BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

Our Ref: BR1/14/2

28th November 2014

 

 

 

Dear Colleagues

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

 

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in the recent strike action undertaken by all our affected members. You should be proud of the stand you have taken. The company never expected this level of resistance and your action is working.

 

Despite this fantastic resolve, the union understands that Interserve resorted to using agency workers from around London in an effort to provide a skeleton service and undermine the strike action. This raises grave concerns about the possible impact on health and safety during the strike action. I have informed Interserve that if they continue to use agency labour during legitimate strike action then they will be breaking the law.

 

I have also been advised that management are coercing members to work on the strike days and that management were approaching individuals in the workplace to ask them whether they intended to take strike action.

 

Let me make it clear, if a manager is putting pressure on you regarding your participation in any industrial action, then you should alert your RMT representative immediately.

 

You cannot be dismissed in the first 12 weeks for taking lawful industrial action as it is automatically considered unfair dismissal. This is illegal and if the company do attempt to dismiss members over this matter, then RMT will take legal action against the company.

 

Having listened to the wishes of our members, the union’s executive committee has decided to call further industrial action. All affected members at Waterloo are instructed to take the following strike action:-   

 

Do not to book on for any shifts that commence between:-

 

14.59 hours on Friday 5th December 2014 and 14.58 hours on Saturday 6th December 2014.

 

To clarify you will be on STRIKE during the following shifts:-

 

Late shift on Friday 5th December

Night shift on Friday 5th December

Early Shift on Saturday 6th December

 

Now is the time to make your stand against management and show them that no longer will you accept their pathetic excuses as to why they refuse to ignore basic employment rights.   I urge you to join your colleagues on the picket lines outside your workplace in a show of solidarity and strength to fight for workplace justice.

 

Your determination and solidarity in this dispute can only be applauded. I urge you to continue your support for your union’s stance and call on all members to keep up the fight for workplace justice. Management are clearly desperate, but be assured that your union is fully behind you.

 

SUPPORT YOUR UNION

SUPPORT THE STRIKE ACTION

 

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash

General Secretary 

SWT Pay Talks update for 2014

 

TO ALL BRANCHES WITH SOUTH WEST TRAINS MEMBERS

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

SOUTH WEST TRAINS ANNUAL PAY 7 CONDITIONS NEGOTIATIONS

 

A detailed written submission was made to the company in September outlining members aspirations, as follows;

 

1. A substantial increase in rates of pay to reflect real improvement in salaries/wages. 

2. An increase in annual leave.

3. A reduction in working hours with a target of 32 hours per week for all members,        without loss of pay.

4. An improvement in Family Friendly policies.

5. Improved Travel facilities

6. Improved London & Regional Allowances.

 

In addition to these we asked the company to commit to discussions on restructuring Retail and Fleet grades. We have now met with the company on two occasions and received an offer with two options.

 

Option 1

​Year 1. An increase of 1.9% or £450 on basic rates of pay whichever is the greater.

​Year 2. An increase of RPI (as measured Aug 2015) minus 0.25%

 

Option 2

​Year 1. An increase of 2.1% on basic rates of pay.

​Year 2. An increase of RPI (as measured Aug 2015) minus 0.25%.

 

Your representatives pressed for responses for the conditions we were seeking improvement upon particularly as, in some cases, such as leave, hours and restructuring because these had not been considered for improvements for many years.  

 

The company replied there would be as part of this offer; 

 

• No increase in London or Regional allowances these would remain the same.

• No commitment to discussions on restructuring for Fleet and Retail grades.

• No improvement in Family Friendly arrangements.

• No reduction in hours.

• No improvement in holidays.

 

Your representatives advised the company that both options were unacceptable as neither met cost of living and did not address any of the improvements we wished to see in working conditions. In terms of low paid staff the offers made in fact would, see more of our 

 

 

 

 

 

 

members needing to source government income benefits as result of, not being able to meet increasing bills with the level of pay offered.

 

The company advised that the offer was made based upon affordability, the current climate of 1% average increases in wages around the country and, the increased payments to the DFT.

 

In response the Trade Unions reminded the company that they were enjoying healthy profits and staff are as important as shareholders and should not be expected to bear the cost of DFT payments based upon the company’s business plan, it had agreed when, bidding for the franchise. Our members had now for the last two years received less than inflation increases leading to a real reduction in money terms to meet the cost of bills and lowering their spending ability.  Company profits were good and staff should receive fair reward of these. 

 

The meeting was adjourned for the company to further consider the responses from the Trade Unions. A further meeting has been scheduled for 18th Dec 2014.

 

Members are advised your representatives are pushing hard to achieve real increases and improvements in a realistic time scale and will not allow pay talks to be drift along. It is our intention these be concluded at the earliest opportunity and with your support we will seek to achieve this.  

