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.”
Waterloo Branch Represents all Grades at Waterloo, Vauxhall, Queens Town Road and Clapham Junction for South Western Railway, Select Service Partners/Rail Gourmet/Network Rail/ /ISS /Churchill Cleaners and Interserve. The RMT Represents all Grades.... It is your Union So come along to Branch Meetings and find out the latest News and have your say in running your Union.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Season Greetings
On behalf of all the Waterloo Branch we would like to wish you and Your Family a Happy Xmas and a Happy New Year
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bob Crow RMT General Secretary gives a Xmas and New Year Message to RMT Members
BULLETIN: RMT General Secretary Bob Crow looks back over the past year and the challenges the union faces in 2011Click on the Link below
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Waterloo Branch Meeting 09th December 2010
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..
Friday, December 3, 2010
Waterloo Branch Meeting 09th December 2010
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Future public transport: “Nationalisation not Privatisation”
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
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
Friday, October 29, 2010
Andy Gilchrist (RMT National Education Officer) is in attendance at Waterloo Branch
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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Rates Of Inflation Circular
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
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
Friday, October 8, 2010
Referendum Result for Guards SWT (Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2009)
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
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
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:
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) is in attendance at Waterloo Branch on the 28th October 2010
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
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
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
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
RMT National President attending the Branch Meeting on the 30th September 2010
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.
Also in attendance will be the candidates looking for a supporting nomination for the Council of Executives position 2011-2013.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Rates Of Inflation (August 2010)
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
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
Sunday, September 12, 2010
RMT motion at TUC calls for co-ordinated strike action, national demonstration and link up with community groups in fight against the cuts
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.”
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.”
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Council of Executives Candidates
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...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Peter Skelly (Regional Organiser is attending the Branch
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.
Also in attendance will be candidates that are seeking Branch support for the Unions Council of Executives position January 2011 to December 2013.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Bill Read (Branch Chairman closes the meeting for the last time)
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.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Branch Officials Course at Doncaster
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
SOUTH WEST TRAINS-TICKET OFFICES
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
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
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Malcom Cherry (Thompsons Solicitor) is Attending the Branch Meeting on the 29th July 2010
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)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Network Rail (Circular)
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
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
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Moved Or Changed Your Job
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Free Day Payments Guards-South West Trains
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
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
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Womens Safety-Staff Returning to Depot by Taxi
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
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
Monday, June 21, 2010
Inflation Rates Update (June 2010)
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
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
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ballot For Strike Action-SWT Guards Free Day Payments
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
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
Sunday, June 13, 2010
RMT Learning Development Worker is attending the Branch Meeting on the 24th June 2010
Sharon Allen
(RMT Learning Development Worker)
(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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Inflation Rates Circular
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
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
Friday, May 7, 2010
Keep the Train Safe- Keep the Guard on the Train- Pat Sikorski (AGS) To attend Waterloo Campaign Meeting
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
Saturday, May 1, 2010
40 Year Membership Branch Presentation
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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Inflation Rates Circular March 2010
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
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
Friday, April 16, 2010
Alex Gordon (National President) is Attending Waterloo Branch
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Eighth annual RMT Garden Party for Cuba
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
Special guests to be announced
Live music, food, free bar
Reserve the date!
Tickets at £15, available soon
Friday, April 2, 2010
John McDonnell MP writes to the BBC Director re slur on Bob Crow and the RMT
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...
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
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
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
Thursday, April 1, 2010
NETWORK RAIL DESPUTE-UPDATE-INDUSTIAL ACTION CALLED OFF....
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
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
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
NETWORK RAIL UPDATE
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
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
Saturday, March 27, 2010
RAIL UNION LEARNING
To advise that Deborah Rios Alonso was elected as the Rail Union Learning Representative from the Waterloo Branch, Deborah gave a report on the RUL at the last Branch meeting on recent activity and proposed open day at Waterloo so staff can attend, if you require any information on college courses or any help involving learning please contact Deborah on the details below:
Mobile: 07960 074 033
e-mail: deborahrios@rmtmail.org.uk
Thanking You.
