regional Organiser who is covering the Wessex Region is attending the Branch Meeting on the 26th May 2011)

2011-05-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Peter Skelly (Relief Regional Organiser who is covering the Wessex Region Area) is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 26th May, Peter will be updating the Branh on issues that he is dealing with at his level in relation to the Companies he deals with including Network Rail and South West Trains.

Peter will also take question from Branch Members at the Meeting.....hope you can come along and listen to your elected Representative address the Meeting.

2011-05-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

Alex Gordon attended Waterloo Branch on the 28th April to update members on National Issues and also carried out long service Membership Presentations.

Alex Gordon (National President is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 28th April 2011...

2011-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

Alex Gordon RMT National President is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 28th April 2011, Alex will be addressing the Branch on National Issues that are being dealt with.

If you can come along and here your elected president speak, and Alex will also be available to take questions from members.

Hope to see you there...

RMT Wessex Regional Office Relocation

2011-04-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Circular No MF/18/11

Our Ref: P/PR/WESSEX

7^th April 2011

Dear Colleagues

RMT Wessex Regional Office Relocation

With reference to the above, I am pleased to announce that the Wessex Regional Office has now moved from Ocean Village in Southampton to a conveniently situated office near Southampton Central train station.

The full details for the office are as follows:

RMT Wessex Regional Office

2^nd Floor, The Podium

Queens Keep

1-4 Cumberland Place

Southampton

Hampshire

SO15 2BH

Tel: 02380 335412

Fax: 02380 333637

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Health and Safety Constituences (Retail Grades)

2011-04-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

Hi All

To advise you all following recent e-mails that I have sent out to all regarding the above, the RMT have been in negotiations with SWT as have TSSA to look at the Constituencies within the Retail Grades, to advise you all that the agreement has now been finalised and has been signed and agreed by the RMT Regional Organiser and that the Health and Safety Representatives will be grouped in with the respective Area Managers Area and this has been part of the Union's request for paid release to attend the Health and Safety TUC course Stage 2, and more importantly to tidy up the Health and Safety Representatives Areas and Constituencies.

Also the elected Representatives that are in office at the moment will need to be re-elected into the Vacancies that are going to be created, this is because we cannot identify what dates all RMT Health and Safety Representatives started and finished the term of office, so it has been agreed that all positions will be new Vacancies and that the Regional Organiser will be writing to all Branch Secretaries shortly advising them of the changes and seeking nominations through the respective Branches of the Grade Groups for nominees to be elected by the Branch to fill the new Vacancies , and when this is completed the Company will be advised who are the elected Health and Safety Representatives and the Union will arrange for them to attend the respective TUC Health and Safety Course.

To confirm that the existing Health and Safety Representatives will remain in post until the closing date of the nominations which also will be added in the letter from the Regional Organiser, from then all existing H&S Representatives will stand down.

In regards the changes to the above this the 1996 Agreement Procedure 2 (Health and Safety) has also been amended to reflect the above, I will shortly e-mail you the final draft agreement of the positions/constituencies and the copy of the change to Procedure Agreement 2, which will enable you to have an idea of how many vacancies are available.

To confirm that all Guards/Fleet and Drivers Health and Safety Positions remain unchanged, and this only affects Revenue Protection/Rail Operators/Clerical Officers/RCO's/Retail Shunters

Branch Secretaries If you can bring this to the attention of the Branch members at your respective Branch meetings , and if you require any further information on this please do not hesitate to contact me, I have sent this to all existing Health and Safety Reps that I have on e-mail.

Inflation Rates Circular

2011-04-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Circular No. NP/071/11/MC

12^th April 2011

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & EXECUTIVE.

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates Circular

The March rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 12^th April 2011. The next publication date is the 17^th May 2011.

March 2011 retail prices index rate is 5.3%.This is down from 5.5% in February. The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 4%, down from 4.4% in February.

By far the largest downward pressure to the change in inflation came from food and non-alcoholic beverages where prices, overall, fell by 1.4 per cent between February and March this year compared with a rise of 0.3 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The 1.4 per cent this year was a record fall for a February to March period. The downward effects were widespread and reflected supermarket led sales this year. The most notable contributions came from fruit where prices fell by 4.7 per cent this year (also a record February to March movement) but rose by 0.7 per cent a year ago, and bread and cereals where prices fell by a record 2.6 per cent this year compared with a fall of 0.2 per cent a year ago.
There were also large downward pressures from:

recreation and culture, principally from games, toys and hobbies (particularly computer games), recording media and data processing equipment
air transport, where fares rose by less than a year ago, particularly on European routes

The largest upward pressures to the change in inflation came from:

housing and household services: prices, overall, rose by 0.4 per cent between February and March this year compared with 0.1 per cent between the same two months a year ago. The main upward effect came from domestic heating costs where average electricity and gas bills rose this year but were unchanged a year ago
purchase of vehicles, where prices rose this year but fell a year ago, particularly for second-hand cars

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

2011-04-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

Abolition of the Default Retirement Age

2011-04-07T11:12:00.001-07:00

7^th April 2011 My ref: EO/33

TO: THE SECRETARY

ALL BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Circular No. NP/067/11

Dear Colleague,

ABOLITION OF THE DEFAULT RETIREMENT AGE

As from 6^th April 2011 the law that allowed employers to retire employees at age 65 (the default retirement age) without having to explain why is being phased out. When discrimination on the grounds of age was made unlawful in certain circumstances in 2006, a provision of the legislation enabled employers to retire employees at age 65 without having to explain why, providing they carried out a certain procedure, which allowed for employees to request to work beyond retirement. In future, employees in theory will be able to choose when they want to retire. If the employer forces someone to retire, they will have to justify the decision at an Employment Tribunal if challenged by the employee.

Transitional arrangements have now been set out after considerable confusion caused by legislative drafting errors by the ConDem Government. If an employer retires someone because they are 65 then both the following must apply:-

The notice of retirement must have been given to the employee before 6^th April 2011.

The employee must be aged 65 or over (or the employer’s retirement age, if that is higher) by 30^th September 2011.

