1-2-1

RMT condemns Stagecoach attack on jobs as rail revenues soar

2009-03-16T18:31:00.000+01:00

March 16, 2009

RMT condemns Stagecoach attack on jobs as rail revenues soar

PLANS BY the Stagecoach group to cut nearly 1,000 rail workers jobs on South West Trains and East Midlands Trains were condemned today by Britain’s biggest rail union as the transport privateer announced a 6.7 per cent jump in rail revenues since October.

RMT, which is fighting redundancies across the industry, has urged ministers to ensure that rail companies that have made huge profits from the railways since privatisation do not slash staff and services simply to protect dividend payouts to shareholders.

“With rail revenue still growing it is an utter disgrace that Stagecoach wants to axe nearly 1,000 staff at South West Trains and East Midlands Trains,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“It is clear that Stagecoach’s priority is making huge profits, not providing a public service, and it is hell-bent on sacrificing the people who provide its services in order to enrich its shareholders.

“For the sake of the railway, jobs and the economy these franchises should be brought back into the public sector before the damage is done,” Bob Crow said.

For further information please contact Derek Kotz on o20 7529 8803 or 07939 595 092

Join the RMT and thousands of trade unionists on the March through London for Jobs, Social Justice and the Climate on Saturday 28th March. See link www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk or email the RMT mailto:a.gittins@rmt.org.uk for further information.

REDUNDANCIES – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2009-03-09T23:39:00.002+01:00

Circular No. IR/75/09

Our Ref: BR2/16/3

Dear Colleagues

REDUNDANCIES – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

Since my last update RMT have been in talks with SWT over the issue of redundancies, the company have now informed us how the extra 180 cuts they announced on top of the original 480 job losses will be achieved.

SWT originally told us that 180 figure would include a reduction of around 100 revenue protection staff across the network. However their revised plan now involves cutting 196 RPOs and RPIs posts across their network. This is a far higher cut than we expected and will adversely affect the revenue protection staff.

The company have informed us that these cuts will be masked by the creation of 100 new Customer Service Assistant (CSA) posts. The starting wage of the CSAs is 15K per annum which is roughly half of an RPO or an RPI can earn. Stagecoach has now shown us their true colours by telling us how they intend to safeguard their profits of their shareholders by slashing the SWT pay bill.

It is totally unacceptable that SWT are behaving in this manner by doubling the amount of revenue protection staff they intend to get rid of and creating a scheme for masking these cuts by undermining the rates of pay. Therefore I would urge our entire SWT membership to stand up against this crude profiteering by voting YES in the ballot.

VOTE YES IN THE BALLOT
BALLOT PAPERS OUT 3 March, Returned By 17 March

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

PUT PEOPLE FIRST

2009-02-17T19:22:00.002+01:00

Tell the G20 to ‘PUT PEOPLE FIRST’,
A March for Jobs, Justice and Climate, 28th March, London

In early April 2009 the leaders of 20 of the world’s biggest economies meet in London against a backdrop of recession and global financial crisis. On 28th March, thousands of people will march through London as part of a global challenge to the G20 leaders to ‘put people first’.

Trade Unions, environmental groups and charities have come together for this mobilisation and the message will be: -

Decent jobs and public services for all
End global poverty and inequality
Build a green economy

The RMT wants to publicise this event as widely as possible throughout our membership to ensure a huge presence on the march. Any body wishing to make their voice heard should contact the Branch Secretary, about carrying the Banner and expenses.

The march will start from the Embankment at 12pm proceeding to a rally in Hyde Park. Assembly will be from 11am outside Temple Tube on Victoria Embankment. The Hyde Park rally of speakers, musicians and comedians, will last for approximately two hours.

The TUC has appealed for volunteers to act as stewards on the day. If you would like to volunteer as a steward or have any questions about the event, please contact Alastair Gittins at a.gittins@rmt.org.uk or 020 7529 8281.

Publicity materials will be produced and circulated to branches in due course. See website www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk for further information.

REDUNDANCIES – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2009-02-12T17:39:00.000+01:00

12th February 2009

Dear Colleagues

REDUNDANCIES – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

SWT have announced that it wants to make a further reduction of 180 posts on top of the 480 posts that it announced in January. The original 480 proposed cuts directly affected ticket office, cleaning, platform, information, and clerical staff. The further 180 proposed cuts is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the revenue protection staff.

Management are determined to slash these 660 jobs at South West Trains. This is a threat to safety; it will lead to some stations being totally unstaffed and extensive understaffing.

The government has said it will ride the recession by supporting public services and projects, and ministers cannot stand by and watch as a profiteering group that has increased dividends by 33 per cent destroys livelihoods and services.

The idea that the 660 staff they now want to sack is somehow superfluous is ridiculous and they know it.

RMT has asked SWT for guarantees that there will be no compulsory redundancies, however management have failed to provide us with any assurances on this matter. Therefore, a dispute situation exists between SWT and RMT.

Our intention is to conduct a ballot for all SWT members for strike action to combat these measures. I will be writing to all affected members soon with a ballot timetable.

Cutting ticket office, cleaning, platform, information and clerical staff is a direct attack on passenger service, and now, by cutting revenue protection staff, they are adding to the reduction in service they provide and at the expense of their staff.

Yours Sincerely

Bob Crow
General Secretary

SWT - our railway

2009-01-28T12:35:00.001+01:00

The Letters Page,
The NEWS
Portsmouth

The motivation behind the recently announced job losses at South West Trains (SWT) can only be explained as unbridled GREED.

What else could possibly explain the decision to sack 180 full & part time ticket office staff in addition to platform and other associated front line staff? Although SWT originally asserted that managers and back room staff would comprise the majority of job losses leaked documents have revealed the assertion to be a falsehood with only 22 full and 3 part time affected.

Is it a coincidence the first year repayments fall due to the Treasury from SWT, after receiving a decade of substantial subsidy that the company announces a 10% reduction in the SWT workforce.

Lately fares have been increased by an above inflation rate of 6% with passenger numbers also up, while simultaneously inflation continues to fall and may eventually actually go negative.

Exactly how does the sacking of 10% of the workforce, the substantial majority majority front line, improve the service to the travelling public? What do you do for ticket information if the ticket machine is not working? Similarly will these station staff reductions make easier the travelling experiences of the disabled, elderly, parents with children, visitors to the an area. Also by there very nature railways are incredibly dangerous places so again the reduction in staff begs question the will the railways be less safe and more prone to vandalism? What glimmer of hope have SWT offered, how about the intentional withdrawal of carriages (i.e. seats) thus substantially increasing the chances of passengers having to stand on ALL trains and not just commuter trains.

Surely with SWT, having repeatedly taken the annual subsidy and about to supply an worsening service, an inferiority likely to become more pronounced as the pay back due to the Treasury mounts year on year, then surely the time has come to seriously consider the renationalisation of the railways, and doing so not as a matter of political dogma but rather as a common sense action. The question of any financial compensation is not relevant as a decade of substantial subsidy payments from the tax payer to SWT have already been made, and company dividends paid.

Having for all practical purposes reluctantly nationalized the banks because they were not functioning properly there can be no dispute the renationalisation of the railways is overdue.

Yours faithfully,

Louis Mac Donald
Secretary
Portsmouth Trades Union Council

RMT PAY BULLETIN

2008-10-19T16:26:00.002+01:00

RMT PAY BULLETIN- SEPTEMBER 2008
August 2008 retail prices index rate: 4.8%
This is down from the 5% in July. Figures for September are available on 14th
October 2008.
Members may be aware of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is being given
more prominence in the media, particularly by the BBC. This is the Government’s
preferred measure of inflation and historically it has been lower than the Retail Price
Index. It is currently 4.7%. Trade unions and the wider industry have instead used
RPI for pay bargaining purposes.
CPI was developed across Europe for the sole purpose of assessing whether
prospective members of European Monetary Union would pass the inflation
convergence criterion and then to be the measure of inflation used by the European
Central Bank to assess price stability in the Euro area.
CPI excludes housing components that are included in RPI: council tax, mortgage
interest payments, housing depreciation, buildings insurances and estate agent fees.
Given the depreciation of house prices there is some speculation that the CPI rate
could overtake the RPI rate in the future.
In pay submissions the RMT will continue to emphasise that your financial
commitments have increased at a much greater rate than inflation and your living
standards have suffered as a result.