Network Rail Operations Update
TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES
Circular No: IR104/10
26 March 2010
Dear Colleague
ROSTERING, COMPLIANCE WITH PTR&R AND DELIVERY OF T3 POSSESSIONS -NETWORK RAIL OPERATIONS (BR5/0314)
Further to previous correspondence, this matter has again been considered by the General Grades Committee and the following decision has been taken:
“That we note that meetings have taken place between our representatives and Network Rail on Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March to resolve this dispute. Unfortunately, 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. Therefore, industrial action is now inevitable.
Accordingly we instruct our members 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 and also between the hours of 1800 and 2200 on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th April 2010 and to take action short 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. We call on all our members to stand firm and to support in full this action by joining picket lines on leaving work and attending mass meetings to keep themselves informed. The General Secretary to inform Network Rail that we remain available for further talks to resolve this dispute in full.”
A personal letter will shortly be sent to members covered by this decision and I shall, of course, continue to keep you advised of all developments as and when they arise.
Yours sincerely
General Secretary
Circular No: IR104/10
26 March 2010
Dear Colleague
ROSTERING, COMPLIANCE WITH PTR&R AND DELIVERY OF T3 POSSESSIONS -NETWORK RAIL OPERATIONS (BR5/0314)
Further to previous correspondence, this matter has again been considered by the General Grades Committee and the following decision has been taken:
“That we note that meetings have taken place between our representatives and Network Rail on Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March to resolve this dispute. Unfortunately, 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. Therefore, industrial action is now inevitable.
Accordingly we instruct our members 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 and also between the hours of 1800 and 2200 on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th April 2010 and to take action short 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. We call on all our members to stand firm and to support in full this action by joining picket lines on leaving work and attending mass meetings to keep themselves informed. The General Secretary to inform Network Rail that we remain available for further talks to resolve this dispute in full.”
A personal letter will shortly be sent to members covered by this decision and I shall, of course, continue to keep you advised of all developments as and when they arise.
Yours sincerely
General Secretary
Thursday, March 25, 2010
RMT announces national rail strike dates involving maintenance and signals staff
RAIL UNION RMT announced today that following the failure of Network Rail to offer anything conclusive aimed at resolving disputes involving signalling and maintenance staff, after hours of talks, members will be taking industrial action:-
Signalling staff:
Strike action between 06.00 and 10.00 hours and between 18.00 and 22.00 hours on the 6th, 7th and 8th and 9th of April.
Maintenance (infrastructure) staff:
Strike action from 06.00 hours on Tuesday 6th April to 23.59 hours on Friday 9th of April.
An overtime ban, ban on rest day working and a ban on on-call duties to be in force throughout this period for both groups of staff running through to 06.00 hours on Saturday 10th April.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“RMT negotiators have worked flat out to try and reach an agreement that protects rail safety, job security and working agreements in the disputes involving signalling and maintenance staff on Britain’s railways. Despite long hours of talks we have received nothing concrete from Network Rail that addresses the key issues.
“It remains the case that Network Rail, in a drive to slash 21% from their budget, want to axe 1500 maintenance posts, lump maintenance functions onto over-worked signallers, rip up agreements and impose changes that will quite clearly undermine safety across our railways and make another Hatfield, Potters Bar or Grayrigg disaster an inevitability.
“RMT members could not sit back and wait for Network Rail to drag our industry back to the dark days of Rail Track with their cash-driven cuts plans. We have decided to stand up and fight and the ball is now in Network Rail’s court to come back with meaningful proposals aimed at resolving these disputes.”
Signalling staff:
Strike action between 06.00 and 10.00 hours and between 18.00 and 22.00 hours on the 6th, 7th and 8th and 9th of April.
Maintenance (infrastructure) staff:
Strike action from 06.00 hours on Tuesday 6th April to 23.59 hours on Friday 9th of April.