If the member has been given this notice, they still have the right to request to work beyond that retirement date and the employer must consider the request as set out in The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. (This procedure is readily available from Head Office.)

Any dismissal on the grounds of retirement notified from 6^th April on, if not objectively justified by the employer, will amount to unlawful age discrimination under Section 13 of the Equality Act 2010.

Whilst employees may now have the right to remain in work after age 65, the change in legislation no longer requires employers to make arrangements for or provide access to the provision of insurance or related financial services to those over 65 or state pension age, whichever is the greater.

The abolition of the default retirement age may be welcome by some but we need to ensure that our members can retire with dignity and at a time of their choosing. We do not want a culture where it becomes acceptable to work until you drop.

Yours sincerely,

R. CROW

General Secretary

Direct Line: 020-7529 8821

Direct Fax: 020-7529 8808

E-mail: p.wilkinson@rmt.org.uk

Union Learning Funds

2011-03-31T08:55:00.001-07:00

ED/005/11

Circular No. NP/060/11

31^st March 2011

To: The Secretary

All Branches & Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

UNION LEARNING FUNDS

Following the election last year of the present Government it was widely felt that the incredibly valuable and well received work carried out under the auspices of the Union Learning Fund (ULF) in England and Wales and the Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF) in Scotland would be ended or at least severely cut back, drastically reducing the possibility for new learning and training opportunities to our members. This was a common fear amongst colleagues in other Trade Unions currently delivering education and learning to working people across the UK. As a result of a substantial campaign, which was coordinated by both the TUC and Scottish TUC, to promote with the government the value to workers and employers alike the benefit of the work carried out within these two funds I am pleased to report the following in relation to our Unions important work in these areas:

1. ULF Project – The RMT have secured the funding for the second year of the current project, so ensuring that the aims and ambitions of the original bid can now be met up to the original closing date of March 2012. The second year is subject to some additional work and targets but the RMT ULF team have been able to receive the acknowledgement from Union Learn that this will be achievable within our proposed plan.

2. SULF Project – The RMT have secured new funding from the SULF Learning and Development Funds to carry on the excellent work carried out in the Highlands and Islands (RMT & CalMac) and Uplands and Lowlands (RMT & North Link Ferries). This further one year of funding will enable us to build on the work and progress already achieved.

This is very good news for our membership who will continue to be able to access these learning opportunities and the benefits it can bring. I would like to congratulate all those in our ULF and SULF ‘teams’ for the work put in to make this happen.

The long term future for this work is still far from guaranteed but I can assure you the Union will try its hardest to see the work in both areas continue for the long term.

Please encourage your members to get involved in either working to develop the projects work or indeed to take up the opportunities it offers.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Shop Outlet Closures (Waterloo Station) SSP Members

2011-02-27T04:11:00.000-08:00

To advise that Network Rail have advised this Union that they are closing 4 Outlets at Waterloo Station these are as below:

This will efect our Members that we have within this Union that are employed by Select Service Partners.

Whistlestop
Threshers
Upper Crust Units
Sloe Bar

Meetings are being arranged with the Select Service Partners Managers to discuss our Members Jobs and Rates of Pay, and that RMT Representatives will be available at these meetings.

We would advise all RMT members of this Union to be Represented at these Meetings, if you require Representation please Contact the Branch Secretary or the Weesex Regional Office, details below:

Rickey Goodman
Waterloo Branch Secretary
Mobile: 07824 410 568
e-mail: waterloo@rmt.org.uk

Naomi Brown
(Wessex Region Administrator)
Tel: 02380 574 531
e-mail: n.brown@rmt.org.uk

Special Branch Meeting to discuss the Recent round of Job Cuts of the (Revenue Protection and Customer Service Assistants)

2011-02-02T04:21:00.001-08:00

To advise that Waterloo Branch will be hosting a Special Branch Meeting with all Branches from the Wessex Regional Council Area.

The purpose of this meeting is for the recent Job Cuts that SWT have informed us of in regards Revenue Protection and Customer Service Assistants Jobs, at this meeting will be your Retail Company Council Representatives/Regional Organiser and the Council Of Executive Member.

This will be your chance to come along and listen to an update from your Union Officials for a recent update, and will give you your chance to raise your views and issues on this important round of Job Cuts.

We urge that if you can to attend this important Meeting, All Revenue and Customer Service Assistant Members are welcome, the meeting date and time and location is below:

Hole in The Wall Public House (3 Minutes Walk from Waterloo Main Station Exit 5) Start time 16-00 to 17-30pm on the 15th February 2011.

A poster advertising this is in the process of being done and will be sent out to advertise this important meeting....

For more information and to download a flyer click on the link below:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=142414

Jeremy Corbyn (Member Of Parliament is in Attendance at Waterloo Branch

2011-01-28T12:25:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Corbyn (RMT Sponsored Member of Parliament)

is in attendance at the Branch Meeting on the 24th February 2011

Also in attendance is Malcom Cherry (Thompsons Solicitor)

RMT rejects 5.2% pay offer for Network Rail operational staff and calls for further talks to improve deal

2010-12-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

December 22 2010
Immediate

RMT rejects 5.2% pay offer for Network Rail operational staff and calls for further talks to improve deal

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that it has rejected a no-strings offer of 5.2% for Network Rail operations and customer services staff next year, plus RPI in 2012, and is holding further talks on improving the package next month.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“With VAT going up to 20% in January, power and other utilities bills going through the roof and expectations that inflation will continue to rise we are looking to make sure that we achieve a pay deal for Network Rail operational and customer services staff that protects and improves their standards of living in this time of economic and political instability.

“We hear daily about groups of workers who are being told to accept job cuts and the undermining of their pay and conditions and as far as RMT is concerned that is the point at which a strong trade union steps up to the plate to fight for its members interests.

“The turmoil on the railways in recent weeks has illustrated yet again the importance of having adequate numbers of well-trained and properly rewarded staff to cope with whatever is thrown at us.

