LDC Update for Revenue Protection Grades (Area Manager London Area)

To advise all Revenue Protection Grades in the Area Manager London area that the ballot for the LDC position for these grades will be taking place on the 14th January 2013

Thanks

New Wessex Regional Organiser Information

New Wessex Regional Organiser Information

To advise that the newly elected RMT Wessex Regional Organiser Mick Tosh takes over his new post on the 01st January 2013, his contact details are as below:

Mobile: 07900 877720

E-mail: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk

Thanks

Xmas

On behalf of all the Branch Officials we would like to wish you and your Families a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

And would like to thank you all for your support throughout 2012.

Revenue Protection Update

To advise that the Company Council Reps raised with the Company about the issue of RPA's carrying out plain clothes duties.

We stated that this task is not contained within the RPA's Job Description and should only be carried out by RPI's, the Company have advised us that they will not contravene the Job Descriptions on this issue.

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/319/12

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

Tuesday 18th December 2012

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to November 2012.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3% for the year to November 2012, down 0.2% from the 3.2% figure to October 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.7% for the year to November 2012, unchanged from the figure to October 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest downward pressures behind the change in the RPI rate came from motoring expenditure, housing and household goods. These were partially offset by an upward pressure from food.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

October 2012 Pay Update Meetings

To advise the next Pay Talks Meeting for the October 2012 Pay anniversary has been arranged for the 01st February 2013, your negotiators at this meeting are as below:

 

Regional Organiser

Mick Tosh

Company Council Reps

Rickey Goodman

Michael Campbell

John Imm

We will update you further on these talks after the meeting

Revenue Commercial Guards-South West Trains

Circular No IR/699/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

17th December 2012


Dear Colleague

REVENUE TARGETS FOR COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my Circular No IR/427/12 dated the 8th August 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you that I was pursuing legal advice as to whether or not the company were in breach of our Guard member’s contract of employment and the Guards Restructuring Initiatives. Please be advised, that I have now received a legal opinion from our Solicitors and the matter has been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:

“That we note the legal opinion which is now on file stating ‘that by introducing revenue and penalty fare targets and using the poor performance procedure to enforce these, South West Trains may well be in breach of contract.’

Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to challenge South West Trains on this issue, reminding them that this union does not recognise their unagreed policy and that any action taken against our members using this policy will not be tolerated.

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.”

In accordance with the above, I am now carrying out the instructions of the GGC decision and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Best wishes.

Bob Crow
General Secretary

2012 South West Trains Pay Talks Update

To advise that your Negotiators below met with the Company on the 06th December 2012 to discuss the Pay anniversary date for October 2012.

The Company have made an opening offer to all Grades of 1.7% and a payment of £350.00 on all grades where their basic falls under £21,000 per year, also this a 1year offer with no offer to increase the London Allowances.

We also raised that we need to have further talks on the reduction of the Guards hours, and the company have advised that they have received ideas on how this can be achieved and have stated that they are currently putting costs to these ideas.

We have advised the Company that we are rejecting this offer and have asked the Company to look at this offer, which they have and we will be re-convening a further Pay talks meeting in January 2013, we will advise you of the date when known.

Negotiators

Pete Gale (Regional Organiser)

Company Council

Rickey Goodman
John Imm
John Donoghue

Election Result-RMT National President

O/23/8

Circular No. MF/129/12

4^th December 2012

To:

The Secretary all Branches, Regional Organisers & Regional Councils

Dear Colleague,

Election of National President

Period of Office 1^st January 2013 – 31^st December 2015

With reference to the above, at a meeting of the Council of Executives, the report of the independent scrutineer Electoral Reform Services was considered and the following was declared elected:

Name Branch

Peter Pinkney Teesside

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Wessex Regional Organiser Election Result

To advise that Mick Tosh has been elected as the new Wessex Regional Organiser from January 2013.

RMT PAY BULLETIN November 2012

Circular No. NP/301/12

30^th November 2012

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO:  ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

        COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

November 2012

The Office of National Statistics has published new inflation figures for the twelve months to October 2012. 

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to October 2012, up 0.6% from the 2.6% figure to September 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.7% for the year to October 2012, up 0.5% from the 2.2% figure to September 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest upward inflationary pressures came from education costs (mainly the increase in tuition fees), food prices (particularly potatoes, fruit and confectionary) and transport costs (particularly second hand vehicles and air fares). Significant downward pressures came from housing costs (particularly gas and electricity bills) and recreation costs (mainly computer game prices).

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
Translink train drivers (TOCs & FOCs)	· 3% pay rise	1 Apr 2013
Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port (Engineering)	· 3.2% rise in basic pay	1 Sept 2012
Rolls Royce, Derby (Engineering)	· 4% rise in basic pay, backdated	1 Mar 2012