An overtime ban, ban on rest day working and a ban on on-call duties to be in force throughout this period for both groups of staff running through to 06.00 hours on Saturday 10th April.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“RMT negotiators have worked flat out to try and reach an agreement that protects rail safety, job security and working agreements in the disputes involving signalling and maintenance staff on Britain’s railways. Despite long hours of talks we have received nothing concrete from Network Rail that addresses the key issues.
“It remains the case that Network Rail, in a drive to slash 21% from their budget, want to axe 1500 maintenance posts, lump maintenance functions onto over-worked signallers, rip up agreements and impose changes that will quite clearly undermine safety across our railways and make another Hatfield, Potters Bar or Grayrigg disaster an inevitability.
“RMT members could not sit back and wait for Network Rail to drag our industry back to the dark days of Rail Track with their cash-driven cuts plans. We have decided to stand up and fight and the ball is now in Network Rail’s court to come back with meaningful proposals aimed at resolving these disputes.”
Saturday, March 20, 2010
RAIL SAFETY BEFORE PROFIT...DEMONSTRATION
Event Date: April 13 2010
RMT, along with transport unions from other European countries, is calling on the European Railways Agency (ERA) to give a clear commitment that rail safety and jobs will not be sacrificed in the interests of competition and profit.
As a first step we are calling for a mass protest at the offices of the European Railway Agency in Lille, France on Tuesday 13 April 2010 at 11.00. It is essential that RMT members play as full a role as possible in this demonstration, which the union has been instrumental in calling.
RMT is calling on all transport unions and organisations that defend public transport and the environment to oppose the systematic destruction of national rail networks, jobs and safety standards brought about as a result of the implementation of European Union rail liberalisation packages.
further info and FREE TRAVEL details: m.carthy@rmt.org.uk or 020 7829 8307
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
RMT Hold talks with Network Rail
NEWS RELEASE
March 17 2010
Immediate
RMT in talks with Network Rail tomorrow over safety-critical job cuts
RAIL UNION RMT will be taking part in top level talks with Network Rail tomorrow (18th March) in a bid to reach an agreement that protects rail safety, job security and operational arrangements following a massive 77% vote for strike action last week by 12,000 RMT rail maintenance staff over the company’s cuts plans.
RMT have drawn attention again this morning to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) report from two weeks ago which identified four major areas of concern over the Network Rail plans:
Failure to carry out practical tests on the cuts plans
Specific concerns on the continued problems on the West Coast Mainline where the bulk of the job cuts are targeted
Reductions in safety-critical working hours
Cutting back on safety lookouts and safety briefings.
ORR also highlighted “inadequate employee engagement” and warned that they will have “no hesitation in taking immediate action if safety to passengers and employees is put at risk.”
Over 150 MP’s have now signed the Early Day Motion opposing the planned Network Rail cuts and calling on the government to intervene directly to call a halt to the threatened axing of 1500 safety-critical posts.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“We head in to talks with Network Rail with the very clear intention of seeking an agreement which ends the threat of compulsory redundancies amongst safety-critical maintenance staff and which puts the safety and security of our railways above the drive to slash budgets to hit arbitrary savings targets.
“We have secured a huge pool of public and political support for RMT’s “Rail Cuts Cost Lives” campaign, alongside an overwhelming mandate from our members for action if that’s what it takes to reverse these cuts. That puts us in a strong position as we open up these direct talks with the senior management at Network Rail.
Ends
Further information:
Geoff Martin 07831 465 103
0207 255 9146
March 17 2010
Immediate
RMT in talks with Network Rail tomorrow over safety-critical job cuts
RAIL UNION RMT will be taking part in top level talks with Network Rail tomorrow (18th March) in a bid to reach an agreement that protects rail safety, job security and operational arrangements following a massive 77% vote for strike action last week by 12,000 RMT rail maintenance staff over the company’s cuts plans.
RMT have drawn attention again this morning to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) report from two weeks ago which identified four major areas of concern over the Network Rail plans:
Failure to carry out practical tests on the cuts plans
Specific concerns on the continued problems on the West Coast Mainline where the bulk of the job cuts are targeted
Reductions in safety-critical working hours
Cutting back on safety lookouts and safety briefings.
