Campaign for Trade Union Freedom Launch & Rally

Dear Colleagues,

Campaign for Trade Union Freedom Launch & Rally
This Saturday, 23 March 2013
1:30 – 4:30pm at Friend’s Meeting House, Euston Road, London

RMT’s support for trade union rights and freedoms is well documented, most recently through our support for the United Campaign for Trade Union Freedom.

I am pleased to confirm that on 3rd December 2012 the United Campaign for Trade Union Freedom and the Liaison Committee for the Defence of Trade Unions agreed to join forces and the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom – TUF – was born. In the best traditions of the two parent organisations, TUF will continue to fight to defend and enhance trade union rights, oppose anti-union laws and to promote collective bargaining across the UK, Europe and the world in the fight against inequality and poverty.

It is important that RMT members attend and that our union is well represented at the Launch and Rally for Trade Union Freedom on Saturday, 23 March in the Friends’ Meeting House, 173 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ from 1:30 until 4:30. Confirmed Speakers, to date, include myself and Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU. Speakers invited include, Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, TUC, Len McCluskey, General Secretary, UNITE, Dave Prentis, General Secretary, UNISON, Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS, Christine Blower, General Secretary, NUT, Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF and Roger McKenzie, Assistant General Secretary, UNISON.

I hope that you will be able to join us in what will be a great event and help build the foundations of a successful future campaign. Please bring your branch banners.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary


www.rmt.org.uk/ www.rmtv.org.uk/ www.rmtjunction.org.uk/







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Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/067/13

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

Tuesday 19th March 2013


Dear Colleagues,


New Inflation Rates

The Office for National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to February 2013.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.2% for the year to February 2013, down 0.1% from the 3.3% figure to January 2013.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.8% for the year to February 2013, up 0.1% from the 2.7% figure to January 2013.

According to the ONS, electricity and gas prices were up the most. With recreational goods (such as games and photographic equipment), motor fuels and air transport also up. The cost of food (especially chocolate and confectionery) as well as soft drinks and alcoholic drinks was down.

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

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

'TELL US' Employee Survey-South West Trains

Circular No IR/170/13

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/11/4

14th March 2013


Dear Colleague

‘TELL US’ EMPLOYEE SURVEY – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

I have received correspondence from South West Trains with regards to a ‘Tell Us’ employee survey which is due to be issued to staff during March 2013. The matter has 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 that can be found on file.

While compiling company Questionnaires and Surveys may be a nice way of filling managers’ time, it should not be seen as any sort of indication of RMT members views as many of our members choose not to take part in company organised surveys, preferring to use the machinery already in place with their Trade Union.

Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to inform the company that their internal Questionnaires and Surveys would have little or no relevance when negotiating with this union. Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.”

In accordance with the above, I am now acting on 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

Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2012-South West Trains

Rates of Pay & Conditions of Service 2012 – South West Trains

I am in receipt of correspondence from the company in regard to pension contributions. This correspondence has been considered by the GGC which has taken the following decision:-

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

Accordingly we instruct the General Secretary to inform the company that we agree that the increase in pension contributions planed from July 2013 should include revised rates of pay arising from the October 2012 pay award.”

In light of this decision, the company has been advised of our acceptance of this increase to the pension contributions. For clarification purposes, please see the following quote from the company's correspondence:-
“As you know the assessable pay for pension contributions is normally taken as at 1st April each year however, we will not have any new rates of pay that may be agreed for the October 2012 pay review introduced in time for the 1st April 2013 assessment. So not to put an added strain on the SWT section of the pension scheme, SSWT’s position is that the revised rates of pay based on the 1st October 2012 increase will, once agreed, be applied to pension contributions from 1st July 2013 even though these will not be in payment on 1st April 2013.”


I would be grateful if you bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

SWT Pay Update

To confirm that South West Trains have advised this Union on their offer on the October 2012 pay.