More Posts to follow when Information is posted on the web

1-2-1: New migrant worker rules

2008-09-10T22:24:00.000+01:00

1-2-1: New migrant worker rules

New migrant worker rules

2008-09-10T21:48:00.008+01:00

The list of UK jobs likely to be open to workers from outside the EU has been unveiled as part of a new "points based" migration system.

The list includes

* skilled nurses and consultants,
* some engineering jobs,
* Consultants and specialist nurses
* Quantity surveyors
* Maths and English teachers
* Ship and hovercraft officers
* Veterinary surgeons
* Sheep shearers
* Jockeys and horse trainers
* maths and English teachers

Whilst there is nothing wrong anyone working to better themselves, the shortages caused by employers that have failed to support training in these jobs allows them to be exploit the immigrants to maintain a downward pressure on wages. Every company that employs migrants under this scheme should apprentice two people in the trade that they are employing. One in the country that they operate and the other in the home country that has lost what in many cases a much needed skilled worker.
Employers have a duty to the community where they do business. They are using the past education, health care and public facilities, that nurture their business and allow them to become profitable. The communities that provide them with the environment receives very little for that.

.

The Politically small minded often try to make the point that immigration is a drain on our economy, the fact is that anyone who has used the benefits of the society we live should put something back. That includes employers who profit from the education of the workers that generate the wealth.

.

Pay Talks are coming, what do you think?

2008-08-28T13:48:00.002+01:00

Economic forecasts

The economy will grow on average by 1.4% in 2008, according to forecasts collated by the Treasury from around 40 forecasters. The range of forecasts for gross domestic product (GDP) is from 0.8% to 1.8% growth.

Inflation forecasts for the 4th quarter 2008, as measured by the Retail Prices Index, range from rises of 2.7% to 5.9% with a mid-point average of 4.7%.

Forecasts for average earnings growth range from 3.6% up to 5.2% in the 4th quarter 2008 with an average of 3.9%.

HM Treasury: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/3/5/200808forcomp.pdf

Inflation

Rising food prices and fuel costs have forced inflation higher with food prices rising at the fastest rate for some 28 years. Under the Retail Prices Index (RPI), it rose to 5.0% in July from 4.6% the previous month ? the fourth consecutive monthly rise.

Under the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which excludes housing costs, inflation was up to 4.4% in July from 3.8% in June.

Office for National Statistics: www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/cpi0808.pdf

Detailed briefing: www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/cpibrief0808.pdf

Workers victims not cause of inflation

Unite joint general secretary, Tony Woodley said in a Guardian newspaper Comment piece: "Workers are the victims of inflation not its cause. The Government must act to help those unable to cope. Our case for a windfall tax on the greedy oil companies and the utilities companies is unarguable. Its time to stop dithering and start acting.

The Government also needs to do more for the UK housing market by reducing or removing stamp duty and they should kickstart house building by announcing a massive increase in new council houses.

Unite: www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=8995

Rail fare rises

Passengers are to be hit by fare increases of up to 10%, according to rail drivers' union Aslef. Above-inflation increases have been standard since privatisation - but the current economic climate will ensure even heftier costs for commuters.

Each year Train Operating Companies are permitted to increase fares by RPI (based upon July's figure) plus 1%. That would cap the increase at 6% for this year. However Southeastern is currently permitted to increase its fares by RPI plus 3% (8% in total) to help pay for the new high-speed commuter service due to open in 2010.

ASLEF: www.aslef.org.uk/information/108095/union_condemns_10__fare_rises/

NETWORK RAIL HARMONISATION TALKS

2008-08-12T13:35:00.000+01:00

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE

NETWORK RAIL HARMONISATION TALKS

ALL INDUSTRIAL ACTION FOR WEEKEND 15TH TO 18TH AUGUST SUSPENDED

As a result of concerted efforts by the Union, Network Rail has agreed to urgent talks on the harmonisation negotiations. These talks will start tomorrow, 13th August. The General Secretary will also be meeting the Chief Executive as soon as possible.

We have made it clear that the negotiating team must be able to back up any agreement and not have their decision rescinded by the Board a couple of hours after the Union leave the talks.

As you know we believed that we had reached a stage at the last talks that would have enabled us to suspend action and negotiate further on harmonisation. However, Network Rails Board totally ignored the position reached by their own negotiating team and completely undermined both their team and the negotiating process itself. This was an absolutely disgraceful situation that gave us no option but to put the industrial action back on. We now hope the talks will allow us to progress our claim for harmonisation but if Network Rail backtrack or renege on the commitment for serious negotiations by the negotiating team then the General Grades Committee will readdress the question of Industrial Action immediately.

The ball is firmly in Network Rails court

Bob Crow
General Secretary

The Branch Banner

2008-08-06T17:45:00.003+01:00

Above is the first picture I have been able to upload of the new Branch Banner, which was paraded at Tolpuddle Martyrs festival. It was very well received and hope that we can all get behind it on the occasions when we need to. Follow the title link for Tolpuddle 2008 pictures from Bristol Rail website (in the side bar).

"Elf & Safety"

2008-07-25T19:16:00.000+01:00

For all of those who have either rubbished the notion of health and safety at work, or else simply wondered what it is all about, the Health and Safety Executive have produced a video in an aim to debunk the myths about "elf n safety".

It touches on the common misconceptions about "killjoys" and "the nanny state" - as demonstrated in the amusing newspaper headlines that open the video - and then, swiftly adopting a more sombre tone, explains the range of HSE's remit and the various ways they attempt to ensure safer working conditions for all.

Come to Tolpuddle,

2008-06-21T23:42:00.003+01:00

In 1830 the Swing Rebellion was fighting Pay Cuts, Unemployment and fear.

In 2008 we are fighting the same fights, facing the same enemies and need the same qualities,
Skill, courage and above all Unity.
Come to Tolpuddle

http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/tolpuddle2008.pdf

Council of Executives election result

2008-06-03T08:20:00.001+01:00

Portsmouth Branch Nominee Graham Ashcroft has been elected in the ballot for the Council of Executives, General Grades Committee Member for Region 12, Wessex. Congratulations Graham

SWT ticket-office Staffing Cuts

2008-06-02T16:47:00.000+01:00

cull will be fought ‘all the way’, says RMT

Union urges passengers to protest at cost-saving cuts plan

SHOCK PLANS by South West Trains to cull 120 ticket-office jobs will be fought all the way, Britain’s biggest rail union said today.

The cost-saving measure, which would affect 114 stations, will be fought by every means available, including strike action if necessary, RMT said after being informed of the plan.

“This is a direct attack on station-staff jobs and the service offered to passengers and it will be fought all the way, with industrial action if necessary,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“Railway staff and passengers alike need to see more staff on stations and trains, not fewer, and cutting ticket offices should not be an option.

“There are already too few staff on stations, but if these plans are allowed to go ahead we will see even more ticket offices closed at weekends and in the evenings, leaving even more stations deserted of staff.

“That means a worse service, but it also means more danger of assault, both for our members and for people travelling alone at night.

“South West Trains is putting its profits ahead of service and safety, and I would urge passengers to tell South West Trains that they will not accept any further cuts in station staffing,” Bob Crow said.