 

I will keep you informed of future events. However you should take every opportunity to attend your local branch and seek further detailed information from branch officers and local representatives as well as, having your say how you wish your negotiators to proceed.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Mick Tosh 

RMT Regional Organiser Wessex

Tel : 07900 877720

Email: m.tosh@rmt.org.uk

 

 

ONE UNION WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

 

 

 

 

 

Union Headquarters

Unity House • 39 Chalton Street ■ London ■ NW1 1JD    ■    Tel: 020 7387 4771 • Fax: 020 7387 4123

Helpline: 0800 376 3706

www.rmt.org.uk ■ email: info@rmt.org.uk

 

 

INTERSERVE MEMBERS DEMO AT INTERSERVE HQ

RMT Members of Interserve based at Waterloo were on strike for the second day against racism and bullying.

The strike action was solid which started with a leaflet campaign at Waterloo, followed by a demonstration of Interserve Headquarters.

As this was the final day of planned strike action, discussions will now take place on next steps.

Thankyou to all that supported our action it was appreciated,which includes Representatives from branches from across the country/ trades councils and socialist workers members.

Regards 

Rickey Goodman

Waterloo Branch Secretary.

Waterloo Branch News/Poster

Branch poster ahead of the meeting on the 27th November 2014.

Mick Cash (RMT General Secretary) will be in attendance to address the branch.

If you can please try to attend.

Interserve Cleaners News

STAFF AT WATERLOO STATION TO STRIKE AGAIN ON FRIDAY

20 November 2014

RMT Press Office

Following a first phase of rock solid action on monday and tuesday this week, cleaners employed by Interserve, looking after the busy and internationally famous Waterloo Station in London, are to strike again from friday over a comprehensive breakdown in industrial relations relating to a whole range of fundamental issues including; 

•         the unwarranted victimisation and dismissal of RMT members
 
•          ignorance of basic employment rights and failure to follow agreed procedures
 
•          underpayment of wages
 
•         bullying and harassment of staff 
      
 
RMT has also received reports of shocking racism by local Interserve managers that the company has refused point blank to address through agreed procedures. They include one manager telling a member of staff that in their opinion “[Interserve] should not employ black people”.
 
As a result of the ballot, which reflects the anger of the staff working on this prestigious contract, RMT’s executive has issued the following instruction to members for tomorrow;

•    All Waterloo Interserve members are instructed not to book on for any duties that commence between the hours of 14.59 on Friday 21st November and 14.58 on Saturday 22nd November 2014.
 
Pickets will be out in force at exit five at Waterloo, opposite the old Eurostar terminal from 15.30 hours through friday rush hour and will also be taking a protest to the doorstep of Interserve at 16.00 hrs at their London headquarters ;

Initial Facilities 
Victoria House 
1-3 College Hill 
London 
EC4R 2RA 

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said ;

"RMT and the entire trade union movement salutes the rock solid strike action of the Interserve workers this week and their determination to secure workplace justice. 
 
“The appalling treatment of cleaners at the busy and iconic Waterloo Station is nothing short of a disgrace and has led to a complete breakdown in industrial relations which left RMT with no option other than to ballot for strike action. This union has rarely come across a more vindictive and aggressive approach to low-paid staff, doing some of the most under-valued work on our railways, and the situation at Waterloo shames London.
 
“The overwhelming vote for action shows clearly that this determined and organised group of staff are not going to put up with the outrageous culture of racism, bullying and harassment and they deserve the full support of the entire labour and trade union movement..
 
“These staff are doing dirty jobs in often appalling conditions and the very least that they can expect is to be treated with dignity and respect. Not only are our members being denied the most basic levels of fair treatment and workplace rights but they are being subjected to a daily regime of bullying, victimisation and harassment which includes disgraceful incidents of racist abuse.
 
“Interserve, and Waterloo Station itself, cannot sweep this situation under the carpet. RMT is demanding workplace justice for the cleaners at Waterloo and the union remains available for talks aimed at securing that.”
 
 
  ENDS

Tagged with: interserve, waterloo, cleanersT

Interserve Members on Strike at their picket line on the 17th November 2014

RMT Interserve on Picket line at Waterloo, striking against Racism and bullying they have encountered from their employers......

Staff at Waterloo Station to strike over victimisation and bullying

 

www.rmt.org.uk

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

November 10th 2014

Immediate 

 

Staff at Waterloo Station to strike over victimisation and bullying

 

Following a massive vote for action, cleaners employed by Interserve, looking after the busy and internationally famous Waterloo Station in London, are to take strike action over a comprehensive breakdown in industrial relations relating to a whole range of fundamental issues including; 

 

·         the unwarranted victimisation and dismissal of RMT members

 

·          ignorance of basic employment rights and failure to follow agreed procedures

 

·          underpayment of wages

 

·         bullying and harassment of staff 

      

 

RMT has also received reports of shocking racism by local Interserve managers that the company has refused point blank to address through agreed procedures. They include one manager telling a member of staff that in their opinion “[Interserve] should not employ black people”.