Recent RMT Settlements

Company	Award	Effective From
Train Operating & Freight Operating Companies
Grand Central Trains	· An increase of 3.5% to basic rates of pay from 12th February 2012, with arrears of pay being paid at the earliest opportunity. · An increase to basic rates of pay by November 2012 RPI plus 0.5% from 1st January 2013, or a minimum of 3%, whichever is greater. · To implement reciprocal travel facilities with other members of the Arriva UK Trains Group as a concession. · To implement the proposed/revised structure for staff reps on which further discussions are to be held. · A commitment from Grand Central to enter into discussions to explore ways to improve terms and conditions and to work more efficiently, on a company-wide and grade specific basis provided the trade unions confirm a willingness to do the same. The initial areas to be explored are around rostering flexibility and a commitment to working together to formulate and review a number of policies. The intention is to meet before the end of the year or at the latest, early January to establish ground rules on productivity discussions and policy reviews.	1 Jan 2013
Infrastructure
Amey (Heathrow Express contract)	Year One · 2.5% increase for all employees covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement · Any employee covered by the agreement with Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be transferred to Amey Standard Sick Pay terms (SSP for the first six months of employment, then 3 months full pay followed by 3 months half pay). · Any employees on weekly pay will be transferred to monthly pay by 27th March 2013. In addition to the above and as a foundation to a year 2 agreement, the RMT will participate in an operational restructure and harmonisation review of the operational delivery at HEX. The process will commence December 2012. Year Two · A 2% increase, or the Amey Pay Review pot figure, whichever is the greater, for all employees covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective 1st April 2013. · A one-off payment of £75 to all employees covered by this agreement in their April 2013 pay in recognition of participation in the operational restructure and harmonisation review.	1 Apr 2012
Balfour Beatty Rail Renewals	· An increase of 2.5% on reference salaries with an identical increase on geographical allowances and all allowances that currently operate as a percentage of reference salary.	1 Jan 2013
Balfour Beatty Rail Plant	· An increase of 2.5% on reference salaries with an identical increase on geographical allowances and all allowances that currently operate as a percentage of reference salary.	1 Jan 2013

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Recognition Application for Carlisle Cleaners within South West Trains

To advise that the RMT Regional Organiser Pete Gale has applied to the CAC (Central Arbritation Committee) for formal recognition for our members who are employed by Churchill.

Churchill have requested that ACAS are involved in this process which we have agreed.
This has come to light because the RMT wrote to the Churchill bosses requesting that we have recognition with them, they declined on the bases that we have not got any members, this is not true as we have a huge % of members in all the depots within the South West Trains area.

This could be a battle that we intend to win, lets fight so we can get better pay and conditions for these members.
We will keep you posted on this issue as progress develops

Branch Meeting

To advise that the next Branch Meeting will take place on Friday 07th December 2012 at the Hole in the Wall public house at 14-45.

Please note the change of day of this meeting, also please be aware that after this meeting there will be a get together with all branch members with food and light refreshments laid on.

I hope to see you there and would like to wish you and your family a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year

Thanks

Regards

Rickey Goodman
Waterloo Branch Secretary

SOUTH WEST TRAINS PAY TALKS 2012 UPDATE

To advise all that a further Pay Talks Meeting has been arranged with the Company and this meeting will be taking place on the 06th December 2012.

As per recent updates on this the Company have not offered a % pay offer and we expect this to happen at this meeting, as the Company agreed to take away the Trade Unions submissions away for consideration.

We will keep you updated on further developments on these talks, your RMT Negotiators at this meeting will be as follows

Pete Gale (Regional Organiser)

Company Council Team

Rickey Goodman

Michael Campbell

John Imm

RMT PAY BULLETIN

Circular No. NP/268/12

1^st November 2012

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO:  ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

        COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

October 2012

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2012. 

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.9% figure to August 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.2% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.5% figure to August 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from housing costs (particularly domestic energy and water bills). Significant upward pressure came from transport costs, specifically diesel and petrol costs.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
Hitachi (Engineering)	· 3.5% pay rise and an additional one off Olympic pay rise of 0.5%. · Reduction in weekly hours from 42 to 39.5, equates to four hours off each six day turn (times to be agreed). · During the Olympic period (between 26th July and 14th August inclusive) a temporary maintenance roster will be implemented for all (consisting of two earlies and four night shifts). There will be a skeleton team on late shift formed of a team leader, team admin, one driver/DP and one other experienced shift member. · All shift staff that work during the Olympic period will receive a £50 bonus payment per shift in recognition of the demands and adherence to the temporary roster. During the 12 shift period, the maximum bonus that will be attainable is £600. · Annual leave is to be governed as normal (two shift members off at any time) and overtime will be paid at normal rates.	1 Apr 2012
Gulf Offshore (Shipping)	· 1% rise in basic pay · ‘Foundation bonus’ for employees with start date prior to 1 Oct 1990	-

Recent RMT Settlements

Company	Award	Effective From
Infrastructure
Amey	Two year deal: Year one · A 3% increase, effective from the earlier anniversary date of 1st March 2012, which is a permanent change. Year Two (2013) · A 2.5% increase or the Amey Group Pay Pot, whichever is greater. Extension of Collective Bargaining · As part of this agreement, the Company will bring all employees within Amey Inter Urban bands A-C who were previously on personal contracts back into Collective Bargaining Agreements with immediate effect. Amey will provide a list of these employees as soon as possible but no later than 15th November 2012. · All staff coming back into Collective Bargaining this year will receive the full benefits of this pay deal rather than an imposed 1.75% increase. · The principle of not recognising joint recognition for some job titles has now been dropped by the Company. Collective Bargaining Opt-Out · As part of the offer to extend Collective Bargaining, there will be a one-off opt-out for those that wish to remain on a personal contract. There will be a seven day window to opt-out, new starters will be in Collective Bargaining and the Company will remain neutral on this decision. Those that opt-out will not receive the enhanced Collective Bargaining pay rise. · It is anticipated that only a handful of staff will opt-out and these are likely to be Senior and Principle Engineers etc. Allowances · The Company is proposing further talks to achieve standardisation/harmonisation across Amey within an agreed time frame and a joint working party will be established. Travelling Time · The Company has recognised that this is a cause for concern from a Health and Safety and work life balance perspective. A separate working party will be established to review travelling time within an agreed time frame.	1 Mar 2012
Workshop/Train maintenance
Unipart Rail Doncaster	2.5% pensionable increase on all basic rates of pay and allowances, with an agreement to:- o Commence consultation on vehicle loading – to transfer this activity to Bibby. o Commitment to enter into discussions with regards annual leave authorisation. o Commitment to enter into discussions to explore annualised hours working in the warehouse. o Commitment to enter into discussions on Managers working in the line (not only when all other avenues have been explored).	1 Apr 2012
Bus and Road Transport
DHL Prudhoe	· 2.5% increase to annual salaries. · An additional days paid bereavement leave for direct family members. · Company also gave commitment to review use of agency/temporary workers with an aspiration to move towards full time or fixed term employees.	1 Jul 2012
Hants & Dorset Trim	· Immediate 1% increase in all rates of pay.	1 Nov 2012

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/0237/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Tuesday 16^th October 2012

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to September 2012. 