1. Increase in rates of pay by 2.5% minimum on annual increase on rates of pay or £500 minimum what ever the greater.

2. An increase of 2.5% on London and South East and associated allowances

3. The company are also prepared to introduce a family & friends concessionary travel scheme.

The increases will be effective from 1st October 2012 meaning there will be of course, back pay should the offer be accepted.

All comments on this offer will be welcomed.

Travel Facilities -Wessex Region- Network Rail

Circular No: IR/157/13

Our Ref: BR4/12/1

7th March 2013

To: Branches, Regional Councils & Regional Offices

Dear Colleague

TRAVEL FACILITIES - WESSEX REGION - NETWORK RAIL

I recently received information from reps that Network Rail were planning on making an announcement regarding changes to travel facilities at a forthcoming Maintenance Area Council Meeting in Wessex due to take place this week. I made urgent enquiries of Network Rail intentions and today I received a response. The company stated that the Wessex Alliance were to offer Network Rail staff within the Wessex Alliance the ability to obtain a travel pass for travel on South West Trains and Island Lines. The company have made clear that this would be classed as a discretionary benefit that could be withdrawn at any time, that is would only be offered within Wessex, also that it would not form part of any Terms and Conditions or be subject to collective negotiations. Finally, it would not extend beyond the lifetime of the South West trains franchise.

Network Rail is proposing to present the offer and details as to how it will be rolled out at the imminent Maintenance Area Council meeting.

I will write again once I have further information but in the meantime I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Joint Operation-Train Operating Companies & Network Rail

Circular No IR/149/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: BR/15/4
7th March 2013


Dear Colleagues

JOINT OPERATION – TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES & NETWORK RAIL

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 20th November 2012 (IR/647/12), I can report that I have been able to obtain a copy of a continuation document which refers to an Alliance Framework between First Scotrail and Network Rail.

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

“That we note the report covering the proposed ‘deep alliance’ between Network Rail and First Scotrail. Further we note that Scotrail and Network Rail will be arranging consultation meeting to discuss this matter, with all relevant trade unions invited to attend.

Further we note that the General Secretary will be meeting the Managing Director of South West Trains regarding a similar alliance between SWT and NR. Therefore we instruct the General Secretary to place a full report from both meetings before us as soon as possible. Branches and Regional Councils 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

Bob Crow on Question Time

Dear Colleague,

BBC QUESTION TIME - THURSDAY 7th MARCH 10.35PM FROM DOVER

I will be appearing on the panel on BBC1's Question Time this Thursday, 7th March at 10.35pm, from the ferry terminal in Dover.

Of course I will be using the opportunity to make the case for worker's rights, public services and the defence of jobs and decent wages and working conditions.

If you miss the programme it will be available on the BBC's IPLAYER service after the show.




Bob Crow
RMT General Secretary

SWT Pay Update

A meeting was held with South West Trains to discuss Oct 2012 pay on, 28th Feb.

The company advised us they were making a final offer as follows,

2.5% or £500 (whichever is the greater) on rates of pay.
2.5% increase on London waiting.
Introduction of family and friends travel concession scheme (detail to follow).

The offer was conditional on accepting a range of issues to improve the return to normal services following, disruption of services.

Your negotiaters explained to the company that we would be willing to discuss any procedure or policy the company wanted to propose however we could not be tied to accepting those proposals based upon agreeing pay.

The company have indicated they would write to the union with their offer in writing outling what they would formally propose as their final offer.

The offer has not been rejected or accepted at this time, we have asked to company to reflect on their offer before committing this to a final position.

The Regional Organiser will be making a report to the GGC once he has received the company's proposal and will keep you advised of developements.