“We will head back into talks with Network Rail early in the New Year with every intention of securing a pay deal for our members that fully recognises the vital contribution that they make to safe and secure rail travel in this country day in and day out.”

Season Greetings

2010-12-23T02:20:00.000-08:00

On behalf of all the Waterloo Branch we would like to wish you and Your Family a Happy Xmas and a Happy New Year

Bob Crow RMT General Secretary gives a Xmas and New Year Message to RMT Members

2010-12-22T14:13:00.001-08:00

BULLETIN: RMT General Secretary Bob Crow looks back over the past year and the challenges the union faces in 2011

Click on the Link below

http://www.youtube.com/user/RMTtelevision

Waterloo Branch Meeting 09th December 2010

2010-12-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

Waterloo Branch Members at the Branch Meeting on the 09th December 2010, where Bob Crow (General Secretary) and Andy Gilchrist (Education Officer) attended at the Social evening the Branch held, was enjoyed by all..

Waterloo Branch Meeting 09th December 2010

2010-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

Waterloo Branch Meeting on the 09th December will start at 15-00pm, after the meeting a social event of some food and light refreshments will be available to the members..

Hope you can attend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Future public transport: “Nationalisation not Privatisation”

2010-11-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

Circular number: NP/210/10/MC

26th November 2010

To: - All Branches, Regional Councils, Regional Offices, Regional Organisers, Executive & HO Officers.

Dear Colleague,

Future public transport: “Nationalisation not Privatisation”

I am writing to invite RMT members to participate in an international open conference of fighting transport unions.

Transport workers’ unions will come together in London on Monday, 31 January, 2011 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) to discuss the continuing liberalisation and privatisation of transport industries across Europe as a result of the policies of the European Union and the alternatives that we are fighting for.

The European Commission recently ‘re-cast’ its First railway package, to establish “a single European railway area”, demanding complete liberalisation of the rail sector. A Fourth package liberalising domestic passenger rail services is planned for 2011.

The EU drive to privatise lifeline ferry services has led to protests to defend ferry services from Greece, to Corsica, to Caledonian MacBrayne services in Scotland.

Corporate takeovers, such as Germany state railway Deutsche Bahn’s acquisition of Arriva, are creating EU-wide transport monopolies across the bus, rail and light rail sectors. Instead of rebuilding public transport through investment in ‘just transition’ to carbon-neutral systems with skilled jobs, the EU is privatising public transport.

‘Future public transport:“Nationalisation not Privatisation”’ is an opportunity to discuss the deepening political crisis in the public transport sector and how to resist the privatisation drive. If you wish to participate in this conference please contact Mick Carty on m.carty@rmt.org.uk

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Andy Gilchrist (RMT National Education Officer) is in attendance at Waterloo Branch

2010-10-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Andy Gilchrist (RMT National Education Officer) is attending Waterloo Branch on the 28th November 2010.

Andy will be addressing the Branch on the National Education program for the RMT, and also updating on courses that are available for Representatives at all levels and Branch Officials, and will also be updating the Branch on the future of the Rail Union Learning Program for members that want to attend relevant college Courses.

Rates Of Inflation Circular

2010-10-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Circular No. NP/176/10/MC

12th October 2010

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES.

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates Circular

The September rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 12th October 2010. The September 2010 retail prices index rate is 4.6%. This is down from 4.7% in August. The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 3.1%, with no change from August. The next publication date is the 16th November 2010.

The largest downward pressures to the change came from a variety of transport costs:

· air transport where fares fell by 27.8 per cent this year compared with a fall of 23.8 per cent a year ago. The largest downward effects came from long haul and, to a lesser extent, European routes

· fuels and lubricants where prices, overall, fell by 0.8 per cent between August and September this year but rose by 2.3 per cent a year ago, principally reflecting a fall of 1.1 pence per litre in petrol prices this year compared with a rise of 2.4 pence per litre a year ago

· falling second-hand car prices between August and September this year compared with price rises a year ago - there were reports of stock shortages leading to higher prices for second-hand cars during 2009

The largest upward pressures to the change in CPI inflation came from:

· clothing and footwear where prices overall rose by 6.4 per cent this year, a record rise for the August to September period. The largest upward effect came from women’s outerwear where prices rose sharply this year with the 2010 autumn season

· food where the largest upward effects came from meat and fruit. Meat prices rose by 0.3 per cent between August and September this year but fell by 1.2 per cent a year ago. The fall last year was a record for an August to September period. Fruit prices overall fell between August and September this year but by less than a year ago

As you can see the price of daily necessities such as food and clothing continue to rise at an alarming rate.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Referendum Result for Guards SWT (Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2009)

2010-10-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our Ref: BR2/0001/SWT

11th October 2010

Dear Colleagues,

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2009
SOUTH WEST TRAINS (GUARDS OPTION)

Further to my letter dated 22nd September regarding the above, the referendum has now concluded with the following result:-

Total Votes Cast... 412
Those Voting Option One... 289
Those Voting Option Two... 110
Those Voting Neither Option... 13
Spoilt Papers... 0

This result has now been considered by the General Grades Committee who have taken the following decision:-

“We note the outcome of the referendum ballot and instruct the General Secretary to inform the Company of our acceptance of Option 1. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I will inform the Company of our acceptance of the basic pay award option and ask that this is implemented at the earliest opportunity.

I would also like to thank members for voting in this referendum and to thank your representatives for their efforts in this matter.

Yours Sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Rail Union Learning Event

2010-10-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

To advise all that a Rail Union Learning Event has been arranged by the Trade Unions, and this will take place on the 20th October 2010 at Waterloo, to download and view all the details on this event and to download the posters in both English and Spanish please click on the link below:

www.rmt.org.uk/learningopps

Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) is in attendance at Waterloo Branch on the 28th October 2010

2010-10-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Bob (RMT General Secretary) is in attendance at Waterloo Branch Meeting on the 28th October 2010, bob will adddress the Branch on Nation issues and will also be available to take questions from Branch Members.

If you can come along and listen to your elected General Secretary speak at your Branch Meeting.