NETWORK RAIL BALLOT

2008-05-14T21:57:00.001+01:00

RATES OF PAY & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE 2008 – NETWORK RAIL (OPERATIONS & CUSTOMER SERVICES, PROJECT & ENGINEERING SUPPORT STAFF)

Further to previous correspondence, ballot papers have been dispatched to members for return to the independent scrutineer, E.R.S., by no later than Thursday 22^nd May 2008.

Any member who believes that they are eligible to vote and who does not receive a ballot paper by Friday 16th May 2008 should contact the Industrial Relations Department at RMT Head Office or alternatively, phone the RMT Helpline on 0800 376 3706.

Message of Support from PCS, MCA union

2008-03-18T18:47:00.001+01:00

Public & Commercial Services Union
Department for Transport Group
President: Paul Williams
Trade Union Room
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GU
Tel No. 0115 9012662
Paul.Williams@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
18 March 2008
Fraternal greetings of solidarity to all RMT Comrades in struggle at Wightlink from PCS DfT Group

DfT Highways Agency Pickets, Bedford, 29th Feb 2008

Successful DfT-wide strike action was called for 29th February over continued below inflation pay. PCS members in the Maritime & Coastguard Agency had their own action on 5th March – the first time the coastguards have gone on strike in their 140 year history. Pay is just the tip of the iceberg of what is wrong with our relations with our employers these days.

PCS members in the DfT Group empathise with their comrades in RMT and send our best wishes of support and solidarity for your strike action scheduled for this Thursday 20th March against the imposition of earlier rosters without agreement.

Yours Fraternally
Paul Williams
On behalf of the PCS DfT Group

TO ALL RMT MEMBERS AT WIGHTLINK ON THE PORTSMOUTH TO RYDE ROUTE

2008-03-17T22:53:00.001+01:00

Our Ref:SH/8/2

17th March 2008

Dear Colleagues,

IMPOSITION OF ROSTERS – WIGHTLINK GUERNSEY
PORTSMOUTH TO FISHBOURNE ROUTE

I write with regard to the current dispute at Wightlink and the forthcoming action called from 0500 hours on Thursday 20th March 2008 as there seems to be some confusion over who is eligible to take part in the strike action.

As you may be aware, we balloted you and your colleagues on the Portsmouth to Ryde route on the basis that you are part of a pool of workers that could be rostered by the company to work on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route. This was done to ensure that if an individual was moved over to the other route they would be protected by our ballot and could take strike action.

The current dispute over rosters only covers issues relating to the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route and strike action can only be legally taken by those rostered to work on that route. Although you have been balloted, members on the Ryde route cannot take strike action whilst working the Portsmouth to Ryde route as it is not covered by our ballot. Any strike action taken that on the Ryde route would be illegal and could result in disciplinary action and possible dismissal for those involved.

However, if the company rosters any individual from the Ryde route to the Fishbourne route in an effort to break the strike then they will be covered by the ballot when refusing to work on the Fishbourne Route and therefore can take part in the planned strike action. In short only those rostered to work on the Fishbourne route are legally entitled to take strike action in this dispute.

I trust this clarifies the situation.

Yours Sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary

Wightlink crews to strike over imposition of early rosters

2008-03-13T14:15:00.000+01:00

March 13, 2008

MORE THAN 100 Wightlink seafarers are to strike for 24 hours from 05:00 on Thursday, March 20, in the long-running dispute over the imposition of earlier rosters without agreement.

RMT seafarers on the company’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne route have been refusing to sign on for work before 05:30 since February 18.

“Our members have been taking solid industrial action since February 18, and that at least has got the company back around the table.

“Having got that far we would have hoped that Wightlink would have tabled an offer our members would find acceptable, but the company has far failed to do so.

“Under the circumstances, the RMT executive, after consulting our reps, has given notice that members on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will not book on for duties between 05:00 next Thursday, March 20, and 04:49 on Friday March 21.

“We remain available for talks, as we have been throughout, but having acknowledged the need to negotiate rather than impose we now hope the company will table an offer our members can accept,” Bob Crow said.

ends

For more details of the dispute, view previous RMT releases at:

Time to talk, says RMT after two days of solid Wightlink action (February 19)

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101687&int1stParentNodeID=89732

Wightlink action to go ahead after talks fail:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101567&int1stParentNodeID=89732

Wightlink crews ban early starts over imposition of roster:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101516&int1stParentNodeID=89732

WIGHTLINK ROSTER DISPUTE

2008-02-19T18:38:00.001+01:00

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

February 19, 2008

Time to talk, says RMT after two days of solid Wightlink action

AFTER TWO mornings of solid industrial action by more than 100 Wightlink seafarers, maritime union RMT today renewed its call for the company to negotiate over its imposition of earlier rosters.

RMT seafarers on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route have been refusing to sign on for work before 05:30 since yesterday morning.

The action, which went ahead after the company walked out of last-ditch talks on Friday, has delayed early sailings on the route and has had a knock-on effect on later services.

“Our members have shown that when they voted for action over this dispute they meant it, and they are standing shoulder to shoulder for what is due to them,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“It is simply not the case that our members are refusing to operate 5:30 sailings, but what they do want is to negotiate the rosters and a suitable payment for earlier starts.

“That is hardly unreasonable, especially after the goodwill they demonstrated last year, and it is time that the company got back around the table with us to negotiate a solution to what is a very simple dispute,” Bob Crow said.

ends

For more details of the dispute, view previous RMT releases at:

Wightlink action to go ahead after talks fail:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101567&int1stParentNodeID=89732

Wightlink crews ban early starts over imposition of roster:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101516&int1stParentNodeID=89732

For further information contact Derek Kotz on 020 7529 8803 or 07939 595 092,
or RMT regional organiser Peter Gale on 07946 386 762

IOW COUNTY PRESS 18 Feb 2008

2008-02-18T18:55:00.001+01:00

INDUSTRIAL ACTION THREAT TO FERRY SERVICE

By Richard Wright - Monday, February 11, 2008
INDUSTRIAL action looks set to hit Wightlink from Monday — if the company fails to settle a dispute with the RMT union.
More than 100 RMT seafarers on Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will refuse to start work before 5.30am from next Monday in a dispute over what it said is the company’s attempt to impose earlier start times without agreement with the union.
The action would mean the 5.30am sailing would leave late and could have a knock-on effect on later timetabled sailings.
Wightlink said it was surprised at the industrial action ballot because it thought it had an agreement over sailing times but the union countered members had only been helping out the company.
A Wightlink spokesman said: “Under the agreement, crews manning the 5.30am sailing from Portsmouth are rostered on at 5.15am, in order to be ready for the 5.30am crossing and are remunerated accordingly for this early shift.
“Wightlink is, therefore, taken aback the RMT considers it appropriate to take this action.”
But RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “In good faith our members agreed to work earlier shifts last year to help the company out but, when it came to negotiating a permanent arrangement, the company said there was nothing to talk about and imposed the roster.”
“The substantial vote for strike action should have told the company all it needs to know about its stance.|”

WIGHTLINK ROSTER DISPUTE

2008-02-15T18:40:00.001+01:00

www.rmt.org.uk

NEWS RELEASE

February 15, 2008

Wightlink industrial action to go ahead after talks fail

INDUSTRIAL ACTION by more than 100 RMT seafarers on Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will go ahead from Monday after the company’s management walked out of last-minute talks today.

RMT members on the route will refuse to start work before 05:30 from Monday (February 18) in a dispute over the company’s attempt to impose earlier rosters without agreement with the union.

Members voted by more than two to one for strike action after attempts to negotiate with the company foundered. The action will delay early sailings on the route and may have a knock-on effect on later services.