 

As a result of the ballot, which reflects the anger of the staff working on this prestigious contract, RMT’s executive has issued the following instruction to members:

 

• All Waterloo Interserve members are instructed not to book on for any duties that commence between the hours of 14.59 on Monday 17^th November and 14.58 on Tuesday 18^th November 2014.
• All Waterloo Interserve members are instructed not to book on for any duties that commence between the hours of 14.59 on Friday 21^st November and 14.58 on Saturday 22^nd November 2014.

 

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said ;

 

“The appalling treatment of cleaners at the busy and iconic Waterloo Station is nothing short of a disgrace and has led to a complete breakdown in industrial relations which left RMT with no option other than to ballot for strike action. This union has rarely come across a more vindictive and aggressive approach to low-paid staff, doing some of the most under-valued work on our railways, and the situation at Waterloo shames London.

 

“The overwhelming vote for action shows clearly that this determined and organised group of staff are not going to put up with the outrageous culture of racism, bullying and harassment and they deserve the full support of the entire labour and trade union movement..

 

“These staff are doing dirty jobs in often appalling conditions and the very least that they can expect is to be treated with dignity and respect. Not only are our members being denied the most basic levels of fair treatment and workplace rights but they are being subjected to a daily regime of bullying, victimisation and harassment which includes disgraceful incidents of racist abuse.

 

“Interserve, and Waterloo Station itself, cannot sweep this situation under the carpet. RMT is demanding workplace justice for the cleaners at Waterloo and the union remains available for talks aimed at securing that.”

 

 

  ENDS

 

Further information

 

Geoff Martin 07831 465 103

                       0207 255 9146

 

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

 

​Referring to Decision No GWW 4th November 2014, your Southern Sub-Committee submits the following report:-

 

​“We note the overwhelming mandate for industrial action by our Interserve members.

 

​After further consultation of our members and Representatives, it is clear that Interserve management are not taking our members issues seriously, which include:

 

• The unwarranted victimisation and dismissal of RMT members

• Ignorance of basic employment rights

• Underpayment of wages

• Bullying and harassment of staff

 

​We also have reports of shocking racism by local Interserve managers the company has refused point blank to address through agreed procedures. They include one manager telling a member of staff that in their opinion “[Interserve] should not employ black people”.

 

​Therefore, our members are instructed to take the following action:-

 

​All Waterloo Interserve members are instructed not to book on for any duties that commence between the hours of 14.59 on Monday 17th November and 14.58 on Tuesday 18th November 2014.

 

​All Waterloo Interserve members are instructed not to book on for any duties that commence between the hours of 14.59 on Friday 21st November and 14.58 on Saturday 22nd November 2014.

 

​Accordingly, we instruct the General Secretary to advise our members by text, RMT mail, and also to put out a press release highlighting the dreadful way this company continues to treat our members.

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

Our Ref: BR1/14/2
4th November 2014


Dear Colleagues

BREAKDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS – INTERSERVE WATERLOO

Further to my previous correspondence with regards to the above matter, the ballot has now concluded and the result is as follows:-

Are you prepared to take strike action?

Total Votes Cast 18
Number Voting ‘YES’ 18
Number Voting ‘NO’ 0
Spoilt Papers 0

This matter is currently being considered by the union’s executive committee and I shall write again shortly.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary

Political Fund

 

 

 

 

 

To: All Branches, Regional Councils and Regional Organisers

 

3rd November 2014

P11

Circular No. NP222/14

 

 

Dear Colleague 

 

96% Vote YES to retain the RMT Political Fund 

 

I am very pleased to be able to inform you that RMT Members have voted by an overwhelming 96% in favour of retaining the RMT Political Fund. 

 

On a turnout of 31%, 21,435 (96.5%) voted to retain the fund with 768 (3.5%) against. 

 

In the previous ballot ten years ago RMT members voted by 88% to retain the Political Fund and this is the fourth time members have voted to keep their Political Fund since the Tory government in the 1980s introduced legislation requiring trades unions to hold a postal ballot of members every ten years. 

 

The result means that the RMT can continue to campaign in the political arena on the issues that matter to our members including public ownership, a safe and secure job, pay, pensions and employment rights.

 

I would like to thank all members who have voted to continue the RMT’s Political voice and campaigned to achieve this fantastic result. 

 

Yours sincerely  

 

 

 

Mick Cash​

General Secretary ​