ORR also highlighted “inadequate employee engagement” and warned that they will have “no hesitation in taking immediate action if safety to passengers and employees is put at risk.”
Over 150 MP’s have now signed the Early Day Motion opposing the planned Network Rail cuts and calling on the government to intervene directly to call a halt to the threatened axing of 1500 safety-critical posts.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“We head in to talks with Network Rail with the very clear intention of seeking an agreement which ends the threat of compulsory redundancies amongst safety-critical maintenance staff and which puts the safety and security of our railways above the drive to slash budgets to hit arbitrary savings targets.
“We have secured a huge pool of public and political support for RMT’s “Rail Cuts Cost Lives” campaign, alongside an overwhelming mandate from our members for action if that’s what it takes to reverse these cuts. That puts us in a strong position as we open up these direct talks with the senior management at Network Rail.
Ends
Further information:
Geoff Martin 07831 465 103
0207 255 9146
Monday, March 15, 2010
Network Rail Demonstration
Friday’s RMT demonstration over Network Rail job cuts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3eZDjfw6CE
Chris Kasrils
RMT Web Editor
020 7529 8880
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3eZDjfw6CE
Chris Kasrils
RMT Web Editor
020 7529 8880
Thursday, March 11, 2010
BALLOT RESULT-NETWORK RAIL
Circular No: IR/79/10Our Ref: BR4/15/411 March 2010
Dear colleagues
REORGANISATION OF NETWORK RAIL MAINTENANCE
The ballot of you and your colleagues has concluded and the result is as follows:
Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?
Total votes cast
7816 Number voting YES 6055 Number voting NO 1709 Spoilt papers 52
Question: Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?
Total votes cast
7816 Number voting YES 6955 Number voting NO 723 Spoilt papers 138
Your union’s Executive Committee will now discuss the next steps in the dispute at a meeting next Friday - 19th March - in light of the massive mandate for action that has been delivered by our members. I can also inform you that I have issued a further call to Network Rail Chairman Rick Haythornthwaite today to re-open talks on the maintenance cuts plans.
You and your colleagues were faced with a stark choice in this ballot. You could have either sat back and waited for these cash-led maintenance cuts to lead to another major disaster on Britain’s railways or voted to take action to stop the attack on rail safety. You and your colleagues have now overwhelmingly voted to take action.
RMT remains available for talks with Network Rail and we would hope that in light of the overwhelming mandate for action delivered by you and your colleagues today that Mr Haythornthwaite will respond to our request for meaningful discussions aimed at ensuring that the staffing levels required to deliver a safe rail system are maintained.
I would like to thank all members for delivering such a magnificent vote for strike action and industrial action short of a strike.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Dear colleagues
REORGANISATION OF NETWORK RAIL MAINTENANCE
The ballot of you and your colleagues has concluded and the result is as follows:
Question: Are you prepared to take strike action?
Total votes cast
7816 Number voting YES 6055 Number voting NO 1709 Spoilt papers 52
Question: Are you prepared to take industrial action short of a strike?
Total votes cast
7816 Number voting YES 6955 Number voting NO 723 Spoilt papers 138
Your union’s Executive Committee will now discuss the next steps in the dispute at a meeting next Friday - 19th March - in light of the massive mandate for action that has been delivered by our members. I can also inform you that I have issued a further call to Network Rail Chairman Rick Haythornthwaite today to re-open talks on the maintenance cuts plans.
You and your colleagues were faced with a stark choice in this ballot. You could have either sat back and waited for these cash-led maintenance cuts to lead to another major disaster on Britain’s railways or voted to take action to stop the attack on rail safety. You and your colleagues have now overwhelmingly voted to take action.
RMT remains available for talks with Network Rail and we would hope that in light of the overwhelming mandate for action delivered by you and your colleagues today that Mr Haythornthwaite will respond to our request for meaningful discussions aimed at ensuring that the staffing levels required to deliver a safe rail system are maintained.
