RMT & TSSA Merger

Circular No: MF/13/13
Our Ref: 0/5/1

31st January 2013


To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS


Dear colleague

RMT & TSSA Merger

Arising from Council of Executives’ Decision No. CE503, 29th August 2012, I wrote to the TSSA and advised that the Union would only be interested in a Federation, subject to our Council of Executives agreeing the terms of reference, if its ultimate aim and objective is to have a merger between TSSA and RMT. A copy of this letter was enclosed with Circular No. MF/83/12.

The attached response was received from the TSSA and was placed before the Council of Executives on 12th October 2012. The matter was referred to the Organisation, Training and Education Sub-Committee who submitted the following report:

​“That we have received the letter from TSSA who have stated they do not see the ​federation as a stepping stone towards a merger between our Unions.

​The General Secretary is to write to TSSA and reaffirm our position that we want one ​industrial union in the Transport Industry and our door is open for talks with the TSSA to ​achieve part of this aim.

​The letter and the letter from the TSSA to be send to all Branches and Regional ​Councils.

The Council of Executives noted and adopted the above report under Decision No. CEww, 22nd November 2012. In line with this decision, I have written to the TSSA and have attached a copy of this letter for your reference.

Yours sincerely


B. Crow
General Secretary

Churchill Recognition Agreement Update

To advise Rickey Goodman (Branch Secretary) and Mick Tosh Rmt (Wessex Regional Organiser) have met with the Churchill Employers along with ACAS to discuss the Recognition Application that the RMT submitted.

At the meeting we discussed a draft recognition document and at present we have been making various amendments to this documents.

The next steps as soon as the Draft document has had all the amendments added then this document will be presented in front of the Unions Executive.

We will keep you posted on further developments on this issue.

Rail Gourmet-Travel Facilities

Circular No IR/72/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: HC/12/1
31st January 2013


Dear Colleagues

TRAVEL FACILITIES – RAIL GOURMET

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 6th November 2012 (IR/617/12), in which I reported that, I had raised this matter with both Rail Gourmet and Rail Staff Travel Ltd. I can now report that I have received a response from RSTL, who have informed me that this is a matter for Rail Gourmet to raise with their clients and assisting the union with this campaign is out of their official remit. As of today’s date, I have not yet received a response from Rail Gourmet.

The union’s executive has had opportunity to consider this matter and they have instructed me to write back to Rail Gourmet requesting a meeting to discuss this issue. I will now be acting on the instructions of the executive and I will keep you advised of any developments.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Changes to Personal Injury Applications for Assistance

Circular No: NP/029/13

Our ref: LA/019/12

30th January 2013

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES

Dear Colleague,

Changes to Personal Injury Applications for Assistance.

I am pleased to advise that we have been able to agree with Thompsons that our arrangements with them regarding wills, and advices shall continue but due to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, we will need to change our system of referrals for personal injury cases as it is a legal requirement that members access the RMT legal service for personal injury cases by instructing RMT Solicitors, Thompsons, direct. This can be done by members ringing 08457 125 495 or by sending an RMT Legal Assistance Form L1 to TUCH Arundel House 1 Furnival Square Sheffield S1 4QL. Where a member contacts the branch with the form, the branch should ensure the member sends it direct to Thompsons at the above address or rings the claim through on 08457 125 495 (no paper work required). As at present, the branch can of course keep a copy of the form L1 for their own records.

This only affects members in England and Wales.

I will keep you informed of further developments in this matter and I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members and implement the changes with immediate effect.

Yours sincerely


Bob Crow
General Secretary

Combination of Cleaning Grades-South West Trains

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Circular No IR/040/13


Our Ref: BR2/10/2
17th January 2013


Dear Colleague,

Combination of Cleaning Grades – South West Trains

Further to my Circular IR/635/12 dated 13th November 2012, we have been continuing to press the company to harmonise the terms and conditions of our cleaning grades members, something which we believe to be easily attainable should SWT wish to treat it’s staff fairly and equitably.

Regrettably South West Trains yet again hide behind the financial climate as a reason not to make payment as they state that staff can have the option of transferring to the CB grades on a voluntary basis but harmonisation can only be agreed if there is no cost to the company. So no money for their staff but still enough to pay dividends to shareholders.

The General Grades Committee has considered the matter and have noted that STW has shown little interest in harmonising terms and conditions something that would improve our cleaning members’ financial position - this is unacceptable.

They have instructed me to continue to press the company and insist that these low paid members are treated with respect and that harmonisation is taken seriously.

I shall also be writing to the Regional Organiser reminding him that the fixed rate element of this year’s pay claim must be vigorously pursued as this will assist in uplifting the lower paid grades rates of pay.

I will keep you informed of developments.

Yours sincerely,


Bob Crow
General Secretary
​

Use of CCTV for Despatch of Trains – Clapham Junction Station

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Circular No IR/039/13


Our Ref: BR2/14/1
17th January 2013


Dear Colleague,

Use of CCTV for Despatch of Trains – Clapham Junction Station

You may recall that in my circular IR/373/12 dated 19th July 2012 I informed you of the concerns expressed by members in regard to the wide gaps between the platform and carriages at Clapham Junction Station, especially taking into account the curvature of the platform. We were concerned for the safety of the travelling public and the added responsibilities and stresses being placed on our Guard members.

The General Grades Committee instructed me to raise the matter with the company. They have responded but did not address the issues merely stating the arrangements that are in place.

The General Grades Committee has, therefore, re-examined the matter and have asked me to challenge the company once again on this issue demanding action is taken to ensure the safety of the travelling public and the wellbeing of their staff, our members.

I will, of course, keep you informed of developments.

Yours sincerely,


Bob Crow
General Secretary

Travel Facilities, Retired Staff-South West Trains

Circular No IR/05/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: BR2/12/6
3rd January 2012


Dear Colleagues

TRAVEL FACILITIES, RETIRED STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I have been advised by South West Trains that they wish to introduce a new concessionary retired staff travel pass. The company has informed me that now the mandatory retirement age of 65 has been removed, their current policy on retired concessionary travel can no longer apply.

Therefore the current concessionary retired staff travel pass will be turned into a loyalty pass. The new loyalty pass will be available after retirement with the prerequisite that the retiree completes 20 years of service with South West Trains.

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. It is truly staggering that the company are seeking to restrict concessionary staff travel arrangements that formed part of the 2002 pay award, under the guise of adhering to the age discrimination legislation.

Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to challenge SWT on this issue, reminding them that concessionary travel was negotiated in good faith and our members expect this to be honoured. Further legal opinion is to be obtained regarding the company’s claim that they could be in breach of legislation if they continue with the current arrangements. Relevant Branches and the Wessex Regional Council to be advised.”

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