“Our team thought that progress was being made in today’s talks, but management walked out without agreement being reached and that means Monday’s action will go ahead,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“We have tried our best to reach a negotiated settlement in this dispute, but the company has simply imposed what it wants and is now undermining its own rostering arrangements,” Bob Crow said.

ends

For more details of the dispute, view previous RMT release at:

http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=101516&int1stParentNodeID=89732

For further information contact Derek Kotz on 020 7529 8803 or 07939 595 092,
or RMT regional organiser Peter Gale on 07946 386 762

Wightlink Pay Talks

2008-01-13T21:11:00.000+01:00

2008 Pay talks are complete, all Employees Salaries will be raised by 4.6% or £800 which ever is less. members should see this reflected in their january pay packet.

However, despite assurances that other issues would be addressed in a timely fashion the 2007 interim agreement on rostering to crew the 05.30 sailing has been neglected and formalising a start time, members have been faced with a fait a'complis in that Managers just expected things to carry on on an ad-hoc basis. Subsequently, Members who may be asked to work these shifts on the Portsmouth - Fishbourne route will be balloted on taking industrial action. Sailings of this service continue on time at present but no members of the management have been involved in facilitating this.

Wightlink Pay Talks 2007/08

2007-11-13T21:41:00.000+01:00

LPC Memo
Pay talks 5th November 2007.

The company responded to our claim by replying to key elements contained within.

Travel Facilities.
The company’s initial investigation into providing concessionary travel, in essence rail travel for all employees with 12 months service, revealed the Association of Travel Operating Companies (ATOC) advised this would be possible if the company could reach agreement with all Train Operating Companies for reciprocal travel concessions. As this would lead to the company be liable to honour free travel facilities for a possible 35,000+ additional people to those already in receipt the concession, they asked for further time to analyze the feasibility of arranging improved facilities in this area. We thanked management for their initial response in investigating the possibilities and agreed that further talks could proceed outside of pay provided we have a further report on progress within 3 months.

Low Paid staff.

Company acknowledged the merits of the unions claim for across the board increases for all staff in receipt than less than £20,000 per year; this would be outlined within the full pay offer.

Annual hours reduced by value of leave.

Company sought further clarification before responding to our claim. Representatives clarified current calculations between ship and shore staff differed in terms of calculating hour’s pay and leave. For Afloat staff the equation was 1589 working hours and 44 days leave giving, gross hours of 1941 when calculating hourly rates. Shore based staff have 1820 gross hours for calculating pay but only 33 days leave. The difference is highlighted by the banking of hours amongst ships staff to achieve the 11 additional leave days in comparison to shore-based personnel. In a 35 week average working days are 7 hours and we would accept leave days calculated at 7 hours provided the working hours 1589 were reduced over next 3-4 years to 1512 to achieve; 1512 working hours and 44 days leave with all leave days be honoured irrespective of sickness.

The company responded stating they wished retain the 1589 working hours as “sacrosanct“ but had some empathy with regard to pay calculation. They suggested float staff be recalculated to gross hours of 1897 reflecting 1589 working hours and 44 days leave. RMT replied that the management offer was recognised but, it was not exactly what we were seeking however, we would be prepared to respond to this offer at a stage 3 meeting, outside of pay on how the matter could be settled following further consultation.

Pay differentials Portsmouth – Lymington.

This was agreed to be dealt with at a stage 3 meeting, convened to deal with Lymington matters, on 21st November 2007.

Xmas day double time payment shore staff.

Our claim is, as Xmas day is accepted, as outside of normal working days, why should it be necessary for staff to be obligated to attend work for rostered shifts were no volunteers are available? Staff are being rostered and are retained at work for full shifts where no service is running and only being paid time plus 25%, when, it was considered by members as being captive overtime. In these circumstances we felt double should be paid or alternative resources considered. Management agreed to consider the points raised and respond at the next meeting.

Night rates Portsmouth – Ryde shore staff.

We claimed staff working permanent nights should be in receipt of time plus 25% in recognising these staff are graded Customer Reception Officers, the same as other employees, but receive no recognition for the unsociability of the duties they carry out. Management again agreed to consider and respond at next meeting.

0500 starts 2315 finishes.

Responding to managements suggestion of additional enhancements in return for Portsmouth – Fishbourne float staff agreeing to 2315 finishes and 0500 starts as new parameter for rostering, we explained it was not appropriate for one section of staff to be expected to make concessions on their conditions to improve pay generally. Should management wish to pursue an arrangement with the members concerned they should raise this matter at stage 2 where it was appropriate to discuss rosters for 2008.

Better management of leave.

Management clarified their aspiration of this as seeking agreement for staff afloat to book 40 days into their annual leave rosters with 4 remaining available for adhoc arrangements. In return there would again be an additional enhancement to pay. We replied this matter was also targeting a group of staff inside a company wide arrangement on pay and therefore could not form part of an overall agreement for improvement to all staffs pay. However should management wish to expand on their proposal away from pay this could be considered by the appropriate members.

Increase in rates of pay.

The company offered 4% on rates of pay for 2008.

Full time staff in receipt of less than £20,000 per year to receive £800 on rates of pay. Part time employees would receive pro rata payment based on the figures offered.

If staff wished to consider a second year being included at this time management were prepared to offer RPI (inflation) + 1% for 2009 capped at a maximum of 4%.

Items listed by both sides to be considered in agreed time scales.

Responding we welcomed options to pursue issues other than pay in agreed format and time scales but rejected the initial offer on pay.

We tabled a counter proposal, which we would be prepared to ask the members to consider.

5% increase in rates of pay.

To consider a second year an offer of RPI + 1% with no cap. With the proviso matters raised and outstanding are resolved to an accepted solution.

Management explained they were not in position to actually move their offer to the level we asked for without first discussing this with the MEIF board, this they undertook to do and respond at the next meeting which was set for 30th November 2007.

Wightlink Pay Talks

2007-10-22T21:29:00.000+01:00

For details on the first round of Pay Talks for all Wightlink Employees click above.

2007 Pay Review Meeting SWT Guards Company Council

2007-10-22T11:38:00.000+01:00

Meeting 8th,9th October 2007,

Notes given by SWT management

Update since the last news update
Since the July ‘Newsflash’, there has been a series of meetings between South West Trains and RMT and Guards Company Council representatives to look at the non-pay elements of the claims. The main item under discussion is a reduction in the basic working week — bringing it down from the present 42 hour, 5-day week.
The Guards Company Council Pay Sub-Group met again on 8th/9th October with a view to reaching an agreement on the issues.
What happened at the meeting
The talks were very positive and agreement was reached in principle on the areas that could form the basis of a deal to deliver a 39-hour, 4.4-day week from the December timetable in 2008.The proposed deal to fund a 39-hour, 4.4-day week includes:
• Removal of 10 minutes Booking On & Off allowances
• New annual leave arrangements
• Defined number of more flexible spares
• Sunday working arrangements
• Using the 4% headline pay increase.
The deal significantly increases the amount of quality free time — it gives an extra 32 Free Days (totalling 1 36 each year). Although there would be a pay freeze for 2007 (next pay review in 2008) the deal includes a one-off payment to all Guards/Commercial Guards in December this year. The amount has yet to be confirmed but it is likely to be in excess of £1,000.

Who was at the meeting;

SWT
James Burt, Operations Director
Margaret Kay, HR Director
Stella Morris, Head of Guards
Alan Bristow, CR0 Manager
Steve Bunce, Head of Employee Relations

RMT
Phil Bialyk, RMT Regional Organiser
Guards Company Council Representatives
Dave Butler, Waterloo
John Imm, Strawberry Hill
Pete Brown, Weymouth

What happens next?
The trade union and company council will be considering their next steps towards confirming the agreement on hours reductions — this will involve consideration by the TU Executive Committee and a possible referendum of guards. There will also be a briefing for all guards local staff representatives on October.
There have yet to be discussions on the company’s 4% pay offer and once these have taken place and once there is confirmed agreement on the reduced working week we will brief employees in detail on the changes. Meantime, people can talk to their manager for information.