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.9% figure to August 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.2% for the year to September 2012, down 0.3% from the 2.5% figure to August 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from housing costs (particularly domestic energy and water bills). Significant upward pressure came from transport costs, specifically diesel and petrol costs.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

TUC DEMONSTRATION 20th OCTOBER 2012

ALEX GORDON IN ATTENDANCE AT BRANCH MEETING ON THE 25th October 2012

Alex Gordon (National President) will be in attendance at the Branch meeting to update members on National Issues which will include the McNulty report

So if you can come along and listen to your elected National Officer speak and give you an opportunity to raise questions that you may have.

RMT PAY BULLETIN

Circular No. NP/223/12

1^st October 2012 

H.O. Ref: R14/5

TO:  ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS, REGIONAL OFFICES,

        COUNCIL OF EXECUTIVES & HO OFFICERS.

Dear Members,

RMT PAY BULLETIN

September 2012

The Office of National Statistics has published new inflation figures for the twelve months to August 2012. 

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.9% for the year to August 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.2% figure to July 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.5% for the year to August 2012, down 0.1% from the 2.6% figure to July 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from household goods, housing & household services (particularly gas bills), clothing & footwear and food. The only significant upward pressure came from motor fuels, fares & other travel costs.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Recent non-RMT settlements

Company /Sector	Award	Effective From
GKN Aerospace Yeovil (Engineering)	· 3% rise in basic pay	1 Jun 2012
Maersk Offshore (Shipping)	· 4% rise in basic pay	-

Recent RMT Settlements

Company	Award	Effective From
Shipping
Carnival Cruises	4% increase in year one (front loaded pay increase) An additional 5 days annual leave (109 days from 2012 anniversary date) A commitment to look at further improvements in annual leave at next year’s pay anniversary date	1 May 2012
Infrastructure
Signaling Solutions	· 2.75% increase to basic salary	1 Apr 2012
Workshop/Train maintenance
Wabtec	Two year deal · First Year: 3.5% increase or £600, whichever is the greater, from 1st April 2012 to 6th January 2013. · Second Year: 3.3% increase or £570, whichever is the greater, from 6th January 2013 to 6th April 2014.	1 Apr 2012
Bus and Road Transport
DHL Enfield Drivers	Two year deal · Year One: A 2% increase backdated to 1st April 2012. · Year Two: A 2% increase effective from 1st April 2013.	1 Apr 2012

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

VOTE MICK TOSH FOR WESSEX REGIONAL ORGANISER

Our Branch, has nominated Mick Tosh in the election for the post of Wessex Regional Organiser this election has an important bearing on your union representation as, the successful candidate will play the leading role in Negotiations and Organisation for Members throughout the Wessex Region.

We recognise Mick Tosh has a proven record of representing and supporting all grades over many years. A sound knowledge of our all Members’ issues is necessary as the Wessex Regional Organiser. That’s why,we’ve nominated Mick and urge you to vote for him”

To advise that Ballot papers will be sent out to members from the 01^st October 2012, if you do not receive your ballot paper please contact either myself or RMT Head Office on freephone  0800-376-3706 or e-mail: info@rmt.org.uk

Please use your vote, don’t waste it use it to elect Mick Tosh 

Special Guest in Attendance at Branch Meeting

To advise that Sean Hoyle (Wessex Executive Member) is in attendance at the Branch Meeting,he will be addressing the meting on issues that he is dealing with at this level.

And will also be speaking on pensions, and will be available to take questions from themembers on this subject

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/0216/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Tuesday 18^th September 2012

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to August 2012. 

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.9% for the year to August 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.2% figure to July 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.5% for the year to July 2012, down 0.1% from the 2.6% figure to July 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest downward inflationary pressures came from household goods, housing & household services (particularly gas bills), clothing & footwear and food. The only significant upward pressure came from motor fuels, fares & other travel costs.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Steve Hedley – Assistant General Secretary

To: All Branches and Regional Councils

O/23/13

Circular No MF/71/12

16^th August 2012

Dear Colleague

Steve Hedley – Assistant General Secretary

With reference to circular number MF/65/12, 2^nd August 2012, I can confirm that Brother Steve Hedley will commence his position as Assistant General Secretary from 1^st September 2012.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/0188/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Tuesday 14^th August 2012

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to July 2012. The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to July 2012, up 0.4% from the 2.8% figure to June 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.6% for the year to July 2012, up 0.2% from the 2.4% figure to June 2012.

According to the ONS, the largest upward pressures on the change in the RPI rate came from the purchase of cars, air fares, clothing & footwear and housing.

Additionally, with RPI at 3.2% rail fares are set to increase by an average of 6.2% (RPI + 3%) in January 2013.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Waterloo Branch Meeting Poster

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/0165/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Tuesday 17^th July 2012

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to June 2012. The inflation figures for the year to July 2012 will be published on 14^th August.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 2.8% for the year to June 2012, down 0.3% from the 3.1% figure to May 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.4% for the year to May 2012, down 0.4% from the 2.8% figure to May 2012.