RMT Secure SWT Staff 5.2% Increase

2010-10-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

October 5 2010

Strong RMT union organisation secures South West Trains staff 5.2% increase setting the benchmark for the rail industry

RAIL UNION RMT today welcomed a 5.2% pay increase – without strings - secured by the union’s negotiators for all South West Trains staff saying that it proves the benefits of strong trade union organisation and sets a pay benchmark for the rest of the rail and transport sector. The 5.2% increase will hit staff pay packets from this week.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“At a time when the doom and gloom merchants in the press are repeating the Government line that everyone has to draw in their belts and accept cuts, job losses and austerity RMT has shown once again on South West Trains that strong union organisation delivers the goods.

“The pay award of 5.2% on South West Trains sets a clear benchmark for our negotiators and for the transport sector as a whole.

“Our members didn’t create this crisis, it was the bankers, and on the day when the return of the City bonus culture is back in the news with a vengeance we are sending out the clearest possible signal that working people don’t need to be bullied into paying the price for the greed and excess of the speculators.

“Strong union organisation is the only defence that working people have against the cuts and austerity onslaught – unity is strength.”

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

RMT National President attending the Branch Meeting on the 30th September 2010

2010-09-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Alex Gordon (National President) will be in attendance at the Branch meeting, and will be addressing the Branch on National issues.

Also in attendance will be the candidates looking for a supporting nomination for the Council of Executives position 2011-2013.

Rates Of Inflation (August 2010)

2010-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 13th September 2010

Circular No. National Policy 164/10

To the Secretary all Branches
Regional Councils, Regional Offices and
Council of Executive members.

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has today published the August 2010 rates of RPI and CPI. The RPI for the twelve months to August 2010 is 4.7%. This is down slightly from 4.8% for the twelve months to July 2010.

The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is 3.1%, the same level as for the twelve months to July 2010. The next publication date is 12th October 2010.

The largest upward pressures came from:
air transport where fares rose by 16.1%, clothing and footwear where prices overall rose by 2.8 per cent this year, and food where the largest upward effects came from bread and cereals, and vegetables.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,
General Secretary

RMT motion at TUC calls for co-ordinated strike action, national demonstration and link up with community groups in fight against the cuts

2010-09-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

TRANSPORT UNION RMT has tabled a motion for the TUC Congress in Manchester next week which sets out a blueprint for a co-ordinated trade union and community fight back against the cuts programme and the “class warfare” of the ConDem Government.

The RMT motion calls on the trade union movement to;

· Call an immediate summit of affiliates to discuss the sole issue of how we can best coordinate industrial action to defend jobs, pensions and conditions

· Consider convening a urgent conference of affiliates and representatives of users of publicly funded services and the welfare state to establish a broad alliance against the cuts

· Organise an urgent national demonstration, lobby of Parliament and national days of protest against the cuts and fully involve trades councils in moblising for these events.

· Present a clear alternative to the cuts including public ownership, higher rates of tax for the rich, closing corporate tax loopholes and scrapping Trident replacement.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“The TUC has to be the launch-pad for the fight back against the coalition Government’s decision to unleash all out class warfare through their unprecedented attack on our communities, public services, welfare state and transport system. Our defence must be built on generalised strike action and community resistance in the biggest public mobilisation since the anti-poll tax movement.

“RMT is in no doubt that the government is using the deficit as a thinly veiled cover to engage in an ideological dismantling of the state and an attack on workers, and the most vulnerable in our society, which goes far further than even the dark days of Thatcher. The true scale of that attack will become clear this autumn.

“As well as setting out plans for our own co-ordinated industrial and community action we also send a message of solidarity to our comrades in France, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and elsewhere who are fighting similar cuts to jobs, standards of living and public services.”

Council of Executives Candidates

2010-08-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

Waterloo Branch have invited the candidates on the 30th September 2010 who are looking for Branch support for the Council of Executives position 2011-2013....the candidates will address the Branch and listen to their views on the reasons why they are standing for this important position...

Peter Skelly (Regional Organiser is attending the Branch

2010-08-15T05:34:00.001-07:00

Peter Skelly (Relief Regional Organiser) who is covering the Wessex area will be attending the Branch Meeting on the 26th August, Peter will be addressing the Branch on issues that are currently being dealt with, and will be available to take questions and issues from the members.

Also in attendance will be candidates that are seeking Branch support for the Unions Council of Executives position January 2011 to December 2013.

Bill Read (Branch Chairman closes the meeting for the last time)

2010-08-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Bill Read the Branch Chairman closed his last meeting last month and will now be retiring from both the Chairman of the Branch and various other posts he has held over the years including Health and Safety/LDC Rep for the RMT.

Alex Gordon the Unions National President attended the Branch to make a presentation to Bill on behalf of the Branch, he thanked Bill for all the hard work he has done over the years and wished him a happy retirement.

Branch Officials Course at Doncaster

2010-08-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

A Branch Officials Course was arranged and some 9 Branch Officials attended the course at the National Education Centre in Doncaster.

2 tutors were running the course and the National Education Officer over saw the Course, this was a pilot course to get feed back, and a further pilot course is going to be arranged for later this year.

As soon as these are completed the final draft course will be presented to the Unions Executive for approval, then then the course will be rolled out to all Branch Officials.

SOUTH WEST TRAINS-TICKET OFFICES

2010-07-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

Circular No. NP/138/10/MC

26th July 2010

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES.

Dear Colleagues,

South West Trains Ticket Offices

Further to my last circular which highlighted the campaign your Union was waging in defense of South West Trains ticket office opening hours, your Union continues to fight against the proposed cuts and has advised South West Trains that we do not accept their revised proposals. We are still awaiting the final outcomes of the formal complaints lodged by both Passenger Focus and Travelwatch and will continue to mount a high profile campaign.

According to a report released on 20th July 2010, Passenger Focus said people risked missing their train because they would rather queue than buy a ticket from a machine.