Similar meetings are taking place for other grades (Drivers, Retail, Engineering and General Groups).

Notes given by SWT management

Repeal the anti-union laws!

2007-09-26T10:43:00.000+01:00

RMT welcomes business rates suggestion

2007-08-28T22:15:00.000+01:00

RMT welcomed a call on Tuesday for a rise in local business rates to help fund transport infrastructure projects.

The Centre for Cities think tank estimated that topping up national business rates locally could raise more than £10 billion for local transport and infrastructure over a 30-year period.

The top-up could come in the form of supplementary business rates, the report suggested.

Supplementary business rates could help fund such schemes as the cross-London Crossrail scheme and a new Metrolink for greater Manchester, it said.

Assaults on rail staff 'increase'

2007-08-28T22:08:00.000+01:00

Assaults on rail staff 'increase'

A rising number of railway staff are being assaulted as they go about their jobs, new crime figures have shown.
More than 3,000 assault cases were recorded in the British Transport Police (BTP) annual report for 2006/07 - a rise of 8% on the previous year.

Follow the link the reported story

New railfreight link for Portsmouth

2007-08-28T22:00:00.000+01:00

A DIRECT rail link transporting freight between Portsmouth and the north-west of England is a step closer to reality, See the link for more information

WESSEX REGION

2007-07-24T02:31:00.000+01:00

Well the answer to a lot of complaints is here, Come the 1st Jan 2008 Portsmouth will be one of the Branches to make up a region called Wessex. It's not the same as the old Wessex Region but it is up to us to make sure it doesn't become a "New" Wessex. Branch activists and wannabe activists have been complaining about the accessability of the region, So now is the time to put up or shut up. The Branch Reps to the new RC will be pushing for support from the region to get out there and make the Union effective, and once resources are forthcoming I hope more people will see the relevance of being active in the union. I await your response. In fact why not start now, email me at portsmouth@rmt.org.uk

Regional Organiser: Portsmouth Branch Candidate

2007-07-06T23:10:00.000+01:00

Cast your mind back to when last year we were promoting Sean Hoyle to gain a voice within the region. We had a fantastic turn out then and it was only surpassed by the overall turn out by the branches supporting the only other candidate. (OK We Lost, It was a too big a hill to climb!)

Every thing has changed now, following the RMT AGM, the Region is to be re-organised and now we from Portsmouth will find ourself in a new region, known as Wessex. Due to this change there is a vacancy for a Regional Organiser for the new region.

Portsmouth Branch have been asked to Nominate Mick Tosh, who is a member of the Branch

At the next branch meeting the members will have a chance to give their opinion on his candidancy.

BRANCH MEETINGS

2007-05-22T12:02:00.000+01:00

Firstly we have arranged that people attending branch meetings will not be charged the Entrance fee by Fratton Club. <>

Following the last Branch AGM The General Secretary has approved the Branch Standing Orders and By-laws. <>

The main change is to move the start of the actual meeting to 8.15 PM to allow more people to attend after late shifts and to provide for people to have a chance to bring individual problems to Reps and Branch Officers outside of the meeting time, from 7.30 onwards. It is hoped that the meetings will close at 9.30 so people can get of home if they have an early shift.

So I hope to see you all there at the next meeting, 14 June at Fratton

Banners

2007-05-02T22:46:00.000+01:00

These are a couple of examples of RMT Branch banners. At recent Branch meetings we have decided to commision a banner, now we need a design that reflects what Branch 1259 does. We are a General Grades Branch, no one industry dominates our activities, that is a strength to be proud of. We are also getting larger, geographically speaking so Portsmouth might not be enough to cover it. I look forward to hearing from people with ideas and want to be able to hold my head up under the Banner of our Branch, individual and unique in a Strong and Committed Union.

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY

2007-04-26T10:27:00.000+01:00

PORTSMOUTH TRADES COUNCIL .

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
SATURDAY 28TH APRIL 2007 at.
VICTORIA PARK.
PORTSMOUTH .(site of former rotunda at Edinburgh Road gate, opposite the Catholic Cathedral).
12.00 Noon.

The unveiling of a memorial bench, tree, stone and plaque “Remember the dead: fight for the living”

SPEAKERS INCLUDE: .
Bob Crowe: General Secretary RMT.
Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP.
Mike Hancock MP (tbc) .
For further info contact Louis MacDonald at
louismacdonald@ntlworld.com or on 07940 503634

IMPOSITION OF ROSTERS – WIGHTLINK GUERNSEY

2007-04-12T23:42:00.000+01:00

19th April 2007

Dear Colleagues,

IMPOSITION OF ROSTERS – WIGHTLINK GUERNSEY

Following a meeting of the General Grades Committee they have decided the following:

“That having received a report from the Regional Organiser and having consulted the reps we instruct the General Secretary to hold a referendum on the agreement reached with the company. All members at Wightlink Guernsey are to be balloted with a recommendation to accept. Copies of the final negotiated position (the 10 point agreement) and the appendix to be attached to the ballot paper for each member. Branch and Regional Council to be informed.”

Voting forms for the referendum were sent out on Thursday 11th April with a return date of Monday 23rd April.

Yours Sincerely,

Bob Crow

General Secretary

Wightlink Afloat Roster Dispute

2007-04-02T18:22:00.001+01:00

LPC Memo
A series of meetings was held with management week ending Friday 23/3/07 seeking to resolve the roster dispute. Management put forward the following proposals.
• Removal of night turns from core roster.
• Removal of proposed 2345 finish times Mondays-Thursdays.
• Removal 0500 starts Saturdays.
• Introduce 0510 starts for 0530 sailings Mondays-Fridays.
• £25 payment for 0510 starts (to be paid in December).
Management explained that, for the purposes of calculating annualised hours the booking on time for the 0510 starts would be 0515.
In addition management confirmed there would be
a) No reduction in core staff salaries.
b) Clarification of promotion for HGD and permanent appointment.
c) New appointed staff to be paid time + 25% for hours worked outside of local agreements.
d) Staff normally using public transport and where no alternative transport is available, company will meet reasonable additional costs for taxis where proof is provided.
Acting on the feedback the LPC have received from members during the course of this dispute, your representatives accepted the roster, without prejudice for the four-week period ending Sunday 22nd April 2007.
Consequently the LPC requested the National Union to suspend industrial action while members considered the latest position. The National Union are seeking a further meeting to set out a written proposal to further clarify points raised by members. After this the LPC will ask the National Union to hold a referendum of members for their decision on whether or not to accept.
The LPC wish to thank all members for the support and resolve they have given during the course of this dispute. We will keep you informed of any further developments.

LPC Committee

Wightlink Afloat Engineers Restructuring

2007-04-02T18:22:00.000+01:00

Engineers Restructuring: Industrial Action
Rest Day and Higher Grade Working Ban, Easter Period
Colleagues
The Company have been informed that RMT Members in Engineering Grades will not carry out rest-day working and or carry out Higher Grade Duties. Additionally there will be no change to start times or length of rostered turns, in line with the previous action. This is to be in place by Easter Weekend but will commence Thursday, 5th April 2007. This action should continue until 17 April 2007. This should run along side the on going Training/Familiarisation Embargo.
I expect that when this news gets to Broad Street some bright spark will think to write us all another letter seeking to alter the contents of our contracts. Before they do can I remind you that it is agreed that there can be 3 Engineers on ad-hoc leave at any one time in addition to booked annual leave, and sickness is self certificated until the 7th day of absence. If they cannot honour our contract without our colleagues giving up their free time then it is a further sign of how cheaply the management value the job. If they do attempt to carry out any of these threats contained in the previous letter then the dispute may widen to the whole workforce.
Back in October last year, when faced with a ballot result calling for Strike Action the Management line was as below;
"if it transpires that the position (i.e. Engineer Officer) has not actually been down rated and that this is not possible in practice then the company agree that it will have no option other than to revert to the previous pay scales for 2nd Engineers for the second person operating in the engine room" Andrew Willson, CEO Wightlink 15th October 2006.
Now with no immediate threat of stopping sailings they are happy to ignore their own words, and pay the 2nd Engineer, (for that’s what they still are) less than some in the crew who does half the nights and are not certificated.