According to the ONS, the falls in the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages exerted the most significant downward pressure on both rates of inflation between April and May. The cost of motor fuels also had a negative impact on the CPI rate.

RMT pay submissions will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by this disparity.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2011 – South West Trains

Our ref: BR2/0001/SWT

20^TH July 2012

Dear colleague,

Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2011 – South West Trains

(Includes Olympic Payment Agreement)

I write further to my correspondence dated 19^th July 2012 in which I informed you of the result of the ballot regarding the above matter.

I take this opportunity to congratulate you and your colleagues on sending such a strong message to management that they cannot just ignore the impact the Olympics games will have on your working life.

Your union’s Executive met to discuss the way forward and have taken the decision to call industrial action short of a strike at the times set out below:

• All members are instructed not to work any overtime or rest days between 00.01 hours on Friday 27^th July 2012 and 23.59 hours on Sunday 12^th August 2012

• This action does not include pre-rostered Sunday turns for all Retail/Unrestructured Staff.

We have informed the company of this decision and of the fact that your union remains available for talks to resolve this dispute.

We must show the company that their unreasonable expectations for you to take on extra work during the Olympics without any recognition from them is not acceptable. I urge you and your colleagues to stand strong and stand together, unity is strength.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

Lies, Damned Lies & SWT's Olympic Lies

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow is at Waterloo Branch

To advise that Bob Crow RMT General Secretary is in attendance at Waterloo Branch on the 26th July 2012, Bob will address the meeting and update on all issues being dealt with at National level, and will also report on the current SWT Dispute.

If you can please come along and hear your elected officer update you and your opportunity to raise any issues or questions you have.

RMT begins Olympics payments ballots on three main train services this week

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

July 2 2012

Immediate

RMT begins Olympics payments ballots on three main train services this week

RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that balloting for strike action and action short of a strike will begin this week on three main train services:

* South West Trains

* Greater Anglia

* First Great Western

Ballot papers will be sent to members this week with the votes closing on thursday 19th July.

The ballots come as RMT confirmed that it has now concluded substantial recognition and reward agreements on First Capital Connect, C2C, Chiltern, East Midlands Trains and East Coast to add to the industry benchmarked deals on Heathrow Express, Virgin, Network Rail, DLR and London Underground amongst others.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"With deals now concluded that recognise the massive additional effort of the workforce on the vast majority of transport operators it is a scandal that SW Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western have decided to try and force their staff to work longer and harder for little or nothing in return.

"We all want the Olympics to be a success but we cannot have fairness on some train companies and a slap round the face on others.

"It is rail staff who will be sticking in the extra work required to deliver the transport challenge of the Olympics, these train companies will be making a killing from the extra passengers and services and they should have the decency to match the best practice on payments across the rest of the industry.

"RMT is campaigning for a massive yes vote in these ballots and we remain available for meaningful talks to resolve these disputes mindful that the clock is ticking down."

Special Meeting-RMT in dispute with SWT-Olympics Payment

To advise all that Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) will be in attendance to address the Meeting on Tuesday 03rd July 2012 Start at 18-30pm, venue is below.

Bob will be addressing the Meeting in relation to South West Trains moving outside the 2011 Pay Agreement by trying to implement special rosters and declining leave during the Olympic period after committing to say as part of the agreement that it would be business as usual and normal Arrangements will apply for all SWT Staff.

The RMT have served notice of ballot to South West Trains, and the ballot will open on Thursday 06th July 2012, and will be sent to all members home addresses.
We have had reports that Managers are going around speaking to members of staff asking them how they are going to vote, this is a private and secure ballot and members should not be put under pressure by SWT. the RMT negotiators are available at an time to meet South West Trains management to discuss this issue with them, but their response at a meeting a few weeks ago was that there is no more money, and stated to us “Go and have your Ballot, and then said that they will do everything they can to stop it.
We would urge all members to Vote Yes for Industrial Action and Action short of Strike…..
Come along to this important meeting and hear your National Officers address the Meeting and to give you a current update on this Dispute, and will give you the opportunity to ask questions.

Venue
Windsor Castle Public House
Exit St Johns Entrance from Clapham Junction Station turn right outside  and the venue is 3 minutes walk from the entrance.

Tuesday 03rd July 2012
Start Time 18-30pm
http://www.facebook.com/events/124478924360196/

Transport bosses average £1 million pay

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

June 27, 2012

Transport bosses average £1 million pay

The bosses of the ‘big five’ private transport operators have pocketed an average £1 million each in pay, bagging an aggregate pay rise worth a shade shy of 20 per cent, according to their most recent company accounts, a study by transport union RMT reveals today.

As bus and rail passengers face fares hikes of a minimum of six per cent and service cuts, the news that transport bosses have followed the city trend to give themselves bumper pay packages will be greeted with anger and dismay, the union says.

Deepest in the trough was National Express boss Ray O’Toole, whose 110 per cent pay hike took him to £1.3 million.

Not far behind was Brian Souter, the Stagecoach chief whose £1.2 million pay last year was 35 per cent more than the year before – and that’s on top of his £51 million share of the £340 million dividend the company paid out, days after increasing some rail fares by as much as 13 per cent.

Arriva Group boss David Martin saw his pay increase by just under eight per cent to £803,000. Go-Ahead Group chief Keith Ludeman suffered a pay cut – but still walked away with £1.2 million, while Tim O’Toole of First Group had to make do with only £579,000.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:

“These figures show once more that it is one rule for working people and another for their bosses.