Queues at ticket offices often exceeded the industry requirement of five minutes during peak hours, with the worst stations found to be Guildford in Surrey, Winchester and Basingstoke. At these stations at least a third of queues at the ticket office were longer than recommended by the industry standard, despite ticket machines standing empty. Researchers found that passengers were more likely to face queues at off-peak times.

I will keep you informed of any developments in regards to this campaign.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Malcom Cherry (Thompsons Solicitor) is Attending the Branch Meeting on the 29th July 2010

2010-07-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

Malcom Cherry (Thompsons Solicitor) will be attending the Branch Meeting to address the Branch on the 29th July 2010, Malcolm will be addressing the Branch on legal issues and changes to the specialised processes this Company deal with.

Thompsons is one of the elected solicitors that this Union employ to deal with Legal issues for our members, Malcolm will also be available to take questions from members.

Also in attendance to carry out a presentation on behalf of the Union is Alex Gordon
(National President)

Network Rail (Circular)

2010-07-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

Our Ref BR5/0314

Circular No IR/186/10

15th July 2010

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES.

Dear Colleagues,

ROSTERING, COMPLIANCE WITH PTR&R AND DELIVERY OF T3 POSSESSIONS - NETWORK RAIL OPERATIONS

I write to advise branches that following two resolutions received from branches concerning RMT representation at ACAS talks, the General Grades Committee has made the following the decision: -

“We note the correspondence on file and accordingly there are three representatives elected to the National Operations Council for Network Rail and the General Secretary is to ensure that all three are invited and released by the employer to attend all talks at ACAS on this matter relating to rostering, PTR&R and T3 possessions.

In the event of non-availability of any of the three reps on the council for Annual Leave, Sickness or other personal reasons this would not prohibit meetings taking place at ACAS. Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

I am writing to Network Rail in line with this decision to advise them we want all three National Operations Council representatives to be released for any future meetings with ACAS in this dispute.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Moved Or Changed Your Job

2010-07-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

It is imperative that RMT members who have changed their place of work, job title, home address and contact details inform head office or contact your respective Branch Secretary of their new situation.

This can be done by emailing info@rmt.org.uk, calling freephone 0800 376 3706 or changing them yourself at www.rmt.org.uk/members (click on 'membership detail').
Employers have used any discrepancy in RMT's membership database to challenge legitimate activity through the use of anti-union legislation in the courts.

Free Day Payments Guards-South West Trains

2010-07-07T09:24:00.001-07:00

TO ALL RAILWAY BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: BR2/7/6
8th July 2010

Dear Colleagues

FREE DAY PAYMENTS, GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I write to advise you that voting in the ballot was as follows:

Question: “Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?”

Number of Votes Cast 288
Number found to be spoiled 1
Those Voting YES 177
Those Voting NO 110

The General Grades Committee has now had opportunity to consider this matter and the following decision has been made:

“That we note the ballot result and the wishes of our South West Trains Guard members. South West Trains have clearly reneged on the free day working arrangements and members are to be congratulated for their overwhelming vote. All members are therefore instructed not to work any free days from 00.01 hours on Sunday 25th July 2010 until further notice. A letter to be sent to all Guard Company Council Representatives, all Guard Representatives, all relevant Branches and a personal letter to all South West Trains Guard members. General Grades Committee to be kept informed of all developments. The company to be kept advised of this union’s availability to resolve this issue through the agreed bargaining procedure.”

In line with the General Grades Committee decision all South West Trains Guard members are instructed not to work any free days from 00.01 hours on Sunday 25th July 2010 until further notice.

I am confident that this action will be fully supported by our members. I have informed SWT that we remain available for talks and I hope that management will see sense and take the necessary steps to resolve this dispute. In the meantime, I would like to urge all SWT Guard members to take industrial action short of a strike and stand together with their colleagues to help us achieve justice.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Womens Safety-Staff Returning to Depot by Taxi

2010-07-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

1st July 2010 My ref: EO/21

TO: THE SECRETARY
ALL BRANCHES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Circular No. NP/122/10

Dear Colleague,

WOMEN’S SAFETY – STAFF RETURNING TO DEPOT BY TAXI

A resolution was carried at the May meeting of our National Women’s Advisory Committee and a decision subsequently taken by the Council of Executives on how it could be best implemented. The resolution raised concerns about the safety of members, especially women, who require transport back to their home depot late at night or early in the morning with monies collected throughout their shift. The example was given of a lone female guard with cash having to wait outside a station for a taxi after midnight.

This issue is being raised with appropriate companies through the collective bargaining procedure. The Council of Executives also asked that I set out to all Branches our policy in relation to safe waiting places and the vetting of taxi firms and drivers by companies.

The starting point is that employers have a duty to carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of any risks to health and safety that their employees may be exposed to either in their workplace or as a result of how the work is carried out. The issue of staff, especially women, having to wait late at night with money in a public area is certainly one that should be the subject of a risk assessment.

One of the first questions that should be addressed is ‘is it necessary for the employee to carry the cash back to their home depot?’ Alternatives such as depositing the monies in a safe or night safe at the station where they have finished their shift must surely be the preferred option, especially as the advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is:- ‘Think about your personal safety, if attacked surrender cash!’.

The risk assessment should also consider the potential risk members are exposed to if they have to wait in public places for transport back to their home depot. We should insist on a safe place for them to wait. This matter should be resolved before our members start their shifts. Any instances where a safe place is not provided must be reported.

We would expect all companies who arrange transport to undertake checks to ensure safe transport is provided in these situations. All taxi (hackney carriage) and minicab (private hire) drivers must be licensed for a maximum period of three years but most licensing authorities, usually the local council or in London, TfL, do so on an annual basis. The basic requirement for someone to obtain a private hire vehicle licence is that the licensing authority must determine that the applicant is a ‘fit and proper person’. They do this by normally checking that the applicant has a current drivers’ licence; have no relevant criminal convictions; pass a local knowledge test; and meet certain medical fitness standards. Licensing authorities have the power to impose additional requirements as they may consider reasonably necessary.