There has been much too much paperwork from Broad Street with out any real change taking place, and we must prepare ourselves to consider a re-ballot to gain the Mandate for strike action which seems to be the only thing the management will take notice of.
In the continuing absence of Syed Haider please contact the other members of the LPC or myself as Branch Secretary with any queries.

Richard Howard
Branch Secretary
Portsmouth Branch

REVISED GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE – SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2007-02-27T19:44:00.000+01:00

Circular No: IR/048/07
Our Ref: BR2/4/10

Dear Colleague

I am writing to advise you that your union has signed off a Revised Grievance Procedure with South West Trains management.

The revised procedures allow for members to be “represented” rather than simply be “accompanied” at Step 1 and Step 2.

The procedures will also be amended to state that, if it is not possible to meet the 14-day timescale in hearing a grievance, then the employee should be informed at the earliest possible date in writing giving them the reasons and the anticipated date for discussing the grievance. All delays are to be kept to a minimum.

As these points were accepted by your union’s negotiators, the General Grades Committee formally agreed to sign the proposals off.

I would be grateful if you could bring this to the attention of your members, particularly those who work for South West Trains.

Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary

LPC NEWS FROM WIGHTLINK

2007-02-27T19:38:00.000+01:00

MEETING BETWEEN RMT, NAUTILUS UK AND WIGHTLINK MANAGEMENT

DATE OF MEETING: 22 FEBRUARY 2007

See LPC/LDC LINK IN SIDE BAR

RESTRUCTURING - ENGINEER OFFICERS – WIGHTLINK

2007-02-13T22:36:00.000+01:00

13th February 2007

TO ALL WIGHTLINK ENGINEER OFFICERS AND CHIEF ENGINEERS

Dear Colleagues,

Further to previous correspondence I write to advise you that you have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action short of a strike. Your General Grades Committee has therefore decided to call industrial action short of a strike to commence as follows: -

That with effect from 00.01 hours Friday 16th February 2007 until 23.59 on Sunday 25th February 2007 Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer members will : -

Not work Rest Days
Not work overtime
Not Undertake any higher grade duties
Not swap shifts which alter start and finish times

By taking this action we hope to reverse the company’s approach over this issue. Solidarity with your colleagues in the action will place maximum pressure on the company and I encourage all members to stick together

STAND FIRM

Yours Sincerely,
Bob Crow
General Secretary

Sack South West Trains to stop the big squeeze, says RMT

2007-02-05T10:05:00.000+01:00

RAIL PASSENGERS and workers on South West Trains are set to become the latest victims of the great railway squeeze as the privateer’s new franchise gets under way, Britain’s biggest rail union warns today.

Private operator Stagecoach will have to squeeze more cash out of rail passengers and literally squeeze ever more people onto its trains if it is to meet franchise payments and satisfy its own shareholders’ demands for profits, RMT said.

“SWT has already been ripping seats and toilets out to squeeze more passengers on, and those lucky enough to get a seat are likely to be jammed five abreast in suburban trains utterly unsuited to longer journeys,” RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

“At the same time, passengers are suffering inflation-busting fare increases every year, while passengers on state-owned railways elsewhere in Europe pay a fraction of the cost – and are more likely to find a seat.

“The £1.3 billion GNER franchise was a spectacular failure and First Great Western had to apologise for provoking its passengers into open revolt, yet the government is sticking to a franchising system that has failed by every measure.

“Now SWT is expected to cough up more than £1.5 billion in premiums over the next decade – and Stagecoach’s shareholders also expect to squeeze up to £200 million in profits out of it.

“That means passengers being squeezed ever harder, in both senses of the word, and our members at the sharp end suffering more and more from stress, abuse and assaults.

“The economy and the environment both demand a transport policy that encourages people out of their cars and onto trains, but the only way to achieve that is to create more rail capacity, not cattle trucks.

“We can only begin to do that if the railway network is run for its passengers, and not as a cash cow, and that means bringing South West Trains back into public ownership,” Bob Crow said.

SWT REVENUE PROTECTION STAFF. READ AND CIRCULATE

2007-01-05T23:14:00.002+01:00

04th January 2007

IMPORTANT
REVENUE PROTECTION
STRATEGY

The process of consultation has taken place but items of negotiation, have yet to be discussed.These include roster, local and personal agreements etc.

All RPA’s & RPI’s are advised not to sign any documents relating to the Revenue Protection Strategy, pending further meetings.

REVENUE PROTECTION STRATEGY

2006-12-29T18:55:00.000+01:00

Urgent!

To all RMT-RPI/A’s

Dear Colleagues

Revenue Protection strategy

Please note, under this Revenue Protection strategy, SWT requires the flexibility from you, in order to meet the business needs. You will be expected to check tickets, on the first trains in the mornings and last trains at night.

The real problem for many of you is your transport arrangements:
Could you get in before the first trains or get home after the last train?
For those of you, who have your own transport, where do you park?
This has been pointed out to Management at the consultation meetings, but the Management referred to the business needs and flexibility of our grades. SWT did state that individual cases would be looked into.

Very Important

If you have concerns about getting to and from work, please write a letter addressed to your local Revenue Protection Rep’s, mentioning the start and finish times that you have always worked!, and the start/finishing times when you accepted the job, (i.e. 06:15-22:15).Please also inform us of your travel arrangements There is an issue of the custom & practise and involving the implied part of your contracts.

It is very important that we receive your letters by the 03rd of January 2007, before meeting at Unity House on the 04th January 2007.

Please could you start attending your branch meetings as this could be discussed at theses venues, don’t let grades in other departments do it for you?

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Rep, to ensure you have the correct information on this issue.

M STILL A Ashiotis
LDC Rep, RPI, Richmond LDC, Rep, RPI, Waterloo
07802 676 441 07802 676 457
markstillster@gmail.com

G Brown, LDC, Rep, RPI Waterloo
Paul Seaborne LDC, Rep, RPI Staines

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2006 – South West Trains

2006-12-15T11:29:00.000+01:00

Circular No: IR/0278/06

14th December 2006

TO ALL BRANCHES, REGIONAL COUNCILS AND REGIONAL OFFICES

Dear Colleagues,

PAY MATTERS

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2006 – Nexus Tyne & Wear Metro

After negotiations were held between the company and RMT representatives, the following offer was tabled:-

A no-strings 3.2% increase to pay, effective from 1st October 2006 for all.

The GGC, having taken on-board the wishes of the members, have accepted the offer. The company has been informed accordingly and the increase should be reflected in the next available pay packet.

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2006 – Wettons (South Eastern Contract)

Negotiations have concluded and the following 2-year offer has been accepted by the GGC, as per members’ wishes. The full details of the offer are attached to this circular for your reference.

Rates of Pay and Conditions of Service 2006 – South West Trains

After the last round of talks, the company tabled a final one-year offer. The Company Council has agreed to the offer which has been placed before the GGC, who, having noted this unanimous endorsement, have accepted the offer. The company have been informed accordingly and the increase should be reflected in the next available pay packet:-

A 3.5% increase to basic rates of pay, subject to a minimum increase of £500 per annum, effective 2nd October 2006.

A 3.5% increase to London & South East and Associated Regional Allowances, effective 2nd October 2006.

I trust this keeps you updated.

Yours sincerely
Bob Crow
General Secretary

Revenue Protection Strategy

2006-12-13T20:30:00.000+01:00

Dear Colleagues

The consultation meeting on the 30th November 2006 and the 01st December 2006 discussed the future of The Revenue Protection department.