“It is an absolute disgrace for transport bosses to be shovelling these vast sums into their own bank accounts when passengers are being fleeced and rail and bus workers are being told to tighten their belts, work harder and face losing tens of thousands of jobs.

“RMT has said from the start that transport privatisation boils down to a crude device for converting public subsidy into private profit, but these telephone-number salaries are an insult to passengers and transport workers alike.”

ends

Further information: Derek Kotz, 07939 595 092

Notes to editors: Figures taken from most recent company accounts:

Company Highest-paid director

National Express Group Ray O'Toole £1.3 million (31 December 2010)
(£644,000 in Dec 2009 +110.5%)

Rail franchises: c2c

Stagecoach Group Brian Souter £1.2 million (30 April 2011)
(£897,000 in Apr 2010 +35%)

Rail franchises: South West Trains, East Midlands Trains

Arriva Group David Martin £803,000 (31 Dec 2010)
(£743,635 Dec 2009 +7.9%)

Rail franchises: Arriva Trains Wales, Cross Country Trains

Go-Ahead Group Keith Ludeman £1.1 million (2 July 2011)
(£1,240,000 Jul 2010 -6.6%)

Rail franchises: Southeastern, Southern, London Midland

First Group Tim O’Toole £579,000 (31 Mar 2011)
(£643,000 Mar 2010 - 9.9%)

Rail franchises: First Capital Connect, First Great Western, First Hull Trains, Transpennine Express, ScotRail

RMT in Dispute with South West Trains

Special Branch Meeting Poster

BRANCH MEETING-RMT in Dispute with South West Trains

The Waterloo Branch meeting is taking place on the 28th June 2012 , where there will be an update on the current dispute with South West Trains.

So please try and attend the meeting to here all the correct information on the above, and will give you the opportunity to ask questions and concerns that you may have.

Also your local/Company Council Representatives will be in attendance to update you on issues that they are dealing with.

SPECIAL BRANCH MEETING-OLYMPICS-SOUTH WEST TRAINS DISPUTE

As you are all aware the RMT are in dispute with South West Trains, and this is due to the Company moving outside of the 2011 Pay Agreement as part of the Olympics as they advised us that it would be Business as Usual and normal arrangements would apply this being all rosters/leave apllications and Terms and Conditions will remain as they are today.

We were also advised that there would be minimum extra services during the Olympic period this is not the case as there are more than minimal extra trains, and the company have also attempted to introduce new rosters and to decline applications of leave.

In light of the above we have arranged a Special Meeting at Clapham Junction and the details of this meeting is below, in attendance at this meeting will be RMT National Officers who will be addressing the meeting which will include Bob Crow (RMT General Secretary) Pat Sikorski (Assistant General Secretary) Sean Hoyle (RMT Wessex Executive Member) who will update you on this Dispute and the truth as to why your Union is in dispute with the Company and also be arranging a ballot for Strike action.

The Special Meeting will take place on:

03rd July 2012 Start Time at 18-30pm (Venue Windsor Castle Public House) 3 minutes walk from Clapham Junction Station Main Station (exit St Johns Entrance)

A poster with all the details on this meeting and a brief update on this dispute is attached to this e-mail, along with a Update from RMT on this dispute is also attached., copies of the posters will also be distributed to all locations shortly.

Please try and attend this special Meeting, and this Union would urge all SWT Members to Vote Yes for industrial Action and Action short of Strike

FIGHT CONTINUES FOR OLYMPICS PAYMENTS AT TRAIN OPERATORS AND TFL

     www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

June 25 2012

Immediate

FIGHT CONTINUES FOR OLYMPICS PAYMENTS AT TRAIN OPERATORS AND TFL

ON THE first full day of the RMT AGM in Torquay delegates are set to hear reports from the continuing fight for Olympics payments at three major train operators and Transport for London.

Although RMT has secured fair payments at a number of companies including Network Rail, Virgin Trains, London Overground. Heathrow Express, DLR and London Underground the union is in dispute and balloting at three key TOC's - South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western - and has announced industrial action for centrally employed TFL staff.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

"The fight for fairness over Olympics payments goes on and we are determined to secure deals for our remaining members in dispute which match industry best practice,

"The sheer brass neck of a company like First Great Western saying that we are demanding "money for nothing on a grand scale" when they have ripped off hundreds of millions in profits and subsidies from a franchise that they are now pulling the plug on is breathtaking.

"We have ballots in preparation at South West Trains, Greater Anglia and First Great Western and action on the way at TFL and our message to all those employers as the clock ticks down is to play fair by their staff who will be generating massive additional profits durung the Games and give them a decent reward in return for the extra effort."

SOUTH WEST TRAINS – OLYMPIC PAYMENT

Circular concerning SWT for your attention & distribution.

(Branch Secretaries) Hard copy in the post.

20^th June 2012

FAO:  ALL SWT REPS & Rail Branch Secretaries

Dear Colleagues

SOUTH WEST TRAINS – OLYMPIC PAYMENT

I am sure you will be aware that I have been holding talks with South West Trains in the company of your Company Council representatives in an attempt to re-open the discussions surrounding the Olympic Games, and a payment from the company to reflect the extra workload that our that our members will have to undertake during the Olympic period. You are I am sure aware that some months ago we concluded the 2011 pay talks, and part of the agreement reached with the company at that time was to accept a 0.25% additional payment on the rates of pay to reflect the extra work  engendered by the Olympic games. You will also be aware that the term used by the company in their offer was that they were prepared to offer this small additional increase on the rates of pay for the Olympics, because the changes they intended to put in were minimal and it would be business as usual. Now as time has moved on and we fast approach the Olympic Games we are discovering that there are numerous extra services being deployed by South West Trains during the Olympic period which far exceeds our understanding of the term minimal. In addition to that we have reports coming in to us on a regular basis of isolated incidents where Local Managers are declining leave because it’s the Olympic Games, and also attempting to impose special rosters for the Olympic period. To be fair to the company when we pointed these incidences out to them they took immediate action to reinstruct their Local Managers, and as far as we know all of those incidents of leave being declined and rosters being imposed  have been dealt with and we have reverted to the status quo, but my concern is that there will continue to be further incidences going forward.