I would like to thank all members for delivering such a magnificent vote for strike action and industrial action short of a strike.
Yours sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Sunday, March 7, 2010
ABUSE OF PTR & R ARRANGEMENTS-SOUTH WEST TRAINS
Thank you for the resolution from your branch on the above matter. The General Grades
Committee have now had opportunity to consider this matler and they have made the
following decision:-
"That we note the resolution from our Waterloo Branch and the General Secretary is
instruded to seek an urgent repoft from our Lead Officer on this issue. Fufthermore the
General Secretary is instruded to seek an urgent assurance from the company that they will
comply with the PT&R arangements at all times as agreed with this union; if the assurance
is not forthcoming a dispute situation will exist between this union and SWT. The General
Grades Committee to be kept informed of all developments. Waterloo Branch to be advised."
Accordingly I have written to SWT on this matter and asked the Lead Officer to investigate
this matter on my behalf.
I will continue to keep you advised of all developments.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Committee have now had opportunity to consider this matler and they have made the
following decision:-
"That we note the resolution from our Waterloo Branch and the General Secretary is
instruded to seek an urgent repoft from our Lead Officer on this issue. Fufthermore the
General Secretary is instruded to seek an urgent assurance from the company that they will
comply with the PT&R arangements at all times as agreed with this union; if the assurance
is not forthcoming a dispute situation will exist between this union and SWT. The General
Grades Committee to be kept informed of all developments. Waterloo Branch to be advised."
Accordingly I have written to SWT on this matter and asked the Lead Officer to investigate
this matter on my behalf.
I will continue to keep you advised of all developments.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Bob Crow to Speak at Next Trades Council Meeting
Is Attending the:
Bob Crow will be speaking at the next Trades Council meeting...details below..
Bob will be speaking on the issues of Rail Safety, RMT Campaigns and the struggles for all Trade Unionists after the last election...
Monday 08th March 2010 at 19-30pm
Venue: Public and Commercial Services Union HQ
160 Falcon Road Clapham Junction
London
SW11 2LN (Next To Clapham Junction Railway Station)
SW11 2LN (Next To Clapham Junction Railway Station)
Hope to see you there......
Friday, February 26, 2010
South West Trains slammed for drive towards un-staffed stations to maximise profits
RAIL UNION RMT today slammed Stagecoach, owners of the South West Trains franchise, for a new round of staffing costs that will leave ticket office closed at evenings and weekends at 24 station across Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.
RMT has warned that the cost cutting plans being bulldozed through on South West Trains will lead to a massive deterioration in customer service and will seriously increase the risk of assaults at stations at evening and weekends.
Last year Stagecoach announced pre-tax profits of £170 million and confirmed that they would be axing jobs and making other cuts in a bid to maximise the returns to their shareholders regardless of the impact on services and passenger safety.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said: “There is no doubt that Stagecoach on South West Trains are itching to move to un-staffed stations with people replaced by machines because they see that as the way of pumping up their multi-million pound profits regardless of the impact on public safety, customer service and their own hardworking staff.
“This is rail franchising in action – profits are all that matters and they see staff and passengers as pawns in a giant game of Who Wants to Be A Multi-Millionaire. “The threat of attacks at un-staffed stations is well documented and the Government should be stepping in and taking action against these train operators who are prepared to leave the public dangerously exposed in the dash to line their own pockets.”
RMT has warned that the cost cutting plans being bulldozed through on South West Trains will lead to a massive deterioration in customer service and will seriously increase the risk of assaults at stations at evening and weekends.
Last year Stagecoach announced pre-tax profits of £170 million and confirmed that they would be axing jobs and making other cuts in a bid to maximise the returns to their shareholders regardless of the impact on services and passenger safety.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said: “There is no doubt that Stagecoach on South West Trains are itching to move to un-staffed stations with people replaced by machines because they see that as the way of pumping up their multi-million pound profits regardless of the impact on public safety, customer service and their own hardworking staff.