The unions only accepted the principles for the changes that were needed under the company business plan.

It was not a negotiating meeting, and unfortunately the unions were not in a position to agree or fail to agree the framework of ideas raised.

For people applying for the new positions, such as Gate line Assistants and station RPA’s, the rosters will be consulted in before any of them are recruited.

The RPI grade will remain on their existing rosters, this includes RPA’s who opt for the train teams.

Under the SWT 1996 bargaining procedures, it states that rostering is a negotiable item. This means to RMT members, Concerns about any future proposed roster changes would be discussed at LDC level.

For the benefit of future discussions on this topic, if employees do have concerns about getting to and from work, they should write a letter addressed to their local Revenue Protection Rep’s, mentioning the start and finish times that you have always worked!, (i.e. the times given to you when you accepted the job) As this will help ensure your travel arrangements will be noted.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Rep, to ensure you have the correct information on this issue. Misinformed news can cause distress when the facts are not really known.

Best wishes.

P Bialyk, Transport House, Victoria Street
Bristol, BS1 6AY
0117 925 5018 Fax 0117 925 5019

Operation Of Doors by Drivers-South West Trains

2006-12-06T01:13:00.000+01:00

RMT Circular No IR/0240/06: October 31 2006Dear Colleague,OPERATION OF DOORS BY DRIVERS - SOUTH WEST TRAINSConcern has quite rightly been raised by a number of members and branches, which included a resolution from our Basingstoke No1 Branch, with regards to a recent announcement by South West Trains management that the arrangements for opening and closing doors are to change. The company has stated that drivers will now be responsible for opening train doors at stations and guards will now only close them.There can be little or no doubt that such an arrangement will be a breach of current agreements your union had made with the company and will, if implemented, further diminish the operational role of the guard and puts our members' jobs at risk.The views of your union have already been made crystal clear to the company both in writing and at a meeting held last week. This matter has also been placed in front of the General Grades Committee which has taken the following decision:"That we note the resolution from Basingstoke No1 Branch and the report from our Lead Officer. We instruct the General Secretary to seek a further report from our Lead Officer with regard to the outcome of the meeting on 25th October with the company. This matter to be placed back in front of the GGC on receipt of the said report. All branches to be advised of this decision."I will of course keep members advised of any further developments when I am in a position to do so."

Yours sincerely Bob CrowGeneral Secretary

OCTOBER 2006 PAY REVIEW FOR SOUTH WEST TRAINS

2006-12-05T22:37:00.000+01:00

RECENT UPDATE VISIT THE COMPANY COUNCIL WEBSITE http://rmtretailcompanycouncil.blogspot.com/

Revenue Protection Strategy

2006-12-05T22:26:00.000+01:00

SWT consulted in their Revenue Protection strategy over the two day meeting of: 31 Nov- 2006-01 Dec 2006.

Revenue Protection staff will be split into 2 sections.

On Train revenue Protection.
Station Revenue Protection.

RPI’s will work on trains and blocks.

The existing RPA’s will have a choice to opt to join the train teams or for stations.

There is a new grade created as Gate Line Assistant on Revenue Protection terms and conditions. Basic rates will be at £12,500 including regional allowances. They will form part of a cluster of stations.

On Station Staff
On Train Staff
RPA
RPI’s
Gate Liners
RPA’s

Station RPA staff will book on at the station.

RPI/A staff in the train teams will book on at their Depot.

We are appalled at the poor salaries of the GLA staff and that they have clusters. SWT insisted on the salary of £12,500. The RMT stated that there would be recruitment and retention problems for this grade.

Gate Line hours on Friday and Saturday go on to Midnight, so if RPA’s volunteer for stations they would be expected to work on the barriers with the GLA until closure.

The RMT would be requesting new risk assessments.

In the new scheme there would be 133 RPI staff and 245 RPA staff. In the year 2000 185 RPI staff were agreed that is now a reduction of 52 RPI staff and we had 290 RPA staff then so in total 97 Jobs have eroded away since 2000.

Because this new scheme would bring a lot of productivity and would be more than enough to finance a reduction of two hours, at no loss of pay for Revenue Protection staff. The RMT proposed a 35 hour a week and should bring it in on this, but SWT insisted on lumping Revenue Protection with the rest of the grades 35 hour negotiations early next year, these 35 hour negotiations have been going on for years it remains to be seen.

From Mark Still

2006-11-30T09:06:00.000+01:00

RMT WIGHTLINK
PENSION REVIEW

On the 9th of November the R M T pension review team met with the company.

The purpose of this meeting we believe was not only to review the past year but also to look at what we think should be the way forward.

We have requested that the company looks seriously at offering the scheme/plan members as many of the A Day benefits possible that are now available.

What is A Day? A Day was April 6th 2006, this is the date that ‘pension simplification’ took affect.

Under Pension Simplification one of the new benefits [we have requested] include long service being rewarded by allowing the maximum 40 years x 60ths[80ths Plan] rule, to be replaced with years worked x 60ths[80ths Plan].

We have also requested that the company allows the Plan members [currently accruing 80ths each year] entry into the Scheme [60ths each year] at the earliest opportunity.

You may be aware that the Sea Containers 1990 Pension Scheme is looking less than secure; the RMT members affected by this will get the full support and resources available to the Union. We have also asked the company to offer support to all involved.

In addition to the normal contributions, the company has paid £5m this year to reduce the deficit.

Scheme contributions, Members 8.5% of Pensionable Salaries.
Employers 12.6% of Pensionable Salaries.

Plan contributions, Members 5.0% of Pensionable Salaries
Employers 10.5% of Pensionable Salaries

We will keep you informed of any future developments.

Sean Hoyle
Mick Tosh

RMT Pension Review Team

SWT Retail Company Council Agenda

2006-11-30T08:54:00.000+01:00

Please Do you have any items for Company Council on the 14 12 06, Please Email me or Brian Woods ASAP as the Agenda needs to be in shortly.

brianreginaldw@aol.com

Retail Company Council Agenda

Evolution

Hounslow Depot Closure
No formal Consultation, LDC has requested an urgent Consultation meeting, but so far no formal response.
Interviews are required for RP staff with personnel and a Union Rep,to discuss entitlements such as PT&R Displacement Procedure and Personal travelling allowance.

Andrew Ashiotis LDC Constituency is Hounslow and Waterloo so Company Council also needs to discuss the Constituencies as Hounslow still exists.

Annual Leave requests being declined for the 1st of January and other dates. Revenue Protection A/L runs from 01 Jan to 31st December and has depot limits as long as these are not exceeded A/L should not be declined.

Revenue Protection Staff Reps should be entitled to meal allowances while on LDC and Company Council functions as other grades do.

Team Support seconded Staff; seem to be doing the work and duties of the former SRPI grade that was displaced

Meeting on reorganisation of revenue Protection.

Staffs have noticed there is nothing in this for them. except more inconvenience of changes

185 RPI Jobs agreed in 2000
Now 133 RPI Jobs.
What has happened to the 52 RPI posts?
The agreement of 2000 was never fully honoured by SWT

Reduction in RPA positions, now down to 245 from 300, that's 50 jobs gone there.

The creation of 102 GLA posts is at the expense of RPI/RPA Grades.

Evolution are still retained, they may not fill the posts, so Evolution could be here forever.

There is nothing in this package for the Revenue Protection staff. At least in 2000 we were given a reduction of 4 hours per week.

The Company is taking and taking from us, why can't it give a sweetener, such as a 35 hour a week? The reduction of RPI/A's would finance the productivity savings for Revenue Protection staffs 35 hour a week

From Mark Still

Nominations for 2007 Branch Officials

2006-11-22T16:34:00.000+01:00

It is the time of year for electing Branch officials for the coming year, we
have quite a few changes upcoming and are seeking nominations for the positions
below.