I have to tell you that last week was the final attempt on our behalf to meet with the company and resolve this matter before the ballot papers came out to our members asking you to vote on Industrial Action to pursue this dispute. I have unfortunately got to tell you that the talks were not successful and the company’s position became abundantly clear at that meeting. It was simply put by them that they did not feel that they are stepping outside of the agreement reached with us some months ago, and that the additional services they are running are indeed minimal and it is business as usual. You will appreciate that our position as your Union representatives was also clearly put to them that we do not consider what they are doing to be

either ‘minimal’ or ‘business as usual’, and therefore we would seek to re-visit the 0.25% payment that they made to us last year to reflect this, and what we were seeking on your behalf was a one-off compensatory payment of a significant sum of money to compensate our staff for the extra work they are going to have to do over that period, this is in line with similar agreements reached with other Train Operating Companies for the Olympic period. The company’s position was clearly put to us at that meeting that there was no more money and that they felt that we were acting dishonorably in asking for more. They were not prepared to talk about changes to the pay deal that we negotiated some months ago, and their responses to our demands became evermore negative and indeed quite aggressive. They were not prepared in any way, shape or form to acknowledge that what they were doing was at the very least outside of the spirit of the agreement we reached with them some months ago, and they’ve felt that they had obviously done a deal with us that benefited them more than it benefited us and their attitude was ‘well look when you do deals, you win some and you lose some, and perhaps on this you’ve lost some but you have to swallow it and get on with it, and stick by the deal you’ve made’ they went on to say that ‘sometimes when we do deals between the two organizations we look back afterwards and think, well that wasn’t a particularly good deal for us and clearly on this occasion you feel the same, but whichever way it goes you have to honor the deal that you have signed up to.’  I have to say on this occasion I think that this is somewhat disingenuous on their behalf, and that they are steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the obvious truth that they did lead us down the garden path some months ago, and were not straight and truthful and honest with us at the time, and conned us into accepting that 0.25% increase.  They are now sitting back with a smile on their face feeling that they have got away with something and are not prepared to face up to their obligations of compensating their staff adequately for the additional work that is going to have to be undertaken.

I can tell you that the talks ended quite acrimoniously, and it became abundantly clear that they were not prepared to move forward on this matter at all at this time, and they finished by saying ‘go and have your ballot and we will do what we can to defeat it.’ I would ask all members therefore to help your negotiating team by voting overwhelmingly ‘ Yes’ when the ballot papers come out shortly in relation to this dispute, so that we can ask for further talks with the company in the sure and certain knowledge that we have the support of the membership behind us when we go to speak to them. I do feel that this is a matter upmost principle for the RMT in as much as we have been duped by South West Trains into accepting a pittance of a rise for the Olympic Games, and we must support the membership by rectifying that and achieving a sensible financial reward for you now. We all need to work together on this, and I can assure you that your negotiating team is ready to meet with the company again at anytime, and all we need now is your support to enable us to achieve that. It is essential that we return an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote for Industrial Action and I would ask that this circular is posted on all local notice boards and brought to the attention of members at branch meetings, so that there is no doubt amongst our membership up and down the line of what our position is, and it will be clear to them what we are asking them to do when the ballot papers drop through the letterbox.

Yours Sincerely,

P.R.Gale

Pete Gale

Regional Organiser

Wessex Division

Mobile: 07946 386762

Email: p.gale@rmt.org.uk

RMT hits back at South West Trains’ “Olympic lies”

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

June 15, 2012

RMT hits back at South West Trains’ “Olympic lies”

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST rail union hit back today against “Olympic lies” being told by South West Trains after the company reneged on a “business as usual” promise over the games.

RMT is preparing to ballot its members at the company for industrial action after the company attempted to impose extra workloads, new rosters and a ban on leave despite a promise attached to last year’s pay agreement that the Olympics would mean “minimal” extra work.

The company has since admitted that at least 80,000 extra passengers a day are expected to pass through Waterloo, has timetabled substantial extra services and later running, has leased extra rolling stock, and has begun turning down requests for leave during the games.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said:

“South West Trains made a promise attached to last year’s pay deal that there would be minimal change for the workforce during the games and this has turned out to be completely false.

“We now know that every grade at the company faces substantially increased workloads and the prospect of enforced extra hours and leave requests being turned down, and that means that the company has reneged on last year’s deal.

“The company’s latest bulletin to staff, issued after yesterday’s talks, is a work of fiction that our negotiating team does not recognise.

“Rather than spread these Olympic lies, the company should be sitting down with us to negotiate a fair deal for SWT staff that recognises the substantial additional burden they will face, just as other train-operating companies have already done.”

ends

Olympics Payments-South West Trains

Our ref: BR2/0001/SWT

11^th June 2012

Dear colleague,

Olympic Payments – South West Trains

Referring to the referendum held last year on the pay offer which members voted to accept, I write to you again to inform you of matters that have since arisen in regard to the 2012 Olympics.