Operators of minicab firms also require a licence and should be ‘fit and proper persons’. All licensing authorities have a legal duty to maintain a register of all taxi and minicab drivers and their operators. The register must be made available to the public for inspection free of charge, usually at a designated office but in practice can mostly be accessed on the local authority’s website. Companies can therefore easily carry out checks that the firms and drivers they use are currently licensed.

It is presumed that minicabs will be used. The law requires that they must be pre-booked and cannot be hailed in the street. As they are pre-booked, it should be possible for our members to be informed of the name of the driver and make and colour of the car they will use. The member should confirm the driver’s details before getting in the vehicle. Drivers should be issued with a badge that must be visible.

Advice on safety when travelling in either minicabs or taxis is available on various websites such as www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport and www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety. The main safety tips are:-

1. Ensure the minicab is pre-booked and that you know the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car.
2. Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive and before getting into the cab.
3. Sit in the back seat and have a mobile phone handy. If possible travel with a colleague.
4. If you chat with the driver, do not give any personal details.
5. Make sure someone knows where you are and what time to expect you.

Hopefully no one will feel threatened whilst travelling in a cab but should they, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust gives the following advice:-

1. Remember to trust your instincts – if you are at all worried – ask the driver to stop in a busy area, and get out of the car.
2. If the driver refuses to stop, use a mobile to call the police and alert other drivers and pedestrians by waving or calling out the window.

Obviously, late at night or the early hours of the morning this advice may not be a viable strategy but may assist in certain circumstances.

I hope all of this information is of use to all your members, especially women.

Yours sincerely,

R. CROW
General Secretary

Inflation Rates Update (June 2010)

2010-06-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Circular No. NP/115/10/MC

15th June 2010

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES.

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates Circular

The May rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 15th June 2010. The next publication date is the 13th July 2010. The May 2010 retail prices index rate is 5.1%.

This is down from 5.3% in April. The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 3.4%, down from 3.7% in April.

There most significant changes came from:
food and non-alcoholic drinks, mainly due to meat and fruit prices which fell between April and May this year but rose between the same two months a year ago
transport where the price of petrol rose by 0.3 pence per litre this year but by 2.8 pence a year ago

alcoholic drinks and tobacco where prices fell by 0.2 per cent between April and May this year but rose by 1.6 per cent a year ago, mainly reflecting the increase in excise duty announced in last year’s budget. The effect of this year’s budget was mainly seen in the April figures
recreation and culture where small downward effects were observed across a wide range of these goods and services
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary

Ballot For Strike Action-SWT Guards Free Day Payments

2010-06-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Circular No IR/169/10

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS & REGIONAL OFFICES

Our Ref: BR2/7/6

17th June 2010

Dear Colleagues

FREE DAY PAYMENTS, GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my Circular dated the 29th April 2010 with regards to the above matter. As you may recall, the ballot for industrial action was suspended to allow further negotiations to take place within the agreed bargaining procedures. Urgent meetings were held between the company and Company Council Representatives and no resolve was reached.

In February 1999 South West Trains gave a commitment that Guards working a free day would be paid time plus one half Monday to Friday and time plus three quarters Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. The company has now imposed a substandard payment for free day working without a negotiated agreement with this Union.

Therefore, the matter has been placed back before the General Grades Committee and they have taken the decision to re-ballot our Guard members for industrial action short of a strike. In line with the GGC decision, I have now arranged for all our Guard members employed by South West Trains to be balloted for industrial action short of a strike. Ballot papers will be dispatched to all affected members home address on Wednesday 23rd June 2010 and the ballot will close on Wednesday 7th July 2010.

I should be pleased if you could bring this Circular to the attention of all your SWT Guard members and ask that they contact the Union’s Helpline on 0800 376 3706 if they have not received their voting paper by Wednesday 30th June 2010.

Best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

RMT Learning Development Worker is attending the Branch Meeting on the 24th June 2010

2010-06-13T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sharon Allen
(RMT Learning Development Worker)

Is attending the Branch Meeting to address the Branch on the Unions learning program for 2010/11.

Sharon will also take question from Branch Members on Union Learning.

Inflation Rates Circular

2010-05-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Circular No. NP/097/10/MC

18th May 2010

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES.

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates Circular

The April rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 18th May 2010. The next publication date is the 15th June 2010. The April 2010 retail prices index rate is 5.3%. This is up from 4.4% in March. The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 3.7%, up from 3.4% in March.

There most significant changes came from:

· clothing and footwear where prices, overall, rose by 2.2 per cent between March and April this year but rose by only 0.2 per cent a year ago; this was mainly due to garments and, in particular, women’s clothing.
· food and non-alcoholic beverages, mainly due to the food component where upward effects were widespread rather than from one particular food group. Reports have suggested that the closure of European airspace as a result of the Icelandic volcano had a limited impact on food prices in April.
· alcoholic beverages and tobacco where prices, overall, rose by 2.1 per cent between March and April this year (driven by the increases in excise duty that came into force towards the end of March) but were unchanged a year ago

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Keep the Train Safe- Keep the Guard on the Train- Pat Sikorski (AGS) To attend Waterloo Campaign Meeting

2010-05-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

To advise that a Special Branch Campaign Meeting has been arranged for the 27th May 2010 to discuss the campaign by this Union to Keep the Guard on the Train.

Special Meetings have been arranged around the Country, where Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary) will be updating Guards members on this important issue where we have seen Scot Rail Train Operating Company renew the attack on the Guards and we could see more of this by more Train Opertaing Companies who have their Franchises up for renewal by 2015.

The Waterloo Campaign Meeting has been arranged and will cover all Branches from the London End which include:

Feltham

Waterloo

Surrey Hants

Wimbledon

This is an important meeting and hope that Guards Members from these Branches can attend and listen to the update from the AGS.

It is happening now and affects all GUARDS------Together we can stop this attack on yet another Grade Group...

Address: Hole in the Wall Public House

(5 minutes Walk From Waterloo Station Exit5 from Station)

15-30 Start

40 Year Membership Branch Presentation

2010-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Owen Ming retired from BR and SWT after over 40 years service, he was presented with the 40 year RMT Membership badge and Medal at the last Branch Meeting, Branch Chairman Bill Read said it was an honour to present this and thanked Owen for his loyal contribution to both the NUR and the RMT, and wished him all the best in his retirement.