“This is rail franchising in action – profits are all that matters and they see staff and passengers as pawns in a giant game of Who Wants to Be A Multi-Millionaire. “The threat of attacks at un-staffed stations is well documented and the Government should be stepping in and taking action against these train operators who are prepared to leave the public dangerously exposed in the dash to line their own pockets.”
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wessex Regional Organiser (Important Information)
To advise you all that Pete Gale (Wessex Regional Organiser) is currently unwell, and Pete Skelly (Relief Regional Organiser) will be covering the Wessex area Until Further Notice.
If you need any assistance of work related issues could you please contact at the first point your Local Reps and if not your Company Council Representatives before the Regional Organiser, unless its an issue that cannot be resolved at local level.
Mobile:07920 724 862
e-mail: p.skelly@rmt.org.uk
Thanking You
If you need any assistance of work related issues could you please contact at the first point your Local Reps and if not your Company Council Representatives before the Regional Organiser, unless its an issue that cannot be resolved at local level.
Mobile:07920 724 862
e-mail: p.skelly@rmt.org.uk
Thanking You
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Mick Cash (Senior Assistant General Secretary) is attending Waterloo Branch
To advise that the Senior Assistant General Secretary Mick Cash will be attending Waterloo Branch on the 28th January.
Mick will be addressing the Branch on issues that are being dealt with Nationally, which include the Network Rail Job Cuts that this Union are dealing.
Please come along if you can and have your chance to raise issues to Mick Cash and listen to updates from your local Representatives.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Pay and Conditions Ballot Result
Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2009 – South West Trains
The following decision has been taken by the GGC:-
“That we note the referendum ballot result is as follows:-
Total Votes Cast 769
Numbers Voting Yes 687
Numbers Voting No 81
Spoilt papers 2
That this matter is referred to the Southern Sub-Committee for examination and report.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
The following decision has been taken by the GGC:-
“That we note the referendum ballot result is as follows:-
Total Votes Cast 769
Numbers Voting Yes 687
Numbers Voting No 81
Spoilt papers 2
That this matter is referred to the Southern Sub-Committee for examination and report.
Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Rates Of Inflation Update
Circular No. NP/011/10/MC
19th January 2010
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & EXECUTIVE.
Dear Colleagues,
Inflation Rates Circular
The December rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 19th January 2010. The next publication date is the 16th February 2010.
December 2009 retail prices index rate is 2.4%.This is up from 0.3% in November. The last time there was an increase in the annual inflation rate greater than 2.1 per cent was between June and July 1979, when the rate increased from 11.4 per cent to 15.6 per cent.
This record increase is due to a number of exceptional events that took place in December 2008:
the reduction in the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15 per cent from 17.5 per cent
sharp falls in the price of oil
pre-Christmas sales as a result of the economic downturn
In addition to these events there was also significant upward pressure to the change in the RPI annual rate from housing. Within housing the main upward effect came from mortgage interest payments which rose this year but fell significantly a year ago when most lenders passed on the one and a half point decrease in the Bank rate.
The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 2.9%, up from 1.9% in November.
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
19th January 2010
TO: ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL ORGANISERS, REGIONAL COUNCILS, & EXECUTIVE.
Dear Colleagues,
Inflation Rates Circular
The December rates of RPI and CPI were published by the Office for National Statistics on the 19th January 2010. The next publication date is the 16th February 2010.
December 2009 retail prices index rate is 2.4%.This is up from 0.3% in November. The last time there was an increase in the annual inflation rate greater than 2.1 per cent was between June and July 1979, when the rate increased from 11.4 per cent to 15.6 per cent.
This record increase is due to a number of exceptional events that took place in December 2008:
the reduction in the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15 per cent from 17.5 per cent
sharp falls in the price of oil
pre-Christmas sales as a result of the economic downturn
In addition to these events there was also significant upward pressure to the change in the RPI annual rate from housing. Within housing the main upward effect came from mortgage interest payments which rose this year but fell significantly a year ago when most lenders passed on the one and a half point decrease in the Bank rate.
The Government’s preferred measure of inflation, CPI, is at 2.9%, up from 1.9% in November.
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
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