I draw your attention to one of the points of the pay offer in which an extra ¼ % was tabled to cover the Olympics. Acceptance was based on the company stating that there would minimal impact and that it would be “Business as Usual” during the Olympic/Paralympic period.

This is clearly not the case as the company is advertising additional trains and later running over the entire period. South West Trains (SWT) has hired extra rolling stock and has hired extra staff. Also, extra crews will be on standby, cleaners will have an increased work load, as will platform staff, ticket office staff, guards etc. SWT have issued no guarantees that existing rosters and agreed diagrams will be honoured without enforced overtime for all grades. Indeed, a SWT manager was heard to say that an extra 80,000 passengers per day would be using Waterloo and I am enclosing a copy of the extra services taken from the SWT website for your reference so you can see how this will impact on your work/life balance.

Other Train Operating companies are rewarding their staff for extra work during the Olympic period. For example, the Heathrow Express deal gives their staff the potential to earn an extra £700 plus no extended hours to booked diagrams; East Coast have offered a lump sum of £300 plus an extra £25 per shift on top of normal overtime payments and Voith cleaners are to receive a payment of an extra £400 for the Olympic period. If other TOCs and cleaning companies can make these rewards, I cannot see why SWT cannot reward you.

It is the view of your union that SWT have been disingenuous from the beginning and this is definitely 100% NOT what your union signed up to. RMT will not stand idly by and allow the company to ride roughshod over hard-won existing procedures, rosters and diagrams. Your union’s Executive Committee has considered the matter and it is appalled at the deceitful manner in which SWT has conducted itself.

The Executive have come to the conclusion that there can be no option but to declare that we are in dispute with the company and ballot you all for industrial action. Papers will be distributed soon and I strongly urge you all to vote for industrial action. With a robust mandate for industrial action from yourselves we can show SWT that we will not tolerate their underhand tactics to try and scam you out of a fair payment for the extra work that the Olympics will generate.

MAKE SURE YOU USE YOUR VOTE

VOTE ‘YES’ FOR STRIKE ACTION AND INDUSTRIAL ACTION SHORT OF A STRIKE

Yours Sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL

Circular No IR/288/12

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: BR2/15/4

1^st June 2012

Dear Colleague

JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL

Further to my Circular No IR/203/12 dated the 19^th April 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you of the ‘alliance’ project between South West Trains and Network Rail, I now write to advise you that I have received further correspondence from the company confirming that the ‘alliance’ came into effect on the 29^th April 2012.

The matter has again been considered by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:

“That we note the report from our Lead Officer outlining the latest position regarding the ‘Alliance’ between South West Trains and Network Rail and instruct the General Secretary to place all future information regarding alliances programmes involving Train Operating Companies and Network Rail in one file and to formulate a uniform response. Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

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

Best wishes.

Bob Crow

General Secretary

To: All Branches & Regional Councils

Ref: MFP/137

Circular No. MF/42/12

31^st May 2012

Dear colleague

RMT Office Opening Hours - Spring Bank Holiday/Queen's Diamond Jubilee

4th & 5th June 2012

With reference to the above, I would like to advise you that the Head Office and Regional Offices’ opening arrangements during this Bank Holiday period are as follows:

Monday 4^th June

The offices and the RMT Helpline will be closed.

Tuesday 5^th June

While the RMT Helpline will be closed, the offices will be offering a reduced service between 09.00 and 17.00 hours.

Please note that the RMT Helpline will be operating on Saturday 2^nd June between 09.30 and 16.00 hours.

The offices and RMT Helpline will re-open on Wednesday 6^th June.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

New Inflation Rates

Tuesday 22^nd May 2012

Head Office Circular No. NP/0117/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to April 2012. The next inflation figures will be published on 19^th June.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.5% for the year to April 2012, down 0.1% from the 3.6% figure to March 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.0% for the year to April 2012, down 0.5% from the 3.5% figure to March 2012.

The ONS cite transport fares, alcohol off-sales, clothing and the purchase of motor vehicles as the most significant drivers of the drop in annual inflation between March and April.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Circular No IR/203/12

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: BR2/15/4

19^th April 2012

Dear Colleagues

JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL

Our South West Trains Representatives recently attended a meeting in relation to the formation of an “Alliance” between SWT and Network Rail. The General Grades Committee has had opportunity considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“This union is appalled at the ‘Alliance’ project between South West Trains and Network Rail. This is a clear attempt to reintroduce the profit motive into track which led to previous railway disasters. We reject this policy and state our total opposition, we reiterate our policy for a publically accountable nationalised network, and that these alliances are part of the introduction of the McNulty report.

We note that Tim Shoveller has been appointed Managing Director of the SWT/NR Alliance Board. The General Secretary is instructed to continue the national campaign of protest against McNulty and to defend all jobs, terms and conditions of our members. We welcome that over 30 Trade Union Councils have responded to our campaign to highlight the devastation on our railway driven by greed infested profiteers, further we note that the TUC joint Trade Union campaign against McNulty is due to meet on the 16^th April 2012.

Further this General Grades Committee instruct the General Secretary to place the following matter before the next General Grades Committee ‘Industrial Strategy – McNulty Report’, this will enable this union to build a united industrial strategy to defend all jobs, pay and conditions in railway industry. The industrial campaign will involve Train Operating Companies, Infrastructure and Operations therefore the General Secretary is instructed to lead this campaign.”

Enclosed for your information purposes is a copy of South West Trains’ paperwork which includes a questions and answers document on the “Alliance” project. I would be obliged if you will bring this to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Change of Branch Meeting time

To advise all that it has been necessary to change the times of the Branch Meetings, all future Branch Meetings will now start and finish as below, the venue of the Meetings remains the same.