Inflation Rates Circular March 2010

2010-04-21T13:07:00.001-07:00

Dear Colleagues,

Inflation Rates Circular

The March rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 20th April 2010. The next publication date is the 18th May 2010.

The March 2010 retail prices index rate is 4.4%. This is up from 3.7% in February. There was significant upward pressure to the change in the RPI annual rate from housing. This was driven mainly by mortgage interest payments which rose by 0.7 per cent this year but fell by 6.3 per cent a year ago following February 2009’s half point decrease in the Bank rate. Within housing, there was also a large upward effect from house depreciation, which rose this year but fell a year ago.

The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 3.4%, up from 3% in February.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living standards have suffered as a result.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Alex Gordon (National President) is Attending Waterloo Branch

2010-04-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

To advise that newly elected National President will be attending Waterloo Branch on the 29th April 2010, alex will be addressing the Branch on National issues that are currently being dealt with by this Union.

Alex was supported by this Branch for the position he has taken up, it is the first time he has visited the Branch since being elected into this position.

So if you can please come along and raise your points at the Branch and to the President.

Eighth annual RMT Garden Party for Cuba

2010-04-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 22, Maritime House, Clapham, London

Special guests to be announced

Live music, food, free bar

Reserve the date!

Tickets at £15, available soon

John McDonnell MP writes to the BBC Director re slur on Bob Crow and the RMT

2010-04-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today John McDonnell MP wrote personally to the BBC Director in relation to the false and slur statement that was made against the RMT General Secretary Bob Crow in relation to the result at the High Court yesterday in relation the Network Rail Ballot.
Our sponsored MP has requested that the statement that Bob Crow rigged the Ballot is retracted on television or give Bob the oppurtunity to put the RMT side forward...

You can see a copy of the letter sent by John by clicking the link on the left hand side of this website...

PRESS NOTICE-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2010-04-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

TRADE UNION COORDINATING GROUP

PRESS NOTICE....................PRESS NOTICE.............
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIONS DEMAND RETRACTION OF BALLOT RIGGING SLUR AGAINST RMT…… BALLOT CONDUCTED BY ELECTORAL REFORM SOCIETY

Eight National Unions, who are represented by the Trade Union Coordinating Group, today demanded that the BBC make a full retraction and apology to Bob Crow and the RMT for the completely unsubstantiated allegation used by John Humphrys in his interveiw with Bob Crow on this morning's Today programme.

John McDonnell MP, Parliamentary Convenor of the TUCG, said: "How can a ballot conducted by the Electoral Reform Society be rigged? This was one of the most disgraceful biased performances of an interviewer and of the BBC itself in the history of the BBC and its treatment of trade unions."

"The Court case in which the RMT dispute was discussed did not infer ballot rigging but errors in the ballot making process. Under law, union ballots have to be conducted by an independent scrutineer. This ballot was sent out, counted and completely run by the Electoral Reform Society. The idea that ballot papers were sent out to derelict Signal Boxes is a complete myth; not a single ballot paper was sent out to any Signal Box or workplace. They were sent out by the ERS to RMT members’ homes.”

“For an allegation of ballot rigging to be made on the Today Programme is an appalling slur on both the union and Bob Crow himself and brings discredit on the whole of the BBC. We are demanding that a retraction is made by the BBC and an apology given and Mr Crow is given an opportunity to explain the RMT’s case without this biased interference."

Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary, said; “The real story here is not the actions of the RMT, which are clearly beyond reproach, but why we have laws in this country that make it virtually impossible for people to defend themselves.”

“Rather than slurring the RMT the BBC should be examining why bosses and judges have the power to prevent unions taking legitimate industrial action to defend their members. A full repeal of the anti-union laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher is long overdue.

“The right to strike is essential to any democratic society. If we forget that we are moving into very dangerous territory.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

The Trade Union Ccordinating Group brings together eight National Unions (BFAWU, FBU, NAPO, NUJ, PCS, POA, RMT & URTU) representing over half a million members to coordinate their campaigning work both in Parliament and beyond.

For further comment or interview:

Geoff Martin – RMT Press Officer; 07831 465103

John McDonnell MP: 07956 292576

Simeon Andrews, TUCG Coordinator: 07984 401032

NETWORK RAIL DESPUTE-UPDATE-INDUSTIAL ACTION CALLED OFF....

2010-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

NETWORK RAIL INDUSTRIAL ACTION CALLED OFF FOR BOTH SIGNALLING STAFF AND ENGINEERING MEMBERS

As you are no doubt aware Network Rail, instead of negotiating with the union, decided to seek an injunction to stop next week’s industrial action by signalling and other operations staff going ahead. I am sorry to say the High Court today granted that injunction.

The matter has been considered by an emergency meeting of you full Council of Executives and they have made the following decision:-

“That we note the Court injunction granted against us today in regard to the signal workers action due to start on 6th April 2010.

We instruct the General Secretary to inform our members and Network Rail that the action is called off.

In regard to the infrastructure ballot and the action due to take place on 6th April 2010, as a result of today’s injunction we note that this ballot may also be unsafe in legal terms. The General Secretary is, therefore, instructed to call off all industrial action and inform our members and Network Rail.

This Council of Executives is of the view that this is a highly political judgement based on a further development of over two decades of vicious anti-trade union laws in the U.K.

We are concerned that Network Rail may have provided the High Court with false information today in their efforts to convince the Court of their case

RMT has acted on the latest legal advice and acts to protect its members, their jobs and terms and conditions.

Accordingly, the General Secretary is instructed to re-ballot all of our Operations and Infrastructure members as soon as practically possible. The General Grades Committee is to be reconvened on 7th April 2010 to lay down a timetable on this re-ballot and also to receive the full legal judgement from today’s Court decision.