There are three calls for nominations, One has passed and the
next two meetings will be oportunities for Candidates to be Nominated.

Offices to be filled are

Chair,

Vice Chair,

Branch Secretary,

Assistant Secretary,

Trustees x 3 and

Auditors x 4.

We also need Members to
Regional Council Delegates,

Trades Council Delegates and to form the

Branch Committee who will be called upon to make recommendations to the
membership and General Grades Committee

Represent Your Colleagues

2006-11-12T10:30:00.001+01:00

This time of year is when the branch is invited to nominate delegates and reps to attend conferences and committee on behalf of the branch.

We are still looking for delegates for;

RMT National AGM in Edinburgh in June.

RMT National Womens Conference in Doncaster next March.

If you are interested in having your say all you have to do is stand up and talk. Contact Branch Sec or local reps for more info.

N.B. in addition to Delegates expenses Creche facilities are available.

Election of Relief Regional Organiser - South

2006-11-02T19:57:00.000+01:00

The RMT have issued a circular that can be read at the above link. In short the election for the Relief Regional Organiser - South, is being re run. New ballot papers will be Issued in due course. This does not repeat NOT affect the election that our Branch Chair, Sean Hoyle is involved. Don't waste your Vote.

SWT 2006 Pay Review

2006-10-31T19:32:00.000+01:00

We would like to advise all RMT members that the Negotiating Team met with the Directors of SWT on the 14th September to discuss the October Pay Review.

The offer that was made by the company was a 1 year deal of 3.1% with no strings attached. This offer was rejected by the RMT because we felt that the offer should be increased because it did not meet the aspirations of our Union especially for our lower un-restructured grades .

We met again with the company again on the 26th October 2006 and the offer was increased to 3.4% on the basic pay and allowances also a payment of £500 for lower grade staff on their basic if the 3.4% does not reach £500 on their basic pay.

The RMT along with TSSA and AMICUS appreciated the offer made by the company but this did not meet the Trade Unions’ target.

The Negotiating Team for the RMT will meet with the Assistant General Secretary along with the Council of Executive on the 28th November 2006 to discuss the recent offer.

From Phil Bialyk

Pensions:- Sea Containers 1990 Pension Scheme

2006-10-22T22:52:00.000+01:00

FROM MICK TOSH:-

A number of you will have received correspondence recently from Sea Containers and Sea Containers 1990 scheme trustees outlining the latest financial situation within that company and the possible effects on the pension scheme.

It is my intention to approach the RMT for assistance in dealing with the trustee's as a collective body, which will mean the union's pension administration section should be able to outline all information accordingly from an informed position.

It is important that this be done promptly to ensure we are not overtaken by events. To that end, I would ask that RMT members, who wish to have the union make enquiries on their behalf, leave their details in my pigeon-hole along with any information they have which may be relevant, by the end of November.

Regards,

Mick Tosh

Engineers Restructuring / Industrial Action Cancelled

2006-10-20T19:00:00.000+01:00

At the branch meeting last night in Ryde the LPC reps reported on progress made since the Company had re-entered negotiations following the Engineers Ballot calling for Strike Action.

In short the Company have undertaken to examine the role of the Engineer Officer in comparison to the role of the Second Engineer and if the to jobs turn out to be the same then the pay will revert to the Second Engineers rates.

However this will not take place before the end of November due to Management Leave commitments. Management further said they would not extend the dispute period, meaning that if RMT wanted to preserve the legality of any industrial action then a token action would have to be taken within 28 days of the ballot result or take no action with out another ballot.

Members at Branch voted to call off the action as they believe the Company are clever enough to realise reneging on this commitment would have dire consequences for Industrial Relations at Wightlink.

Therefore the GGC have been informed of this and the industrial action will not now take place.

Democracy

2006-10-18T13:29:00.000+01:00

By the time you read this you will have received a voting paper for three RMT union positions, President, Relief Regional organiser and Council of Executives. Sean Hoyle is standing for Council of Executive member for our region, this will be a big deal for us in Portsmouth, a voice in Unity House and an end to not having our wishes heard.

At Branch meetings John Leach and Peter Skelly have asked for support as President and Relief Organiser and we would urge you to vote for them as friends in UNITY house are what we need.
Please read Sean's address and please use your vote and make sure your colleagues vote.

First Edition

2006-10-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to, this an information point for Portsmouth Branch Members, please print and discuss.

From Sean Hoyle

2006-10-18T00:04:00.000+01:00

Dear Brother/Sister

As an RMT member for 14 years I’ve been actively involved in Improving and maintaining pensions, pay, and conditions at work.

During this time I’ve been elected to most local union positions and on occasions nationally. I’ve attended numerous RMT courses although listing these here isn’t important; you’ve heard it all before.

I prefer to explain my record as an RMT rep I’m an energetic member of a well organised local committee constantly engaged in improving PENSIONS, PAY, CONDITIONS and defending individuals from unfair treatment. We have secured some of the best conditions enjoyed by transport workers in our region. 35 hour working week, 33 to 44 days leave, average salaries 20k +.

I am immensely proud of the team we put together to defend our final salary pension at a time when opportunist profiteering companies were lining up to renege on life long promises at a convenient time for themselves. I’m the member nominated trustee of the fund and also the spokesperson for the union and strongly believe we must educate our reps at all levels so they can defend our pensions from a positions of strength.

This I believe is the next battle ground!
Your companies will soon or already be planning ways of reducing their pension’s liabilities, and this will mean you me and every other member will need to be ready for this attack.

I believe that I am the right candidate to be leading our defence, not only because of my experience in this field but because my burning desire to see every working man and woman treated fairly, equally, with dignity and respect. The companies we work for don’t see us as valuable assets but more of an irritant that has the audacity to expect good conditions, pay and maybe even a pension when we grow old.

I have guiding principles for representing members.

• LISTEN TO THE MEMBERS, KNOW WHAT THEY WANT.
• ONLY EXPRESS MEMBERS VIEWS.
• AGREEMENTS ONLY WITH MEMBERS CONSENT.

I’m fortunate that my workplace brings together Rail [I work at Portsmouth harbour station] Bus, Catering, Shipping and Dock workers so I can understand the complexity of representing all Grades.

I respectfully request that you Consider supporting me for the position of South West Area 8 Council of Executive’s member thank you. Sean Hoyle

Industrial Action by Wightlink Engineers

2006-10-17T23:33:00.000+01:00

From the LPC

Dear Colleagues,

You will have received a second recent letter written by Mr Knight referring to Engineers Restructuring.

The RMT negotiators presented an option reached in discussion to Members. Subsequently RMT Members rejected the Restructuring Proposal in a referendum and the Company was informed of that. RMT Negotiators do not make agreements with out the backing of Members. Where the Mr Knights letter says “implemented” please read IMPOSED.

If you remember Mr Knight’s letter dated 30 September 2004 there was never an operational reason, purely cost and that remains the same today. There has been no change to our working practices other than arbitrary changes to our Rosters. The justification for restructuring was added support from shore side Chief Engineers and that has never happened.

The Company have imposed this Restructuring, dated before the Referendum, obviously having no regard for views of Staff. This restructuring included paying the Engineer Officer less and accepting EOOW tickets as a minimum requirement. You will note that this has been raised to 2nd Engineer as of September. Mr Knight also states that RMT requested “certain Agency workers” were made permanent. In fact, the Company provided names of those workers with the longest continuous service. Not all were RMT Members.

Mr Knights letter refers to making selective workforce lay offs. In the first instance the Engineers will be asked to cease working rest-days and if there are any lost sailings they will be as a result of the company operating with out enough staff to service the roster. This is not due to RMT action this is due to the Company running the job on the cheap. Some principles!

LPC Representatives