                      BRANCH STARTS AT 14-45PM AND FINISHES AT 16-45PM  

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/089/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to March 2012.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.6% for the year to March 2012, down 0.1% from the 3.7% figure to February 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.5% for the year to March 2012, up 0.1% from the 3.4% figure to February 2011.

The ONS cited the prices of fruit, bread, cereals and meat as all rising slightly this year, whereas last year they had seen large falls.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary

Circular No IR/164/12

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL OFFICES & REGIONAL COUNCILS

Our Ref: BR2/15/4

27^th March 2012

Dear Colleague

REVENUE PROTECTION STRATEGY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my Circular No IR/511/11 dated the 10^th November 2011 where I informed you that South West Trains were seeking volunteers from amongst the Revenue Protection Inspector (RPI) grades with a view to offering voluntary redundancy. I now write to advise you that the company are seeking volunteers for redundancy from amongst the Revenue Protection Assistant (RPA) grades at selected locations.

Therefore, this matter has again been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and their decision is as follows:

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

The company has previously stated that the reduction from 60 Revenue Protection Inspectors to 27 could be achieved through ‘normal turnover’. This has clearly not been the case as South West Trains are now approaching Revenue Protection Assistants (RPA) in the Reading/Windsor, Mainline and Portsmouth areas informing them of the availability of voluntary redundancy in their grade.

Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to write a personal letter to all affected members assuring them that this union will not tolerate any pressure put on individuals to request voluntary redundancy.

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

In accordance with the above, I am now acting on the instruction of the GGC decision and I will, of course, keep you fully advised on any further developments.

Best wishes.

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Peter Gale – Wessex Regional Organiser

Ref: 0/9/1

Circular No. MF/29/12

5^th April 2012

To: All Branches and Regional Councils

Dear Colleagues,

Peter Gale – Wessex Regional Organiser

Further to Circular No. MF/16/12, 9^th February 2012, I am pleased to advise that following Peter Gale’s gradual return to work on Monday 13^th February, he will recommence his full duties as Regional Organiser for the Wessex Region on Tuesday 10^th April.

I would like to place on record my thanks to Peter Skelly, Relief Regional Organiser (South), for covering the position and all the work carried out during this period. Following Peter Gale’s full return, Peter Skelly will return to his former post.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Circular No IR/157/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/15/4

29^th March 2012

Dear Colleagues

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE INFORMATION STRATEGY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS 

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 2^nd February 2012 (IR/61/12), the General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the report from our Regional Organiser and the correspondence from South West Trains on file. The challenge from this union on the legality of the proposed secondment of our members based at the Customer Service Centre (Southampton) clearly had the positive effect that we hoped for, as the company have withdrawn their proposals.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to send a personal letter by post to all the affected members, reaffirming this union’s opposition to any watering down of our members’ terms and conditions. Further we instruct the General Secretary to place an article covering this matter in the RMT News. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.”

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

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

AGREEMENTS MADE BY OTHER TRADE UNIONS

Circular No IR/160/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/10/2

29^th March 2012

Dear Colleagues

AGREEMENTS MADE BY OTHER TRADE UNIONS

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 20^th September 2012 (IR/414/11), the General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note with disappointment the report from our Regional Organiser and feel that South West Trains have a short sighted view, as the financial detriment Guards will face while training to become Drivers will inevitably lead to less applying. This will impact on the company’s ability to recruit from our Guards members in the future.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to write to South West Trains expressing our disappointment and assure them that this matter will be tabled again in the future. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

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

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Special Monitoring of Guards (SWT)

#Circular No IR/159/12

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/4/7

29^th March 2012

Dear Colleagues

SPECIAL MONITORING OF GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 17^th February 2011 (IR/39/11), the General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“That we note the developments from our Regional Organiser on file, stating that he is unaware of any serious developments regarding this matter. Further we reaffirm our stance as outlined in our previous decision G253, 1^st March 2011 and instruct the General Secretary to write to all relevant Branches requesting feedback on any issues relating to B16 & B22 Special Monitoring of Guards procedures. All relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be informed.”

In line with the above, I would be most grateful if South West Trains Branches could give this matter their earliest attention and report back any outstanding issues they have on the Special Monitoring of Guards procedures to Head Office.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow

General Secretary

RMT ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

Waterloo Branch have proudly given Pat Sikorski the Branch Nomination for the Assistant General Secretary position.

Individual Member Ballot opens W/C 28th May 2012

(In the event of an election being necessary)

Individual Ballot Closes First post on Monday 30th July 2012

New Inflation Rates]

Tuesday 14^th February 2012

Head Office Circular No. NP/032/12

To the Secretary all Branches,

Council of Executive members,

Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to January 2012. The next release date will be the 20^th March 2012.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.9% for the year to January 2012, down 0.9% from the 4.8% figure to December 2011.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.6% for the year to January 2012, down 0.6% from the 4.2% figure to December 2011.

RPI has fallen to the lowest rate it has been since February 2010 when it stood at 3.7%. The largest downward pressures to the change in RPI annual inflation between December 2011 and January 2012 came from motoring expenditure, alcoholic drinks, food, and tobacco.

The largest downward pressures to the change in CPI in annual inflation between December 2011 and January 2012 came from fuels & lubricants, products bought in restaurants & cafes, tobacco, vehicle maintenance & repair, the purchase of new vehicles and alcoholic beverages. Annual CPI inflation has fallen by 1.2% since November 2011, the biggest fall over a period of two consecutive months since October and December 2008.

In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial commitments have increased at a greater rate than inflation and that your living standards are undermined by the current rates of inflation.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow,

General Secretary