The General Secretary is to ensure that our members are advised of this decision. We are still in dispute and are determined to fight on in defence of jobs, terms and conditions and for a safe railway.

The General Secretary is to inform Network Rail that we remain available to negotiate a settlement to both disputes; all union member and officers to be informed.”

I will write to you again shortly.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary

NETWORK RAIL UPDATE

2010-03-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

29th March 2010

Dear Colleague

ROSTERING, COMPLIANCE WITH PTR&R AND DELIVERY OF T3 POSSESSIONS - NETWORK RAIL OPERATIONS

Since the ballot result was announced your union has attended further talks with the company but regrettably management has so far failed to come up with anything to resolve this dispute. Despite the best endeavours of this union insufficient progress has been made on the main issues of rostering, compliance with the Promotion, Transfer, Redundancy and Resettlement Agreement and safe delivery of T3 engineering possessions.

You will have seen the latest letter from Iain Coucher, the Chief Executive, setting out their latest proposals. The letter can be downloaded here: http://tinyurl.com/yccrxb8.

These proposals do not resolve this dispute. On rostering management say they will abide by National Principles on rostering arrangements yet will bring in a new "Fatigue and Risk Index" that no doubt they will hide behind every time they breach the existing principles.

On the PTR&R Arrangements it is true that in 1994 signal workers went on to salaried conditions but the same agreement stated that the existing redundancy arrangements would remain in place. So if a signaller is displaced then vacancies would be filled using the criteria that as long as someone has the ability to do the job the seniority in service would be the defining factor.

We cannot let management use "suitability" to put their preferred candidate in to the post. On T3 Possessions we have asked Network Rail to divulge all secondary action trials that means secondary protection currently carried out by infrastructure staff can be examined by the Union. We don't want T3's being done away with and suddenly introduced by a hypothetical 'T4'.
However, Network Rail has changed their stance slightly and I have today hand delivered a letter to the company seeking urgent discussions to try and resolve this dispute as obviously time is running out.

Therefore, whilst we are still prepared to carry on talking, your General Grades Committee has decided that it is necessary to call on members to take industrial action as follows:-
STRIKE ACTION

1. Members are instructed to take strike action by ceasing work and leaving the workplace between the hours of 0600 and 1000 on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th April 2010.

2. Members are also instructed to take strike action by ceasing work and leaving the workplace between the hours of 1800 and 2200 on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th April 2010.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE

Members are instructed to take action short of strike action by not working any overtime or undertaking any on call duties between 0600 hours on Tuesday 6th April 2010 and 0600 hours on Saturday 10th April 2010.

It has been brought to my attention that some Network Rail managers are trying to sow confusion by telling members that they have no legal right to walk off the job. This is a lie. The union has complied with the law by giving the company the appropriate notice of the action to be taken. It will be entirely up to Network Rail management, not RMT members, to take whatever steps they may deem necessary to secure the safety of the network. The union has taken legal advice on this very issue from the leading QC specialising in employment law, John Hendy, and he has backed our position up to the hilt.

The ball is now in Network Rail's court. The industrial action can be averted quite easily if the company has the will. All we want is:-

* A commitment that the company will abide by national agreements and not impose rosters* A commitment that Network Rail will abide by the PTR&R arrangements * A commitment that the T3 proposals will not be re-introduced.

We will continue talking to the company in an effort to reach an acceptable solution. In the meantime I urge you to stand firm and continue to support your union's position in this dispute.

I thank you in advance for your support

UNITY IS STRENGTH SUPPORT YOUR UNION TOGETHER WE CAN WIN

* download attachment: http://tinyurl.com/yccrxb8

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

RMT Waterloo Branch News (1636)

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 - SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Ballot for South West Trains 2011 Pay Offer

Circular No. MF/7/12

New Inflation Rates

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2011 – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

PENALTY FARE TARGETS, REVENUE INSPECTORS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Rates of Pay & Conditions Of Service 2011-South West Trains

New Inflation Rates

Branch Meeting 09th December 2011

Slater News Renovation

Special Meeting for all Rail Workers (McNulty Report)

New Inflation Rates

DEDUCTION OF WAGES – SELECT SERVICE PARTNERS

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 7

RMT Pay Bulletin October 2011

RMT PAY BULLETIN

October 2011

Company /Sector

Award

Effective From

Recent RMT Settlements

Company

Award

Effective From

Bob Crow

Update on 2011 Paytalks

Bob Crow's speech at the NO to McNulty rally, October 25, 2011

Revenue Protection Item

New Inflation Rates

Joint Union Statement on RMT/TSSA Talks-No 6

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 6

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 5

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 5

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 4

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS – No. 4

RMT PAY BULLETIN September 2011

RMT PAY BULLETIN

September 2011

Company /Sector

Award

Effective From

Recent RMT Settlements

Company

Award

Effective From

Bob Crow

Pay Talks with South West Trains

JOINT UNION STATEMENT ON RMT/TSSA TALKS - No. 3

Branch Nomination-Bob Crow

Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary is in attendance at the Branch Meeting

TSSA & RMT Talks - Statement from Gerry Doherty & Bob Crow

Dear Colleagues

Please see today’s statement below:

STATEMENT 1 FROM GERRY DOHERTY & BOB CROW

RMT

TSSA

RMT & TSSA MERGER

Stop the fare hikes: demo for fair fares

ELECTION FOR NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – CASUAL VACANCY REGION 12/WESSEX

RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED/REPRESENTATION AT FACT FINDING INVESTIGATORY MEETINGS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS (BR2/4/4)

RAILWAYS PENSION SCHEMES – 2010 ACTUARIAL VALUATION

Organising Catering Grades

New Inflation Rates

Sean Hoyle (RMT Executive Member is in attendance at the Branch on the 28th July 2011)

Telephone Lines Unity House

Unity House: Temporary Phone lines

Unity House: Temporary Phonelines

The numbers are:

RMT PAY BULLETIN June 2011

RMT PAY BULLETIN

June 2011

Company /Sector

Award

Effective From

Recent RMT Settlements

Company

Award

Effective From

Bob Crow