Use of Agencies in the Railway Industry

Circular No IR/146/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: BR1/13/1
1st March 2013


Dear Colleagues

USE OF AGENCIES IN THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 17th January 2013 (IR/36/13), the General Grades Committee has considered this matter and has taken the following decision:

“We note the further responses from Train Operating Companies as follows:

• Grand Central states that it uses Trainpeople at King’s Cross, jointly with First Hull Trains (although First Hull Trains states that it does not use Trainpeople). We instruct the General Secretary to seek a meeting with both employers to discuss the situation and seek to ensure that they are fulfilling their legal obligations under the Agency Worker Regulations 2010.
• Virgin states that it does not use Trainpeople and that its use of agencies is ‘negligible’. We instruct the General Secretary to write to Virgin seeking details of exactly what use it is making of agencies.
• Northern Rail confirms that it is using Trainpeople for revenue protection work. We note that Northern Rail’s use of agencies is subject to a current dispute with this union.
• East Coast states that it does not use Trainpeople. We instruct the General Secretary to seek clarification as to which other agencies it does use.
• South West Trains states that it does not use Trainpeople.
• Merseyrail states that it does not use Trainpeople.
• Greater Anglia states that it is reviewing all contracts with agencies. We instruct the General Secretary to immediately contact this company seeking an internal meeting at which this union can make the case for direct employment instead of the use of agencies.
• London Midland states that it has used Trainpeople ‘on occasions’. We instruct the General Secretary to write to the company seeking a meeting to discuss the situation.

We note the report from our Regional Organiser that Chiltern Railways uses the Evolution agency for cleaning duties and that its staff are paid £6.90 per hour, have access to advertised Chiltern vacancies and free staff travel to and from work; and that the company is exploring restructuring cleaners’ employment, including the possibility of bringing this work in-house and/or applying the Living Wage. We instruct the General Secretary to pursue these discussions in line with union policy.

Further to our letter to TOCs and London Underground Ltd, we instruct the General Secretary to write similarly to all other railway employers and to place responses in front of us. We instruct the General Secretary to ensure that our ‘Know Your Rights’ guide is printed without further delay. We welcome the translation of this guide into Russian and Polish and instruct the General Secretary to seek translations into Romanian and Bulgarian as well.

This matter is to be placed back in front of us in the event of any developments and in any case before the end of April 2013. Branches and Regional Councils 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

SWT Pay Update

To advise that your Negotiators have met with the Company to have further discussions on the October 2012 pay anniversary.

The Company have advised us that they have improved the offer on pay and this is outlined as below.

2.5% on all Rates of Pay or £500 for lower grades
2.5% on London and Regional Allowances
A new Family and Friends policy

Also to note that there was discussions on a disruption of service policy which the company wanted to attach to the pay offer this was declined.

Your negotiators have not agreed or will be recommending this offer to the members, the Company will now be writing to the Union to advise us of their final offer on this.

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

REVENUE TARGETS FOR COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Circular No IR/127/13

To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils

Our Ref: BR2/14/2

22nd February 2013


Dear Colleague

REVENUE TARGETS FOR COMMERCIAL GUARDS – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my Circular No IR/699/12 dated the 17th December 2012 with regards to the above matter and where I informed you that SWT were putting our Guard members under pressure by increasing targets and threatening the poor performance procedures in relation to the revenue they collect and the penalty fare targets. I now write to inform you that a meeting has been held with the SWT Operations Director and our Regional Organiser and Guards Company Council Representatives to discuss the problems caused by the company using revenue targets as a means to apply unfair pressure on our members.

The matter has again been subject to recent consideration by the General Grades Committee and the following decision has been taken:

“That we note the report from our Regional Organiser stating the company have agreed to issue a release to all Guard Managers, reminding them that Revenue Targets should not be used as a means to pressurise our members unnecessarily in one direction.

Further, we note the company have stated that they do not even operate Revenue Targets or Depot Averages. Therefore and after further consultation with members of our Guards Company Council, we instruct the General Secretary to contact South West Trains thanking them for clarifying that Revenue Targets & Depot Averages do not exist and therefore could not possibly be used against our members.

Further, should any members be placed on poor performance owing to these imaginary procedures, this matter is to be placed back before us immediately. All Commercial Guard members to be advised by letter, text or email, relevant Branches and Wessex Regional Council to also be advised.”

In accordance with the above, I am now acting on 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

New Inflation Rates

Head Office Circular No. NP/039/13

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

Tuesday 12th February 2013

Dear Colleagues,

New Inflation Rates

The Office of National Statistics has just published new inflation figures for the twelve months to January 2013.

The Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 3.3% for the year to January 2013, up 0.2% from the 3.1% figure to December 2012.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 2.7% for the year to January 2013, unchanged from the figure to December 2012.

According to the ONS, the rise in the price of seasonal food was the biggest contributor to the increase in the RPI rate to January 2013. The CPI rate remains unchanged for the fourth consecutive month, mainly due to post-Christmas increases in the price of alcohol and air fares being offset by a fall in the price of miscellaneous goods and services and the continued fall in prices for clothing and footwear.

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

ORR Guidance-Managing Rail Staff Fatigue

Head Office Circular: NP/036/13
Our Ref: HSS/2/4
06th February 2013
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS
REGIONAL OFFICERS
RMT REPRESENTATIVES


Dear Colleague,


ORR GUIDANCE – MANAGING RAIL STAFF FATIGUE


The Office of Rail Regulation has published Guidance to managing rail staff fatigue. The Guidance is aimed at individuals who have a responsibility for managing fatigue, including those who have control of safety critical workers under Regulation 25 of the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS). The Guidance sets out the legal duties to manage fatigue and what systems employers should have in place to manage the risks that may arise from fatigue.

The General Grades Committee made the following decision:

“We note the Guidance from the ORR but are concerned at developments where companies are using fatigue to attack members’ terms and conditions. Hours of work are a matter for negotiation between this union and the employers and must remain so.

In addition, in order to assist our representatives the General Secretary is instructed to produce a briefing paper on the Guidance and distribute it widely to Lead Officers and Representatives with an article in the RMT News. We further instruct the General Secretary to instruct Lead Officers to approach companies seeking joint training for representatives and managers on the Fatigue Guidance.”

In accordance with the decision, I have prepared a briefing for the ORR Guidance which is attached/enclosed. Branch Secretaries are asked to distribute the briefing document to reps involved with roster planning or fatigue monitoring. In addition to the briefing, Lead Officers are instructed to seek joint training for reps and managers on the subject of rail staff fatigue. Click here for the ORR Guidance http://tinyurl.com/acehtbe or here for the RMT Briefing Document http://tinyurl.com/albab48

Please read the briefing and if you have any queries contact the Health & Safety section on s.mackay@rmt.org.uk or 0207 529 8838.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary

Travel Facilities, Retired Staff-South West Trains

Circular No IR/83/13


To All Branches, Regional Offices & Regional Councils


Our Ref: BR2/12/6
1st February 2013


Dear Colleagues

TRAVEL FACILITIES, RETIRED STAFF – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Further to my previous circular on the above matter dated 3rd January 2013 (IR/05/13), in which I reported that, South West Trains are intending to introduce a new loyalty pass which will replace the concessionary retired staff travel pass.

Currently our members retiring at 65 receive staff travel passes regardless of their length of service, but the new loyalty pass will have a 20 year qualifying period. RMT is currently challenging SWT directly on this issue, reminding them that the concessionary travel arrangements were negotiated in good faith and that our members expect this to be honoured.

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

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

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

Members of the public taking pictures of staff without permission

To advise that it has been brought to our attention that members of the public have been taking pictures of staff members without asking permission.

This has been raised at Company Council level and was informed by the Company that British Transport police have advised them that this is not against the law to carry this out.

To advise that we have now asked for a legal opinion from the Union solicitors to see if what BTP are saying us correct.

As soon as we get a response on this we will update you further.

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

Members of the public taking pictures of staff without permission

To advise that it has been brought to our attention that members of the public have been taking pictures of staff members without asking permission.

This has been raised at Company Council level and was informed by the Company that British Transport police have advised them that this is not against the law to carry this out.

To advise that we have now asked for a legal opinion from the Union solicitors to see if what BTP are saying us correct.

As soon as we get a response on this we will update you further.

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

LDC Position (Revenue ProtectionGrades Area Manager London Area)

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 Company Council Representatives 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.

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